Manayunk Magazine - WINTER 2016

MANAYUNK LIVE|SHOP|DINE|PLAY

WINTER 2016

The Path to Main Street Latitudes and Longitudes: Finding the Perfect Retail Destination

Get in the Sprit: Manayunk Holiday Cocktails Getting back on track in 2016 Checking off your list on Main Street CoverWinter15.indd 1

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Locally Sourced Locally Sourced Food FreshFood Fresh

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

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

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4312 MAIN STREET MANAYUNK, PA 19127

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215.483.9990

WWW.CANALHOUSE.COM

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MANAYUNK magazine

LIVE SHOP DINE PLAY

DECEMBER 2015 / FEBRUARY 2016

contents 06

Mark Your Calendar

Events all season long.

SHOP.

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Glitz and Glam

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Sneak A Peek

Indulge yourself this holiday.

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Gift Guide

A look back at the MNYK #GramOfTheWeek.

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Cover Profil

Heading North at Latitudes and Longitudes.

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Now Open

Clams, comics, and cuts.

LIVE.

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Around Town

In the spirit of Manayunk.

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Shop Small

Editors Jane Lipton, Caitlin Maloney, Shannon Geddes, Joan Denenberg, Leo Dillinger, Design Cantor Design, cantordesign.com Sales M7 Media 610.417.9261; bauerjim7@gmail.com Photography Susan Beard Design - susanbearddesign.com JPG Photography - jpgphotography.com Stephanie Nolt - snfoto.com Alexa Nahas - alexanahas.com

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DINE.

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The Perfect Pour

Holiday cocktails you need to try.

PLAY.

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Get Physical How to have a healthy holiday.

Shop small, shop local, shop MNYK.

Editorial + Production

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Check everyone off your list in Manayunk.

Manayunk 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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The Bazemore gallery | 4339 Main Street, manayunk 215.482.1119 | www.thebazemoregallery.com | @thebazemoregallery

“The best organic juice bar in the city!�

4330 main Street | manayunk

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

every weekend 11am - 5pm

Photography by JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

Shop, dine and be merry in Manayunk! For the first time eve , Manayunk will feature the Manayunk Holiday Showcased located at 4323 Main Street. Events will take place all season long every weekend from 11AM-5PM. Special events include workshops, holiday mini photo sessions, children’s theatre performances by the Manayunk Theatre Company, Ruldolph Run hosted by Philly Runner, Santa Paws and more!

feb 20th Mummers Mardi Gras

Save the date! The Mummers will be strutting down Main Street again this winter on February 27th!

dec 31st New Years Eve

Ring in the New Year in Manayunk at one of our many bars or restaurants who are hosting special events for the evening!

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Event details can be found at Manayunk.com

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, e n i d , p o sh y r r e m e &b

MANAYUNK SHOP SMALL, SHOP LOCAL, SHOP MNYK

EVENTS all season HOLIDAY PHOTO MINI SESSIONS, SANTA PAWS, rudolph run, CHILDREN’S THEATRE, meals & more from MANAYUNK & THE MANAYUNK HOLIDAY SHOWCASE details on www.MANAYUNK.COM

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SNEAK-A-PEEK Throughout the year, we’ve been reposting our favorite photos of Manayunk each week on our Instagram account (@ManayunkDotCom) for our #MNYK #GramOfTheWeek. Below are some of our favorite grams taken by locals and visitors over the past few months. Follow along on Instagram and tag your pictures with #Manayunk and you may end up being our #GramOfTheWeek.

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Photography By JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

BELLEVUE | 200 SOUTH BROAD STREET | 215.546.5007 MANAYUNK | 4249 MAIN STREET | 215.930.0307 MKDANDASSOCIATES.COM

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LIVE: AROUND TOWN

The Spirit Of Manayunk

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The Neducsin “Spirit of Manayunk” scholarship award has been changing local students lives for over 25 years. By Dana Dabek

he Neducsin name is a familiar one to many in Manayunk. Dan and Luana have been community fixtu es for more than 25 years and were instrumental in the revitalization of Main Street, owning several properties along the corridor and residential developments stretching up our hilly terrain. The lesser-known story is their strong commitment to giving back to youth and their families in the Manayunk and Roxborough community through the Neducsin “Spirit of Manayunk” Scholarship Fund. Since 1995, the fund has assisted 62 students to date in alleviating the pain of college costs.

