Philadelphia Rowhome Magazine

PHILADELPHIA ROWHOME MAGAZINE VOLUME _6 ISSUE 16_ 2009

A SALUTE TO

THE SOUNDS OF THE STREETCORNER FEATURING QUIET STORM THE EMERALDS WITH JOEY P, STREET CORNER FIVE MID-LIFE CRISIS

PHILLY UNPLUGGED

BURGERS, BOATS & H2O RH REMEMBERS

WWW.GOHOMEPHILLY.COM

VOL 6_ISSUE 16_2009 GOHOMEPHILLY.COM $4.99 US

$5.99 CAN

HARRY THE

‘K’

MOVIE RAP EAST TO WEST

WITH SHARON PINKENSON & LEO ROSSI

VOLUME _6 ISSUE 16_ 2009 GOHOMEPHILLY.COM

INSIDETHIS ISSUE 14_LIFE A taste of the good ’ole ‘Day’s’

By Tony Santini Photos by Hector Valentin 18_ACES HIGH

By Mark Casasanto

20_JOEL & VICTORIA OSTEEN Rejoice in difficult times 28_BRIGANTINE FORECAST Watch the tide roll away

By Bob Juillet 36_NEWS & POLITICS From Billy Penn to Billy Keller

By Maria Merlino 42_THE MENU Michael’s Café: ‘Berry’ Brunchworthy Red Room Café: A taste of Philly in Ventnor, NJ 50_POT PIE VS. THE CHEESESTEAK

By Hailee Danielsen

53_MUSIC & THE ARTS A salute to Doo Wop Featuring The Emeralds, Street Corner Five, Mid Life Crisis, Quiet Storm A wrap-up of Miami’s 2009 Winter Music Conference Electronic Mixes give Philly fans a jolt: Lainie Copicotto DJ Saleem tracks his vision

By Michelle Torres

74_FILM The passion of Sal Mazzotta Bay Watch: Nick Lanciano

By Bob Wagner East Coast: Summer Playback By Sharon Pinkenson West Coast: The Sinatra Club By Leo Rossi

82_THE BRIDES GUIDE Joe Volpe: Wedding Planning & the Internet

By Maria Merlino

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Picture Perfect

By Phil Kramer

FASHION:

88_GREEN SPACE H2O: By Kerri-Lee Halkett, FOX 29 News Photos by Phil Kramer From a pink slip to a green tee: NY designer Christine Marchuska’s eco-friendly garb

By Maria Merlino

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LIFE A TASTE OF THE GOOD ’OLE ‘DAY’S’

The Magic Garden

By Lauren Gordon Photos by Hector Valentin

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BRIGANTINE FORECAST

100_FASHION Pretty in Plus

By Lauren Gordon 106_HEALTH An update on hormone replacement therapy

By Dr. Richard Dittrich 110_SPORTS Echoes of a legend: A tribute to Harry Kalas

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SPORTS

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FROM BILLY PENN TO BILLY KELLER

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VOLUME _6 ISSUE 16_ 2009 GOHOMEPHILLY.COM

REGULARS 6_FROM THE PUBLISHERS Save the Date!

10_MAILBOX Row Home Happy

12_NEIGHBORHOOD NOIR 22_HANGIN’ OUT 24_ON THE BLOCK Welcome to Siena Place Photos by Paul Loftland

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BRIDES GUIDE A CHAT WITH CESCAPHE

82_THE BRIDES GUIDE A Chat with Cescaphe

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114_ON THE CORNER

PAWPRINTS

Working on a Dream

119_THE SCHOOLYARD Momslikeme.com: Myers Contructs Family Space

By Robin Elton Photos By Sandy Edelstein

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126_PAWPRINTS

ON THE BLOCK

Picking the right pooch

By Lisa Gillen

128_PRESSED RowHome Carol

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HANGIN’ OUT

ON THE COVER A SALUTE TO DOO WOP 88_GREEN SPACE H2O: By Kerri-Lee Halkett, FOX 29 News Photos by Phil Kramer

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GREEN SPACE H2O: BY KERRI-LEE HALKETT

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Tuesday’s Special Events ONLY (not opened to the Public)

This evening used for Private Parties, OPERAS, & Concerts.

LLLLLKLLLLL! Wednesday & Thursday 5:00PM to 10:00PM Friday & Saturday: 4:30 PM to 11:00PM Sunday: 4:00PM to 9:00PM Closed Monday & Tuesday 1547 S. 13th St. 19147 (Intersection of 13th St. & Tasker St.) (215) 755-8903 Reservations Recommended.

VOLUME _6 ISSUE 16_ 2009 GOHOMEPHILLY.COM

FROMTHE PUBLISHERS Save the Date!

People ask us all of the time. How did you come up with the idea for PRH? Well, we wanted to bring attention to our section of the city. To the generations of family-owned businesses that make us proud to be Philadelphians. We grew up here. We are proud of the heritage and diversity of the neighborhood.

Three years ago, we planned an event to celebrate our business community. A venue that would encourage others to “Go Home Philly. Stop and Shop at our local spots.” We thought we’d invite our clients and a few surprise guests to meet the faces behind the names. Swap business cards. Network. Enjoy indescribable delicacies, dinner and dessert.

Like us, Joe Volpe was only two years into his own family business named ‘Cescaphe’ after his daughters Francesca & Sophia. He, too, liked the idea of promoting the local business network. This year marks our 4th annual “Affair to Remember.” This Black Tie, Red Carpet gala has grown to include a sellout crowd and VIP guests like players from the Philadelphia Eagles and the Stanley Cup-winning Flyers.

Cescaphe provides a memorable backdrop to this incredible dinner party, which includes the presentation of PRH’s “Blue Sapphire” award to individuals who’ve made ‘an indelible mark on our city for future generations.’ People like Jerry Blavat, Sharon Pinkenson, Ed Snider, Dr. Jack Carr and Rev. Gary Pacitti, who were last year’s recipients.

Most of all, this is an evening that celebrates resilience.

Every member of this community – businesses and residents alike – is out there making it happen. Cutting corners. Building dreams. Doing our best to keep the air conditioner running in the summer and the heat on in the winter. We learned from our parents. Our grandparents. Those tireless mentors who dared to pass on things that really matter. Like traditions, work ethics, morals, respect. Character traits – sometimes flaws – that drive us to succeed. In business and in life.

Whether we carry the torches of our ancestors or venture out on our own, we are one. We share a past. And history binds people who grow up in the same neighborhoods. Others recognize the familiarity - the energy - that saturates our city.

They want to live here, work here, visit here. They want to be part of it.

On Thursday, November 5th, we will celebrate our business community – the heirs and the entrepreneurs that are the economic backbone of our city of neighborhoods. We hope that you will join us.

We promise it will be “An Affair to Remember.”

River to River. One Neighborhood.

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ROWHOME

PRH Presents

An Affair to

Remember Save the Date: November 5, 2009

Order your tickets today! info@gohomephilly.com Sponsored by Cescaphe Ballroom ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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PRESIDENT / PUBLISHER Dorette Rota Jackson

VICE PRESIDENT / PUBLISHER Dawn Rhoades

EDITOR Dorette Rota Jackson

From ingredients to atmosphere.

VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING & PROMOTIONS Dawn Rhoades

CONTRIBUTORS Donato Angelotti David Cava Alicia DeLeo Larry Gallone Brian Hickey Brett Jackson Larry McMullen Maria Merlino

Michael Rhoades Jade Rota Bob Russo Tony Santini Mark Casasanto Hailee Danielsen Lauren Gordon Bob Wagner

GREEN SPACE EDITOR Kerri-Lee Halkett

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Michelle Torres

THE BRIDES GUIDE Joseph Volpe

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATORS

ITALIAN SPECIALTIES ■ GOURMET PIZZAS

Connie Mascitti Carol Vassallo

PHOTOGRAPHERS Phil Kramer John McMullen Hector Valentin Paul Loftland

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Omar Rubio

,i> Ê Ì> > °°°ÊÜ Ì Ê>ÊÌÜ ÃÌ

ACCOUNT MANAGER Theresa Palestino

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Mike Rhoades

PUBLISHED BY:

141 N. Dorset Ave., Ventnor Èä °nÓÓ°£äÈÇÊUÊ,iÃiÀÛ>Ì ÃÊ VVi«Ìi` Hours UÊ Õ V \Ê °q->Ì°Ê££\ÎäAMÊ ÊÎPM UÊ iÀ\Ê-Õ °q->Ì°Ê{PM - 11PM UÊÊ Ài> v>ÃÌ\Ê À °q-Õ °ÊÇAM - 1PM

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Philadelphia RowHome Inc. P.O. Box 54786 Philadelphia, PA 19148 Phone – 215.462.9777 Fax – 215.462.9770 www.gohomephilly.com Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Magazine and its contents are copyrighted.

Content printed in the magazine may not be reproduced or reprinted, in whole or in part, by any other party without the expressed written consent of Philadelphia RowHome Magazine. 2009 Philadelphia RowHome Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the USA. Published by Philadelphia RowHome Inc.

THEMAILBOX EMAIL YOUR LETTERS TO: INFO@GOHOMEPHILLY.COM

ROW HOME HAPPY The first paragraph of the magazine article read: “It was scheduled as a 1 PM staff meeting.

The phone rang in my office.

On impulse I picked up the receiver and engaged the caller in a very brief conversation. That spontaneous moment cost me about 30 seconds of precious time. Pat Croce’s time. A little over a year into Croce’s tenure at the helm of the 76ers, he was not happy. Neither were the fans.

Optimism abounded though as the new look of the team, from the coaching staff to the uniforms, were all about to be unveiled. As I hurried through the door of the conference room, Pat was already into his motivational magic when

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without warning…Zap! As I jetted for an open seat, musical chairs style, his laser beams burned a hole right through me. Even though the climate was comfortable, I was sweating profusely, the normally expressionless head coach of the 76ers, Larry Brown, managed an innocuous chuckle. I was told later by one of Croce’s closest confidents, “He must like you, if not, he would’ve blown you up right on the spot.

Just don’t be late again.”

The article’s author was Mark Casasanto. His musings appeared in the recently launched Philadelphia-based magazine Row Home and it brought back fond memories of my leadership term with the Philadelphia 76ers - and the

gohomephilly.com

great team we assembled behind the hardwood team for a thrilling 5-year journey from worst to first.

Because of Mark’s memorable role on my management team, I agreed to his request to be the cover story for the magazine’s spring issue. There was another reason as well.

Concurrent to Mark’s email appeal, I received a call from my good buddy and sports radio personality Anthony Gargano (Bonz). Bonz tugged on my heartstrings by describing the two female entrepreneurs whose dream it was to publish a neighborhood magazine uniting past and present Philadelphians who were proud to be “row home grown.” And for your information, there might not be another stretch of earth

VOL6/09

on this third rock from the sun that’s more proud of its roots and peeps than South Philadelphia – whether they are mafia dons, entertainers, politicians, athletes, cheesesteak pioneers, or next door neighbors. (Rocky made his famous run right down 9th Street.)

As you are well aware, I love people who take action on their passion. And the reality of this publishing passion began the day Dorette Rota Jackson’s company downsized and she lost her six-figure salary. Panic filled the family air - except for the stratosphere surrounding her sister Dawn Rhoades’s mindset. Dawn is a “can do” junkie and she now believed she had the final piece of her publishing puzzle for Philadelphia

PRHMAILBOX

Row Home magazine. The South Philly sisters could combine their creative talents and ebullient personalities to design Dawn’s dream and to sell their asses off to make it profitable.

All entrepreneurs know that the road to success is paved with potholes, dangerous turns and confusing forks. Unfortunately, most of us – me included - don’t appreciate the highway’s hazards until we’ve already begun our journey. Dawn and Dorette drove into the proverbial financial wall and had to make great sacrifices over the years to ensure they would eventually reach their dream destination.

In fact, they even moved in together! Now that’s sacrifice.

I can just imagine these two lovely ladies raising the room temperature over magazine content or page design or cover graphics over a bowl of spaghetti and gravy.

But from what I hear they were in total agreement when it came to my cover shoot and their kitchen walls were void of any meatball splatter.

Reprinted from Pat Croce’s Blog, Spring 2008

DEAR PRH: This is what we are all about. I read your book and talked to the “Cuz.” Thanks and good luck!

Milton J. Halstead, Jr., Executive Director The City All Star Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame

DEAR PRH: The new issue is awesome! Love the hat-tipping to ‘Rescue’ (A Rescue Tale: Spotty’s Story by Maria Gallagher & Ray Didinger).

Len (Salute to Service) Cimini’s son was in our wedding 28 years ago! As always, you did an amazing issue.

Annette B.

DEAR PRH: Great job on the Larry Kane story (Citizen Kane). He looks like he’s 30 years old! And I met Charlie Gracie (Charlie Gracie strolls onto the Walk of Fame) in Atlantic City when I played tenor sax in a rock ’n roll band. Nice guy. Great charm. I really enjoyed the issue.

The story “Ode to Manhattan: In memory of Sept/11 ’01” was not just good stuff, but the right stuff, too.

Romeo V.

DEAR PRH: I just got my issues. I love them! I am giving copies of the magazine to everyone at the shore who has South Philly roots. They better order them or else!!! It’s my late night reading. I know the magazine inside out. It makes me feel that I’m still part of the city. Keep up the great work. You and your sis are wonderful!

Debbie Bello-Argentina

DEAR PRH: I thank you very much…This is the best neighborhood book ever and enjoyed so very much!

Mrs. Kass W.

DEAR PRH: Great issue I just received in the mail this week. I am a South Philly boy now living in Bucks County. I have lived in two houses my whole life. The first 25 years were spent in a great home on 10th Street and now I live in Newtown, Pa. I am a Certified Financial Planner with the investment firm of Merrill Lynch, where I have worked for the past 25 years. Good luck with the magazine.

Mike Leone

www.gohomephilly.com

18th Annual Irish Fall Festival North Wildwood, New Jersey Thursday, Sept. 24th thru Sunday, Sept. 27th

GOLF TOURNAMENT * * * * VENDORS * * * * LIVE IRISH ENTERTAINMENT * * * * 5K RUN * * * * BRIAN RILEY PIPE EXHIBITION * * * * CEILI * * * * FREE IRISH DANCE LESSONS * * * * CONCERT * * * * PARADE Live Amateur Boxing The Tent at the Pointe at Moore’s

CONTINUOUS IRISH ENTERTAINMENT ALL WEEKEND LONG (Across from the former Moore’s Inlet) FEATURING: Paddy’s Well with Paul Moore, The Derek Warfield and the young Wolfe Tones, Secret Service, Bogside Rogues, The Sean Fleming Band, The Broken Shillelaghs, The Elders (Kansas City,Mo.) FRIDAY NIGHT ONLY Comedy of Joe Conklin and Love Seed Mama Jump BUS SERVICE AVAILABLE Anglesea Fire Hall – 2nd & Olde New Jersey Avenue Website www.cmcaoh.com e-mail aohdiv1nj@aol.com Phone 609-729-0075

ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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PRHLIFE

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE THE TASTE OF THE

GOOD OLE ‘DAY’S’ Everyone enjoys a “South Philly guy makes good” story. And when that same guy proclaims he never forgets where he came from, the story gets even better.

by TONY SANTINI photos by HECTOR VALENTIN 14

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ake David DiGirolamo for instance.

As “Chief Cook and Bottle Washer” for Day’s Beverages, he wears many hats—President, Product Manager, Sales Representative. But the hat that makes him most proud is “Son” as he heads the family-owned business founded by his father Alfred (Fred) more than ŁĻ years ago in the neighborhood he will always call ‘home.’

Fred’s introduction to the soda business was quite circumstantial, according to David, who tells the story with the drama and detail of a movie script. When Fred was just ļŁ, he and a friend each stole a case of soda off a ł-Up delivery truck. Unfortunately, Fred tripped while making his getaway through Columbus Square around ļĽth & Wharton and got nabbed by the delivery truck driver. Reluctant to give up his friend or be shipped off to reform school, Fred negotiated a plea bargain with the driver to

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work off the cost of the two cases of soda. He liked working on the truck so much, he stayed on for a year.

Around that same time, Fred also had a night job assisting a local “businessman” by the name of Denny Day with some of his “business” activities. When Denny had to leave the country unexpectedly to avoid his own trouble with the law, he gave Fred a $ĿĻĻ severance package with the condition that he used the money to make something of himself, David explained.

Fred heeded the advice, purchased a delivery truck and became a “Bobtailer” (i.e. Salesman/Distributor) for local bottlers Frank’s Soda and Hires Root Beer. The year was ļńľŃ.

Sometime in ļńĿĻ, the Pepsi-Cola Company arrived on the scene in Philadelphia. Fred, who had expanded his company to include three delivery trucks, became a distributor for Pepsi. In ļńĿŀ, Pepsi decided to buy out all of the independent distributors, including Fred, who took his buyout money, purchased a property at ļļľ Tasker Street and opened his own soda-making business that he called “Day’s” Beverages in honor of his original benefactor. Better known as “Freddy Day,” his soda business quickly climbed the local ladder of success, boosted by one of ROWHOME R RO WHOM WH O E MAGAZINE

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PRHLIFE his best-selling flavors—Day’s Pale Dry Ginger Ale. Between ļńĿŀ and ļńŁĻ, there were at least a dozen other soft drink companies in Philadelphia including Primo’s (Ńth & Washington); Gruber’s (Ŀth & Washington); YooHoo (ľrd & Oxford); ł-Up (Ńth & Carpenter); Hires Root Beer (ĽĿth & Lombard); Coca-Cola (ľľrd & Reed) and Frank’s Beverages (Łth & Moore). Business was good in the late ’ĿĻs and early ’ŀĻs, according to DiGirolamo, but by the early ļńŁĻs, the rising cost of sugar eventually put the squeeze on the smaller companies. In ļńŁĽ, Freddy died unexpectedly and David’s Mom Elizabeth sold the business but kept the rights to the recipes, the business name and the building.

David decided to keep one truck and eventually became a Bobtailor just like his father did many years prior with a distribution route that covered Chester, North Philadelphia and South Philadelphia.

Between ļńŃļ and ļńńŀ, David’s entrepreneurial skills helped him expand and open successful soda and beer distributorships throughout Philadelphia and Delaware County and acquire a number of real estate holdings. In ļńńŁ, he felt it was time to reap the benefits of his hard work. Lured by the notion of long, lazy summers at the shore, he started laying the groundwork for his retirement by selling his dozen beverage outlets and some of the real estate holdings.

But on Christmas Eve of that year, David visited one of his

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properties—a Dollarland retail store—to inspect a leaky ceiling. While there, he overheard some women talking about the high cost of soda before they asked the manager to point them in the direction of their ľ-liter bottles of Ginger Ale. ‘We don’t carry ľ-liter bottles,’ the manager replied—a response that sparked an instant flashback for David DiGirolamo who realized that he still had all of his father’s original soda recipes— including the ever popular “Day’s Pale Dry Ginger Ale.” ‘If I can sell you the ľ-liter soda bottles at a reasonable cost, would you carry them in your store?’ David asked the store manager. A positive response prompted David to get the bottle rolling. He contacted the A-Treat Bottling Company and purchased some production line time. Out of respect for his father, he re-trademarked the Day’s Beverages name, which hadn’t been used in ľĻ years and redesigned the label.

In April ļńńł, the first case of Day’s Cola came off the line.

From ļńńł to ĽĻĻļ, David continued to expand Day’s Beverages through distribution channels in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio and the flavorful soda became a staple at Dollarlands, Dollar Stores and Cash and Carry Supermarkets.

In ĽĻĻł, Day’s Beverages became the largest privately owned and operated soft drink company in the United States and now ships its products—Ľľ flavors—to ļŁ states on the east coast. David says, “From ļńŁĽ to ļńńł, Day’s Soda may have been down, but it wasn’t out!”

Using the same recipes that Freddy Day used back in ļńĿł—including real sugar, not cheap substitutes—David revived the family business. Since he doesn’t advertise and operates his company on a zero-debt basis, he said he could continue to offer customers the same high-quality product as the major soda manufacturers but at a much lower price.

For a taste of the good ole “Day’s,” log onto www.dayssoda.com and savor the flavors of your youth—Orange, Grape, Fruit Punch, Vanilla Cream, Black Cherry Wishniak, Cola, Root Beer and, of course, Pale Dry Ginger Ale. Now that his sons David Jr. and Dennis have joined the family business, David DiGirolamo says he is once again contemplating retirement. He fondly reflects on technology’s impact on the industry. How his father’s Tasker Street plant pumped out łŀĻ cases of soda a day compared to Ł,ĻĻĻ cases today. And a machine that can fill, seal and label ļ,ĿĻĻ cans per minute.

His ties to his South Philadelphia neighborhood run deep. He is especially active with Annunciation BVM, whose parish school at ļĽth & Dickinson faces the house where his father grew up. It also overlooks Columbus Square Park—the site where destiny took hold of Freddy Day and turned a stolen case of soda into a family legacy.

And even though it pains him to see litter on the streets, he said he gets a kick when the litter includes a discarded Day’s Soda Can—a reminder of just how far this little company has progressed. What’s the secret to his personal and professional success?

“Never forget your roots and be nice to people on your way up the ladder because you never know who you might need coming down!” ✽ ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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PRHLIFE

Aces High

by MARK CASASANTO photo by BRITTANY PURR

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ffortlessly, his hands cut through the empty air. In quick flashes, they keep tempo with the action on the table, dancing to the rhythm of the night. “It’s all about the hands,” Johnny Palumbo proclaims. He would know. For more than 25 years, he has been

prepping neighborhood guys and dolls for the audition.

In the shadows of the Italian Market sits the Casino Dealers Training Center.

To mistake the converted martial arts studio for a backroom clandestine casino would be understandable. There’s a craps table, blackjack table, Texas Hold ‘em and more. Noticeably absent are Sky Masterson and Nathan Detroit, replaced instead by neighborhood guys named Anthony and Jason—a gas station attendant and aspiring boxing champion respectively.

For Anthony and Jason, it’s about future security, occupationally speaking. For Johnny Palumbo, it’s a chance to do something that he never officially had the chance to do.

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“I went to school in New Jersey back in the ’80s but I never got my license,” he offers. With a successful roll of the dice, Palumbo hooked up with the Tropicana as a trainer, instead. He readily credits the Trop for helping him hone his craft.

“They actually had a training facility that resembled the casino floor, there.” Taking his cue from the casino, Palumbo set out to do for others what he could never do for himself.

“It used to be that you couldn’t train anyone outside of the State of New Jersey, so that really limited me for a while,” the South Philadelphia native recalls. “It never stopped me, though,” he laughs, “I used to have guys come to my house to teach them…

I had a set-up in my basement.” But it wasn’t until a former protégé’ checked in on him that Palumbo got the bug, again. “Joey [Sarnese], the Vice President of the Hilton [in Atlantic City] called me and said I should open the school in the city because all the training rules had changed.” With that, the former youth football coach moved forward with the training center.

“At least 50,” he says when asked how many people are now working on casino floors because of the hands-on training provided at the center. “I’ve got a few of my former students in Vegas, but almost all of them are at the shore.”

With the advent of casino gambling here in the city, Palumbo feels it’s only a matter of time before Philadelphia’s intended slot-only casinos feature table games.

