Manayunk Magazine - Winter 2014

MANAYUNK LIVE|SHOP|DINE|PLAY

WINTER 2014-2015

Life In The Little Apple:

Get To The Core of Brandy Deieso We Shop Small, We Shop Local, We Shop Manayunk.

Knitting 101 From A Manayunk Master The Curtain Rises At The New Performing Arts Center

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Artist: Stephen Bruce | Title: Bahia Series 11, 14, & 15 Exhibiting September 2015 | Acid on Copper

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Locally Sourced Fresh Food

Great Wine List • Craft Beers on Tap • Artisan Bread Full Catering Menu • Market Menu • Outdoor Dining Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner–every day

4266 Main Street, Manayunk, PA 19127 • 215.487.2663 • LeBusManayunk.com coming soon...

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MANAYUNK magazine

LIVE SHOP DINE PLAY

DECEMBER 2014 / FEBRUARY 2015

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Mark Your Calendar

Kick off the Holidays and celebrate the Winter Solstice in Manayunk.

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Sneak A Peek

They came and they ate at this fall’s StrEAT Food Festival.

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Cover Profil

How Brandy Deieso made The Little Apple her own.

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LIVE.

Around Town

30 years of service and still going strong.

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SHOP.

Business Savvy

Learn to knit your own bulky winter scarf from the expert herself.

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Holiday Gift Guide

They checked everyone off their list on Main Street.

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Now Open

New doors open in Manayunk.

DINE.

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Taste

A new era of giving by Manayunk merchants.

PLAY.

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Along the Trail

The show is on at the Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center.

Editorial + Production Editors Joan Denenberg, Shannon Geddes Jane Lipton, Caitlin Maloney Design Cantor Design cantordesign.com Sales M7 Media 610.417.9261 bauerjim7@gmail.com Photography Susan Beard Design - susanbearddesign.com Stephanie Nolt Photography - snfoto.com JPG Photography - jpgphotography.com 4

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Manayunk.com Magazine is published quarterly by the Manayunk Development Corp.

Manayunk Development Corporation 4312 Main Street Philadelphia, PA 19127 215.482.9565 | info@manayunk.org

COVER Photographed by SUSAN BEARD (pictured) / SUSAN BEARD DESIGN (susanbearddesign.com).

Assisted by Erika Smith.

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MANAYUNK | 4249 MAIN STREET | PHILADLEPHIA, PA 19127 BELLEVUE | 200 S BROAD STREET | PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102 MKDANDASSOCIATES.COM

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

nov 29 Small Business Saturday Shop small, shop local, shop Manayunk this Holiday!

Photography by Vlad Gurevich Photography (vladgurevich.com)

NOVEMBER

nov 29 Holidays In Manayunk Tree Lighting Ceremony Kick off the Holiday season as we light the Manayunk tree!

dec 19 Manayunk Solstice Fire Celebrate the Winter Solstice by watching the fi es burn on the Manayunk canal!

dec 6 Holidays In Manayunk Santa Paws Bring your pup to get their picture taken with Santa Paws!

Photography by Albert Yee (albertyee.com)

DECEMBER

feb 22 Mummer’s Mardi Gras

Join us as the Mummers strut their way down Main Street!

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SNEAK-A-PEEK

Photography by JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

This year Manayunk’s Fall StrEAT Food Festival was bigger and better and was taken to the street. Over 30,000 people ate their way down Main Street from over 40 food trucks and additional gourmet food vendors. The 5th StrEAT Festival featured new elements like the children’s play area Recess, yoga by Lululemon, and the MNYK Beer Garden. The Indian summer weather with temperatures reaching over 80 degrees couldn’t have been beat. Our friends at JPG Photography captured it all, but this is just a sneak peek.

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Photography by JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

Just minutes from Center City, the urban village of Manayunk could easily be described as an “urban oasis”. Stroll along tree-lined Main Street and enjoy a wealth of fabulous restaurants, galleries and boutiques, or ride your bike along the towpath out to Valley Forge Park, all just minutes from Center City, the Main Line and City Line Avenue.

Our Canal House Apartments are convenient to everything.