It is a privately funded scholarship in the amount of $30,000 per student over a four-year period paid directly to the student’s college or university with additional funding available should the student go on to graduate work. North Light Community Center, located on Green Lane, manages and administers the fund. The thread of community service is evident within both the criteria by which the students are selected and the origin of the fund itself.

Sitting down with Luana Neducsin, she expressed the impetus for creating the scholarship fund was “a commitment to giving back to a community I feel so close to.” Feeling indebted to a community that has given so much to her and her family, she feels grateful for the opportunity to directly impact, not only the students, but their families as well. “My parents believed in succeeding, but also helping others along the way and making sure to do something positive when you make it,” Luana said. It was in that spirit Dan and Luana approached Irene Madrak, executive director at North Light, over 20 years ago. Luana said, “We managed the 10

scholarship through North Light because of Irene. She has an energy and pulse on the community.”

In the early years, Irene was key in recruiting a selection committee, made up of local residents and community leaders. Now that past scholarship winners are enjoying successful careers, the drive to return the favor to the next generation of students is strong. When asked to join the selection committee, Drew Swift, scholarship recipient and graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, said the answer was a no-brainer; “Luana leads by example – she gives her time and energy to the scholarship and the kids who receive it. How can you not want to support someone like that?”

While the fund is managed through N orth Light, scholarship winners have completed numerous service projects through their schools, religious institutions, and other community groups. According to Luana, “While academic achievement is important, service to others is weighted the most heavily during the selection process.” Scholarship recipient, selection committee member, and Temple graduate Gina Gondos agrees, “I strive to ensure that the recipients we choose are models of the goals and visions of the scholarship and are students who will appreciate the scholarship and what it stands for.”

With only four students on average selected out of up to thirty applicants, the competition can be tight. However, winners not only receive the scholarship, but also lifelong mentors in Dan and Luana. A majority of the scholarship recipients stay in touch through cards, emails, and visits. “In many ways I feel like a guidance counselor,” Luana said, as she

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The Neducsin “Spirit of Manayunk” Scholarship Fund provides partial scholarship assistance to undergraduate students, and is available to graduating high school students residing in zip codes 19127 and 19128.

For interested students, the scholarship application and selection criteria are currently available at www.northlightcommunitycenter.org.

will often connect students to additional resources, career coaches, potential employers, or offer a friendly ear to listen when times get rough.

Drew remembers Luana offering much needed support while he was adjusting to the demands of an Ivy League environment. “I did not meet the required GPA needed to keep the scholarship, and I reached out to Luana explaining my situation. She not only gave me time to bring up my GPA, she made sure I stayed in contact with her in order to keep me on the right path,” he said. “Knowing that I had that support helped me focus on what was important and not worry whether I was going to keep the scholarship.” Scholarship recipient, selection committee member, former North Light board member, and Temple graduate Jill Pedroso is amazed by the commitment Dan and Luana show to each student.

“They truly want everyone to succeed and will do whatever they can to ensure that happens,” she said. “Luana still loves to hear what is going on with all of her 62 scholars and saves all their notes and keepsakes.

It’s more than scholarships to them. They see each round of recipients as the future.”

And that dedication often extends to the recipients’ families as well.

Beyond easing the burden of college costs, Luana is heartened that families feel comfortable enough to reach out to her when needed. “I receive notes from parents expressing how the scholarship has eased the financial pressure their family faces, and frees up their resources for their other children and their home,” she said. Luana views the scholarship fund as a way to directly impact area families in a way that keeps her feeling connected to a community she loves.

Dan and Luana hope to continue using the scholarship fund as a philanthropic vehicle as long as possible, and to keep the homegrown neighborhood feel it currently employs. “I love that the fund is small and I want to keep it as pure as possible. I recognize we are extremely fortunate and giving back this way is a gift for me at this stage of my life,” she said. Luana swells with pride when discussing the students her and Dan have been able to help. “They are my inspiration,” she said. “They are diverse individuals in a variety of fields, doing good things, and are happy. At the end of the day, it’s all about the kids.”

Make Holiday Magic 4349 Main Street Manayunk | 215.482.7051 | garymannjewelry.com

4320 MAIN ST. / MANAYUNK, PA 215.482.4320 HOURS: MON. TUES..CLOSED / WED. FRI. SAT. 11-6 / THURS 11-8 / SUNDAY 11 - 5

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LIVE: SHOP SMALL

The HUGE Impact Of Small Business Your Holiday shopping will make a lasting impact into the New Year.