“They’d be foolish not to,” he says. “There is too much money to be made on the tables.”

And when the time comes, Palumbo’s facility will be positioned to instruct the next generation of dealers as well as novice gamblers.

“We hold seminars here, too,” he adds. “So many people are intimidated by gaming tables, craps especially.”

Palumbo said he would gladly arrange for individuals or groups, large or small, to prime for a career or learn more about the world of casino gambling. He will also arrange for flexible payment plans as any other trade school would do.

Back on the floor, Anthony and Jason take turns as dealer and patron at the blackjack table. As Palumbo follows the action intently, he watches closely for the correct check cut (chip distribution) and card flips. Chip errors and card fumbles will blow the audition almost immediately, he explains as Anthony and Jason ask for hits, holds and double downs.

According to Instructor Palumbo, Anthony is just about ready for the finishing touches. “He’s going to be good,” he says with confidence. “He’s got quick hands.” Anthony will soon benefit from a visit from Palumbo’s sons, Jerome and John, Jr. At the end of a course, or when Palumbo feels a student is ready, he calls on his sons’ years of experience dealing at the tables. Under the watchful eyes of their father, they essentially provide the polish the student needs to shine at the audition. ✽

Pushing all in, Palumbo’s students always show aces high.

For more information on the Casino Dealers Training Center, call ľĽŁ-ĿĿŅ-ŁńŁŃ.

Day’s Beverages 23 flavors Family-Owned & Operated since 1946 Founded by Alfred “Freddy Day” DiGirolamo

www.dayssoda.com

There’s nothing like the taste of the good ‘ole ‘Day’s’

Founded in the heart of South Philadelphia

by Alfred “Freddy Day” DiGirolamo

PRHLIFE

There are two certainties in life.

Only one comes with options.

Rejoice in the Difficult Times TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen

David M. Spitzberg 1505 South Broad Street Philadelphia, Pa. 19147 P: 215.952.8800 F: 215.952.0800 www.CPAforBusiness.com info@CPAforBusiness.com 20

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Did you know that the way you handle your adversities has a huge impact on your success in life?

If you shrink back, choose to get bitter, and lose your enthusiasm, then you are allowing the difficulties of life to bury you. You are allowing hardship to keep you from your God-given destiny. But if you choose to keep pressing forward with a smile on your face, rejoicing even in the hard times, you are allowing God’s character to be developed inside of you. You are setting yourself up for promotion.

Did you know that the only difference between a piece of black coal and a priceless diamond is the amount of pressure that it’s endured? When you stand strong in the midst of the trials and difficulties in life, when you allow God to shape and mold your character, it’s like going from a piece of coal to a priceless diamond. Those difficulties are going to give way to new growth, new potential, new talent, new friendships, new opportunities, new vision.

You’re going to see God develop your life in ways that you’ve never even dreamed! ✽ Courtesy of Joel Osteen Ministries

VOLUME _6 ISSUE 16_ 2009 GOHOMEPHILLY.COM

HANGIN’OUT 1_Tony Luke Jr. (The Nail) with Janelle McCoy, Women in Transition, raises awareness for domestic violence.

2_Michael Rhoades with The Arena’s Roger Artigiani.

3_Dawn & Councilman Frank DiCicco welcome JimmyStyle to East Passyunk Avenue 4_Tony Luke with friend Lynn Eastman-Rossi at AC Hilton preview of The Nail.

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5_Brett Jackson’s birthday at The Arena with pro wrestler Adam Flash & friends.

6_Nick Frattone and friends.

7_Longtime friend Frank Borda is on hand for Tony Luke’s preview of The Nail.

8_John Dougherty and friends celebrate Local 98 Day at Citizens Bank Park with the Phillies Phanatic.

9_Dave Conroy, Gary “Sarge” Matthews and Mike Neill.

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10_Dawn drops in on Danny Bonaduce during 94 WYSP’s ‘Live in it & Win’ contest sponsored by Tony Luke’s.

11_Actor Sal Mazzotta & Super Model Angie Everhart.

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12_Tony Luke & the Borda kids.

13_PRH Entertainment Editor Michelle Torres with WYSP Mustang winner John (The Army Man).

14_Nick Mazza & Shannon at Paul VI Senior Prom.

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15_Amanda Grace Russo loves her grandpop Bob Russo (PRH’s Waxing Nostalgic).

16_Brothers Tony & Nicky Luke.

17_Actor/Producer Leo Rossi (The Nail) with Dorette, Joe Donatucci and friends at AC Hilton screening.

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18_Michael Neill throws out the first pitch on Local 98 Day at the Phillies game.

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PRHSPOTLIGHT

Welcome to

SIENA PLACE On the BLOCK

Location

2301 Hartranft Street (between Penrose Avenue & 26th Street)

Listed Price From Low $400,000s

photos by PAUL LOFTLAND

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WHEN BUYERS ANTHONY AND LINDA REPICE FIRST STEPPED FOOT IN SIENA PLACE, THEY WERE AMAZED AT THE SPACIOUS FLOOR PLANS AND THE BEAUTIFUL DETAILS INCLUDED IN THE BELLA MODEL. “WE HAD LOOKED AT OTHER DEVELOPMENTS AROUND THE AREA, BUT NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT WE SAW AT SIENA PLACE,” LINDA SAID. “WE LOVED THE SPACIOUS FLOOR PLANS THAT INCLUDED A LARGE LIVING AREA AND KITCHEN—ALL ON ONE FLOOR—AND OUR FAVORITE PART OF ALL, A PHENOMENAL THIRD-FLOOR OWNER’S SUITE.”➔

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PRHSPOTLIGHT

…because your pets deserve the best!

• All Suite Luxury Pet Hotel • Premier Doggy Daycare • Relaxing Grooming Salon & Day Spa • Private & Group Obedience/Behavior Modification Classes 2 Convenient Locations:

Philadelphia International Airport Location 7401 Holstein Ave. Phila. PA 19153 215-365-4555 Newtown Square Location 3921 Miller Rd. Newtown Square, PA 19073 (On Rt. 3 near the intersection of Providence Rd.) 610-325-PAWS (7297) General Information to use:

The Family Pet Resort is a luxury style resort experience for both dogs & cats. Our inviting, state-of-the-art facility provides a safe, clean, and fun-filled environment, which meets and exceeds all current industry standards for pet care. Our trained and caring staff of professionals provide incomparable customer service & animal expertise to ensure the utmost in comfort, safety, and happiness 24-hours a day, 365 days a year; all at an affordable price!

Visit our website and receive $50 in valuable coupons!

WWW.FAMILYPETRESORT.COM

The new, ľļľ-unit luxury townhome community, built on a former naval barracks site, is comprised of three distinctive models—the Bella, the Camilla and the Adriana. According to the developers, each is completely customizable by layout and architectural style.

The Bella features a spacious third-floor owner’s suite with two walk-in closets; an outdoor deck; three additional bedrooms and a one-car garage.

The Adriana features a detached garage; secondfloor owner’s suite with balcony and two additional bedrooms with walk-in closets.

The Camilla model features a spacious living room with cathedral ceilings; a choice of a one- or two-car garage; an outdoor deck and a third-floor owner’s suite.

“Seeing our first buyers move in is an incredibly exciting feeling for us here in the development office, and for the South Philly area,” says Victoria Teschner, Director of Sales and Marketing for Siena Place. “We are thrilled to see this area continue to be revitalized and our residents will help bring our vision for the neighborhood to life—upscale and refined city living.”

Residences at Siena Place include three levels of living space—nine-foot ceilings on the first floor; hardwood floor entrances; eat-in kitchens with stainless steel appliances; spacious walk-in closets and elegant owner’s suites. Large windows that line each townhome’s exterior bathe them in natural light, Teschner explained. The brick and sandstone façades have distinctive detailing that establishes an individual character for each home while maintaining a uniform appearance for the community.

For more information, visit www.SienaPlace.com or contact Sales Manager John Kriza at Ľļŀ-ľľń-ŀľńĻ.

ABOUT PENROSE PARK ASSOCIATES Penrose Park Associates is a multi-faceted organization encompassing a wide array of successful businesses and industries. Excelling as a leading residential real estate developer and property management firm, Penrose Park Associates has designed, built and currently manages a portfolio of retail and office properties and multifamily communities. Based in Blue Bell, Pa., Penrose Park Associates has earned a reputation for uncompromising quality and unrivaled attention to detail throughout its rich and varied history. ✽

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PRHSPOTLIGHT

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O

nly two short blocks from a beautiful, isolated beach, enjoy the natural light that bathes this Brigantine beauty in seaside splendor. Or take a dip in Moon Bay’s spectacular bayside pool with its open water views.

This two-story, contemporary townhome boasts three bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2,105 square feet of waterfront bliss.

Surround yourself in luxury as you soak up the panoramic, unobstructed bay views from almost any room in the house – the master bedroom, dining room, kitchen and two decks.

Or watch the sunset from your favorite chair on the porch.

Its cul-de-sac location provides plenty of privacy, no thru traffic and a pet-friendly environment. Other amenities include cathedral ceilings, open rooms, plenty of windows and a fireplace to warm chilly nights. Sweeten the deal with updates like a washer, dryer, porch storage for beach supplies and plenty of parking.

Your dream home at the beach is calling. Answer it!

Robert Juillet compulsively redesigns homes and professionally sells real estate in both Brigantine and Philadelphia. He is with Prudential Fox Roach Realtors and can be reached at łļŅ.ŃĽŀ.ĿľĿĽ or robertjuillet@ureach.com ✽

On the BLOCK

WATCH THE TIDE ROLL AWAY Location Moon Bay Townhomes 11 Delmar Lane Brigantine, NJ 08203 Listed Price $439,900

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PRHBUSINESS

J

Jimmy Contreras and Fox 29’s Jennaphr Frederick host regular fashion and lifestyle segments on “Good Day Philadelphia.”

JIMMY’S

GOT STYLE

by MICHELLE TORRES

immy Contreras’ JimmyStyle boutique is one of the newest businesses to set up shop on the historic East Passyunk Avenue corridor, bringing an eclectic mix of funk and fancy to shoppers in search of something unique.

In what he describes as a “funky, fashionable” mix of products for your life and home, you’ll find unique items including candles, frames, vases and votives from designers like Paddywax and Jonathan Adler.

“I wanted to carry fashionable products that everyone can still afford – whether your budget is $20 or $500,” he said.

In addition to national brand fashions and gifts for the home, JimmyStyle features original works from local artisans; holiday cards by Philly’s HughEDillon and signature-scented bath products

by Duross and Langel. ✽ JimmyStyle, 1820 E. Passyunk Avenue, 267,239.0598, shopjimmystyle.com

t n e er f f i D y l Striking

909 N. 2ND STREET 32

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PHILADELPHIA, PA 19123 gohomephilly.com

215-238-BOWL

WWW.NORTHBOWLPHILLY.COM

Dr. Cohen and Staff are dedicated to addressing all of your orthodontic needs.

We are committed to staying current with the latest technology and advances in orthodontics. Everyone in our office understands that each patient presents with different needs and expectations and we do our best to address them in a professional and compassionate manner. Since the beauty of your smile is a direct reflection on the doctor, in our office the doctor himself performs all of the “wire bending� and cementing of appliances. We feel strongly that this delivers the highest quality of orthodontic care possible. You will appreciate our level of commitment to achieve the finest result possible.

PRHBUSINESS

DO YOU

TWITTER?

by DANIEL P. SAMA

T

hanks to an abundance of mainstream media coverage, Twitter is quickly catching on as a household name across the country. Friends, family members, companies, athletes, celebrities and even President Obama are using Twitter as a 21st Century means of broadcasting in real time what they are doing at any given moment. But what exactly is Twitter?

Twitter is a free online service that allows you to broadcast short messages to your friends. In the Twitter universe, your friends or “followers” can view your Twitter messages or

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“Tweets” which you can conveniently update from your mobile phone or your computer.

If you are new to the Twitter community, you may be wondering, What do I say in these Tweets? The answer is simple, just about anything! Twitter is so unique, you can choose to keep your Twitter page strictly personal, professional or a hybrid of both. Tweet your café’s daily specials or your plans for the evening.

Keep your Tweets private with a friend-only option that only your followers can access.

Want to add a friend? Just log into your Twitter account and click the “Add” link. If you

gohomephilly.com

don’t know your friend’s Twitter address, just type in their name. Once they approve you as a “follower,” you will receive their updates in your Twitter feed.

Remember. The number of “followers” you have are the people paying attention to your “Tweets.” The number of “friends” you have are the Twitter users you subscribe to.

Celebrities and public figures usually have more “followers” than “friends.”

Twitter is basically a conversation. When all of the bells, whistles and fancy tech jargon are stripped away, it’s just people talking to each other. Commit to using it a few times each day for a couple of weeks and then assess how you will use it or even if it’s right for you.

Feel free to add us on Twitter and stay informed! h t t p : / / w w w. t w i t t e r. c o m / h e y _ d a n i e l http://www.twitter.com/phillyrowhome Daniel P. Sama is an experienced Network Administrator, Information Systems Consultant, PC Technician and Entrepreneur currently living in Philadelphia. Daniel is also a featured technology critic for Macworld. com and Macworld Magazine.

Packer Park / Large Model - 3 Br. - 2.5 Bath, Garage plus driveway / Approx. interior sq. ft. 2,100 – 3 levels – rear deck lots of space - $399,900.

3149 S. 20th Street $299,900.

/ 3 Br. - 1.5 Bath, Garage plus driveway – Approx. interior sq. ft. 1,200 /

Reserve At Packer Park 3414 Prima Ct. / Large Corner / 3 Br. 2.5 Bath, Garage plus Driveway / 2 levels / Many upgrades –

3149 S. 20th Street

Approx. interior sq. ft. 2400 / 6 + yr. abatement remains $485,900.

3507 Tuscany Dr. / 5 Br. - 3.5 Bath / Huge customized yard - Garage Plus Driveway / Three

gorgeous levels of living / Upgrades galore / 5+ yr. abatement remains / Approx interior sq. ft. 3000 / $579,900.

3414 Prima Ct.

Villas at Packer Park 2021 Capri Drive – 2 Br. – 2 Bath / Garage & Driveway – Full ten yr. abatement. Brand new Construction / $310,990.

2023 Capri Drive – 2 Br. & huge loft – 2 Bath – Garage & Driveway – still time to customize -

3507 Tuscany Dr.

$349.900

Historical Girard Estate 2420 S. 21 St. / Large, Lovely Twin / 4 Br. - 2.5 Bath / large rooms / 3rd level = private 2021 Capri Drive 2023 Capri Drive

sanctuary with Sauna, Jacuzzi & more – Sunroom off kitchen – large yard – full basement with 2nd kitchen / storage galore / 4 Levels = Approx interior sq. ft. 3000 / $379,900.

Packer Park East 3116 S. Juniper Street 2420 S. 21 St.

/ 3 Br. - 1.5 Bath, Driveway / Approx. interior sq. ft.1,400 / $289,900.

Added Bonus – Homes listed with star are within the prestigious SCSSD Special

BARBARA A. CAPOZZI, ESQ. 3116 S. Juniper Street

TEL 215.551.5100

3320 South 20th Street · Philadelphia, PA

WWW.CAPOZZIREALESTATE.COM

Billy Penn Billy Keller

From to

On February 24, 1681, with a grand flourish of his royal quill, King Charles II signed a charter that constituted William Penn to be absolute proprietor of a landmass west of the Delaware River and north of Maryland to be named “The Forests of Penn,” (a.k.a., Pennsylvania).

by MARIA MERLINO photos by JOHN MCMULLEN

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n gratitude, Penn cancelled a 16,000 English Pound debt and promised an annual gift of two beaver pelts and a fifth of all gold found in the territory.

In1682,PennbrokeredadealwiththeKing’sbrother, the Duke of York, and accepted an area around

the Delaware River. Penn then sailed to America on the good ship Welcome, which was welcomed by an ungoverned bunch of Swedes and Native Americans.

Landing nello vicino, there was a tidewater basin called the Dock. Penn selected a 1200-acre site book-ended by the Schuylkill River on the west and the Delaware River on the east. Choosing the Hellenic version of City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia was born but not yet raised. As more people migrated to the Dock, homes were built, the riverbanks were hollowed and the beginning of a much-crowded urban area was set in motion. This landing soon became the center for maritime interests.

On June 23, 2008, with a great flourish of his gubernatorial pen, Governor Edward G. Rendell signed an historic agreement—the Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project—and hailed it

Delaware River Maritime Enterprise Council, knows how valuable the river is and all the jobs it creates for the neighborhood. It’s not just a limited area that is affected, either.

“The river has always been important to the business of South Philly. The 9th Street Market is 10 blocks of fruit and vegetable merchants. Fruit comes from the ports. We get big shipments of bananas and grapes,” he explained. Continuing in the enumeration of the positive aspects of that project, Keller is optimistic about the future of South Port, the 85 acres at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

as a major effort to expand commerce and enhance economic development in the region, and a milestone in maritime commerce. Senator Arlen Specter, Congressman Bob Brady and Senator Bob Casey were also acknowledged.

“When William “On June 23, 2008, with a great flourish Penn came up the Delaware, the chan- of his gubernatorial pen, Governor nel was 17 feet deep,” Edward G. Rendell signed an historic asserts Pennsylvania agreement—the Delaware River Main State Representative William “Billy” Channel Deepening Project” Keller.” That’s the reason he landed here. Philadelphia became the largest “Knock on the doors around here in city in the colony because the deepest Pennsport, Whitman, Queen Village and water was on the Philly side. If it had someone is directly dependent on the been deeper on the Jersey side, Camden river for income,” he says. “For example, would be Philly today!” he quips. longshoremen, checkers, fumigators, Keller, who is also Chairman of the expeditors, warehousemen, teamsters, ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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PRH is on hand as State Rep. Bill Keller unveils the details of the Delaware dredging project to local Labor Union members.

insurers and any ancillary position that has to do with the river. Knock and you’ll find someone working it,” he said.

“Most are union jobs and the unions keep the middle class alive. The highest paying jobs in the US are marine transportation jobs. They pay $80,000 to $100,000 per year. That translates to a lot of taxes that the city will collect. These workers spend their money, too!” Keller emphasizes. “Some neighborhoods go by the wayside but we’ve sustained our row homes.”

Keller, a former member of the 1291 International Longshoreman Association (ILA), has encouraged training in this field. He joined forces with Jamie McDermott of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, the ILA, the Ports of the Delaware River Marine Trade Association (PMTA), and, together with its Employer Members and the financial support of our state, developed a certification program for industrial truck training with the Community College of Philadelphia.

RED

The result? There are certifications for Forklift Operators with a liftingcapacity of less than 18,000 lbs., greater than 18,000 lbs. and Top Pick Operators.

“These are not $10 an hour jobs, either,” McDermott adds. ”No one is more in tune with the neighborhood and the quality of life issues as Bill Keller.

He’s a former longshoreman and knows the neighborhood like the back of his hand.” Keller wants to know, “Where else can you get a good-paying job without a college degree?”

Port Philadelphia is one of the nation’s 14 strategic ports. New York has dredged the Hudson River to 50 feet. Philadelphia last did a major dredge during WWII when it was dredged to a depth of 34 feet.

“Here it is in a nutshell,” Keller starts explaining. “This project has been around for 15 years. Look at every airport. In the last 15-20 years, airports have expanded to make more runways. Just as airplanes have gotten bigger, ships are

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267-7 767-1 1675 - cell 215-2 271-1 1919 - shop 215-2 271-5 5965 - fax ESTABLISHED IN 1963

PRHNEWS

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getting bigger.� He does the math. “If a ship is 34 feet, it needs at least that much plus a safety. We need to dredge 40 feet and give a draw of 5 feet for safety.� “At 40 feet, the current depth of the channel is too shallow for many of the world’s larger container vessels, putting Delaware River ports at a competitive disadvantage among the U.S. East Coast ports,� said PRPA Chairman John H. Estey, Esq. “A 45 foot shipping channel allows the region to compete on the same stage as other East Coast ports, attracting more cargo and securing the future viability of the Port of Philadelphia.�

With an organic analogy, Keller intones that Philadelphia will die on the vine as a port if we don’t get the next generation of ships. “We won’t have a viable port. There’ll be fewer and fewer ships.�

What about the sludge? According to The Army Corps of Engineers, the sediment is not toxic. There are oyster beds and other aquatic species in the river. There is scientific documentation that there will be

no adverse impact to the oysters. To positively make sure that these marine animals are not harmed, continuous monitoring will be performed at every critical stage from pre-construction to post-construction. Work will adhere to dredging windows for any type of biological event.

What happens next? The 7.4 million cubic yards of sand dredged from the Delaware Bay will be used to produce a manmade wetland and for beach nourishment. The project will cover approximately 100 miles, from the Delaware Bay to the Philadelphia/Camden area. “This is the biggest economic development in 50 years,� Keller emphasizes. “There will never be another opportunity like this. In 300 years we doubled the depth, now we need to do this, again.

It’s our generation’s turn to do it,â€? says Keller. A fitting legacy for a man who spent his life on the river. âœ˝ Union members hail the Channel Deepening Project as key to city’s economic development.

Maria Merlino lives in and writes about South Philadelphia.

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0PM 11AM to 1 y a d s r u - Th Monday 1PM M to 1 A 1 Friday 1 11PM Noon to Saturday PM 0 1 Noon to Sunday

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PRHTHE MENU

The Red Room

Café

A taste of Philly in the heart of Ventnor

by MARIA MERLINO MARIA GATTA AND HER HUSBAND JACK want you to share their passion for food at their restaurant, The Red Room Café, a BYOB in Ventnor.

“We owned an Italian Deli at 17th and Packer Avenue but a wonderful opportunity came our way to take over an existing place. It was the right time for us,” Maria explains.

The Gattas opened their doors in July 2008.

Many of their clients recognize the Gattas from their Packer Avenue Deli in South Philadelphia and new faces are quickly finding their way into the dining room for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine.

“Having dinner here is like having dinner at our home,” Maria smiles. Patrons are quick to point out that the service is wonderful and the wait staff attentive. With the whole family involved, including son Vincent, 19, and daughter Tina, 16, you’re guaranteed to meet a member of the Gatta clan whenever you visit.

“We make our own dough daily for our homemade bread – a customer favorite,” she divulges.

“Chef Ruby makes all of our food to order. Popular dishes are a tribute to family recipes like rice balls, homemade gnocchi and meatballs topped with a creamy ricotta. For appetizers, try a succulent selection of calamari, eggplant rollatini, Wedge Salad topped with crumbled blue cheese or a Caprese Salad.

Entrée selections include Vitello Amore (breaded veal cutlets topped with baby arugula, cold tomato relish, fresh mozzarella dressed with a balsamic vinegar reduction); fresh fish like

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Bronzino and Chilean Sea Bass; Spaghettini Mare e Monte (spaghetti tossed with clams and zucchini in a garlic white wine sauce); Veal Chop stuffed with crab, spinach, roasted peppers and mozzarella). For dessert, Tiramisu and fresh fruit gelati are the perfect ending to an incredible meal.

Breakfast is served on the weekends. Maria strongly suggests you try a garden fresh frittata or any of their Italian omelets. There is limited al fresco seating outside, so get there early.