MAIN STREET’S PREMIER APARTMENTS

ON MAIN STREET, MANAYUNK

4312 MAIN STREET MANAYUNK, PA 19127 215.483.9990 WWW.CANALHOUSE.COM

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LIVE: AROUND TOWN

Thirty Years of Serving a Thriving, Changing Community

Irene Madrak has called North Light Community Center home since 1984

By Dana Dabek Since 1984, Irene Madrak has served as the Executive Director of North Light Community Center, located on Green Lane, but her roots with the neighborhood go much deeper than that. Having grown up in Roxborough and attending school and church in Manayunk, Irene’s memories of North Light started as a rambunctious ten year-old painting in a community art class. North Light grabbed a hold of her then, and still has yet to let go. I sat down with Irene to discuss her time at North Light and how the Manayunk community has changed in the past 30 year.

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The other big challenge is to remain relevant.

You grew up in the neighborhood. What made you decide to stay here?

This neighborhood was always close-knit. Everybody knew everybody, or at least someone in your family. I wasn’t always a well-behaved child and news of ill behavior could reach your home before you even walked in the door. Originally, I thought when I grow up I’m moving far away from here where nobody knows me. Then I started to appreciate the close-knit of the neighborhood, our common history and childhood friendships.

How did you become executive director? You were only 26 years old at the time.

I came and worked as an intern during my senior year in college. When I was preparing to go to graduate school, John Willard (the former director of North Light) asked me to come back and work part time, then full time in 1980. In 1983, I had accepted another positon somewhere else and got a call from John Willard while I was on vacation in California. He offered me the position of assistant director, with a salary about half of what I was offered at the other position. But I thought I could make more of a difference in my own community than I could doing similar work in a larger bureaucracy. It was more of a personal mission. I then became executive director after he retired.

Looking back over 30 years, what is your greatest sense of pride?

Absolutely it is seeing children that came through North Light blossom into amazing folks who are productive, caring, and give back. I watched them raise their families in a wonderful, caring way, and do for others without question. It’s wonderful to see people mature and grow in that way.

Also it is an opportunity to work with some of the most remarkable people, who give their time and talent to make North Light work.

Running any non-profit comes with its challenges. What a e some of North Light’s?

Sustaining the organization is a challenge. Each year we raise about 85% of our income. Essentially we start the year on a gamble. It is a challenge to plan for the future when resources are always uncertain. The other big challenge is to remain relevant. It’s a moving target, so you’re always trying to match community needs and available resources up in a meaningful way.

North Light receives generous support from the Manayunk community. What have been some of your favorite partnerships?

There have been some really amazing partnerships, so I apologize if I forget anybody! The Neducsin “Spirit of Manayunk” Scholarship (a scholarship that is available to students who reside in zip codes 19127 and 19128, and demonstrate a commitment to their community through involvement and service) has made a wonderful difference. I have seen some 60 young people benefit from the scholarship and continue to give back to their communities, the thrust of the scholarship criteria.

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Dan and Luana Neducsin are strong supporters of North Light, both financially and networking on our behalf. Many of the Manayunk Development Corporation members, especially Winnie Clowry, Bruce Cooper, Mike Rose and David Richards to name a few, have been dedicated supporters.

I’m always uplifted by the number of new business owners who connect with us to find ways to give back to the community. That’s a big part of our future here. We’re very lucky to be a part of such a caring community.

After 30 years running Manayunk’s community center, how have you seen the neighborhood change?

For most of the twentieth century, the community changed very little. In the 1970’s there were several efforts to revitalize Main Street, but it never reached critical mass. But in the 1980’s, the time and economy were right. Local banks and larger companies worked alongside the smaller retailers to plan for the commercial corridor as a whole. Collectively, they began to have a vision and big picture view of what Main Street could look like, outside of their own properties. When the bike race came to town in the mid-1980’s, it brought more city-wide and national visibility to Main Street and Manayunk. However, the residential neighborhood went through some stresses during the commercial revitalization of Main Street. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, North Light began holding “Yunker-Yuppie” workshops to bring people together on a person-to-person basis.

We wanted to work to change negative perceptions on both sides. In the 2000’s, we’ve had more new families move in, who find it an affordable, safe place to live, and are vested in the community. Now the big challenge is blending all of that into one community. That’s a role that North Light really should play and wants to play.

To learn how to give back to the community through North Light Community Center, visit www.northlightcommunitycenter.org.

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What makes you hopeful about the future of North Light, and Manayunk in general?

At almost 80 years old, we know how to be responsive to change in the community, one of our core values. North Light has always grown and changed organically. Manayunk has a solid social infrastructure of people that really care about the community and care about each other. It’s densely populated, so you have to run into your neighbor. Sometimes it’s just a matter of putting people together. That’s where North Light comes in.

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SHOP: BUSINESS SAVVY

Follow The Thread Hidden River Yarns offers a cozy hideaway this winter

By Cara Gavin

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Photography by Stephanie Nolt Photography (snfoto.com)

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new knitters into the world.” arm up this season with Hidden River Yarns, a cheerful shop This winter, Johnson will be focusing on the new knitting trends, innestled in the heart of Manayunk’s Main Street. Owned and cluding bulky and chunky knits, infinity cowls, colorwork and fair isle operated by Lisa Johnson, this shop boasts bold, vibrant colsweaters. For new knitters who want to stay current, Johnson suggests ored yarn and a funky clientele ranging from “hip grannies” that have starting with a bulky wool scarf in a dark color. “It’s a fun piece and knit for years to novices searching for their first p oject. super easy -- all it involves is knitting,” she says.

Johnson opened Hidden River Yarns in SepChunky wool is easiest to use because it forms tember 2012 with the intention to provide locals and visitors with a “quality, cozy experience;” “We have sent forth a lot large stitches and reduces knitting time.

Check out the sidebar to read Johnson’s step-byshe features natural fibers, domestically-sourced step instructions on how to knit your own bulky products and classes for all levels. She works of new knitters into scarf. “This is the kind of thing that the most basic closely with small yarn suppliers, like Quince of knitters can do,” she says. “It’s great for win& Co., Manos del Uruguay, Fibre Company and the world.” ter, super cuddly and you could even add another Happy Little Michigan Sheep. The shop is dog skein to make it longer.” This scarf is popular with Manayunk locals, includfriendly, though Johnson warns against playful cats. Its mascot is a coloring Lenny Bazemore of Main Street’s Bazemore Gallery, who often wears fully draped skeleton knitting in a rocking chair by the window, cheekily one of Johnson’s creations. “Real men wear pompoms too,” she jokes. named Dead Grandma. She even has her own hashtag, #DeadGrandma, Knitting your own pieces isn’t just about adding to your wardrobe. It on Twitter and Instagram. offers a wide array of benefits. “There are documented mental health Johnson’s quirky attitude and friendly demeanor encourages those benefits to it. They are starting to treat soldiers with Posttraumatic Stress passing by to come in and marvel at the bright wools and sign up for Disorder (PTSD) by teaching them how to knit.” Johnson believes the rea class or two. “The biggest fear new people have is that they won’t be petitive motion of knitting is soothing and meditative. “People who spend able to do it, but we are incredibly relaxed in our teaching philosophy,” a long amount of time doing these small, repetitive motions have a lesser Johnson says. “I am not the knitting police. We encourage people to chance of getting Alzheimer’s and dementia as seniors,” she says. She also stretch and grow within their own comfort levels.” This winter, she is explains that knitting is good for your hands and can ward off arthritis. “A offering four classes: Mittens, Cabled Hats, Intro to Knitting and Colorlot of surgeons knit and crochet to maintain their manual dexterity. People work. Johnson also hosts an Open Knit and Crochet Night every Thursin general find knitting very calming and centering,” she says day from 6 to 8 p.m. She is happy to say, “We have sent forth a lot of manayunk.com | Winter 2014/2015

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FOOD | DRINKS | MUSIC| FUN The perfect venue for your holiday party or gathering!

Weekly Specials | Live Entertainment Live Jazz Sunday Brunch | Sushi Private Parties 4120 Main Street Philadelphia, PA 215.482.8220 www.manayunkbrewery.com

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When Johnson isn’t inside Hidden River Yarns, she is active in the online knitting community, starting with her blog on HiddenRiverYarns.com, where she reflects on store happenings and discusses her patrons’ projects.

Hidden River Yarns is also on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter @HiddenRiverYarn. Johnson uses social media to showcase what she is making, promote new designs and offer tips and tutorials. She also follows Ravelry.com, which she says is a “Facebook on steroids for knitters.” It has a large pattern database, as well as a variety of forums and groups.

While Johnson insists Hidden River Yarns is not a trendy store, she does claim to be a “hip 50-year-old,” she says. “My store is good quality basics. My people tend be a little funkier.” Johnson is looking to spread the joy of knitting around, with a little pizazz and dash of humor to go along with it.

Cara Gavin is a local freelance writer and is part of our new initiative to get local voices into the Manayunk Magazine. Interested in writing about your community? Email Caitlin Maloney at cmaloney@manayunk.org.

STOCKING STUFFERS

M A N AY U N K | 1 9 1 2 7 w w w. t h e l i t t l e a p p l e s t o r e . c o m

How to Knit a Bulky Winter Scarf Materials: Use three to four skeins of Puffin ya n from Quince & Co. Use two to three skeins for the scarf and one skein in a contrasting color for the pompoms.