Open year round, Gatta says she enjoys sharing these tastes of Philadelphia with her seaside clientele. “Our family is working hard to make our customers’ visit to the Red Room Café a memorable one. We love what we do and hope to do it for ✽ many years to come.”

The Red Room Café, 141 N. Dorset Avenue, Ventnor City, NJ, 609.822.1067.

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Michael’s

We are located at 1623 East Passyuk Avenue.

Philadelphia, Pa. 19148

We’re open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Wednesday - Thursday 7am - 10pm Friday - Saturday 7am -11pm Sunday 7am - 5pm If you’d like to give us a buzz, simply call 215.389.9915, or email us at info@ michaels-cafe.net

Café

Berry Brunchworthy

by MARIA MERLINO

If the words soothing, homey, romantic and warm come to mind when looking for a BYOB, close your eyes and picture Michael’s Café. Having maintained its turn-of-the-century charm of windows and hardwood, Michael’s blends nostalgia with a pinch of pizzazz and comes up with the perfect sidewalk café.

Owner Michael Clouston visualized himself in a place like this since he was a kid. “I wanted to open my own restaurant, to have my own place,” he confesses. My place is casual but looks fancy. I want the diners to feel like they’re eating at their favorite aunt’s house.”

Recognized for his comfort food like macaroni & cheese and meatloaf, weekends welcome the addition of seafood like softshelled crabs and flounder. “I don’t want to get pinned as a type,” Clouston says. “We have specials morning, noon and night. We do ethnic foods, like Moroccan and pasta. Soup or salad comes with all our dinner entrees. We also have a vegan menu. The veggie burger is made right here, from scratch.”

Not surprising why his patrons wind their way down East Passyunk Avenue for a Sunday Brunch. Homemade thick Hallah French Toast and Pancakes heaped with fresh berries is a tantalizing temptation.

Patrons can relax at an outdoor table, dine inside on the first or second floors or retreat to the garden. From an intimate nookfor-two to a spacious room for 90, Michael’s Café can accommodate your one-night whim or a planned event. “This is the perfect place for a date. The candlelight is very romantic,” he discloses.

“And you can order freshly made desserts.”

A BYOB, Michael’s Café accepts credit cards and offers guests surprise entertainment once in a while. “It’s part of the experience,” ✽ Clouson smiles. “Expect the unexpected.”

Michael’s Café, 1623 E. Passyunk Avenue, Phila., PA 19148, 215.389.9915

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WIP HUNTS DOWN BEST HOAGIES A celebrity panel of judges including the station’s Glen Macnow and Ike Reese announced the winners in the recent WIP Great Hoagie Hunt, sponsored by WIP Sports Radio 610 AM. Sixty sandwiches in as many days passed the judges’ lips before they tallied the results. Paesano’s in Northern Liberties claimed the top spot, scoring 278 of a possible 300 points from the panel.

Other Hoagie Honchos include:

1

Paesano’s, 278 points.

(No. 1 with Macnow.)

2

Carlino’s Market, Ardmore, 275.

3

Sarcone’s Deli, South Philadelphia,

4

Pastaficio, South Philadelphia,

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(Macnow’s No. 6)

274. (Macnow’s No. 2.)

South Philadelphia, 255. (Macnow’s No. 4)

Primo Hoagies, Ritner Street in South Philadelphia (and other locations), 253. (Macnow’s No. 8.)

Pallante’s, Richboro, 248.

(Macnow’s No. 7.)

Shank’s & Evelyn’s, reopening in Center City this summer, 209. (Macnow’s No. 5.)

PRHMUSIC & THE ARTS

WYSP CONTEST CRAMPS THEIR STYLE

by MICHELLE TORRES FOUR PEOPLE RECENTLY CLIMBED INTO a 2009 Ford Mustang with the determination to stay there longer than their competitors and drive it home.

Prompted by 94 WYSP’s “Live In It and Win” contest, this test of human endurance was no match for the willpower of three remaining contestants and a public poll that eventually decided the winner more than 10 days later.

“Army” John DelVecchio, 25, earned the keys to the car after more than 87,535 (47.25%) listeners cast their vote, putting an end to a grueling test of wills that unraveled on the pavement of contest sponsor Tony Luke’s Sandwiches at Front & Oregon.

As per the original rules of the contest-broadcast live on the Danny Bonaduce Morning Show-four contestants accepted the challenge to remain in the car the longest and claim the prize. After 10 days, contestant “Awesome” Airen Hess, 19, surrendered, leaving John and two other contenders-Michele Levin, 22, and Joseph Arena, 55, vying for the prize. When the station realized the rivals were in it for the long-haul, they changed the rules and put the vote to station listeners.

Twenty-four hours later, “Army” John of Skippack was the victor-raking in more votes than “Barely Legal” Michele (50,100 or 27.05%) and “Tourette” Joe (47,609

or 25.7%). Exhausted and sick from car captivity, he said he entered the contest to replace the car his mother sold while he was in the Army.

To earn their seat inside the Mustang, contestants submitted a video telling why they deserved to win the car. Michele, a recent University of Delaware graduate said she dreamed of driving a Mustang since she was two. Arena, of Havertown, who has Tourette’s Syndrome, said he left his employer a message that he was taking time off for the contest.

Airen Hess, of Morrisville, hoped to put her recent certification in airbrushing and body art to good use on the Mustang but bailed out only hours before they called for votes.

For 11 days, contestants endured close quarters-permitted only 15 minutes of stretching every three hours.

They couldn’t pass the time reading but they enjoyed the food and drinks provided by Tony Luke’s. The only downfall, the smelly steak wrappers and any other trash they accumulated had to stay inside the car with them.

In the end, everyone walked away a winner. WYSP compensated Aversa with $1,500 in lost wages and Levin, whose dream was to meet Bon Jovi, will spend a full day with the singing sensation then join him at one of his shows.✽

We keep it simple, call for a free estimate today!

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Design Builders Assoc Inc. Phone: 215-744-9800 Fax: 215-744-4047

design.builders@yahoo.com www.designbuildersinc.com

PRHTHE MENU

Ribeye Steak Marinade

by LOMBARDI’S PRIME MEATS Marinade Ingredients: 1 tsp. salt 1 Tblsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 Tblsp. Dijon-style prepared mustard 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tblsp. Olive oil cup Worcestershire sauce cup soy sauce 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar tsp. Chili powder tsp. crushed red pepper flakes After Grilling Ingredients: Balsamic glaze (you can purchase at Lombardi’s) Salt & Pepper Garlic Powder Directions: 1) In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients, mix together well, and use to marinate your favorite meat.

2) After grilled, use aged balsamic or glaze to drizzle on top of steak, sprinkle with salt, pepper & garlic powder.

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Baked to PERFECTION

by MELONI’S BUTCHER BLOCK

Tired of the same old chicken recipes? Here’s one for the “family recipe” file, courtesy of Meloni’s Butcher Block – native sons who serve their favorite ‘heat & eat’ recipes to our neighbors in Washington Township, NJ. Joe and Brian Meloni are third-generation owners of this family-owned butcher and Italian specialty shop begun by their grandfather Joe Sr. in the heart of South Philadelphia back in 1938.

In addition to their fresh meats and deli products, Meloni’s is noted for its full line of take-home, oven-ready prepared meals like Chicken Diandra – a mouth-watering favorite among Meloni fans.

Chicken Diandra Ingredients 1 lb chicken cutlets (sliced thin, pounded, breaded & fried) 1 c spinach (sautéed in garlic & oil) c mushrooms (sautéed in butter) 1 c chicken stock c shredded American cheese Directions Place chicken cutlets (dipped in egg batter, coated with seasoned bread crumbs and fried) in an oven-proof casserole dish. Top with spinach, mushrooms, chicken stock and cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes (until cheese melts).

Meloni’s Butcher Block, 771 S. Black Horse Pike #A, Turnersville NJ, 08012, 856.228.5000, www.melonis.com

Specializing in

*Fresh Meat *Deli *Fully cooked oven ready *Prepaid Meals * Catering

Meloni’s Butcher Block 771 S Black Horse Pike # A Turnersville, NJ 08012 (856) 228-5000 (856) 228-5330 Fax ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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PRHTHE MENU

From

Lancaster to Philly Pot Pie anyone?

by HAILIEE DANIELSEN

I

might not know the true meaning of Philadelphia “brotherly love”—seeing that I am from Lancaster County—but I do know that Philly makes a mean cheesesteak. As far as I am concerned, it is the only place where one can experience the true essence of a delicious sandwich piled high with beef, cheese, sautéed onions and peppers.

After riding the train down to Philly and experiencing the subway for the first time, I decided it was a day for firsts. That’s when I chose to eat my first cheesesteak. I grabbed it from Pat’s on my way to the train station after I spent my day interning at the magazine. The juice dripped down my hands as I bit into the bun while the cheese squirted out the sides. I was in Heaven. I gobbled the entire thing up even before I made it to the train station.

While I sat on the train, I realized that Philadelphia may be significantly different from Lancaster County, but they are also very much alike. Sure, Philadelphia does not have the Amish, but I sensed a closeness and pride like most people in Lancaster possess. Like the Philly cheesesteak, the Pennsylvania Dutch have a Chicken Pot Pie that can’t be found anywhere else. It is not the typical pie filled with chicken, peas, carrots and potatoes that Stouffer’s makes, but a thick broth, filled to the brim of a pot.

As I child, I remember helping my mother place the homemade egg noodles into the pot while I stood on the stool next to the stove. The warmth of the steam brushing against my face filled my nose with the smell of chicken, celery, onions and potatoes. It is a smell that can only be found in the heart of a Pennsylvania Dutch home. My mom called it a stick-to-your-ribs meal, and it is. She said that many of the farmers back in the day needed something that would fill them up from working in the fields all day, or they would wither away.

The Pennsylvania Dutch believed in mixing sweet and sour foods together. Elliot Essman, author of the article Pennsylvania Dutch Cuisine, says that under the rubric of Pennsylvania Dutch meals, seven sweets and seven sours need to be represented.

Most of these foods are primarily homegrown. The Dutch believe in saving everything, and many of them can their produce for the winter. They also make scrapple, which is made up of the leftover

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PRHTHE MENU meats of the animal such as the heart, liver and other scraps that people don’t particularly eat plain.

There is no true recipe for Chicken Pot Pie—it is all up to the cook. It does, however, have to include homemade egg noodles, chicken, potatoes, celery and onions. Some people like to put peas and carrots in for color, but it all depends on the chef. My mom cooks off the chicken in a crockpot overnight and my Nana boils the chicken off. As long as it has its delicious savory taste as an end result, there will be happy faces and full stomachs surrounding the dinner table.

So, I can understand why Philly has so much pride for its yummy sandwich because I have just as much pride in the chicken pot pie that my mom makes. It warms my stomach and my heart.

Chicken Pot Pie 4 large chicken breasts (with the bone and skin) 3 celery stalks 1 onion 1 stick of butter 5 medium potatoes (peeled and diced) 8 large eggs 1 tsp salt Flour Instructions: De-bone four large chicken breasts before cooking them. Take the bone and skin of the breasts and place them in a crockpot filled with water. Cook overnight with the temperature on low.

Finely chop the celery and onion. Place the stick of butter in the bottom of a large stock pot and sauté the chopped onions and celery stalks until they are soft. Put in a dash of salt and pepper. Add the five peeled and diced potatoes. Cover the pot and heat on low until the potatoes are tender. Cube the chicken add it to the pot to cook until it is tender. Strain the chicken broth and add it to the pot.

In a large mixing bowl crack the 8 large eggs and one teaspoon of salt. Mix the eggs and salt with a fork until the yolks are broken and mixed well. Add flour slowly until it forms into a dough-like mixture. On the surface of your counter and on your rolling pin as well, sprinkle a heavy amount of flour. Section off the dough so that it is manageable to roll. Once you have rolled out a section of the dough so that it is roughly the thickness of a lasagna noodle, cut the dough into sections that are 2x2 inches.

Meanwhile, bring the broth mixture to a boil. When it reaches a boiling point, drop each noodle in the broth—making sure that the broth covers each noodle entirely. Continue the process until all of the dough is rolled out and dropped as noodles into the pot.

To thicken the broth, add 2 heaping tablespoons of flour in a jar and pour about 1 cups of milk into the jar. Place the lid on tightly. Shake the contents of the jar until the mixture is smooth. As you pour it into the hot broth, stir it in until it reaches a thick consis✽ tency. Add parsley if desired.

Enjoy another homemade recipe, Philadelphia, straight from the heart of Dutch Country!

ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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PRHBAR TABS

Time to Tap For Pete’s Sake Pub

by MICHELLE TORRES So close to the river you can hear the boat whistles, For Pete’s Sake Pub has been a favorite gathering spot for anyone looking for great food, friendly faces and a taste-tester’s paradise for Draft (and Bottled) Beer – Imported and Domestic. Names like Spaten, Flying Fish, Allagash, Harpoon, Franziskaner and Chimay fill each frothy mug to perfection as patrons decide on one of their signature, made-to-order dishes for a memorable lunch, brunch or dinner.

For lunch, feast your eyes on a Grilled Fontina Cheese sandwich with bacon and tomato; Guiness Battered Fish & Chips with Raisin Slaw and Handcut Fries; Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich or a Spring Green Salad with Dried Cranberries, Goat Cheese and Toasted Pine Nuts in a Champagne Vinaigrette to name a few.

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Dinner specials, served every day from 5 pm, include Grilled Pork Mignon with Chipotle Honey Glaze, Roasted Tomato, White Asparagus and Yukon gold Ratatouille; Grilled Pub Steak with Roasted Fork Smashed Yukon Potatoes and Vegetables; Yellow Fin; Exotic Curry dishes and the best Black Angus Burger you’ve ever dripped onto your plate.

Stop by for Sunday Brunch from 11:303:30 and enjoy mouthwatering specials with your Bloody Mary ($5) or Mimosa ($6).

Tuesday nights feature the Legendary Wild Quiz Show beginning at 9 pm with prizes and drink specials throughout the night. ✽ For Pete’s Sake Pub, “Devilishly Good Food & Drink”, is located at 900 S. Front Street (Front & Christian), in Philadelphia, 215.462.2230. www.forpetessakepub.com

WHO PUT THE BOMP IN THE BOMP BAH BOMP BAH BOMP? A DOO WOP OVERWIEW

by Bob Wagner Technically speaking, Doo-Wop is a form of Rhythm & Blues based harmony vocalizing that uses simple phonetic syllables for rhythm and provides harmonic background. The style generally featured a tenor lead vocalist singing the melody of the song with a trio or quartet singing background harmony. Its origins can be traced back to vocal groups like The Ink Spots, The Mills Brothers, The Modernaires and The Pied Pipers of the 1930s and 40s.

While the origins of Doo Wop are firmly rooted in large American cities like New York, Chicago, Cleveland and our very own Philadelphia, the sounds that these groups created were not limited to nationality or ethnicity. Like America itself, Doo Wop is a melting pot of cultures and the street corners that gave birth to this form of music forever altered the course of history in America and the world.

The Doo Wop sound evolved because innercity teenagers - who had little access to musical instruments - could perform it acapella. They rehearsed in stairways, high-school bathrooms, under bridges and any other area that could provide the echo suitable to enhance their harmonies.

Pioneering Doo Wop groups like The Crows (“Gee”) and The Chords (“Sh-Boom”) played a major role in helping to usher in the Rock & Roll era. Record companies and producers looking to expand its popularity added instrumentation to the already distinctive vocal sounds and paved the way for groups like The Platters, The Moonglows, The Elegants, Dion & The Belmonts and a laundry list of one and two-hit-wonders who went on to leave an indelible mark on the music of the era.

While Doo Wop music as a whole had a relatively short period of time in the spotlight, it has never fully gone away. There are still thousands of groups worldwide trying to replicate and pay homage to the sounds of that bygone time. In addition, the Doo Wop influence can still be heard today in the mainstream music of groups like ‘N-Sync and Boyz II Men.£ ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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PRH A SALUTE TO DOO WOP

THE EMERALDS featuring Joe Porpora

Music is a powerful backdrop to every era. It evokes memories. Stirs emotions. Unites people with their past. Inspires the future. Philadelphia RowHome Magazine is proud to salute the musicians that continue the tradition of street corner singing we so fondly refer to as “Doo Wop.” The following groups are members of that magical age of acapella – a tribute to the songs of the city.

When was the group formed?

The group was originally formed back in the mid 1960s.

Who are the current members?

Jim DiPlacido, Scott Finlayson, Pete Siciliano, Ray Martin and Joe Porpora.

When and how did you get involved in singing?

We were a bunch of Bishop Neumann kids singing on the corner of 16th & Jackson. We would also sing in Neumann’s gym for the echo. (laughs)

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Where did you and the group get your style?

We were influenced by many of the groups; it was the era and not just one group or certain songs.

What was your most memorable performance?

Without a doubt, it was the Jukebox Dreams shows we did with Tony Orlando at Harrah’s Casino. Currently, two of our songs are used in the Broadway show, A Bronx Tale, featuring Chas Palminteri.

What song do you feel best epitomizes Doo Wop? I’ll have to go with what I consider the national anthem of Doo Wop, ‘Gloria’ by The Cadillacs.

Why has an audience for this music managed to last so long?

It’s from the heart. It’s real music by real people about real emotions. £

PRH A SALUTE TO DOO WOP

MID-LIFE CRISIS an interview with Frank Morelli

When was the group formed?

This version of the group was formed back in 1990 at a Bishop Neumann High School reunion.

What song do you feel best epitomizes Doo Wop? I’m sure that I have chosen the ultimate Doo Wop song, ‘Gloria.’ (laughs)

Who are the members?

The current members are Sue Descano, Dennis Steumphle, Bobby Burgess, Frank Morelli and Fred DiSalvio.

What do you feel separates your group from the others in the genre?

Well, we are not strictly Doo Wop acappella. We perform with backing tracks, as well. In addition, we have a female member that allows us to do some things that other groups cannot.

When and how did you get involved in singing?

Well, a few of us first began singing together back in the mid-sixties, harmonizing on the corner of 13th & Tasker.

Where did you and the group get your style?

The groups that primarily influenced us were the Temptations and Dion & The Belmonts.

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Why has an audience for this music managed to last so long?

I think the main thing is, it’s totally live.

It’s real. There is not a lot of live music anymore. Kids especially stop and listen because it is so foreign to what they are normally exposed to. £

PRH A SALUTE TO DOO WOP

QUIET STORM

an interview with Kamau Akiba (aka Smitty)

When was the group formed?

The group was formed back in January of 2008.

Who are the members?

The current members are Kamau Akiba a/k/a Smitty, Martin Bentley, Richard Hidlebird, Jerome Johnson and Vincent Tucker.

When and how did you get involved in singing?

I first became influenced at age 5. My father played in a band called Matt Child’s & The Drifters. They backed up one of the first Philly Sound bands called The Buccaneers.

Where did you and the group get your style?

The groups that primarily influenced us were The Moonglows, The Flamingos, The Dells & The Temptations. All for different reasons, particularly the harmony styles and stage movements.

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What song do you feel best epitomizes Doo Wop? I’m torn between two songs. Penny Arcade by The Moonglows and Golden Teardrops by The Flamingos.

What do you feel separates your group from the others in the genre?

We strive to keep it as close to the original as possible. By that, I don’t just mean the song itself but the R&B feel. We try to capture the original spirit and cultural content.

Why has an audience for this music managed to last so long?

Because it’s real, it’s about love and the feeling of love. That is timeless. It’s not singing about sex; it’s about the heart.

And every generation can relate to that emotion. £

One Philly Icon to Another ...

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4010 Robbins Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19135 215-338-3060

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PRH A SALUTE TO DOO WOP

STREET CORNER FIVE When was the group formed?

The group was originally formed back in 1959. We were known as The Hollanders. We reformed in 1984 and changed the name to Street Corner Five.

What song do you feel best epitomizes Doo Wop? It’s been said before but I have to go with “Gloria”. Every group has, does or will do it. It is the foundation of Doo Wop.

Who are the current members?

Rich Girese, Jim Bakay, Fred DeSalvo, Michael Diamond and Robert Giordano.

Why has an audience for this music managed to last so long?

Because the songs have meaning and the songs evoke memories. From that standpoint, it’s the greatest music that ever was. £

Where did you and the group get your style?

We were influenced by many of the groups. We took something from all of the greats.

What was your most memorable performance?

We were performing one night at a club in Center City. It was one of those nights where the group just grabbed hold of the audience and vice-versa. I saw this woman with tears in her eyes while we were singing. After the set, I asked her why she was crying and she stated that was the song that was playing when my husband and I met.

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PRH A SALUTE TO DOO WOP

Radio Personality King Arthur (WNJC 1360 AM) was the MC at PRH’s recent ‘Salute to Doo Wop’ party featuring a concert by Street Corner Five; Midlife Crisis; Quiet Storm and The Emeralds w/ Joe Porpora.

Co-sponsored by The Arena Entertainment Group, singer Radiyah also delivered a memorable performance.

PHOTOS BY JOHN MCMULLEN

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PRH A SALUTE TO DOO WOP

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PRHMUSIC & THE ARTS

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by Michelle Torres

WRAP-UP OF 2009

WINTER MUSIC CONFERENCE ACCORDING TO INDUSTRY EXPERTS, TODAY’S music is experiencing a profound metamorphosis. CDRs, MP3s, download streams and other new technologies are changing the ways in which people create, buy, sell and listen to music.

These and other exciting developments are among the key topics at the annual Winter Music Conference (WMC) where leading professionals gather to present new ideas, discuss industry issues and build new inroads for business development. Meetings and seminars focus on more than 30 key issues like market strategies, artist development, copyrighting, publishing, promotion and internet retailing to name a few.

Philadelphia RowHome Magazine was on site at the 2009 Winter Music Conference in Miami. This “Who’s Who” of the electronic dance music industry convenes DJs, Producers, Remixers, Promoters, Booking Agents, Publicists and Media from more than 70 countries around the world to premier the latest dance tracks.

Now in its 24th year, the WMC is regarded as the singular networking event in the dance music industry.

Included in this weeklong lineup are workshops, dance parties, performance events, showcases and release parties. Awards are presented to industry experts in a variety of categories including Best Trance, House and Hip-Hop tracks for the year; Best Promoter; Best Dancers and Best Venue – all nominated by people in the business.

Highlights of the event include the Producers Forum, presented by the WMC and The Recording Academy®, one of the most anticipated gatherings of legendary artists at the WMC. The International Record Collectors Show is another crowd-pleaser, assembling the best record dealers and rarest collections in the country.£

MICHELLE TORRES ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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PRHMUSIC & THE ARTS

by Michelle Torres

ELECTRONIC MIXES C o n s t r u c t i o n

GIVE PHILLY FANS A JOLT There’s no denying the energizing beat of electronic dance music. Local DJs are taking this distinct sound out of the clubs and onto the airways, positioning Philadelphia as one of the more influential cities when it comes to the raw talent behind these unique mixes. Philadelphia RowHome Magazine caught up with Lainie Copicotto of Ministry of Sound America, one of the largest electronic dance music labels in the world, at the recent World Music Conference (WMC) in Miami.

Q: What is it like to work for one of the largest electronic dance music labels in the world?