You will need size US 10.5 needles, a darning needle and a pompom maker.

Instructions: 1. Cast on 18 stitches with 10.5 needles. Knit in garter stitch (knit all rows) until you have your desired length, approximately 58(87) inches. Make sure to leave yourself enough yarn to bind off.

2. Fold the ends of the scarf into quarters and use the tails from casting on and binding off to sew together the folds.

3. Make two large pompoms from the contrasting color and attach securely to the folded ends.

4. Wrap around your neck and get cozy!

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Feel free to contact me with your Real Estate Questions Selling, Buying, Rentals, Investments

Lianne Quinn REALTOR速

910 Harvest Drive, Suite 100 Blue Bell, PA 19422

215.664.1010 DIRECT LINE 215.646.2900 CELL 866.682.7268 FAX lianne@thejeffsilvateam.com

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COVER PROFILE

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Living The Life She Always Dreamed Of Brandy Schecter Deieso made the choice to be happy and The Little Apple chose her

By Jane Lipton Brandy (Schecter) Deieso, the owner of The Little Apple, grew up in Philadelphia and attended high school just five minutes from Manayunk at Akiba Hebrew Academy in Bala Cynwyd. From there she went off to attend college at New York University (NYU) and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with minors in Italian and Sociology.

Immediately after graduating Brandy moved to Florence Italy, where she hoped to teach English, but in her words mostly just ended up bartending and having the adventure of a lifetime. After returning to the United States, she started bartending at Zesty’s in Manayunk. It was while working there during her early 20’s that Brandy met her now husband, made many of her closest and lasting friendships and started thinking about what the next chapter of her life in Manayunk could be.

Photography by Susan Beard Design (susanbearddesign.com)

MM: Let’s start with business and then we’ll get a little personal if that’s okay? Retail can be hard and can become all consuming, what made you choose this path?

Brandy: This path pretty much chose me! Growing up I always dreamed of owning my own boutique but it was one of those distant ideas that I never actually expected to materialize, like wanting to be a veterinarian or trapeze artist as a child. So, as it happens with many of us, I just kind of ended up in a career that I didn’t plan for. Before The Little Apple I worked as the director of operations for a local food company and I noticed I was beginning to feel increasingly unhappy, unfulfilled and constantly stressed out. After four and a half years I finally decided that Winter 2014/2015 | manayunk.com 19

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COVER PROFILE

MM: Why The Little Apple?

Brandy: Well, I was one of The Little Apple’s first customers when it opened in 2010, and immediately loved it. It was my go-to shop for gifts that gave my friends and family the “I searched for and found the perfect thing for you” kind of feel. It was also my secret spot to get those funny or more unusual cards. But you know the thing I loved most, is that it felt cozy and comfortable and charming and welcoming. Sometimes I would stop in just to say hello and play with Molly’s dog Penn, and there was never the feeling that more was expected of me. I have to admit that as I became a regular at The Little Apple I actually looked forward to catching up with Molly and we became friends. To me The Little Apple felt like a special place tucked into a beautiful spot on Main Street, I hope I’ve honored what she started.

MM: Tell us about your business partner Bettie?

Brandy: Bettie is the not-so-secret key to the success of my business!

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And for those of you who have not met her yet, Bettie is my 2 year old Chihuahua Terrier mix, and Manayunk actually brought us together. A stylist at Salon L’Etoile across the street posted pictures of puppies she was fostering for the PSPCA on the salon’s Facebook page. I was not thinking about getting a dog (or so I had my husband and two cats believe…) but once I saw her tiny little face I was immediately in love! From the day I brought her home she has not left my side. I took her with me on the train every day to the office when I worked in Center City and she now comes with me every day to the store. I often say that I bought this store just so Bettie and I could stay together. She loves all of the attention from customers and has friends from all over the neighborhood stopping in every day just to see her. There are no actual figu es, but I believe she is a very good sales dog and very good for business.

MM: We notice that both you and Bettie are very fashion forward, who influences your fashion sense Brandy: My grandmother was the ladies apparel buyer for a department store with locations in Philadelphia and New Jersey during the 40’s and 50’s, so fashion was very important to her. And since I was the only grandchild, it gave her great joy to dress me from head to toe in the most elaborate outfits. I mean, we’re talking faux fur coats complete with fur muffs and hats and sailor outfits with red patent leather shoes! I have clearly inherited her love for accessorizing as well as dressing up small creatures who aren’t strong enough to resist! Bettie takes it all in stride though, and just this last Halloween she rocked a Madonna outfit that made all of the other four legged trick-or-treaters in Manayunk drool with envy.

MM: Do you live nearby and is your house filled with Little Apple style? In other words what’s your style or decorating sensibility?

Brandy: I live five minutes from Manayunk in a condominium building

Photography by Ryan Scott (ryanscottphoto.com)

it was not working for me and not the life I wanted. So, without having a set plan for what was next, I decided to be brave, and one day I just quit. This was HUGE, because I was the kind of girl who always had a plan. During that transition period I happened to be in The Little Apple and started chatting with Molly (the previous owner) and she casually mentioned that she and her husband were thinking about moving back to California. WHAT!? My thoughts in that moment ran the gamut from; Oh no, my favorite store could be closing, to oh wow, this could be the business I’ve been looking for! I felt my heart race. Well, needless to say, from that point forward fate took over and the path I had always dreamed about, but never really believed would happen, became a realistic possibility. It took some time to work out all of the details but a little over a year ago I took over the store. I have to say that it’s been the happiest and most exciting year of my life. I could not feel more grateful.

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along with the rest of my immediate family. My grandfather is on the fourth floo , my mom is on the twelfth, my aunt is on the twentyfirs floor and my husband and I are on the twenty-second! Clearly we are a family that likes to be close. Actually this may seem surprising but my home is decorated mostly in neutrals, pretty much the exact opposite of how I decorate the shop. The store is my creative outlet for color and fun while my home is my place to feel calm. However there are Little Apple favorites around the house like Volcano candles, a retro-style street sign I had customized with our new last name (my husband Joe and I were just married this past December) and MANY Italca scarves and jewelry pieces I have pilfered from the store over the last year!

MM: Do you have a favorite thing that you sell or a favorite line of products?

Brandy: It’s always hard to choose a favorite thing, since I don’t bring anything into the store unless I love it, myself. I of course have a special fondness for the items made by the local artists from our own neighborhood. Some of my favorites are Kim Shrack’s elegantly scripted greeting cards that say “You’re The Shit” and the beautiful, unique jewelry made of found vintage pieces and semi-precious stones from Black Sheep Mumbles. I’m very lucky to have so many talented vendors living right in my own backyard!

MM: What is the most important thing you learned from your mother?

Brandy: “You get more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.” I also learned what hard work and sacrifice look like. She raised me as a single mother but was able to give me everything I could have ever wanted in life while growing up.

MM: So your grandfather was a huge influence. How would he describe you and what you do?

Brandy: My grandfather would describe me as a tough cookie. He thinks I work too much but I know that makes him proud, since he always did too. He also thinks that I should be selling sandwiches and coffee at the shop… I imagine he thinks of my store as some kind of Woolworth’s or five and dime MM: What inspires you?

Brandy: I am inspired by people who make the choice to be happy.

Photography by Ryan Scott (ryanscottphoto.com)

MM: What type of products do you try to feature in your store?

How do you choose?

Brandy: I like to find a balance between sweet/whimsical and snarky/ clever. So, basically anything that makes me laugh or go “awww” is a winner! I also want to offer a wide range of items so that you can literally come in and find the perfect gift for anyone and everyone on your list.

MM: We’ve heard you come from a family of entrepreneurs…

Brandy: I do come from a family of entrepreneurs, most notably my grandfather. He was born in Minnesota the oldest of 12 children and joined the Navy at 16. He ended up here when his ship docked in Philadelphia for a USO dance where he met my grandmother. They married and he began working for her father, my great-grandfather, on his bread truck.

From there he took on additional work painting houses, which then turned into a business of buying and fixing properties. At the height of his career he owned 27 buildings in Philadelphia! He is my idol and just an all around cool guy. I visit him every week to discuss what’s been going on at the store and he’s always offering me great advice – my favorite has always been “In business, only trust the ass you sit on!”

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SHOP: GIFT GUIDE

We Shop Small, We Shop Local, We Shop Manayunk

By Caitlin Maloney

Alexa Stango Fashion Consultant at Nicole Miller

David Decca Owner of Orbit Gallery

I found this great maple burl box from Paradise Woods by Steve Kale ($150) for my father and am pairing it with these sterling silver cuff links by Naldo ($110) and gold onyx cuff links by Cecilia Design ($110).