It’s exciting, challenging, surprising and definitely fulfilling. It is different outside the US. In America, people still have that preconceived notion that Electronic music is Rave music. Overseas, it crosses genres into Pop and Rock like you see with Moby, Kylie Minogue and Madonna. It expands into ambient and chill, too, so those posh spas and restaurants you go to, take a listen. You are surrounded by our music even if you didn’t know it.

Q: How long have you been working for Ministry of Sound America?

We opened up the US shop about a year-and-a-half ago. I own Aurelia Entertainment, a marketing firm in NY that was Global Underground’s main US PR and when the owner did the partnership with Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi, he named me Director of PR & Marketing for all three labels.

Q: What inspired you to enter the music/entertainment industry? And how long have you been working in the industry?

Honestly? I was kidnapped by my older stepsister one night when I was 12 and brought to the Limelight Nightclub. That was the early ’90s.

No one ID’d you if you were on a guest list or dropped the right name.

She got me in and subsequently lost me for three hours while I made friends with all the drag queens and danced. It was like being Alice in Wonderland. I was sold. I wanted that music and those people around me. They were amazing. I met one of the head promoters that night.

Next thing I knew I was a flyer girl. Worked my way up from there to

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running club nights as time went on at the Tunnel and Palladium nightclubs which were all owned by Peter Gatien. When his venues closed, I joined a small website named Clubplanet that focused on its viral club promotion and messageboards which has now grown into Track Entertainment. I worked in recording studios and consulted for labels and artists. I just took every opportunity and ran with it. We won’t say how long but I think you can do the math from the information above.

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Q: What are your favorite clubs?

In the US, I love Mynt in Miami, Cielo in New York. I was on the construction site of Playhouse in LA last month, which looks incredible. Can’t wait for that. And of course, I have to give it up to the mother ship, Ministry of Sound in London. It’s such a great venue. And for something funkier, GOA in Rome. You are literally partying in a cave with candles all around you. How cool is that?

Q: Do you think that Philadelphia is on the map for electronic dance music and why?

Absolutely! I mean this is the home of Josh Wink and Nigel Richards. I think that Philadelphia is a huge influence on the East Coast. There is a depth to the music that comes out of Philly. You have up-and-comers like Taurus & Vaggeli, Micah the Violinist and Tom Colatonio that have the big guys like Carl Cox, David Vendetta and Paul van Dyk signing and promoting them.

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Q: What thoughts could you share to someone trying to break into the industry today?

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take it personally. You will get kicked down 20 times before you get up. Concentrate on always improving your craft and keep it quality. If you are looking to work at a label, come armed with a college degree and heavy computer skills. Yes, mom was right. You need a college degree!

For musicians, music is subjective so take everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opinion with a grain of salt and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get disheartened. There is a label for everyone and the beauty of technology is if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find one, start your own.

Q: Please explain how Ministry Of Sound America, Hed Kandi America and Global Underground UK all tie in together. What makes each different?

Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi are one company. Global Underground is partnered with MOSHK and distributed by them outside of the US. Andrew Horsfield is the Founder and owner of GU and now the President of MOSHK America. One big happy family.

Global Underground is exactly that...it is electronic through and through. It is minimal, progressive, poignant house and techno that has an incredible soul and thoughtfulness to it.

Ministry is just big room, throw your hands in the air anthems and four on-the-floor drama hits.

And Hed Kandi is just the most delicious, stylish, funky and playful house music with a side of disco and chill for a little variation.

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Q: What do you see in the future of dance music and do you see Philadelphia being part of that?

I think that there is definitely a heavy influence in dance musicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future coming out of Philadelphia with WMPH and Q102 on a radio level. They are definitely bringing quality to the masses. And in the local club scene, there is so much potential for Philly to grow and become one of the more influential cities. There is a rawness to the talent that comes from Philly.

There is an honesty in the sound and we just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to hear more.

Lainie Copicotto is the Marketing & PR Director for Ministry Of Sound America, Hed Kandi America and Global Underground UK.

ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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PRHMUSIC & THE ARTS

by Michelle Torres

DJ SALEEM

T R AC K S

HIS VISION Saleemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music is best described as uplifting rhythms and electro hymns that flirt with the darkest realms of the human psyche. From the lighter tracks to deeper techno realms, he explores various genres and styles to form his own analog measures. With a philosophy major and a law degree, he defies labels with music and lyrics that transcend audiences.

Starting his DJ career in Dallas, to Chicago and to Kansas City, his sets move crowds of all types. His first ep, The Progressive Step, was released in January 2009 with LBA records followed by a second release in May 2009. A rising producer, Saleem says he hopes that audiences will listen and feel each melody, each rhythm, to understand the music that he portrays.

Q: What inspired you to become a DJ? I used to be into industrial electronic music. Still am. But this was in High School, Ministry, that sort of thing, and they use a lot of samples. I also had a very mixed taste of genres. I thought, well, maybe I can make my own mixes, put my own samples in and construct music. My love for industrial music lead me to techno and acid techno. I started with that and, well, just fell in love with the music and the scene.

Q: How long have you been a DJ? I have been DJing since 2000. I got started in college at Texas Tech with a small local scene. Did some appearances on the local college radio station and some local clubs here and there. My first big gig was opening up for Raoul Zerna in 2001.

Q: When did you start producing music?

It all started with a simple conversation while I was working in between college and law school. My friend said he had a buddy, B War, who he wanted to introduce me to who produced electronic music in Dallas. He set up the meet and greet and for the next three years we produced a lot of music and played shows around the Dallas area.

Q: Where do you live now?

Currently, I am deployed in Iraq as an attorney with the US Armed Forces. I have spun at various places in Kansas City including

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Saleem with wife Melinda “Mina” Razvi who provides vocals on his tracks.

Balanca’s and the Riot Room. I hope to release some more music when I get back and play at more shows.

Q: What was the highlight of the WMC 2009 for you? What workshop impressed you most? Why? I have to say being in the room with such greats as Barbara Tucker and top notch label representatives is one thing, but hearing Nick Warren and Dave Seamen play for three hours is another. My love for the music is what drives my passion. I have a vision and that vision is put into each track. Each track is its own work and I needed to expand my reach to a greater audience so others can experience and feel each track every time they press play.

I think the best thing I got out of the WMC was to never give up.

Break down doors and then it will come. Superstardom in the electronic music biz does not happen overnight, even for the greats of today.

Q: Share with me a little about LBA Records. What role do you play with this label?

After I moved to Missouri in 2008, I began to produce on my own. I started working on tracks for the next year and had five solid tracks. I sent one to B War back in Dallas to remix and master the rest. Then I just said it’s now or never, sent out samples of the five tracks to 10 different labels and LBA records - www.lbarecords.com - in Florida responded with a contract. They are a smaller label moving in the right direction and they provide me with the avenue for millions of people all over the world to listen and purchase my music.

Q: Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Have you ever played in Philadelphia?

I have been to Philly once and took the Gino’s and Pat’s Cheesesteak challenge. And I’m not saying which one I think is better.

I have not played in Philly and I would love the opportunity to rock a club any time, any day.

Q: What would you like to share with our readers about DJ/Producer Saleem Razvi?

My next 3 track ep featuring my wife Mina on vocals was released on July 1st. Check me out on Itunes, Beatport and Amazon or any other music retailer online or at www.myspace.com/saleem02. I hope people listen and feel the same thing that I feel when I put myself into each track. Electronic music lovers have listened to my music and people that normally do not listen to electronic music. I think both types of listeners will be pleased with the emotion and art that is each track. I love to produce and hopefully it will be my one and only job someday. ✽

ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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PRHMUSIC & THE ARTS

Joseph P. Badolato D.O. Board Certified General Practice

1818 E. Passyunk Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19148 215-468-2553 Fax 215-468-1096 Hours by Appointment

WAXING NOSTALGIC

by Bob Russo Music Memories Sonny Till & the Orioles’ million-seller, Crying in the Chapel, in 1953…Joe Niagara on Wibbage (WIBG) - “The Rockin’Bird’s Gonna Rock Tonight”…Try the Impossible by Philly’s Lee Andrews & The Hearts…Samples of ‘Race Music’—music that appealed to both races but was not played on white stations— included Hank Ballard’s Work With Me Annie, which became Dance With Me Henry by Georgia Gibbs… Sh-Boom by The Chords was Sh-Boom by The Crew Cuts…Long Tall Sally by Little Richard became Long Tall Sally by Pat Boone… The Diamonds’ 1957 hit Little Darlin’… The Coasters’ string of hits, Searchin’, Yakety-Yak, Charlie Brown, Along Came Jones and Poison Ivy… Hyski…First successful racially integrated group, The Del-Vikings & their hit, Come Go with Me…The 1954 hit Gee by The Crows…The Glory of Love by The Five Keys…The Teen Queens’ 1956 hit, Eddie my Love…1958 hit Get a Job

by The Silhouettes… Little Star by The Elgants (pronounced L-Ah-Ghants)…1960 hit Alley-Oop by The Hollywood Argyles…

And the two “moon” songs most heard in Broad Street Subway harmony sessions, The Capri’s’ There’s a Moon Out Tonight and Blue Moon by The Marcels.

Philly Phun Crystal Pool at Woodside Park…Toppi Stadium…Wilson Cruise Line trips to Riverview Beach Park…Municipal Stadium later JFK Stadium…

The Dawn Patrol on WIP with Joe McCauley & “the Bluebird of Happiness”…Later, Joe McCauley was “Your Morning Mayor”…The last song played on KYW (then WRCV) before it became an all-news station, played by Wee Willie Webber was Que Sera, Sera by Doris Day…Gene Kelly doing play-by-play for the Phillies… The Earle Theater with a double feature, a newsreel AND a “Live” stage show…

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PRHMUSIC & THE ARTS Eagles games at Shibe Park…Connie Mack managing the Phila. A’s from the dugout in a suit & tie… “Jumpin” Joe Fulks…

Price of a ticket for the 1960 NFL Championship game at Franklin Field between the Eagles & Green Bay, EIGHT DOLLARS!…

Aquarama…WIP was once owned by Gimbel’s & WFIL was owned by Lit Brothers…Palumbo’s…Latin Casino on Walnut near 13th Street…The Hawaiian Cottage…Phila. A’s radio announcers By Saam & Claude Haring…The Diamond Beach Club…That the “IBG” in radio station call letters WIBG stood for “I Believe In God”… The Red Hill Inn…LaMania’s…

“Frankenstien’s Castle” down near the airport…

And whatever happened to…

Hall Robert …Baltimore Markets…Dance Cards…

“Ladies Day” at the ballpark…Linton’s…Horn & Hardart’s…

Transistor Radios…“Rag” Shops…Pegged Pants… Raleigh Cigarettes’ “coupons”…Pa. Blue Laws…Black & White Scottie dog magnets… ‘Kilroy was here’…Ozark Ike…Little Johnny the bellboy (Johnny Rovistino) “Call for Phillip Morrresss”…Reading Railroad…Placing a “roll of caps” on trolley tracks…The street game “Buck-Buck” where everyone wanted to be the “pillow”...The “diving horse” at Steel Pier…Galoshes…

Skate Keys…Billy Batson, who became Captain Marvel when he shouted Shazam! (& why hasn’t there been a movie made about this superhero?)…Sal Hepatica…Fitch Shampoo…“Punks” that you lit to keep mosquitoes away (they never worked)…Two mail deliveries a day….Whitewall tires…Korvettes…Two Guys…LS/MFT, Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco… Oxydol…

Ipana… Old Gold dancing cigarette pack…Jergen’s Lotion…

Woodbury Soap…Darlene Ice Cream Bars…Parcheesi…

Bonomo Turkish Taffy…Ice cream parlors… Tutti-Frutti Chewing Gum... City Title Game in football between the Public League Champs & the Catholic League Champs that often drew crowds of more than 30,000 to Franklin Field…

Television Steve Allen’s “Man on the Street Interviews” with Louie Nye as Gordon Hathaway… “Hi-Ho Steverino”…Don Knotts as the terribly nervous Mr. Morrison…Tom Poston, who could never remember his own name… Pat Harrington as golf pro Guido Panzini… Dayton Allen who started every interview with ‘Why Not!’ and Bill Dana “My name Jose Jimenez”…

Dunninger…Paul Winchell & Jerry Mahoney…Orson Bean…Wally Cox...Peter Lind Hayes & Mary Healy…Arthur Treacher introducing Merv Griffin, “Here’s the dear boy now”…

The Chordettes were the first guests on American Bandstand when it made its national debut…Rod Stieger played “Marty” in the TV version…Robert Q. Lewis…This is Your Life with Ralph Edwards…Captain Video…Ken Murray…The very first “Mystery Guest” on What’s My Line was Phil Rizzuto…Ann Sothern… Sgt. Preston of the Yukon…Princess Summerfall Winterspring…Ramar of the Jungle… Eve Arden, “Our Miss Brooks”…Chet Huntley & David Brinkley…Marge & Gower Champion…Salvatore Bono & Cherilyn Sarkisian, Sonny & Cher…Flub-A-Dub…Mary Hartline on Super Circus…

ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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PRHFILM

THE PASSION OF

SAL MAZZOTTA

by BOB WAGNER

O

ver the past decade, Sal Mazzotta has evolved into a consummate actor, independent filmmaker, director, producer and writer.

Growing up at 12th & Mifflin, Mazzotta caught the acting bug early after seeing

Rocky. It was to become the defining moment in his life.

“It was one of those surreal events where you realize exactly what you are supposed to do with your life,” he said.

Sal’s career started modestly - doing extra work to earn his SAG card. Eventually, he landed small roles in the films The Fallen with Denzel Washington, Animal Factory with William Defoe and Mickey Rourke and Twelve Monkeys with Bruce Willis. This period of his career culminated with a role in the film comedy 74

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Oscar with his idol and inspiration Sylvester Stallone.

In 1998, Mazzotta decided to stop sitting around and waiting for acting roles to materialize and decided to create his own with his film, The Evil Within. Over the next few years, he released Mafioso: The Father, the Son and The Unknown Trilogy.

PRH recently sat down with Sal Mazzotta to discuss his career and his latest projects.

Q. You describe yourself as an actor, yet over the past decade you have branched out into writing, producing and directing. Why the switch in focus?

A. Acting is my passion. Everything else that I have attempted in my career is secondary to that. Those other arenas enable me to do what I enjoy best, which is act. I started out with The Evil Within. It was a good low- budget horror film but it did not have proper distribution at the time. However, I learned so much about the process and the business by doing that project. It will be available on DVD this Halloween.

Q. You have cited Sylvester Stallone as an inspiration.

Why? A. Seeing “Rocky” changed my life. It was like the moment in “The Wizard of Oz” where everything suddenly went from black & white to color. Here was an artist – Stallone - and a character – Rocky - who achieved success from my neighborhood. They both embodied the work ethic and ‘never say die’ attitude that our parents preached. Stallone wrote a marvelous screenplay and gave a stunning performance. It sounds cliché but it truly changed my life and that of a lot of other actors and filmmakers from this area because we saw that it was possible for a Row Home kid to achieve success in our respective fields.

Q. Many people became aware of your work via Mafioso: The Father, the Son. In fact, it has become a kind of cult classic in the genre. What was your inspiration behind that?

A. At that point in my career I was transitioning from small parts to the prospect of actually having to “carry” a movie. I felt that to do that successfully, it had to be a character that both the audience and people in the business would find believable.

I took a hard look at myself and tried to identify my strengths.

Obviously, I have a certain “look.” Being a South Philly guy, I walk a certain way, I talk a certain way, there is a certain attitude that I project. Based on that, I decided to play to my strengths the first time out of the gate and came up with the idea to play a “mobster.” After that decision was made, we wrote the film.

Q. How did The Unknown Trilogy come about?

A. Growing up, I was a big fan of shows like The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits and Night Gallery. I wanted to develop something along those lines - short suspenseful stories instead of slasher or horror genre films. Something that would scare the audience.

One of the first speaking parts I ever had was in a film directed

by Dan Curtis. I’m sure many of your readers will remember him as the director of Dark Shadows. I absolutely loved that show as a kid. While doing that film, he was gracious enough to sit down with me to offer advice and encouragement. He passed away a few years ago. He was a real gentleman and I appreciated him taking the time with me.

Q. What projects do you have on the horizon?

A. I am working on a few projects at the moment. The first is a new film that will begin shooting shortly called Hush Little Baby. In addition, I am working on Mafioso II. It’s an exciting time. My team and I, which includes Anthony Sparano, Jr., are quite busy. ✽ ROWHOME MAGAZINE

| 75

PRHFILM

BAY WATCH

by BOB WAGNER

M

any young boys grow up with aspirations to one day become a doctor, lawyer or professional athlete. While growing up at 12th & Dickinson, Nick Lanciano had one dream. To someday

become a filmmaker.

When the Rocky craze hit Philadelphia like a thunderbolt in the mid 1970s, instead of boxing gloves, Nick got his hands on an old super 8 movie camera and hit the “Record” button.

After graduating St. John Neumann High School in 1986, he cut his teeth making corporate training films and music videos.

Three years ago, he dedicated himself to realizing his feature film dream. What followed was a trail of blood, sweat and tears to write, produce, direct and star in 9th & Bay. Nick recently sat down with PRH to share his story.

Q. What inspired 9th & Bay? A. Since the age of 9, I have always wanted to make a feature film. With the age of computers and digital technology, it is now possible and affordable for anyone with the talent, heart and a dream to make a movie.

The problem was, I needed a story. The first Idea for a script stopped at page 37. I had myself as a drunk that cheats on his girlfriend and goes into rehab. It was awful. Just the same old story you see on the Lifetime channel. Then I decided to use the old writer’s adage - write what you know. So, 9th & Bay was inspired by my real-life experiences. I wrote what I knew about and handed it over to my co-writer Steve Olenski to structure or make sense of it. (Laughs) It’s the story of a real man with the same everyday problems that most of us who are members of the hard-working middle class go through. When life holds you down, you can either stay there and accept it or fight back with everything you have. That’s the real fight. Life! Sometimes you lose and sometimes you win but in your heart, you will always know that you are a winner, a fighter, if you just fight back. So I took some events from my life and that was the spark.

Q. What was the main difference for you being in front of the 76

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camera this time as opposed to being behind it?

A. The biggest difference was the loss of control. When I am behind the camera, I have more control over what is being done. If it was a scene I was in, I would set-up the shot and then hand off the actual shooting to Russ Fereante who would then pan, zoom at the controls. He did a great job. However, there are some scenes that I missed setting up properly because I was so engulfed with other aspects of the film and it shows.

Because of the multiple hats I had to wear, I could never get that same level of control in regards to the camera, sound and lighting that I would have if I was just Directing.

Q. What was the movie premier like for you?

A. The premiere was simply one of the best nights of my life.

I am not by nature a nervous person, but I was scared. Would the audience understand the filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message? On the technical side, I was concerned that the film would not be taken seriously since we made this for approximately $10,000.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thrilled to say, I was wrong. At the end, grown men were crying. I sat back and watched my dream coming true right before my eyes. I thought back to that little boy who just wanted to make movies and I really did it! The credits started to roll and everyone turned to me in the back of the theater and cheered. For the first time in my life, I had no words. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thank the cast and crew enough. I think we did a fantastic job with the financial limitations we had.

Q. What have the reviews been like?

A. I have received letters and e-mails from people telling me that I inspired them to follow their dreams and that they are

going to do what they love to do. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the key, man! Do what you love on some scale. Who cares if you make money doing it?

Just do it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for you! Do it for you!

We have been overwhelmed with requests for DVDs and additional screenings. The feedback is much better then I could ever have expected. There were things in the film I wish I had done differently. I wish I had developed the script more but we were very limited on what we could do with the budget we had. So, we just did the best we could do and I am proud of the project.

Q. Do you feel this project will become your calling card?

A. I certainly hope so. That was one of the reasons I made it.

I was so tired of people telling me that I was not good enough, that I could never accomplish this. A lot of people in the industry believe that they are the only people on the planet that can and should make movies.

Thanks to technology, I made a film on $10,000 that I raised. Next time, I can go to an investor and say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Look what I can do. Give me a real budget and experienced crew and letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bring a project to life.â&#x20AC;?

Q. What is next for you?

A. My plan is to enter the film in selected festivals and see what happens. I am prepping a DVD release of the film. In addition, Russ Fereante and I are exploring some new projects, including a short film.

I learned so much from working on 9th & Bay. The next one will be bigger, better and certainly more organized. I made a promise to myself that Ĺ&#x2026;th & Bay would be completed. I make the same promise for the next one. Stay tuned. â&#x153;˝

%OFF;M ONI 2;A ;H> 'HMOL;H=?

#VJTU "WF 1IJMB 1"

ROWHOME MAGAZINE

| 77

camera this time as opposed to being behind it?

A. The biggest difference was the loss of control. When I am behind the camera, I have more control over what is being done. If it was a scene I was in, I would set-up the shot and then hand off the actual shooting to Russ Fereante who would then pan, zoom at the controls. He did a great job. However, there are some scenes that I missed setting up properly because I was so engulfed with other aspects of the film and it shows.

Because of the multiple hats I had to wear, I could never get that same level of control in regards to the camera, sound and lighting that I would have if I was just Directing.

Q. What was the movie premier like for you?

A. The premiere was simply one of the best nights of my life.

I am not by nature a nervous person, but I was scared. Would the audience understand the filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message? On the technical side, I was concerned that the film would not be taken seriously since we made this for approximately $10,000.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thrilled to say, I was wrong. At the end, grown men were crying. I sat back and watched my dream coming true right before my eyes. I thought back to that little boy who just wanted to make movies and I really did it! The credits started to roll and everyone turned to me in the back of the theater and cheered. For the first time in my life, I had no words. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thank the cast and crew enough. I think we did a fantastic job with the financial limitations we had.

Q. What have the reviews been like?

A. I have received letters and e-mails from people telling me that I inspired them to follow their dreams and that they are

going to do what they love to do. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the key, man! Do what you love on some scale. Who cares if you make money doing it?

Just do it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for you! Do it for you!

We have been overwhelmed with requests for DVDs and additional screenings. The feedback is much better then I could ever have expected. There were things in the film I wish I had done differently. I wish I had developed the script more but we were very limited on what we could do with the budget we had. So, we just did the best we could do and I am proud of the project.

Q. Do you feel this project will become your calling card?

A. I certainly hope so. That was one of the reasons I made it.

I was so tired of people telling me that I was not good enough, that I could never accomplish this. A lot of people in the industry believe that they are the only people on the planet that can and should make movies.

Thanks to technology, I made a film on $10,000 that I raised. Next time, I can go to an investor and say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Look what I can do. Give me a real budget and experienced crew and letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bring a project to life.â&#x20AC;?

Q. What is next for you?

A. My plan is to enter the film in selected festivals and see what happens. I am prepping a DVD release of the film. In addition, Russ Fereante and I are exploring some new projects, including a short film.