My partner Sandy loves scarves so these Nicole Miller patterened scarves ($80$90) will be a great addition to her collection. Youre never too young to have too many scarves.

Brandy Deieso Owner of The Little Apple

Sarah Holmes Owner of Petit Gourmand and Philadelphia Small Business Lawyer

My husband Joe is the chef in our house and he could really use this My Family Cookbook ($37) from Petit Gourmand to organize all of his Italian family recipes.

Hanks Sauce ($8) is also a must have gift for the Holidays.

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The Little Apple has so many great hostess gifts for me to pick up for Holiday parties. I love the Wool Wine Tote by Roost ($16), Wine Bottle Tags ($6), Guest Towels by Tag ($16) and the Big Pine Mountain soap ($8).

Photography by Stephanie Nolt Photography (snfoto.com)

When it comes to finding items for everyone on their list, Manayunk small business owners don t have to look far to find the perfect gift.

They don’t have to walk far either, just down the street or around the corner to a neighboring small business in Manayunk. So we asked the business owners, where are you shopping this holiday season? Whether they needed something for their spouse, children, friends or a special hostess gift to bring to a party, they found it all right here in Manayunk.

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Photography by Stephanie Nolt Photography (snfoto.com)

Lisa Johnson Owner of Hidden River Yarns

Meredith Podab Owner of Latitudes and Longitudes

I’m going to be a new aunt December 31st so this Sarah Kety onsie ($28) and this Maison Chic Mood Monster stuffed animal ($32) from Latitudes and Longitudes are perfect for the new addition to our family.

My mother is trying to get back into crocheting so I thought two crocheting classes ($60), skiens of yarn ($7.75 each) and a new crocket hook ($2.75) from Hidden River Yarns would be a great gift for her.

Tanya Neducsin Owner of Remix On Main

Norma Mann Owner of Gary Mann Jewelers

I always love coming to Gary Mann Jewelers to shop for my sister and mother.

These 14 karat gold, coral, jade and tsavorite antique hand carved earrings ($950) are one of a kind and I know they’ll love them.

This Ferea de Sevilla Hermes scarf ($250) is a classic piece that will be a great gift for my stylish mother. Remix also has so many designer wallets that the other women in my family would love.

Annie Scott & Jeff Lorenz Owners of Tiny Terra Ferma

Stacy Jackson Owner of Meadowsweet Mercantile

The Cocktail Kit by W&P Design ($50) from Meadowsweet Merchantile is a great gift for our friends who love to host dinner parties and the Peg And Awl Marlo Lunch Bag ($39.95) is great for one of our employees.

I love The Living Landscape book ($39.95) from Tiny Terra Ferma, it’s just what my friends who bought a new home with a lot of property need. Tiny Terra Ferma also has so many wintergreens to go with it.

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SHOP: GIFT GUIDE

Still stuck on what to give this holiday season? Purchasing the perfect gift shouldn’t be stressful! Consider one of these last minute options for the Holidays.

Sweet Elizabeth’s Pick up a sweet treat from Sweet Elizabeth’s on your way to a holiday party or dinner. Choose between delicious French macaroons ($17.50/half dozen & $35/ dozen), a traditional buche de noel (various sizes and prices), or their famous holiday cakes, cupcakes, tarts, and boxed caramels.

Salon L’Etoile Pamper your significant other this holiday season and pamper yourself too. For every $100 gift certificate you pu chase at Salon L’Etoile you’ll also receive a $20 coupon for anything in the store. We won’t tell if you use it on yourself!

Chew Philly Tours Treat someone special and eat your way through Manayunk with a gift certificate for Chew Philly Food Tours. On this 2.5 hour tour you’ll taste the best Philly foods and also learn the history, culture, and architecture of Manayunk. ($60.00 for two tickets – tours run seasonally April-November).

The Wall Cycling Studio The Wall Cycling Studio is offering the perfect holiday special for all fitness gurus.

Buy a 5-class pack for $50 ($65 value) or buy a 10-class pack for $90 ($120 value).To purchase these packages email info@thewallcycling.com.

Merge Dance Studio Stop into Merge Dance Studio this holiday season to sign you or your child up for their dance and/or fitness classes! All of their dance classes are offered at affordable rates and convenient times, and you can even drop in on a fitness class for just $8

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BBQ

PRETZEL

TOWER

BACON BURGER

KILDARE’S

FAMOUS

WINGS

BLACKENED

CHICKEN SALAD

MORE THAN JUST

GUINNESS GiftGuide.indd 25

5OFF } 25 $

OR MORE

$

purchase of

KILDARESIRISHPUB.COM 4417 MAIN ST, PHILADELPHIA, PA (215) 482-7242 Not valid with any other promotions/offers. Limit 1 perperson/table. Only available at Manayunk Location. Does not include tax or tip. Must present this coupon.

Expires 03.01.2015

11/21/14 11:08 AM

Armen’s Fine Clothier

4354 Main Street • Philadelphia, PA 19127

267.297.7232 www.armensclothier.com

$15 OFF purchase of $200 and more.

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2 LOCATIONS

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DINE: TASTE THIS

Meals And More From Manayunk

Manayunk businesses give back in a big way this Holiday season

By Shannon Geddes

Doors decorated with red bows and wreaths, lights glowing in storefront windows and the smell of evergreen filling the air can only mean one thing: it’s the holiday season. But for Bruce Cooper, owner of Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar, the holiday season doesn’t officially start until he’s cooked and delivered 500 meals to the community.

With what began as dropping off a few hearty meals and warm coats to an orphanage in downtown Philadelphia, has now turned into an annual tradition for Cooper. For the past 15 years, Cooper and his staff have been teaming up with North Light Community Center to make the holidays a little brighter by delivering hot meals, canned goods and necessities to local residents.

“Christmas shopping doesn’t start until I finish this event,” says Cooper.

“This is what sparks my holiday spirit.” Since 1999, Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar has been preparing these holiday meals on the Sunday before Christmas. Each meal consists of homemade turkey, potatoes, vegetables, salad, and a dessert.

Once the meals are cooked and packaged, they are delivered to Journey’s Way, a program of local non-profit organization Interact, which provides assistance for seniors. Irene Madrak, executive director of North Light, along with her group of staff and volunteers are there to help sort the meals, canned goods and necessities and deliver them to the doorsteps of those in need.

After 15 years of giving, Cooper knew that this event could be bigger and better. This year, multiple Manayunk restaurants will be joining the cause to cook additional holiday meals. Some restaurants, those with small kitchens and cooking facilities, will even be collaborating together in order to get the job done.

“We can hit a broader range of people by including more businesses on Main Street,” says Cooper. “The goal is to extend the reach to more people and with the whole street involved it will make for a bigger event.”

The restaurants aren’t the only businesses getting involved this year.

Manayunk retailers have also volunteered to be drop off locations for necessities and canned goods. Although canned goods are always in need, household necessities like toilet paper and toiletries are often forgotten and can be in high demand. To help increase the donations, Manayunk restaurants have offered up dinners for two that will be raffled off to those who donate items to the drive. For every single item donated, a ticket will be given and one lucky winner will receive the ultimate Manayunk dining package, dinner for two at multiple Manayunk restaurants.

With more helping hands this year, Manayunk restaurants and retailers will be able to give meals and more to people in need right here in our community.

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What’s For

BRUNCH

Manayunk Brewing Company Live Jazz Sunday Brunch every Sunday from 10:30am-2:30pm! Come dine at the largest brunch buffet in Manayunk while listening to the smooth sounds of live jazz music!

4120 Main Street | 215-482-8220 www.manayunkbrewery.com

Bourbon Blue Weekend Brunch 10 am - 3 pm. Bananas Fosters Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, and Bloody Mary Bar. 50% off Bottles of Wine & $3 Blue Moon Drafts 2 Rector Street | 215.508.3360 www.bourbonblue.com

Winnie’s Le Bus Manayunk Chef John O’Brien’s huevos rancheros and bananas foster french toast are two mouthwatering reasons to start the day early ­— while freshly baked pastries and creative cocktails sweeten the deal.

Brunch 8 am – 2:30 Saturday & Sunday 4266 Main Street | 215.487.2663 www.lebusmanayunk.com

Get A SPOTLIGHT on your business

Other SPOTLIGHT categories: Health Classes • Retail Specials • Exhibits/Shows To Advertise Call: Jim Bauer at 610.417.9261 or email: bauerjim7@gmail.com Winter 2014/2015 | manayunk.com 29

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NOW OPEN

By Emily Nagle

Jen Colahan

ReMax Eastern, Inc. Your Neighborhood Specialist for all of your Real Estate Needs!

With its many retail, service, and dining businesses, it’s a pretty good bet that Manayunk has something for everyone. This fall, Manayunk has churned out three more awesome reasons why you never have to leave Main Street!

Offering a Free Comparative Market Analysis for anyone looking to Sell & a Free Meeting on The Home Buying Process for all Buyers!