I learned so much from working on 9th & Bay. The next one will be bigger, better and certainly more organized. I made a promise to myself that Ĺ&#x2026;th & Bay would be completed. I make the same promise for the next one. Stay tuned. â&#x153;˝

Gullaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Auto Tags and Insurance

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ROWHOME MAGAZINE

| 77

PRHFILM East Coast

SUMMER PRODUCTION

PLAYBACK

by SHARON PINKENSON

W

hew, it’s been a busy summer of production in Philadelphia! As temperatures rose over the weeks and months, so did the number of Philadelphia neighborhoods teaming with film crews…and

we’re still going! Hopefully, everyone else has recovered from the summer blockbuster movie-going season and can confidently say they recognized our fair City and region (standing in as Paris and Singapore) in TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN. Last summer, City Hall and Bethlehem Township were among the locations taken over by this megasized franchise and we couldn’t have been more delighted. In fact, Director Michael Bay donated the film’s Parisian café furniture for use in our own City Hall Courtyard Café. Pretty cool, huh? Fast forward to this past summer, which has turned out to be even busier!

First up on our summer 2009 filmography roster was Philadelphia’s own M. Night Shyamalan, who actually began production at The Navy Yard and the former Budd facility on April 1st. Following a few days of shooting in Greenland, cast and crew of Shyamalan’s THE LAST AIRBENDER—the live action adaptation of the popular children’s animated series, Avatar—jumped right back into action in June and “wrapped production” in April. The story follows the adventures of the 78

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successor to a long line of Avatars who must put aside his irresponsible ways and stop the Fire Nation from enslaving the Water, Earth and Air nations. Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) plays Prince Zuko, the exiled son of the Fire Nation king, Fire Lord Ozai.

Next, we followed the exploits of four self-centered friends who run Paddy’s Pub, an unsuccessful Irish bar in South Philadelphia. IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA began shooting scenes from season five (5) June 9-12 in its usual South Philly/Italian Market locations. Danny Devito plays the resident elder statesman Frank Reynolds, co-creator and writer, Glenn Howerton plays Dennis Reynolds, Philadelphia native and show creator Rob McElhenney plays Mac. Also in June, filming in Germantown and Chestnut Hill was STRINGBEAN & MARCUS, the story of a broken love affair between two former Black Panther members as

“In fact, Director Michael Bay donated the film’s Parisian café furniture for use in our own City Hall Courtyard Café.” told through the eyes of an adolescent girl. The cast includes Anthony Mackie (Notorious) with music by UPenn graduate and R&B superstar John Legend. The ‘Stringbean’ crew spent 20 days shooting in Philadelphia.

Still in June, the hilarious comedy THE BEST & THE BRIGHTEST invaded Society Hill and Rittenhouse Square which doubled for the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) and Bonnie Somerville (Cashmere Mafia) play the middle-class couple who relocate from Delaware to Manhattan and attempt to get their 5-year-old enrolled in one of NYC’s top private schools. With an A-list ‘waiting list’ and just one open seat, manipulation and fraud prevail in this keeping-up-with-the-Trump’s type story. The couple is guided through the process of wooing the school’s board members by an “educational consultant” played by Amy Sedaris (Strangers With Candy), who knows just the right tricks to secure admission.

In West Philadelphia and Bala Cynwyd, Jamie Kennedy (Kickin’ It Old School), who was born and raised in Upper Darby, could be spotted showing off his old stomping grounds to girlfriend and co-star Jennifer Love Hewitt (Party of Five). In this small independent film titled CAFE, a murder plot takes place - you guessed it - in a coffee shop.

Back to Society Hill for the “Untitled James L. Brooks Project”. This romantic comedy involving a love-triangle stars Reese Witherspoon (Walk The Line), Jack Nicholson (As Good As It Gets), Paul Rudd (Knocked Up) and back for his second Philadelphia movie, Owen Wilson (Marley & Me). This film is still shooting in the area. …and that completes GPFO’s Summer Production Playback. We hope you have enjoyed all of the excitement!

Our production crews and vendors thank you for your cooperation and patience. It’ll all be worth it when you too can say…See Yiz In The Movies! ✽ ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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PRHFILM West Coast

Down the Shore

Get a Taste of Philly

THE SINATRA CLUB IS FOR

MEMBERS ONLY

by LEO ROSSI

ENTO’S ENTNOR, NJ

ICE CREAM & WATER ICE 5304 VENTNOR AVENUE OPEN 7 DAYS 12:00 - 11:00 PM

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I

just finished filming a new movie called The Sinatra Club based on the life of Sal Polisi – longtime friend and associate of John Gotti.

The movie takes place in 1972, when Polisi (aka Sally ’U Batz) and Gotti opened the club as a

hangout for their crew. It was a place they could plan their scams, robberies and hide their swag (i.e. – stolen merchandise). The movie focuses on a ľ-day period when the young John Gotti (before he became the legendary “Dapper Don”) and his gang pull off one of the most daring armored car robberies in history. Danny Nucci (The Titanic, Hunt for Red October) plays Gotti with Jason Gedrick (Desperate Housewives, The Last Don) as Sal, Michael Nouri (The Proposal, Flashdance) as Carmine Fatico and Joey Lawrence (My Fake Fiance) as Louie Pipes - a singer at the club. I portrayed Paul Castellano, head of the Gambino crime family. In ļńŃŀ Castellano was whacked in front of Sparks Steak House in Manhattan. It was a murder Gotti would ultimately be convicted of planning.

There was some added excitement on the set when former mobster Henry Hill (portrayed by Ray Liota in Goodfellas) visited one morning. Hill showed up drunk as a skunk and became very boisterous. He started dropping the “n” bomb much to the dismay of the crew, which included four African Americans. Director James Quatrocchi (The Nail) had him physically removed from the premises by security guards. I guess Hill was fighting the demons of being a rat.

Oscar-winning writer/producer Bobby Moresco (Crash, Million Dollar Baby) just completed a feature film script called “Lucky” based on the life of Charles ‘Lucky’ Luciano. Moresco decided to celebrate by having a pool party for his close friends. His South Philly buddy Tony Luke flew in, armed with Cheesesteaks and Roast Pork Italian Sandwiches. Actor Robert Costanzo (Friends, Honeymoon in Vegas) told Luke, “This is a banquet on a bun.” Rumor has it that they’re going after Leonardo DiCaprio for the “Lucky” leading role.

Speaking of Tony Luke, don’t miss Luke’s riveting performance in ‘The Nail: The Story of Joey Nardone’ which is airing

Speaking of Tony Luke, don’t miss Luke’s riveting performance in ‘The Nail: The Story of Joey Nardone’ on Showtime (and Showtime On Demand) during the month of August. Luke, who came up with the story, gives a memorable performance as Nardone, a former Golden Gloves champ who ends up serving time for the accidental death of a young girl during a barroom brawl. The film stars Tony Danza, William Forsythe, Leo Rossi (yeah me again!), Dayanara Torres and newcomer Paul Orrantia as Jesus. My wife Lynn Eastman-Rossi and I were producers on the movie and lucky readers can save $ļĻ when you pre-order the DVD (Release Date: September Ńth) by logging onto www.TheNailTheMovie.com.

Joe Pistone (aka – Donnie Brasco) is nearing completion of his eighth novel. Pistone, the most highly decorated FBI undercover agent ever, says it deals with the infrastructure of the Sicilian Mafia. I guess Pistone wasn’t built with a fear factor.

We, (Eastman-Rossi Productions) are currently in negotiations for a new movie that would begin filming this fall in Philly. Stay tuned for details.

Finally, I just want to thank Philadelphia RowHome Magazine for inviting me to be their West Coast Film Columnist.

With Sharon Pinkenson covering the East Coast, I know readers will get up- to-date film news and stories. Ciao Philly! ✽ Leo Rossi is a founding member of Eastman-Rossi Productions. His project Ľļth AND WOLF, which he produced, received a theatrical release and is now a cable favorite. The all-star cast includes Giovanni Rubisi, James Marsden, Brad Renfro, Piper Perabo, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Brian Dennehy, Leslie Ann Warren and of course, Leo Rossi. He also produced WISEGAL starring Alyssa Milano and James Caan, which was the highest rated movie ever for the LIFETIME NETWORK and won the ľļļń Women’s Image Network award for “Outstanding Made For Television Movie.” ✽ ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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PRHBRIDES GUIDE

A CHAT WITH

CESCAPHE THERE ARE THREE INEVITABLES IN LIFE: DEATH, TAXES AND WEDDINGS. WHILE DEATH IS CERTAIN AND TAXES GET PAID EVERY YEAR, A REAL FIRST WEDDING COMES ONCE IN A LIFETIME. THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS—THE CRINOLINE AND FANFARE—THE MUSIC, THE FLOWERS AND YES – THE EVER-IMPORTANT RECEPTION – ARE, AS THEY SAY, “PRICELESS.”

The average couple spends between $12,698 and $21,163 for their wedding. If you want an engagement ring or a honeymoon, it will cost you even more.

The economy may be putting the brakes on consumer spending, but it isn’t stopping people from falling in love. Or planning their fantasy celebration.

“I sincerely believe in the power of ideas and dreams. I believe that nothing is impossible,” declares Joe Volpe, owner of Cescaphé Ballroom.

“We take our responsibility very, very seriously and we pledge to each couple who entrust their special day to us that we will give them the dreams and memories of a lifetime.”

The Internet is jam-packed with networking sites these days, both social and professional. Groups like Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and Yelp will lead you to several wedding webs that offer advice, tips and ideas for the bride (and groom!) to be. But if you’re looking for a more intimate place where local couples can find real “news you can use” when planning that picture-perfect day, click no further than Cescaphé Ballroom.

Volpe’s idea of bringing brides together a la a social

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media network seemed like a natural extension of his services having personally accommodated thousands of couples through the years.

“We know that our clients’ schedules are tight. Time is a valuable commodity for today’s busy lifestyles,” he explains.

“We wanted to come up with a way that couples could exchange advice and information with others. Ways they could talk online with brides and grooms planning their own weddings. Ways they could ask questions or compare notes with couples who have already been there.”

“A Cescaphé chat room links couples who are experiencing the same situations with their wedding planning. The same questions, the same decisions. It’s the perfect way to share ideas, recommend services or review their checklist of details,” he added. “And it’s the perfect way for us to stay connected to our clients—keeping on top of their needs and desires.”

Volpe realizes that most people spend their days behind a computer at work. Rather than call whenever a question arises, it’s more convenient to log onto his website to get the information they need.

by MARIA MERLINO photo by PHIL KRAMER WWW.CESCAPHEBALLROOM.COM “Knowing what our brides want and staying current with wedding trends is very important to our staff,” he said. “By making our company more user-friendly, we hope that it will make the planning stages of the wedding easier for our brides and grooms,” he continued. A 24-hour interactive website is his way of providing his clients with superior customer service, he said.

How does Volpe plan on keeping his brides riveted?

In addition to a visual tour of his spectacular facilities—Cescaphé Ballroom in Northern Liberties and The Atrium at the Curtis Center on Independence Square West—Volpe said his site will offer a lot of exciting opportunities for brides who log on for a lineup of his services. Ideas. Advice. Options. Guidance.

Experience. Integrity. And a long list of satisfied customers.

Ever keeping his eyes focused on the latest wedding trends, Cescaphe Owner/Chef Joseph Volpe is recognized as the area’s leading authority on ballroom bliss. With his innovative approach to the most important celebration in your life, Cescaphe Ballroom combines a captivating ambiance with exquisite cuisine for an unforgettable experience.

“We’re even giving away a brand new automobile in one of the contests we’re offering to our brides online. What better way to begin a new life together than with a brand new car?” he offers.

Tin cans are optional. ✽

“WE KNOW THAT OUR CLIENTS’ SCHEDULES ARE TIGHT. TIME IS A VALUABLE COMMODITY FOR TODAY’S BUSY LIFESTYLES” ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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PRHBRIDES GUIDE

PICTURE PERFECT

by Phil Kramer

photos by Phil Kramer

A

photograph is more than an image. It’s an emotion.

It’s an indelible impression as timeless as a memory.

A wedding photographer is entrusted to capture those memories so you can relive them for years to come. Selecting the right professional is essential to every couple’s plans for the perfect celebration. Make sure that your photographer is competent, creative and prepared for the most important day of your life.

Meet with your photographer.

Personality is essential. Hire someone you like who shows you photos that you love. It’s your day–a memory that will last a lifetime. Pick a photographer who makes you feel comfortable. It will help you feel relaxed in front of the camera. Your wedding photos will reflect your ease and appear candid.

Posing vs. “im”posing.

Your photographer should be sensitive to your desires to celebrate your day with friends and family. Posed photos will always be part of your portfolio but candid shots that expertly record the beauty and sensitivity of your wedding day will capture the memories without imposing on your precious time.

Recognize the style.

A photographer’s images are an extension of their own personality and creativity. Take your time when choosing a photographer. View their website. Make an appointment to meet personally so you can see their work and discuss your 84

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PRHBRIDES GUIDE vision. Can you see yourself in your photographer’s images?

You will be looking at these photos for the rest of your life so choose a professional whose work reflects your desires.

What “style” is best for you?

Choosing the right photographer is a matter of taste.

There are many different types of wedding photography.

We’ve all heard the buzzwords - photo journalistic, contemporary, magazine style, traditional. Look at the photographer’s most recent weddings. The sample photographs should speak to you emotionally. Do you feel connected to the moments and emotions conveyed in the image?

Investment vs. expense.

Don’t let price be your only guide. If photography is important to you, the money you spend will be invested wisely. Budget appropriately for this investment because it is the most valuable one that you will make in preserving your wedding day memories. Factors that distinguish “the best” professional for the job include training, experience, accreditations, awards and business acumen. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life so don’t settle for less than the best. The disappointment of poor quality outlasts the excitement of a great price.

Ready. Aim. Shoot.

Any photographer can take beautiful photos in a sunny green garden but are the images just as stunning in a dimly

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Philadelphia, PA 19148 ✱ 215.467.9666 ✱ 2545 S. Broad St. HotHandsPhilly.com

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lit ballroom? Experienced photographers know how to use light to get the right look and feel from an image. Ask your photographer to show you a variety of settings - indoor and outdoor - so you can see how background and lighting impacts the quality (and consistency) of those images.

Plan B. A good photographer will have an absolute minimum of two cameras - preferably three or more - “just in case.” Backup gear is essential should something suddenly stop working. Make sure your photographer’s backup plan meets your expectations.

Your photographer is the one professional you will interact with most before, during and after your wedding day. It is important that you connect on a personal level, communicate openly and share the same vision and expectations. Long after the candlelight dims at your reception, your cherished memories will live on in the photographs of your day.. ✽

PRHBRIDES GUIDE

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P 215.389.8888 | F 215.389.2045 2015 S. Water Street • Philadlephia, PA 19148 1500-02-04 Shunk Street. Philadelphia, PA 19145

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Philadelphia, PA 19148 ✱ 215.467.9666 ✱ 2545 S. Broad St. HotHandsPhilly.com

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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lit ballroom? Experienced photographers know how to use light to get the right look and feel from an image. Ask your photographer to show you a variety of settings - indoor and outdoor - so you can see how background and lighting impacts the quality (and consistency) of those images.

Plan B. A good photographer will have an absolute minimum of two cameras - preferably three or more - “just in case.” Backup gear is essential should something suddenly stop working. Make sure your photographer’s backup plan meets your expectations.

Your photographer is the one professional you will interact with most before, during and after your wedding day. It is important that you connect on a personal level, communicate openly and share the same vision and expectations. Long after the candlelight dims at your reception, your cherished memories will live on in the photographs of your day.. ✽

PRHBRIDES GUIDE

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About Phil Kramer His interest in photography started at the age of seven when his mother gave him his first camera.

A cast member of the movie Taps in 1981, awardwinning cinematographer Owen Roizman remarked that Phil’s photographs showed “great composition” and urged him to seriously consider photography as a profession. Soon after, Phil enrolled in the prestigious Antonelli Institute of Art and Photography and at the age of 24 opened Phil Kramer Photographers, Inc., one of the most prominent studios in the country. His images have appeared in Time, Life, Elle, Philadelphia Magazine, Philadelphia RowHome Magazine, Town & Country, Modern Bride, Wedding Pages, My Weddings, Philadelphia Weddings and many fine art publications. Phil’s strong work ethic, integrity and impressive creativity make him one of America’s most sought after photographers. In 1999, he was voted “Best of Philly” by Philadelphia Magazine and remains the only photographer to have ever held the title. Other awards include Master of the Craft, the highest honor bestowed by The Art and Fashion Group International and the coveted Kodak Gallery Award presented to leaders in the field.

The editors of Modern Bride and Bride’s Magazine acknowledged him as one of the top wedding and special event photographers in the nation. His images (including the cover photo) are included in The Best of Wedding Photography (Amherst Media) featuring the top six photographers in the country. Editors of The Knot turned to Phil for the cover shot of their latest hardcover book, The Complete Guide to Weddings in the Real World (Doubleday Broadway Publishing).

Contact Phil Kramer, 30 S. Bank Street, Philadelphia, at www.pkphoto.com or call 215.928.9189 for more information

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by KERRI-LEE HALKETT Anchor, WTXF FOX 29 and PRH Green Editor

Photos by Phil Kramer

A

s I was thinking about a good summer “green” topic, it hit me: “Why not write about water, the thing that makes everything else, well, green!”

I have been obsessed with water at different times in my life, like during my college days in the desert. I went to Arizona State and I remember being totally focused on making sure water was at the ready, either to jump in or drink. I got nervous if there was not a pool or water fountain close by and for obvious reason: when something is scarce, you appreciate it that much more.

Now, after years of calling Philadelphia home, I appreciate water in different ways. Our beautiful city is built on and around water and I have always thought Row Home magazine says it best -- “River to River, One Neighborhood.” William Penn’s plan for our city centered around our hearty rivers -- the Delaware and the Schuylkill -- and although the rivers have served us well, we have not exactly handled them with kid gloves.

Thanks to decades of mistreatment, the idea of polluted water has become the norm rather than the exception and few of us can fathom that there are still pure, natural waterways. For example, last summer in New England, my husband and I got overheated during a bike ride and wanted relief -- fast. He used to work for a conservation group called Trout Unlimited, so I trusted him when he said it was OK to jump into a cold creek at the side of the road, although I will admit that I was nervous. I remember thinking it was a shame that my first instinct was to assume that the water was polluted.

Progress IS being made thanks to the federal Clean Water Act, which was amended in the ’70s. In fact, the most recent Philadelphia Water Department report stated that our water “… is consistently performing better than all drinking water standards developed by the EPA to protect public health.” In other words, your tap water is top notch. Where is it coming from? The Delaware and the Schuylkill.

PRHGREENSP CE

H2O

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A recent kayak trip down the Schuylkill gave me encouragement because I had to look for a few minutes before I saw trash and debris along the riverbanks and I saw only one potato chip bag floating downstream. Most pleasant to see were signs of life and lots of it. Paddling over to an island in the middle of the river, I saw turtles sunning themselves, Canada geese nesting and at least two fish jumping out of the water. However, lurking deep below is thickly polluted sediment reminding us that we have made mistakes in the past, and it’s now up to us to make amends for the future.

What Can I Do? •

Don’t be part of the problem. The average citizen can’t necessarily control what’s going on along the rivers, but you can do your part to see that everyone using the river plays by the rules. Everybody should be a river-keeper.

•

Do not feed the animals, especially the geese. It encourages their numbers and they can eliminate up to a pound-and-a-half of waste a day, per goose, affecting the water quality. Remember, the river is where some of your drinking water comes from.

•

Pick up after yourselves. Recycle that soda or water bottle, throw trash into the garbage cans along the river or throw it out when you get home.

•

Love to fish? Be sure to throw anything you catch back in the water since it is not recommended that you eat what you catch in the rivers within city limits.

PRHGREENSP CE Water and the City Look around, city slickers, there are obvious signs of summer in the city. There are wilting window boxes screaming, “My owner is on vacation and forgot about me!” Thirsty dogs at the park are crowding around community water bowls while their owners search for benches in the shade and chug from their water bottles. While the city can get a bit stifling in the summertime (and into the Fall!), there are some easy and inexpensive ways to use water to beat the heat.

One of my favorite forms of refreshment during the dog days of summer is to sit on the stadium-style steps at Love Park and catch the spray from the fountain. Speaking of fountains, who doesn’t feel satisfied watching students from John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School jump in and cool off to commemorate the end of the school year? If you aren’t part of their student body, try one of the City parks that have water features, like Seger Park in Washington Square West.

If pools are more your thing, then you are one of many people thankful that our city’s billion dollar budget crunch did not prevent all public pools from re-opening. There are plenty of them and they help keep our school-free children from getting bored and overheated.

There are also rules to be obeyed. For example, the City loses a lot of money from wasted water due to illegally opened fire hydrants. This also reduces water pressure, which impairs firefighters’ efforts to put out fires. Finally, consider the fact that St. Christopher’s hospital reports treating injured children after they have played under illegally opened hydrants. Kids suffer everything from lacerations on their feet from stepping on glass to being involved in motor vehicle accidents, since they are playing out in the streets. So the trick to staying cool in Philly is to do it legally and safely.

Tired of the city? Take a “one tank trip” down the shore for the day, maybe to Ocean City for the kids or Avalon if you are a fan of The Princeton. Alternatively, bring a fishing pole to Roosevelt Park or join the many along the banks of the Wissahickon River. The beauty of living where we do is that some of the most breathtaking shorelines are well within our reach in a very short amount of time. However, if we want to continue enjoying the water, it is up to all of us to do our part and not only appreciate what we have, but conserve it, as well.

PRHGREENSP CE What Can I Do? •

Cool down, but keep it safe, and legal! Know where the public pools are -- find locations at http://www.phila.gov/ recreation/sports/Pool_Locations.html.

•

Businesses: Green lawns or gardens beautify the city, but don’t water the sidewalk! Make sure that your sprinklers are configured to concentrate the majority of their spray on your garden. Additionally, use them only during the morning and evening hours when evaporation is minimal.

•

Fountains are beautiful but if your neighborhood or business installs one, make sure it trickles or cascades and re-uses water.

•

To find refreshing locations outside of the city, tune in to “Good Day Philadelphia” to see our suggestions for some great “One Tank Trips.”

Learn to Love the Rain This one is hard for me since I’m from one of the rainiest parts of the world, Victoria, British Columbia. It took years of grumbling about rained-out events for me to finally look around and appreci-

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PRHGREENSP CE ate what all that rain had done to my surroundings. Healthy lakes and streams abound. Waterfalls, a beautiful oceanfront and some of the greenest terrain this side of Ireland are the norm.

Here in Philly, we also have gorgeous water terrain and it is a lot nicer to see it running aplenty then dusty and dry. All it takes is living through one summer drought to realize how much richer the season is with a little rain in the mix. Our reserves become dangerously low without it and so many of the things we freely enjoy, such as Philadelphia’s many Farmer’s Markets, are not so readily available.

Around the house, be conscious of how much water you are using, whether it’s to wash the car or to water the plants. Check the forecast to see if a rainy day is on the horizon. If so, put the garden hose away and let these chores be taken care of by Mother Nature. There is only so much water to go around, so let’s do the best we can to work with what we have. So, the next rainy day you see, smile and be grateful instead of griping.

What Can I Do? •

If you rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, don’t leave the water running. Fill a sink and dunk them instead.

•

Know when the rain is coming and use it to your advantage: MyFoxPhlly.com has a great five-day forecast.

•

Keep your outdoor potted patio plants alive without using a ton of water by covering the base of the planter with mulch. It will retain moisture, saving water and money.

•

Your water bill and water meter are great tools to make sure everything is working as it should. High bills can indicate a leak.

•

When changing the water in your fish tank, don’t dump it down the drain. The water from the tank is full of nutrients and your plants will thank you for the enriched drink.

•

Teach the kids to turn off the faucet when they brush their teeth rather than letting the water continue to run.

Kerri-Lee Halkett is an anchor for WTXF FOX 29, where she launched “Trash Talk” – a segment that highlights people and organizations helping to make Philadelphia more beautiful. She also works with Mayor Nutter’s office on the city’s annual “Spring Clean-Up,” dubbed the biggest one-day clean-up event in the country. She is married to Kirt Mayland, an environmental attorney with “Penn Energy Trust,” a firm that creates renewable energy projects around the country.

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Take me to the river on a Kayak Looking for something fun to do on the Delaware? Check out the free kayaking program at Pennâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing, presented by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation.

The free kayaking program offers Philadelphians and visitors the opportunity to paddle around the Pennâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing Marina under the supervision of trained kayak staff.

Kayaking will be offered Thursday and Friday evenings from 4-7 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. on a first-come, firstserved basis. There will be six solo kayaks and one tandem kayak available.

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THE FREE KAYAKING PROGRAM OFFERS PHILADELPHIANS AND VISITORS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PADDLE AROUND THE PENN’S LANDING MARINA UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF TRAINED KAYAK STAFF. “During the Civic Vision planning process, Philadelphians overwhelmingly expressed their desire for better access to the Delaware River,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “We’re excited to bring this new free kayaking program to Penn’s Landing, not only bringing residents and visitors to the Delaware River, but enabling them to enjoy a new amenity where they can actually get into the Delaware River.”

Funding for the free kayak program comes from the Take Me to the River grant program, administered by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission with funding from the William Penn Foundation.

Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) is a nonprofit corporation organized exclusively for the benefit of the City of Philadelphia and its citizens. DRWC acts as the steward of the Delaware River waterfront to provide a benefit to all of the citizens and visitors of the City.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council promotes the protection and restoration of the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education and advocacy with the private sector, government, individuals and communities as partners to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. PEC recently released the Tidal Delaware Water Trail map and web site, which guides boaters, sailors and kayakers to boat launches, amenities, safety considerations, and nearly 40 points of interest along the Delaware River from Morrisville to Marcus Hook.

More information about the free kayaking program at Penn’s Landing, log onto www.pecpa.org or www.delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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photos by Hector Valentin

by Lauren Gordon

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ALONG SOUTH STREET BETWEEN 10TH AND 11TH STREETS, THE MAGIC GARDEN IS A PLACE WHERE RENOWNED MOSAIC ARTIST ISAIAH ZAGAR GARNISHED HIS PROPERTY WITH UNIQUE MOSAICS ON EVERY SQUARE INCH OF A HOUSE THAT WOULD BECOME THE MOST UNIQUE LANDMARK IN PHILADELPHIA’S HISTORY.

the beginning of the Magic Garden. And so that began in 1994.

Adjacent to the ornate building is Isaiah’s “garden”. The small space is crowded by rows of cement walls built out of what looks like a productive night of trash picking. There are broken pieces of fine china, green glass beer bottles and bike wheels trapped between cement, weaving in and around steps and landings covered in colorful pieces of shiny broken ceramic tiles. It is ordered chaos, as each tiny detail serves to create a larger picture from Isaiah’s mind, forming the faces of his wife Julia, or his two sons Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

Isaiah’s story began with a storefront— The Eyes Gallery—that Julia owned and operated, and has expanded throughout the city in a journey that includes both triumph and tragedy.

I.Z.: Well, no, it didn’t work like that. It worked from the other way around. My interest in having, well two things, first, my environment be a place where I made an imprint on it and then the fact that it was a lot of derelict areas that weren’t being cared for.

So I asked the owners if I could put a mosaic mural on there to help sure up their walls, to make the buildings look better.

Philadelphia RowHome [PRH]: When did you first arrive in Philadelphia?

Isaiah Zagar [IZ]: Well, I came to South Street in 1968. I began working on The Eyes Gallery, making a folk art Gallery into a folk art environment. My wife and I were in the Peace Corps in Peru and brought back a lot of folk art from there to make up The Eyes Gallery. I had a background in art and so did my wife but I also met a man named Clarence Schmidt who made an “environment” in Woodstock, New York. I wanted to make an environment out of the building 402 South Street [The Eyes Gallery] but then it expanded all the way over to the Garden.

PRH: So where did you learn to do mosaic art? Did you just start finagling with it and it just came up?

I.Z.: That’s a good way of saying it! [laughs] It was a learning process over the years how to do something that would be permanent, do something that would be beautiful; all these things were in my mind. Also it was about how to improve the neighborhood and my environment and make it more enjoyable for me to walk through it.

PRH: You can see a lot of your artwork out front of stores along South Street. Did shop owners ask you to go out and do it for them?

PRH: So you were here at the beginning of the South Street Renaissance. What was that time period like?

I.Z.: Well, there were a lot of empty buildings. There were a lot of non-functioning stores. There were a lot of problems with crime, too. Of course, when you have derelict buildings, you have people breaking into them. A lot of people lived in vacant buildings. As a result, there were a lot of fires started; I mean inadvertently, people were just trying to keep warm. We used to have one big fire a year.

PRH: That sounds awful!

I.Z.: It was pretty awful in one way and it was also very exciting in another because the people that would move in, many of them were very creative people. They were on the fringe of society, the bohemian contingent of society.

PRH: When did you start working on the Garden?

PRH: The Garden has to be a diversified part of the community, like sponsoring student tours and so on. What made you add showcasing performances to the list and who has been coming here?

I.Z.: I started with the buying of the building and building up to two floors and eventually I was able to purchase the property on the other side of this building and that became

I.Z.: I think of this as a performance space, as a place where people - when they walk through - they obviously encounter other people in the environment and become part

of a performance. South Street is a performance street. I mean, people will come from all over the place to show off a part of what they are, who they are, on South Street.

We’ve had dance performances, we’ve had musical performances, but we haven’t had any theater here, yet… I like the idea of having theater here.

PRH: With the Garden doing so many things, who assists you in continuing the Garden’s legacy?

I.Z.: We have a few employees and directors who know a lot about who I am, what I am about and what I do. I mean, I actually work for the Garden. The Garden is a non-profit organization and they keep me employed as someone who works for the Garden.

PRH: So this project is like an entity of its own…

I.Z.: Yes, that’s right! It is its own entity that has its own bylaws. It has a philosophy behind it but it came about because I needed help…I was squatting on two pieces of properties that I didn’t own and the landlord was ready to sell them.

PRH: I know you guys entered a scary period during that time when The Garden was in danger of shutting down. Is that danger still real?

I.Z.: No, not at all. At this point, the Garden is self-sustaining and we charge $3 a person to come see it - to help with the rent.

And it has products to sell like artworks, postcards and a book. Anywhere from 100 to 300 people stop by on the weekends, and Saturday is our busiest day.

PRH: Would you say that the Garden is complete now that you are done with making new mosaics?

I.Z.: The problem with art is that it is never complete and always complete. But it has to be maintained. It doesn’t mean that it has to be maintained the way it is. It can change.

That’s all right, too.

Through years of patience, inspiration and hard work, Isaiah Zagar has left an indelible imprint on the City of Philadelphia for future generations to enjoy. A visit to The Magic Garden leaves that same imprint on enamored visitors who are mystified by its artistry. Grab a camera and explore one of the City’s famous landmarks. ✽ The Magic Garden, South Street between 10th & 11th, is open daily from 11 – 5.

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A Picnic in the Park

by Hailee Danielsen

Sometimes, people need a vacation from vacationing. Preparing for a vacation can be stressful, which contradicts the whole purpose of a relaxing getaway.

Solution? Consider a Day Trip. And if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, consider Mount Gretna. Located on the outskirts of Lancaster County, it’s the perfect destination for fun-seeking Philadelphians.

A family-owned and operated facility, Mount Gretna features eight acres of lush green land that boasts a lake for swimming, a park for playing and plenty of things to do as part of a safe, clean, courteous destination for all ages. Take a refreshing plunge off the high dive, rent water tubes or kick back with a tasty treat from the Snack Bar. Prefer the theater? The Mount Gretna Theater is one of south-central Pennsylvania’s only professional theaters as well as one of the oldest summer theaters in the United States. Enjoy a live performance of classics like Cheaper by the Dozen and Hello Dolly under

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A FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED FACILITY, MOUNT GRETNA FEATURES EIGHT ACRES OF LUSH GREEN LAND THAT BOASTS A LAKE FOR SWIMMING the trees from this century-old playhouse before or after dinner at the Mount Gretna Hideaway. From filet mignon to soups and sandwiches, choose an indoor or outdoor table for a memorable, reasonably priced Lancaster County feast. Or surround yourself with flower-filled gardens at a table by the bar on the outdoor deck.

After dinner, you’ll wind your way to the Jigger Shop right down the road. Surrounded by old Victorian homes, this ice cream parlor has been serving its sweet, creamy delicacy for more than 100 years. From fiery Baked Alaskas to old-fashioned milkshakes, the ice cream alone is worth the drive.

Whether you’re looking to sink your feet into the sand or your teeth into a thick juicy steak, Mount Gretna is a definite day trip to add to your to-do list. But hurry. The summer season ends on Labor Day. ✽

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PRHFASHION

PRETTY IN PLUS

By Lauren Gordon

TUCKED AWAY IN A CHIC COLLINGSWOOD STRIP CALLED THE AVENUE MALL, VERENIQUE PLUS SIZE BOUTIQUE PATIENTLY WAITS TO SAVE THE NEXT PANIC-STRICKEN WOMAN WHO WALKS THROUGH ITS DOORS.

One customer is trying on a floor-length sage green gown with an embroidered jacket—a potential candidate for her daughter’s wedding. As she models for her friend, she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror, smiling at what she sees. Just as quickly, a furrowed brow announces the arrival of paranoia. She turns to her friend and boutique staff member Melissa for reassurance.

‘How do I ‘really’ look?’ she inquires.

A knowledgeable critique ensues. Melissa carefully points out the numerous features (or flaws) that each style presents for this particular client –an honest and welcomed advantage of shopping with a confident eye from a seasoned professional.

Across the dressing room floor, a sign painted above an archway beams: “Because Beautiful Women Come in All Sizes.” Just in case you need to be reminded.

From evening wear to prom dresses, business suits to casual wear—and yes, even bathing suits—the search for women who wear sizes larger than a 14 suddenly transitions from an uphill battle to a pleasant expedition. Each garment in this fashionable boutique is hand-selected and scrutinized by owner Carol Girardi, who has been in the Plus Size business for more than 30 years. And, as she’s quick to recount, there’s more to her interest in this field than fine fashions.

She tells the story of her husband’s minor surgery years ago. How he was sitting home, flipping aimlessly through the television’s channels when he caught the announcement. A local TV station along with a New York modeling agency, was conducting a search for Plus Size models. On a whim, he submitted a photograph of his beautiful, green-eyed size-14 wife.

Carol won the contest then went on to win the “Nationals,” effectively launching her career with the New York agency.

“Plus size modeling was just beginning then,” Carol asserts.

“Manufacturers were interested in appealing to this new segment of the population. It was slow going at first but when more companies got on board, things got really busy and I started to do runway and print in Philadelphia and New York.”

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After years of department store shows and catalog modeling, Carol found herself working for a popular plus size manufacturer where she honed her skills in the fit and shape of garments, selecting and suggesting the most flattering styles for every Plus Size body shape.

Along the way, she met many valuable contacts, which led her to audition for this “newfangled” idea of shopping without touching, otherwise known as QVC. For the next nine years, Carol was one of the shopping network’s Plus Size models.

“So, I think I am really well balanced in my background as far as Plus,” Carol smiles. After nine years on the show, Carol took everything that she knew about Plus Size clothing and opened Verenique - dedicated to the plus size customer. April 1st marked 13 years in business.

You don’t need years of Plus Size experience to know that there are limited resources for the bigger gal.

Like many others, Carol found the flaws in department store choices that claimed to fit Plus Size women. While the fabric may be larger, the proportions for sleeve sizes

treated badly,” Carol adds. “That’s what I think separates our store from others. Plus Size is all we do.”

Aside from her meticulous selection of fashions and accessories for her boutique, Carol said she continuously encourages vendors to add more styles to their Plus Size collections.

She said she is well aware of the mentality and physicality behind a Plus woman’s shopping excursion.

All too often, women try to lose weight before the ‘big event’ but fall short of their goals. They find themselves in a panic, wondering what to do next.

“I ask myself, ‘how can I take this dress buying experience and make it better?” Carol explains. “Because it’s all about the fit. We have changed dresses and altered them in a way that I am very proud to say is unique to us. Because I see a vision. And because everyone has something beautiful about their bodies that they want to showcase. And we all have things we want to hide.”

This shop owner has a theory. Small women are conditioned to buy what they like and bigger women

ACROSS THE DRESSING ROOM FLOOR, A SIGN PAINTED ABOVE AN ARCHWAY BEAMS: “BECAUSE BEAUTIFUL WOMEN COME IN ALL SIZES.” JUST IN CASE YOU NEED TO BE REMINDED. or chest width were out of line with what would constitute for a specific size, she explained. So, a few years ago, Carol teamed up with one of the premier designers of “mother of the bride” formal wear and worked diligently to change their sizing charts, making the market better from the inside out.

“There is a great difference in being 4’10” and a size 18 and 5’10” and a size 18. You have to find a happy medium where the dresses will fit in the waist and not be three sizes too big in the shoulders. More times than not, size is more about your height than your weight,” Carol affirms.

Manufacturers seem to feel that plus women want things in only three colors: black, navy blue and brown.

Plus women are often never offered luxury fabrics, interesting patterns or bright colors, Carol added. She felt it was her mission to help make real changes.

“I do believe size bias is one of the last great discriminations out there. We have customers coming in who have gone to other stores only to find limited selection and uninformed salespeople with little experience in selling to beautiful Plus Size women. Some were even

are encouraged to buy what covers. She agrees that society pressures women into an unrealistic panic with regard to their size. She says that most of her customers are generally happy with their bodies but society tells them that they “should” be thinner. This is where Carol and her crew step in.

“It’s like going out to eat with my three regular size daughters. They get the full menu and I get the dieters menu,” Carol says with a laugh. “ Why should I be offered less of a selection than others?”

Carol and her staff spend individual time with each customer—showing them how to look great and feel great in the body they are shopping for. Verenique specializes in alterations for women with hard-to-fit bodies, taking special care to assure their clients that time is not an issue when it comes to searching for that perfect garment.

“It’s the regular menu to pick from in this store,” Carol assures. “While I don’t promote being unhealthy, I do promote being happy with what body shape you have today and working with it to look fabulous. Because, as Carol has written on her store wall for all to see, ✽ “Beautiful Women come in all sizes.”

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PRHFASHION

FROM A PINK SLIP

TO A GREEN TEE

by Maria Merlino

Did you ever wake up in the morning with a feeling of trepidation? Last May, Finanzwesen Frau, Christine Marchuska awakened with a premonition. Her gut told her something was brewing at work. The die-hard NY Wall Streeter stepped into her office at Morgan Stanley and was just about to begin her day of selling synthetic collateralized debt obligations (huh?) when in walked her boss, and out went her job. After weeks of rumor, Wall Street had laid a great big goose egg. Luckily, her severance pay wasn’t gobbled up by the credit crunch.

Walking home to her tiny Manhattan flat, the creative right side of her brain got into gear. After all those years of working with finances, her left brain needed to power down. Instead of worrying, she began to visualize herself as a fashion designer. A green concept also

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bubbled up to the surface.

With a Singer sewing machine gifted to her by her parents, Marchuska practiced her craft by de-constructing her conservative pinstripe bank shmatas and turning them into hip, urban chic wear.

Confident that she could turn her dream into a reality, she applied her marketing savvy to polish off a business plan then immersed herself in sewing classes, fashion courses and a boatload of literature.

For fun, she picked the brains of any fashion industry expert who stumbled into her line of sight. When she wasn’t designing, she roamed the garment district and networked with the fashionistas. She gradually developed a small line of modish, eco-friendly, sustainable clothing, geared toward the socially conscious individual. She says her clothing will bring out your best

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look, whether you’re a teen or a MILF or a metro sexual male.

“My father was an entrepreneur. He plunged headfirst with a positive attitude into every business venture. I take after him for the courage,” she confesses. “My mother grew up on a farm in Slovinia. I have her stamina for work and faith. I was risking my bank account and severance. I had to have the nerve and conviction to succeed.”

The former MBA candidate never looked back. After doing her research, Marchuska pulled together a line of classic pieces in a limited palette and manufactured in the New York Garment District

by Nancie Chan of Krystal Productions.

She lets me in on a secret. ”Nancie’s mother is the pattern-maker. They have an intuition with my work and we are especially compatible. ” Very picky about her fibers, Marchuska

works with a farm in Quebec for her organic cotton. She is fond of blending a beech wood pulp fiber like Modal or Tencil with the cotton for a new fabric to explore. She’s investigating the properties of Bamboo yarn.

Each garment, whether it’s a dress or a tee, has a special name - usually that of a friend or relative whose original ideas sparked a design. Italian recycled polyester buttons are among her favorite embellishments. “The clothing maintains its structure,” I’m assured, “even after many washings.”

Already catching the eye of notable Manhattanites, it was reported that ecoconscious Brad Pitt was spotted with the Hunter Scarf - an organic blend of modal and silk - wrapped around his neck. In the near future, Philly boutiques will be stocking her designs.

“I have always been a huge fan of the City of Brotherly Love,” Marchuska reminisces. “Being that my mom is from upstate, near Scranton, we did visit Philadelphia quite a bit growing up, whether it was for the history or stopping by on our way to Ocean City, NJ for our annual beach summer vacation.

“When I was in high school, we took a field trip to the city to take in all the rich history of Ben Franklin and such. It was a great time. I still remember there

was nothing better than a real Philly cheesesteak from Geno’s - and sharing it with my friends.”

Expounding on her plans for the near future, Marchuska shares her grassroots technique with me.

“One of my dreams right now is to get my line into boutiques in the Philadelphia area. I am working diligently on that goal as we speak, through networking, calling and emailing all of the hip, chic stores in the area. Hopefully you will be able to find the label cmarchuska in your favorite South Philly store in the upcoming months!”She said she also relies on cmarchuska fans to host private residence trunk shows.

“My Summer line is out and we have the most beautiful, organically-dyed, organic cotton scarves. The organic cotton soaks up the bright colors like Ocean Blue, Black Crush and Violet. They then take on a unique look.”

I remind her that Philadelphia-area women are natural beauties with a distinct style and taste in fashion. “These pieces are adaptable to any situation and look,” she lets me know.

What does she suggest for a mini-wardrobe? Her ideas roll without hesitation.

“Always have the Hunter Scarf in silk. The models carry them all the time.

Definitely the Sylvia Dress. It’s fitted

with a 1960s flair and an interesting one-shoulder detail.

For the third piece, go with the Kiva Tee Shirt. It has a V-neck opening and is flattering to most women. The dress and tee are available in Pristine White and Noir Black. I did add an additional color for some of my newer pieces called Vert Green.”

Using a formula of high quality fabrics with European cuts, combined with versatility, Marchuska has created a sexy, classic look that will always be in style. Her most recent idea is a line of “affordable luxe” to complete the 16-piece Signature Collection.

Ever conscious of the plight of domestic violence victims, 5 percent of her profits are donated to Safe House, a non-profit group that provides crisis intervention and safe shelter for the abused.

Young, single and fun loving in NYC, she hopes that one day she’ll go home to the picket fence and golden retriever.

For now, her vision entails a full-company freelance designer and IT person with showrooms in LA and NY. The collection can be purchased online at: www.cmarchuska.com or www.tonic.com ✽ Maria Merlino lives in and writes about South Philadelphia

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PRHWRITERS BLOCK

DAZE AT THE BEACH

by DAVID W. CAVA

T

A I H P L E D A L PHI E M O H W O R MAGAZINE embers of the promotes the m

s Network esses.

PRH Businesyo ur local busin Please support

ember of the To become a m twork PRH Business Ne e or Dawn Contact Dorett or at 215.462.9777 hilly.com info@gohomep IP Subscriber, To become a V 5.462.9777 call Carol at 21 omephilly.com or log onto goh

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welve umbrellas line the water’s edge.

Haphazardly jammed into the sand, their multicolored edges flap in unison as if engaged in a tireless dance of joy that could last forever. If time were to afford such a luxury.

The area inside the gated parameter of umbrellas has been staked and claimed as ours for the day. Within minutes, ĽĻ or ľĻ chairs sprout up within our camp. Shovels and buckets hit the warm white sand and the children start to dig carelessly close to the adults and the sand-free blankets.

Bathed in shade, several iced-up coolers overflow with food and beverages. They remain intact for about as long as the blankets stay sand-free. Seconds after the plastic wrap is peeled from the first pork-roll sandwich, the whimsical laughter-like song of the seagull is heard. As their numbers grow, the bravest of the weatherworn gulls closes in on the unsuspecting snacker.

Long before you take a step onto the beach, you know you’re there. When you are close enough to the shore to catch a whiff of the bay. An aromatic witch’s brew of rotting crustaceans, damp salt air and an old wooden dock cooked all day long in the heat of the summer’s sun.

We can’t wait to roll down the car’s windows and inhale as much of that magical seashore air as our nostrils can hold. Like many summers before this, we are called back to the threshold of the sea and retreat to the clean fresh air of the beach.

Those of us with young children spend much of the day watching with intent, attempting to glean the childhood art of timelessness from them. Watching and wondering how they can play in the vast surf and sand for hours, completely focused on the now, unaware and without concern for the future.

In the distance, a few venturesome folks, looking to jumpstart their internal batteries and clear the cobwebs from their heads, take long leisurely walks along the shoreline.

Some are willing to loose a couple of hours inside the pages of a favorite book.

While uncles school nephews on the finer points of pinochle, others drift off at the foot of the ocean—letting the water and the waves rejuvenate and cleanse their souls.

It is my contention that the ocean’s enchanted lullaby has bewitched me and my family. The song is as powerful as any sorcerer’s spell. Deafening - even a little intoxicating when given the time to listen.

The soothing white noise of the ocean can be easily lost or ignored. It has always amazed me how something so huge can hide, tucked behind the events of the day. Year after year, we return - as if against our will - to its watery arms.

PRHWRITERS BLOCK

IS IT SAUCE OR IS IT GRAVY?

by TONY SANTINI If you are Italian by birth, married arried to an Italian or have friends who are Italian, you will enjoy this heartfelt tribute.

If you ever needed affirmation that your Italian and South Philly cultural idiosyncrasies are acceptable, you’ll find Gravy Wars to be a great comfort. If, however, you think that your mix of Italian heritage and South Philly upbringing has given you exclusivity as far as your persona, then prepare to be enlightened.

Author Lorraine Ranalli, who describes herself as “a person who was born and raised South Philly Italian in the suburbs of Philadelphia” has successfully penned a tribute to Italians, to South Philly, but most importantly, to family. And it’s packaged around a collection of recipes.