Main Office: 215-961-6005 Direct Cell: 215-266-4549 jencolahan@remax.net

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Every man needs a great suit, one that’s stylish, well-fitted, and makes him look and feel like the man of the hour. The men of Manayunk may already know about Manayunk’s famous tailor Armen’s Custom Tailoring, but he’s back at it again with the addition of his new business, Armen’s Clothier for Men. The new store, located at 4354 Main Street, offers high quality men’s clothing brands including Mantoni, Zanetti, and Baroni Couture.

If you’re looking for a new elusive suit or you’ve found it but it just needs a little extra work, Armen’s got Manayunk’s men covered.

Adding to Manayunk’s many great home furnishing and decorating stores is the addition of Rowhouse at 4320 Main Street. The new consignment furniture store features vintage and contemporary pieces perfect for Manayunk’s many rowhomes. Spice up your home at Rowhouse just in time for the holidays! Have a classic piece hanging around your house, Rowhouse is always look for great new pieces to add to their collection.

Finally, for all our bread lovers comes Breakin’ Bread Bakery, located at 4351 Main Street. Manayunk’s newest bakery is serving up everything from homemade croissants and baguettes to ciabatta and multigrain breads, plus a wide variety of sweets, including cookies, danishes, and their delicious sticky buns. Manning the ovens is head baker Jim McAleese who is a local expert on what truly good bread is and he intends to bring that experience to Manayunk, one delicious loaf at a time.

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PLAY: ALONG THE TRAIL

What’s Next For VIPARC Now that the Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center is complete, here’s what lies ahead

By Melissa Andrews When you build an enormous new structure in the middle of a historic established neighborhood, people become curious. In Manayunk, the structure currently capturing the neighborhood’s attention is the new Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center (VIPARC), which was officially completed this past fall The project’s ribbon cutting ceremony, held in October, was a celebration of several decades’ worth of dreaming and planning for a better recreational facility on Venice Island. A federal mandate for the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) to construct a four million-square foot storm water retention basin and pumping station was the primary driver of the island’s reconstruction.

This mandate made the VIPARC project feasible, as the PWD partnered with the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation (Parks and Recreation) to incorporate it into the total concept. Although the theater and recreation center were a secondary part of the project, its greater visibility and community appeal are making it Venice Island’s primary attraction.

N ow that the VIPARC is open, there have been countless inquiries about how the community can begin to utilize the facility. Parks & Recreation will manage the 250-seat theater, children’s “sprayground,” outdoor amphitheater, and basketball court and Kevin Sommerville, the facility and recreation supervisor, is the man behind it all.

The facility is primarily intended for the Parks and Recreation’s youth performing arts program, but will also be used by the greater community. The building itself is designed to be a state-of-the-art teaching tool, with the latest sound, lighting, and fly systems “It’s completely different than anything we have ever done in Parks and 32

Recreation,” says Sommerville. “It’s really nice to have a facility with a lot of potential for community use and it’s exciting to be part of this project.”

Though things are just getting under way, the schedule is beginning to fill up with professional and amateur performances and community events. Vocal classes, after school acting classes, improv comedy classes, yoga classes and junior players programming are already regularly scheduled at the theater.

The outdoor amphitheater is also now the permanent home of the Philly Mart, a local artisan market. So far the theater has hosted a variety of performances and has more planed for the rest of the year including the upcoming original holiday play, A Toymaker’s Christmas, which will be performed by Parks and Recreations’ Star Players on December 20th.

Currently the theater and recreation center are open to the public Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and open on weekends during events. If you want a peek inside the theater, stop by during the public hours to take a tour or attend an upcoming event.

The theater, it’s supporting meeting rooms, and its outdoor facilities are available for public and private sector groups and can be reserved for a fee that is based on the spaces and degree of support required for the

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event. If you’re looking to utilize the space, call 215-685-3583 to inquire about facility rental. A new website and social media pages are currently in the works for the center to inform the community about upcoming events and performances.

Ultimately, Parks and Recreation is faced with the exciting and perhaps a bit formidable goal of making VIPARC a community and cultural focal point within the neighborhood. This goal will be facilitated, however, by another major neighborhood project: the conversion of the Manayunk Bridge into a recreational trail connecting Manayunk and Lower Merion Township across the Schuylkill River. Once this rail-to-trail conversion is completed - currently anticipated in late summer of 2015 - these two facilities have the potential to establish the Manayunk neighborhood as a major recreational hub in the region.

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