The title is a euphemism evolving from an opening salvo that Lorraine made on a radio show during morning drive time.

She said, “I make a better gravy than my Mom!” Her co-host took Lorraine to task by calling Lorraine’s mom and asking how she felt about this statement. Although I am paraphrasing, Mrs. Ranalli’s response went something like: ‘My daughter’s gravy is good, but mine is better! You should also remind her who taught her how to make her gravy in the first place!’

During the remainder of the show, a listener calls in to say, ‘Lorraine thinks she makes the best gravy BUT…’ The cohosts cut her short and explain that the discussion centers on Lorraine’s family. But the passionate caller persists to make her point. That she, in fact, makes the best gravy. The gauntlet had been dropped.

On another front, the author deals with the question, “Is it gravy or is it sauce?” This is an argument that she and countless other Italians have fought for years. And so the battle ensues. Gravy vs. sauce. Mine vs. yours. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? And who makes the best?

Lorraine explains the word gravy is used to describe the tomato-based sauce we typically pour over pasta but concedes this is strictly “a regional term used only by the entire Southeastern chunk of Pennsylvania which includes the southern half of New Jersey minus those who relocated from New York!”

She points out that food is such a priority with Italians that all of our thoughts and plans seem to revolve around it.

Whether we are heading out for a day of shopping or a week’s vacation, everything leads to food.

“Why travel at all if there are no great places to eat en route or when you get there?” Lorraine asks.

I read the book during a business trip to Memphis. At dinner one night, a young Mississippi-born waitress inquired about

the title. I asked her what the word “gravy” meant to her. She replied that gravy was the thick white sauce you put on mashed potatoes. I smirked as she quickly reacted, ‘Oh wait a minute.

Y’all are from up North. When you say gravy, you mean that dark brown sauce you put on meatloaf!’ To make things even more comical, I was dining at an Olive Garden at the time. My entrée?

Chicken Parmigiana topped with the red stuff I call ‘gravy.’

Gravy Wars is part recipe book, part tribute to the Italian heritage and part reference book to South Philly and its traditions, people and behavior.

Set during the ever-important holiday season, recipes abound as Lorraine mixes in an appropriate measure of memories and traditions. She describes South Philadelphia—its people, its landmarks and “attytudes” as well as traditional folklore including the “malocchio”, tossing salt over your left shoulder and the perils of placing shoes on a bed.

If you are Italian or have spent some time around Italians, you will appreciate the stories and recipes in this book. If, by chance, you can also describe yourself as “Growing up South Philly Italian,” this is a must-read for you.

(Gravy Wars is available at all major book retailers, Amazon. com, and at www.GravyWars.com)

About the author Lorraine Ranalli spent her formative years growing up in Delaware County but considers herself as being raised “South Philly Italian” in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Both her parents have deep roots in the neighborhood (her mother is from St. Monica’s parish; her father from St. Thomas) and most of Lorraine’s weekends were spent visiting relatives “downtown” in South Philly.

Lorraine is a graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School and Cabrini College where she majored in English and Communications. She has worked in broadcasting for more than 20 years covering news, traffic, weather and entertainment at many local stations. She is a big fan of the Jersey Shore having spent most of her childhood vacations in Wildwood Crest and her adult vacations in Avalon.

The idea for Gravy Wars popped into her head when she was preparing “La Vigilia” - the traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner of the seven fishes - when she decided to jot down all the family recipes for posterity. But she also wanted to share all the cultural stories surrounding those recipes. She contends that Gravy Wars is a story for everyone – Italian or not. Philadelphian or not. It’s a story about family and heritage and the role that traditions play in our everyday lives.

Lorraine plans to continue working as a Communications Consultant as she promotes Gravy Wars and writes the sequel based on submissions she gets from readers. Does she still think she makes the best gravy?

“Of course, and so should every other cook!”

You can find out more about Loraine on her website: www.LorraineRanalli.com.

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PRHHEALTH

Hormone Replacement Therapy

by Dr. Richard Dittrich any people are uncomfortable using traditional forms of hormone replacement therapy. Estrogen replacement therapy for menopausal women has been available for more than 50 years, yet less than 15 percent of those who qualify take estrogen. Why? Synthetic estrogens have been linked to breast cancer and other health issues. Recent studies indicate that Biodentical hormones are safer.

pausal women suffer from estrogen, progesterone and testosterone deficiencies. Estrogen replacement alone will not address symptoms like a loss of sex drive, muscle tone and mental fatigue. Candidates for testosterone therapy include women who’ve had their ovaries removed; those with a low sex drive (non stressrelated issues); and patients with adrenal problems or underactive pituitary glands.

What are Bioidentical Hormones?

Who can benefit from Testosterone Therapy?

M

Bioidentical hormones are created to replicate the same chemical structure as natural hormones produced by the human body.

Because they are natural, our bodies can metabolize biodentical hormones, minimizing side effects.

What are the benefits of BHRT? Biodentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can benefit men and women in a variety of ways including: preventing osteoporosis; improving lipid profile; reducing risk of heart disease and Alzheimer’s; relieving symptoms of menopause & andropause (a type of male menopause); improving mood and sense of well-being; increasing mental and physical energy; decreasing anger, irritability, sadness, fatigue, nervousness; improving quality of sleep, libido and sexual performance; increasing lean body mass & muscle strength; reducing fat mass. As we age, our natural hormone levels drop sharply—as much as 30 percent between the ages of 40 and 50. With menopause, women experience a 90 percent drop in estrogens and a 75 percent drop in testosterone. Without these life-sustaining hormones, our bodies will slowly deteriorate. With BHRT, doctors can devise a treatment plan based on an individual’s needs—providing patients with a natural, healthy hormone balance.

What is Estrogen?

What does it do?

Estrogen, a group of hormones located throughout the body, affects a number of functions from heartbeat to skin texture.

These hormones, produced mainly in the ovaries, ensure the development of the breasts and uterus at puberty. They also help build the uterine lining, regulate the menstrual cycle and normalize blood cholesterol levels.

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Estrogens are the most powerful hormones in a woman’s aging process. New research is beginning to prove that as women reach menopause, estrogen and related hormones may be more hazardous than helpful. BHRT is making this transition easier. Those who have embarked on this therapy report immediate improvement in sleeping, energy levels, cognitive performance and sex drive.

Women who find the following statements true may be candidates for further testing and possible hormone replacement therapy: decreased sex drive, weakened orgasms, lack of energy, height loss, decreased strength, decreased enjoyment of life, sadness/moodiness, falling asleep after dinner, decreased work performance.

What is Progesterone?

Bioidentical progesterone has often been called the ‘feel-good’ hormone because it elevates mood and has a calming effect.

Over the past 50 years, Doctors have been using Progesterone therapy to treat a variety of hormone-related symptoms and diseases with no adverse effects.

What are the benefits of using Progesterone?

Women who have experienced mood swings and migraine headaches while on hormone replacement drugs often notice complete resolution of these symptoms when switched to boiodentical progesterone. In addition, bioidentical progesterone has the best effect on HDL cholesterol. Progesterone also plays a key role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and the formation and growth of an embryo.

Its functions also include: stimulation of bone growth, shrinkage of fibroid tissue, source of other sex hormones (estrogen & testosterone), maintenance of the uterus during pregnancy, natural diuretic, natural antidepressant.

What is Testosterone Therapy?

Testosterone therapy is used to raise a woman’s sexual interest, arousal and satisfaction.

As women approach menopause, testosterone levels taper off. With the cessation of 80 percent of hormone production, perimeno-

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Dr. Richard Dittrich has been practicing Obstetrics and Gynecology in the South Philadelphia area for 25 years. He has been an active member of the staff at Methodist Hospital and served as the Chief of Gynecology. Dr. Dittrich is also a staff physician at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and a member of their faculty. He is a member of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Pennsylvania Colposcopy Society, and the Philadelphia Medical Society.

He practices gynecology at 1313 Wolf Street and also has an office in Voorhees, NJ. Dr Dittrich is now offering a wide variety of Wellness Programs to enhance your outer beauty and renew your body. Schedule a consult for laser hair removal, IPL for the face and veins and/or Botox, Radiesse or Juvederm injections. We currently have available a variety of Omega-3 nutraceuticals formulated for every life stage. In the very near future, we will be adding an extensive weight loss program to our services. Please visit our website at www.wellnesscenterpa.com to learn even more.

PRHHEALTH

DeMarino Chiropractic Center

A hands-on approach to healing

by Alicia DeLeo

D

r. James DeMarino takes his job seriously. His patients are, literally, at the mercy of his hands to find the solutions to their aches and pains. So, it’s no wonder his office is a no-hurry zone.

“I do everything and in as much [time] as I need to spend [on my patients],” he explains. “Nobody gets rushed. My main concern is getting results,” he continues.

And that’s why Dr. DeMarino has long-standing patients who travel hours for his services.

From student athletes to accident victims, from Philadelphia to Maryland, there’s a reason his office has been a mainstay on South Broad Street since 1996.

As a family chiropractic office, work-related, auto-related and everyday-wear-and-tear injuries are treated with hands-on techniques, some therapeutics and a whole lot of care.

“I’ve been doing this awhile and it’s extremely rewarding. I’m not putting drugs in my patients; I’m not cutting them. I’m putting my hands on them and they get better,” Dr. DeMarino expresses earnestly.

A.CRINITI

INC.

So how does that work exactly? Although most chiropractic offices use the same techniques, DeMarino points to the treatments and values that make his practice unique. He says many of the remedies he uses follow his philosophy, “Not only am I concerned with removing the pain but removing the cause and then the pain will subside. Pain is an indicator. It lets you know there is something wrong. So if you treat pain to block the pain response, then you are not taking care of the problem,” he continues.

He explains one of his techniques called the Cox, Flex and Distraction for patients with herniated disks in the lumbar spine and lower back.

“We actually decompress the disk with a specific type of traction to cause the disk material to migrate back towards the center of the disk. So, when the pain goes away, it’s

not because we are numbing anything, it’s because we are removing the problem.”

Another treatment is called deep tissue manipulation which helps relieve spasms in the neck, back, shoulder and from carpal tunnel, that often mimic more serious problems for patients.

“If you don’t remove the muscle spasms and the trigger points, the muscles won’t pull the bones back out,” he explains. With deep tissue manipulation, he says he is able to remove the muscle spasms from around the spine, across the head and pelvic area so he can properly manipulate the spine. “When you remove the muscle spasms, the adjustment holds longer.”

Some of the more technological treatments DeMarino uses involve electrical stems and lasers, both giving miraculous results.

With a technique called H-Wave, an electrical stem is used to create and increase blood flow. The treatment, used by wound-healing centers to treat diabetic ulcers, is also effective in rebuilding muscle tissue.

Similarly, the doctor uses a cold, lowerlevel laser, to increase growth-factor responses in cells, called ATP synthesis.

“ATP synthesis is the energy of the cell, which increases cell motility, produces endorphins to help rebuild tissue and increase an immune response. Basically, the laser penetrates a cell and makes it feel better. It increases the activity and rebuilds,” he describes.

Whether it’s with a hands-on approach or a few unique laser techniques, Dr. DeMarino knows his patients. He understands that every person’s body is unique and that some patients may need 10 minutes while others require an hour. With a friendly atmosphere, individual treatment and a no-rush zone, helping patients heal properly is always his goal.

Realty

For All Your Real Estate Needs 1633 E. PASSYUNK AVENUE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19148 Phone: 215.465.4225 Fax: 215.465.4229 Anthony Criniti, Broker Theresa Criniti, Property Rental Manager

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PRHTIPS FROM THE PROS LEGAL

& RDER LAWO

Underage drinking

by FRANK C. DEPASQUALE JR., ESQUIRE

Q: My daughter is 17 years old and was in a popular local bar. She was charged with underage drinking by an undercover Liquor Control Agent. What fines and penalties will she face?

Mark, Philadelphia A: Unfortunately, there are few, if any, defenses to the underlying charge. A minor is guilty of the offense if she or he attempts to purchase, consume, possess or transport any alcoholic beverage. Fortunately, the Courts do provide a preadjudication disposition program, which allows the minor to attend a three-hour alcohol safety class.

The cost of the class is $175. If successfully completed, the minor’s record is automatically expunged. Unfortunately, the driving

privileges of the minor will be suspended for 90 days for a first offense and 1 year for a second offense. If the minor elects not to attend the class and is found guilty, a fine of up to $500 will be assessed in addition to the license suspension.

goodwill amongst co-employees. Courts consistently view an employee’s participation in such an activity as being done to favor the employer and/or benefit their business so injuries occurring during these events are usually compensable.

Q:

Q: Who is responsible for water damage

In the beginning of the summer, I tore my Achilles tendon while playing in a company sponsored softball game. Am I eligible to collect workers’ compensation benefits?

Ryan, Ridley Park A: Absolutely. These kinds of companysponsored events are deemed to be activities done in furtherance of the employer’s business, even if it is only done to promote

caused by flooding in my basement during recent heavy rains? Can I turn a claim into my homeowner’s coverage?

Carmen, Cherry Hill A: Unfortunately, you can turn in a claim only if your homeowner’s policy has sewer backup coverage, which most do not. This coverage has to be specifically requested and purchased. In addition, there is usually a limit of $5,000 to $10,000 in coverage.

Frank C. Depasquale Jr., Esquire was named one of Philadelphia Magazine’s Super Lawyers for 2009. He heads DePasquale Law Offices, 2332-34 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145. P: 215.755.4110.

Email: Frank@depasquale-law.com www.depasquale-law.com

£ 1327-35 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA

215-334-1717

PETER JACOVINI, F.D.

1327-35 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA

215-389-2414

VICTOR BALDI, F.D.

www.Pennsylvaniaburialcompany.com www.BaldiFuneralhome.com

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LEGAL QUESTIONS

Legal questions for Frank DePasquale? Email him at info@gohomephilly.com or mail to PRH Law & Order, PO Box 54786, Phila., PA 19148.

Please include your name, address & phone number for verification purposes. PRH will not publish your last name.

W W W . C L U B D E L I V E R A N C E P H I L L Y . C O M

PRHSPORTS

Harry Kalas 1936 - 2009

FIELD OF DREAMS

by Bob Wagner

PICTURE ON THE LEFT COURTESY OF THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

A

s I write this, a few moments ago, I heard the news that Harry Kalas had passed away. Fittingly, I heard the news on the radio where I had bore witness to the greatness that was Kalas. Game after game, season after season, decade after decade.

I recalled the hot summer nights of my youth, walking through the streets of South Philly as the voices of Harry Kalas and Richie Ashburn cut through the humid air from the transistor radios the neighbors had tuned into the Phillies games to cheer and curse our hometown heroes. You could walk from Broad Street to Front Street and not miss a pitch.

It seems almost trite to say, but Harry Kalas truly provided the soundtrack to my childhood. It was like the James Earl Jones’ siloquey in Field of Dreams. The one constant through all the years has been Harry. His voice is a part of my past. It marked the time. It reminds us of all that once was good, and it could be again.

I think it was somehow quite fitting that the last call Harry made was an “Outta Here” following the Matt Stairs’ game-winning homer against The Rockies on April 12, 2009.

Toward the end of the movie Forrest Gump, Forest speaks to Jenny’s grave: “ I don’t know if we each have a destiny or if we’re all just floatin’ around accidental like on a breeze... but I think, maybe it’s both.

Maybe both are happening at the same time...” ✽

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PRHSPORTS

HARRY KALAS: ECHOES OF A LEGEND

By Dan Vanore

I

was getting ready to watch an afternoon Phillies game on a beautiful spring day when the sad news flashed across the television screen.

Harry Kalas, the Phillies announcer for almost 40 years, had passed away.

I immediately thought back to when I was 10-yearsold, sitting on the floor in front of the TV, when I first got interested in baseball. I remember very clearly my grandfather telling me that this is the Phillies ‘new announcer’ and that he had some big shoes to fill.

My most vivid and important memory of those glory days of the ’70s was waking up on a Sunday afternoon to the sound of Harry and Richie Ashburn’s baseball banter and the smell of my grandfather’s Sunday gravy (back in those days, we were eating dinner by 1pm).

As I walked down the stairs of the house that I now live in, my grandfather was sitting in his chair smoking a pipe or drinking a small glass of beer (never a bottle).

My Uncle Duke sat on the couch wearing his robe, reading the Sunday paper while my Uncle Ant hollered out, ‘Yo Danooch! Glad you could make it!’

While Grandmom and Aunt Maria set the table, we sat down to eat as we listened to the game on TV. When we finished eating, we watched the rest of it in the parlor. For me, that was the best time of the week.

All of us together watching the Phils.

Of course there are many more memories of family, baseball and Harry Kalas but that is the only one that I still dream about to this day. My grandfather, who took me to my first baseball game at Connie Mack Stadium in 1968, passed away the year following the Phillies’ World Series victory in 1980. My grandmother passed in the late ’80s and my Uncle Duke left us in 1996.

I’ve probably spent more time listening to Harry’s voice on TV and radio with them than any other activity we had done together. Harry was a link to my childhood and to the family members he helped keep around long after they were gone.

In 1997, we were dealt a similar blow when longtime player and announcer Richie Ashburn passed away before a game against the Mets. I remember my Uncle Ant saying to me, ‘At least we still have Harry.’

From that time up until the day he died, Harry made sure that Richie wasn’t forgotten. He told old

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stories about him, saying that his buddy Whitey was looking down from above and that he still felt Richie next to him while he was announcing the game.

He was a man after my own heart when he said it was fitting that Richie passed while the Phils were playing the Mets because that was the team Richie was with when he finished his career. Harry believed in that stuff.

Which is why I thought it was fitting that Harry passed while the Phils were in Washington. When Harry was a little boy, his dad took him to see The Washington Senators and a Washington player, Mickey Vernon, took young Harry into the dugout and signed a ball for him.

Many times, Harry retold that story, claiming it was the reason he fell in love with baseball to begin with. So, last year, it was only fitting that the man who did everything one could possibly do in baseball got to do the one thing he had never done before—call a Phillies World Series clinching victory. Just as fitting as my grandfather finally getting to see them win it all in 1980 before he died. Like Harry, I believe that things like that aren’t coincidences. There’s a higher power at work and baseball is the pastime that links us all together.

For me, there is no other sport like baseball. It’s a game that links grandfathers, fathers, sons, uncles and nephews. And in this city, we were blessed with a thread that held us all together. A thread by the name of Harry Kalas.

I met Harry three times—once with my nephew Cliff—and every time I was in his presence, he treated me like I was his best buddy. That is the way he was with everyone. He was a class act, a humanitarian. I don’t know what we will do now that he is gone. But I do know one thing. Listening to the Phillies will never be the same again without hearing him say ‘struck eem out’ or ‘outtaheeere.’ Or watching him get so emotional and cry at a ceremony. There will never be another announcer in this town so idolized—even by the millionaire players who felt the common bond that Harry Kalas created.

Unfortunately, those days are over. All we have left are the memories of a great man and the echoes of his legendary voice. Thanks, Harry! We love and will never forget you. ✽

PRHSPORTS

THE GAME WAS ON THE RADIO

By David W. Cava

M

y grandfather had this great radio that he kept in his bathroom. It followed him from a shelf in his bathroom to an end table right next to his favorite chair in the living room of my grandparents’ rowhome on 10th & Porter. I’m thinking about that radio as I reflect on the news that Harry Kalas passed away. I don’t remember ever hearing music come out of that radio.

Unlike the other major sports, Baseball works on radio. My eight-year-old son is a huge baseball fan. For the last three years, he has to be in bed long before the end of most Phillies games. To avoid 162 arguments, my wife and I agreed to let him listen to the game on his clock radio while lying in bed. Most nights, I’d jump in bed with him and listen to an inning or two. I’m thinking about his radio as I reflect on the news that Harry Kalas passed away.

I used to spend my summers on the beach in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey.

If the sun was out, I found time for the beach. Every Sunday, my buddy’s father could be found on that beach sitting on an old folding chair, holding a small transistor radio. He would sit there for hours, watching the game unfold through Harry’s eyes. I’m thinking about that radio as I reflect on the news that Harry Kalas passed away. I don’t remember ever hearing music come out of that radio.

My first Phillies game was at the Vet. I sat there in relative silence as the pitchers pitched, the catchers caught and the batters swung at what appeared to be a spec of white light flashing by them. I can remember being awestruck at seeing the field and the players, but the relative silence was painful. Sure, there were cheers and boos and, of course, there were expletives that no 10-year-old should ever repeat. But for the most part, it was quiet. I expected to hear Harry’s voice. I wanted to hear Harry’s voice. I feel that way every time I go to a game. Now, I’ll feel that way every time I hear the game on a radio or watch the game on television.

No matter how high our high definition will be, or how flat our flat screen televisions will become, nothing will compare to the sounds of a Phillies game on an old radio. Like so many Philadelphians, listening to the Phils on the radio was like no other experience in sports. We didn’t invite Harry into our homes, to our picnics, our parties or to our beaches. Harry welcomed us to share a day at the ballpark with him. And for 38 years, we said ‘yes’ to his invitation. And no matter where we were or what we were doing, we were there with Harry seeing every pitch, every out and every home run.

Comcast SportsNet was replaying Harry’s last game. My son and I watched on a 14-inch TV while lying on my bed. We had watched the game the night before at Easter dinner at my in-laws’. We knew what was going to happen when Matt Stairs walked up to the plate. We closed our eyes and listened to the call.

We heard a familiar voice call the long drive to deep right field. Simultaneously, and with his best Harry imitation, my son repeated, ‘It’s outta here!’

There’s a radio on my desk at work that has been there for more than 10 years. I’m thinking about that radio as I reflect on the news that Harry Kalas passed away. I don’t remember ever hearing music come out of that radio. ✽

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PRHSPORTS

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WORKING

ON A DREAM T

he tri-state area has always been a hot bed for youth and amateur sports. From baseball through hockey and all in between, many parents have surfed the wave of emotions with their children as they begin working on a dream. Everyone likes to think that their Johnny or Josie is the next big star in their given sport. Truth is, not many youth players ever gravitate to the next level without taking some serious steps of sacrifice and dedication along the way.

About a year ago, the United States Women’s Soccer Team made history by becoming the first women’s soccer team to capture gold medals in consecutive Olympiads. The most current thrill of victory was produced largely in part because of the play of a local girl turned golden girl. The nightly lead-in to ESPN Sport Center broadcasts routinely feature the names of such highlight heroes as Kobe, Peyton, Tiger and Chase, but this Jersey girl should have a few things to say about that. Got highlights?

Carli Lloyd is starting to kick up a few memorable moments of her own.

Until that day when she took to the pitch for the first time as a member of team USA, Carli’s story was not unlike that of any other athlete just trying to live their dream. There is a difference, however, in that the Delran, NJ native knew she had the skill and talent, but did she have the mental and physical stamina?

“My brother’s club team in Medford had a trainer named James Galanis and my father went to him and said my daughter really needs your help.” The pairing paid dividends almost immediately.

“It wasn’t easy,” Lloyd says of her ascent from Delran High School, where she was twice named High School Soccer Player of the Year by the Philadelphia Inquirer, to the United States Women’s National Team. There were stints with club teams in Delran and Medford, regional teams and the national pool. “I felt like I reached a plateau and hit a brick wall with the U21 national team and I just couldn’t break through and be the impact player I knew I could be.”

Galanis, however, prepared her to be mentally and physically strong. He offered his services to Lloyd without the fee that so often prohibits young athletes the opportunity for self improvement. The catch was Lloyd had to totally commit, be true to herself and put in the work Galanis demanded of her.

In what she calls a 50/50 proposition, Galanis brought her back to basics with conditioning, brushing up on fundamentals and crafting her skills. With a newfound confidence, Lloyd worked harder and harder until she cracked the national team with a 20-minute appearance against Ukraine in 2005. “I was so incredibly nervous, the thing

ON THE CORNER WITH MARK CASASANTO

that really got me was walking onto that field with the USA jersey on with my name on it… just very, very, exciting.”

Fast-forwarding to Beijing in the summer of 2008, after the United States dropped its first match of the Olympics to Norway, suddenly a shadow of a doubt was cast on the very talented but untested squad.

The team had already lost its best forward, Abby Wambach, to injury and now they were looking up from the bottom of their Olympic group.

Lloyd remained confident. “I just kept feeling stronger and stronger each game and I credit that to James (Galanis).” Her confidence paid off when she netted the USA’s only goal of the match in their second Olympic match against Japan for a 1-0 win. The team started to roll and after subsequent victories against New Zealand, Canada and a rematch with Japan, the golden girls would find themselves preparing for the medal match against arguably the best team in the world, Brazil.

The hype leading into the match couldn’t have been more accurate, much as two heavyweight fighters’ battle for ring supremacy. Looking for a knockout yet only to go to the judge’s score cards in the end, the United States and the Brazilians would need overtime to settle the gold medal match. Some 96 minutes after the dogfight began, on a burst of energy and on seemingly younger legs than her nearest opponent, Lloyd took a touch past the Brazilian defender and nailed a left-footed shot to give the United States the 1-0 lead and eventual gold medal.

“For a few seconds, I think I was in shock…” And then, the celebration began - both on the field in China and in many households throughout the United States.

Much as the Americans were the underdog that Olympic day, when not many in the sporting world gave the young, hurting US side a chance to repeat, Lloyd feels there is valuable advice in the scenario.

“You have to work hard every day, be as physically fit as you possibly can and it helps to have a go-to person, someone who will bring the best out in you,” she says with conviction. “There will always be bumps in the road and many ups and downs… stay focused.”

Looking back, her hard work and sacrifices throughout club ball and high school and her dad’s desire to find Carli her missing link all culminated in that incredible shot in China. Hers is a story many young athletes with the heart of a champion should want to emulate. She is a local success story that we should all be proud to call one of our own.

(In addition to the United States National Team, Carli also plays professionally for the Chicago Red Stars of the Women’s Professional Soccer League.) ✽

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PRHSPORTS

JOHN MARZANO HALFBALL TOURNAMENT Hundreds of our neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest players took part in the 2nd annual John Marzano Halfball Tournament in honor of their friend and colleague who died suddenly in 2007.

Presented by Conestoga Bank, teams gathered in the Comcast Sportsnet Halfball Courts at the Christopher Columbus Charter School at 9th & Christian to pay tribute to the RowHome grown athlete and sports legend.

Proceeds benefit the Marzano Family Education Fund and the Italian Market Festival Production Fund.

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PRHSPORTS

EAGLES

CHEERLEADERS TACKLE GLOBAL

WARMING

KNOWN FOR BEING THE FIRST IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TO PRODUCE AN ECO-FRIENDLY CALENDAR, THE EAGLES CHEERLEADERS JUST RELEASED THE SECOND INSTALLMENT OF THEIR ENVIRONMENTALLY THEMED CALENDAR THAT FOCUSES ON CLIMATE CHANGE.

Purchase the new calendar at

www.PhiladelphiaEagles.com

The 16-month 2009/10 eco-sexy calendar is printed on post-consumer FSC certified recycled paper and contains facts about the effects of global warming including information on endangered species and changing weather patterns. It features all 38 cheerleaders wearing bikinis made from recycled plastic soda bottles, organic cotton, and tagua nuts from the Amazon Rainforest in Peru.

Devan West, a second year member of the squad, is featured on the cover wearing an organic cotton bikini, obsolete telephone wire bracelets and a necklace made from a repurposed appliance washer.

Photographed in Aruba by renowned photographer Steve Vaccariello, the calendar is part of the Eagles nationally recognized Go Green program, the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental strategy that includes recycling programs, tree-planting and neutralizing carbon output.

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PRHUNITED WAY

Community Spotlight

United Way gives seniors something

by EMILY E. ROSENBERG

TO T SING ABOUT

ucked into a quiet corner of South Philadelphia, the JCCs Stiffel Senior Center has been welcoming the neighborhood’s older citizens through its doors for the past ľł years.

On most weekdays the Stiffel Center holds classes and other activities but on Fridays, the basement cafeteria is transformed into a Cabaret club and the Stiffel Swingers keep the beat for the sassiest seniors in town.

“The guys and I have been playing together for years,” says Dave Welsh, saxophone player for the Stiffel Swingers. “Having a regular gig and playing to an audience that can sing and dance with the best of them keeps me feeling young.”

The Stiffel Center is just one of many senior centers that are supported in part by local United Ways. Keeping seniors healthy and safe is part of United Way’s goal of advancing the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life.

“It’s important to give older Philadelphians opportunities to remain active and involved in the communities in which they have lived for decades,” said Susan Hoffman, Site Director at the Stiffel Center. “We’re grateful to have the United Way as a trusted partner.”

You can check out the Stiffel Swingers on YouTube or if you’re over the age of ŁĻ and are in the South Philadelphia area, stop by ŁĻĿ Porter Street and join the LIVE UNITED movement. ✽

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PRHSCHOOLYARD

after

before

FAMILY SPACE

by ROBIN ELTON Photos by SANDY EDELSTEIN, MOMENTS CAUGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

L

ike many 8-year-old boys, Leo Cassel-Siskind loves to play baseball. What makes Leo a lucky boy is that he is one of few kids allowed to play ball in the house.

Leo was given the chance to throw a ball through the living and dining rooms of his Fairmount row

home when the Philadelphia-based women-owned design to build firm, Myers Constructs, removed a wall separating the two spaces, giving the area an open look and a family-friendly feel. “We set up bases and he slides on the new cork floor in the kitchen,” said his father, Peter Siskind. “We wanted a space that the whole family could enjoy and really live in.”

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PRHSCHOOLYARD

Meanwhile, 5-year-old Rebecca might be cheering from the sidelines on a built-in reading bench in the kitch-

readied,” said Tamara Myers, one of the principals in the 10-year old firm that specializes in old home restoration and creating workable spaces in sometimes “They opted to give up some counter tight row homes in around the city. space in order to have a place where and (Rebecca rememthe family could read” bers this particular design point as her own idea.

“Brilliant!” her mother, Judi Cassel, en. “They opted to give up some counter cheerfully agrees.) Storage space underspace in order to have a place where the neath the bench reveals notebooks, family could read while dinner was being

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stickers, coloring books and crayons easily accessible, and easily put away.

A sense of openness and light in rooms once dark was achieved by strategically positioning lighting under the cabinets and recessed ceiling lights in the kitchen. The dining room boasts multi-color, hand-blown glass fixtures, custom-made in a small shop in Brooklyn.

A new dishwasher was installed; an energy-efficient two-drawer model that Judi enthusiastically favors over handwashing the dishes. The kitchen and dining room, formerly un-insulated and freezing cold on winter nights, are now well-insulated and cozy.

To preserve the 19th century feel of the house, Myers Constructs retained the tall windows with their large moldings - replacing them with energy efficient double hung upgrades. Tall kitchen cabinets with glass fronts and matching crown moldings echo the antique molding styles found throughout the home.

“Before, it was not a space you wanted to spend time in....Everyone has an ideal vision of what they are looking for,” Judi notes. “This has totally met - exceeded! - our expectations for meet-ability, hang-ability, family-friendliness.” It is a space where the family can be comfortable - a space where they now want to spend time together. ✽ First in a series brought to you by Philadelphia MomsLikeMe.com.

Join the conversation today.

PRHSCHOOLYARD

HISTORY MARKS ON THE WATERFRONT: THE S.S. UNITED STATES Driving up Columbus Boulevard, you cannot help but notice the impressive expanse of the S.S. United States as she floats silently on the Delaware at Pier 82 where she is moored.

by BOB WAGNER

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TONY’S

PRHSCHOOLYARD

TIRES

New & Used Tires Any Brand 9th & Oregon Ave. 215.755.1011

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NJ License # 7523 267 Clementon Rd Berlin, NJ 08009 856-246-9621 Fax/856-210-6171 torresmech@aol.com 122

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t 53,329 gross tons, it is the largest ocean liner ever built entirely in the United States. Depending on your point of view, the vessel is either a decaying reminder of America’s glory days or a much anticipated revival project that will someday celebrate her storied past and return the ship to greatness on the high seas. Or perhaps turn her into a floating hotel or waterfront museum someday soon.

A

Launched in 1952, the S.S. United States was a combination of postwar American luxury and Cold War ingenuity. Before the advent of giant C130 transport planes, the government needed a way to transfer troops to Europe quickly in the event of a crisis. As a result, the Defense Department picked up twothirds of the ship’s $79 million construction cost. The result?

In as little as 48 hours, the ship’s 913 first-class beds, 558 cabin spaces and 537 tourist beds could be converted to accommodate more than 14,000 troops that could be ferried more than 10,000 non-stop miles into harm’s way.

Designed by renowned naval architect William Francis Gibbs, “The Big U” was the fastest liner afloat in her day. The ship was capable of attaining 44.7 knots–roughly 50 mph.

By contrast, the S.S. United States was capable of traveling at 25 knots in reverse-about the same speed the Titanic could

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PHILADELPHIA

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Many celebrities were passengers aboard the SS United States including The Duke & Dutchess of Windsor Rita Hayworth Harry Truman Dwight D. Eisenhower John F. Kennedy Bill Clinton Katherine Hepburn John Wayne Bob Hope Cary Grant

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The ship was featured in the 1957 motion picture “An Affair to Remember” starring Cary Grant & Deborah Kerr.

reach moving forward. The ship was overbuilt with dual engine rooms containing 4 Westinghouse steam turbines rotating at 5240 rpm to ensure that the ship could continue under its own power if struck by a torpedo. Today’s nuclearpowered aircraft carriers can produce only a fraction more power than this. While the ship was not quite as luxurious as the Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth, it was certainly more groundbreaking. And it was American.

IVER. RIVER TO R ORHOOD.

ONE NEIGHB

During her distinguished career, the S.S. United States made 400 voyages covering more than 2.7 million miles without suffering a single mechanical failure. More presidents, heads of state and celebrities traveled on her than on any other ship.

While standing at Pier 82, one can almost hear the strains of music, laughter and tinkling glasses. She may be just a ghost ship now but here’s a toast to what she once was and could be again with a bit of old fashioned American ingenuity. ✽

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COMMERCIAL &

PRHSCHOOLYARD

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE 1601 Oregon Ave. Philadelphia PA 19145-4596 office: 215.389.2222 fax: 215.389.0337 cell: 267.902.8833

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Sports

EAGLES TOP

ACHIEVERS

T

he Philadelphia Eagles recently honored 83 local athletes for their excellence in the classroom at the 13th Annual Eagles Top Achievers Awards ceremony.

Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid and fullback Kyle Eckel honored students who maintained a 3.0 grade point average or higher during the 2009 high school football season with a Top Achiever certificate, a football autographed by Eckel and two tickets to Eagles Flight Night!

Presented by the Eagles Youth Partnership (EYP) in conjunction with Philadelphia Futures, Eagles Top Achievers has recognized more than 1,000 student athletes from the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;inviting players with the highest average from each school to spend a day at Eagles Training Camp.

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PRESENTED BY THE EAGLES YOUTH PARTNERSHIP (EYP) IN CONJUNCTION WITH PHILADELPHIA FUTURES, EAGLES TOP ACHIEVERS HAS RECOGNIZED MORE THAN 1,000 STUDENT ATHLETES FROM THE REGION EYP brings hope, health and educational resources to more than 50,000 young people throughout the Philadelphia region, leveraging the star power of the Philadelphia Eagles to positively influence their lives. Philadelphia Futures is a nonprofit organization that provides promising, inner-city high school students with the tools they need to achieve their dream of a college education.

PRHSCHOOLYARD 2009 Eagles Top Achievers

Abraham Lincoln High School, Philadelphia, PA

Edward Bok High School, Philadelphia, PA

Northeast High School, Philadelphia, PA

Samuel Fels High School, Philadelphia, PA

Michael Collins

Ramar Bridges

Antoine Fowler

Rasaan Hanner

Andre Frazier

Tim Freiling

Christopher Williams

Gary Jackson

Chad Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley

Lincon Morancie

Isaac Peterson

Andrew Auer

Maeem Nunnally

James Rosseau Jr.

Christopher Pennington

Archbishop Ryan High School, Philadelphia, PA Kyle Arpino Rusling Slawter

Father Judge High School, Philadelphia, PA

Overbrook High School, Philadelphia, PA

Anthony Vendetti

Thomas Keenan

Christopher Dorn

Matt Vizza

Gregory Kovacs

Giba Goba

Kevin Leneghan

Derrick King

Thomas Ryan

John Melvin

Connor Thompson

Michael Torres

Benjamin Franklin High School, Philadelphia, PA Dante Alexander Jamel Haggins Timothy VanBeverhoudt Camden High School, Camden, NJ Cory Drummond Cardinal Dougherty High School, Philadelphia, PA Rudyard Frederick Fidel Raposo Central High School, Philadelphia, PA Joseph Guarnieri Barron Johnston

George Washington High School, Philadelphia, PA

Penn Wood High School, Lansdowne, PA

South Philadelphia High School, Philadelphia, PA

Daniel Wallace Thomas A. Edison/John C. Fariera High School, Philadelphia, PA Steven Ferguson West Catholic High School, Philadelphia, PA Dante Dickens

Brandon Chudhoff

Joel Alexander

James Lynch III

William McFillin

Hayden Auguste

Raymond Manuel

Michael Moronese

Christian Custis

Raymond Maples

Abdel Rahman Kanan

Alfred Dickar

Jake Zuzek

Simba Sellers

Elijah Johnson

John Bartram High School, Philadelphia, PA

Reading High School, Reading, PA

West Philadelphia High School, Philadelphia, PA Gregory Richie

Kamal Bloodsaw

Cesar Barreau

Marcus Speight

Eric Booker

Chris Kissinger

Junior Weyeah

Antwain Byrd

Carl Normil

Michael White

Northeast Catholic High School, Philadelphia, PA

Hershey Walton II Anthony Webb

Richard Michel

Robert Butler

Michael Rivera

Ryan Etsell

Samuel Weinstock

Shane Rand

Calvin Garvin

Stephen Sipos

Kevin Kelly

Shawn Wilson

Gary Masino

Chester High School, Chester, PA

Wesley McRae

Roman Catholic High School, Philadelphia, PA

Evon Hyles

George Perry

Learon Pray

Matt Schickling

Ronell Williams

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PRHPAWPRINTS

IS THAT CUTE DOG RIGHT FOR ME? AM I RIGHT FOR THAT CUTE DOG?

T

here are many benefits of pet ownership. It has been frequently reported that pet ownership can improve the mental and physical health of their owners. Owning the right pet can lower blood pressure, encourage exercise, promote confidence and improve patience. On the other hand, owning the wrong pet can be unhealthy and costly, for both you and your pet.

Let the search begin So, how do you pick the right pet? Will it be based on looks? Size?

Color? Temperament? Will your next pet be suitable for your personality? Are allergies an issue? Do you want your pet to walk side-by-side with you during your busy lifestyle? Or do you want your pet to enjoy quiet times with you and your family? Do you travel frequently? Do you spend much time at home? Are you in search of a big or small pet? The questions are endless.

Let’s start with basics – size. Dogs range in all sizes. You must think of your environment. For example, if you live in an apartment, it is common sense that a large dog would need a lot more exercise than a small one. It is not impossible to have a large dog in an apartment but keep in mind, it will be more work for you and the dog because all dogs need exercise! The most common reason why dogs misbehave and become destructive is that they do not get enough exercise!

What breed of dog is right for me?

Now that you’ve decided on size, what breed is best for you? Each breed has general characteristics that help determine if that type of dog is compatible with you and your lifestyle. There are pure breeds (one single breed) and there are mixed breeds (two breeds in one dog). The Internet is a wealth of information on everything about dogs.

If you are considering a mixed breed, you will have to consider the characteristic of each breed. You can ‘google” the breed you are looking for or just search ‘dogs’ in general and use the information to help you make an informed decision. Important facts like ‘Does the dog shed?’ (important if you have allergies and are in search of a “hypoallergenic” breed). ‘Is the breed compatible with children?’ The Animal Planet cable channel often features specific dog breeds and will give you a close-up view of the breed and its temperament.

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE

~ Do you currently own a dog? How has your experience been?

~ What size dog would you prefer? The bigger the dog,

by LISA GILLEN

126

Where do I go to get my perfect pet?

Now that you’ve narrowed the choices down, how or where could you acquire this dog? Individual breeders often post their own web pages that display their dogs. Keep in mind these dogs may be a little pricey. Not to fear, there are rescues for almost every dog breed and again a good place to find these are on the Internet. Rescue dogs are exactly what is says – they are ‘”rescued” from owners who can no longer take care of them. You will be charged a small fee for your adopted pet that goes directly to the rescue to help keep them operating. Rescued dogs are available at all ages. Other areas to look are the newspaper classified section, veterinarian offices, libraries, book stores and local shelters. All of these sources are good. You just have to determine which is right for you.

And don’t forget…

What are the costs associated with pet ownership? What are the benefits? The questions continue and each should be answered in addition to which type of dog you prefer.

Below are some specific questions to consider, questions that may be asked of you by a shelter or rescue. They will also aid you in selecting the most suitable dog for you and your pet:

gohomephilly.com

the larger the costs to maintain. The smaller the dog, the smaller the protection you may seek.

~ How active are you? How energetic should your dog be?

Calm likes calm. Energy likes energy.

~ What is the size of your residence? Smaller homes will likely be more suitable for a smaller pet.

~ What is the size of your yard? The bigger the yard, the bigger the pet.

~ How much daily exercise can/would you give your dog? Certain breeds require more of your time; more exercise.

~ How many hours will you spend with/invest in your dog per week? Certain breeds require more of your time; more exercise; more training, etc.

~ What is the age group of the family living with the dog? Certain breeds are more child-friendly.

~ How much are you prepared to spend weekly on feeding your dog? The bigger the dog, the larger the costs.

Maybe larger vet bills.

~ How much are you prepared to spend on/invest in your dog annually? In a life- time? Training, vaccinations, grooming and other costs vary among breeds.

~ How much grooming will the dog require? Will you perform it? Certain breeds require more maintenance and, therefore higher costs.

~ Will any asthmatics live with the dog? Any allergies?

Certain breeds are more “hypoallergenic” than others.

~ How will you deal with vacations?

Once you answer the above, talk to your friends and colleagues about their experiences and consult with breeders and veterinarians. Perform meaningful research. A wealth of books exists on this topic and there is a lot of information on the Internet including photos and breed data.

Enjoy the magical experience of life with your new best friend. ✽

PRHPAWPRINTS

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The staff at P Philadelphia RowHome Magazine extends its deepest sympathy to Maria Gallagher and Ray Didinger who lost their beloved pet Spotty (A Rescue Tale: Spottyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Story), featured in the PawPrints section of our last issue.

In memory of Spotty With sadness we share the news that Spotty lost his fight with cancer and related illnesses on March Ä˝Ĺ&#x20AC;, ĽĝĝĹ&#x201E;. He was a feisty boy until his last day, barking for his breakfast just that morning. He lived for nearly two years after his initial cancer diagnosis, which speaks volumes about the wonderful vets and techs who cared for him at Mt. Airy Animal Hospital, the Veterinary Referral Center in Malvern, and the Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center in Langhorne. Spotty was Ĺ&#x192; years old.

Mack came to us just after Christmas. I was the volunteer who took him in when he was surrendered to HeavenSent Bulldog Rescue. Ray and I planned to foster Mack until we found him the perfect home, but we soon realized that the perfect home for him was ours.

Mack is a sweet, timid Äž-year-old bulldog who needed to overcome a fear of men. He has already completed basic obedience, and we hope that someday Mack can put his charms to good use as a therapy dog.

--Maria Gallagher

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ROWHOME MAGAZINE

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ROWHOME

CAROL I know it’s hard to believe, but Dawn and I come from the same mother.

Those of you who know us are probably wondering which of us is more like my mother. Quiet. Reserved. Organized.

Yeah, that’s me. Humorous. Friendly.

Loyal. Yep. Me again.

Here’s one thing that definitely is NOT me. My mother loves to talk on the phone.

She made a career of it. My grandparents tell stories of how she worked for Bell Telephone when she was only 16. ‘Ran that whole operation,’ my grandmother insists.

Then she headed off to Pennsylvania Hospital to run their switchboard for a while.

Dawn worked with my mom for a couple of her teenage summers. She says my mother answered 700 lines herself when she worked for a doctors’ answering service.

‘That woman could answer more phones than you can imagine. You would die if you had to answer that many calls at one time.’

We quickly got into a discussion about my mother and her current job at the Law Offices of A. Charles Peruto Sr. ‘Senior,’ my mother respectfully calls the legendary attorney.

A friend asked my mother to fill in for their receptionist who was out sick. They needed her for two weeks.

She spent the entire weekend at the shore nagging. ‘I don’t think I can do it. I don’t know anything about legal,’ she whined.

‘They don’t want you to try their cases,’ Dawn snapped back. ‘They want you to

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answer the phone. How hard can it be to answer the phone for a couple dozen lawyers? You answered 700 calls at a time.’

‘You think everything is easy, Dawn. I’m not as young as I used to be.’ The familiar dispute ensues.

‘I really don’t care what you do, Ma,’ Dawn barks. ‘Just don’t boil the hot dogs, again.

You’re supposed to grill hotdogs in the summertime. Who eats boiled hot dogs?’

That was 21 years ago. Not only did my mother adapt to answering the attorneys’ lines, she became such a legal eagle that we call her “Carol Peruto.”

She’s a huge fan of Senior’s. Spent a lot of lunch hours watching him try cases. ‘He’s a master in the courtroom,’ she’d preach at the dinner table. ‘And what a gentleman.’

‘Please, Carol Peruto, pass the pork chops,’ Dawn would laugh.

‘I don’t think that’s funny. I happen to enjoy my job,’ she’d start. Another familiar dispute ensues.

After 21 years of keeping the staff and clients organized at the Law Offices of A. Charles Peruto, Sr., Carol is leaving her post. A two-week stint turned into a lifetime of memories for her and our entire family. Although this chapter’s close is bittersweet, Dawn & I look forward to reaping the rewards of Carol’s expertise as she mans her desk at RowHome Magazine.

Just call her ‘RowHome Carol’ when you dial our office.

We will always call her ‘Mom.’ ✽

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