By Leo Dillinger

Whether you’ve nearly finished your holiday shopping or if you (like me) wait until the very last minute, consider for a moment supporting the champions of the season: small business owners.

You’ve probably heard the running clichés pouring out the mouths of journalists and politicians alike, claiming that small businesses are the “backbone of the community” or the “foundation of the economy.” Despite the repetition, these statements hold a great deal of truth.

According to the U.S. Small Business Association, there are more than 28 million small businesses in the United States. They account for 54% of all national sales and 55% of all U.S. jobs. Of those 28 million small businesses, nearly one million can be found in Pennsylvania that employ more than 2.4 million workers. Within the city of Philadelphia alone, there are roughly 93,000 small business owners who are either non-employers or manage fewer than 50 employees. We’re talking BIG numbers for something that’s labeled “small”!

Many of these independent businesses can be found right here in the heart of Manayunk. With numerous owner-operated retail stores, restaurants, professional fi ms, salons, and fitness studios, this district is no stranger to the importance of supporting local business.

Right now, I want you to think about how much you spend on gifts during the holidays. Feeling overwhelmed? Good. Now consider where exactly you spend that money. If the bulk of your shopping list comes directly from retail conglomerates, prepare yourself for a guilt trip.

The money you spend in small-shop towns like Manayunk stays within the community. Local businesses pay local taxes, which help fund infrastructure projects, schools, police and fi e departments. Owners tend to work with local banks, lawyers and CPAs. They sell local crafters, hire local residents, shop and dine at other local businesses, and most are even residents of the community where they work, which is especially the case with Manayunk business owners.

To top it all off, independent business owners possess total creative control. They offer more than the mainstream chains by actually listen12

ing to what their customers have to say. Smaller businesses can easily adapt their inventory to meet the needs of shoppers without having to wait for approval from corporate headquarters. By offering a variety of goods and maintaining an innovative business model, local owners expand their loyal customer base and not only create identity for the business itself, but for the entire community.

These small business owners lay everything on the line to follow their vision. It’s not easy to be your own boss and it’s even harder when you are directly competing against companies with nationwide brand awareness. What’s perhaps the most significant difference between small shops and large chains is their drive to succeed. I’m not trying to say that corporations don’t want to be successful, but their drive takes root in the desire for more revenue and brand influence. The small business owner seeks something greater than monetary compensation. They look toward the bigger picture: community development.

Vacant storefronts can ruin a community’s reputation. So in a neighborhood surrounded with small businesses, failure is not an option. Call it small business karma, call it what you will. Independent shop owners realize that if they spend their money locally, it might make its way right back to their own shops and into their own pockets. Don’t believe me?

Read what some of our local business owners have to say about it…

“We work in a terrific community environment here in Manayunk! With such a close-knit community, it’s important to support one another and promote the conditioned growth of our neighborhood. If each of us spent $100 a year more on local businesses instead of chain stores, it would put an extra $3 million a year into our economy while creating thousands of more jobs every year. We are so fortunate to have so many amazing and talented people with small businesses here in Manayunk.”

Meredith Hankins, Salon L’Etoile

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“Small businesses help create the fingerprint of a neighborhood. They are what make that area different and unique from any other. You can go into the same chain store in 5 different cities and they all feel exactly the same. But small businesses are a reflection and representation of the people of that town.

They are also often owned and operated by the members of that community, so customers and employees are also neighbors and friends. This creates motivation on both sides - for the small business owner to offer the best goods and services, and for the customer to want to support them. I love having a small business in a town like Manayunk because I love knowing my customers’ names, their children’s names and even their dogs!

I learn about their lives, their celebrations and even their tragedies and I love sharing mine with them, too. I always strive to do my best and put all of my love and attention into everything I do in the shop because I care on a personal level about the people that come in and support me and my business.”

Brandy Deieso, The Little Apple

“Small businesses are a part of what makes a neighborhood vibrant - they are a true asset to the community and they improve the quality of life within the place in which they do business.

As the owner of The Spiral Bookcase, my small business is able to forge connections in so many beautiful ways - through the mutual love of reading, great community gatherings, and even the simple interactions we experience in the shop on a day-today basis. As a home owner, business owner, and mother in Manayunk, I believe that the small businesses here strengthen our neighborhood and create the small town charm that attracts visitors and new residents.”

Ann Tetreault, The Spiral Bookcase

“I support small businesses because I like spending my money and time with people who I know will care about why I purchased a service or product of theirs. When I’ve needed a specifi candle for my studio, Brandy from The Little Apple has never hesitated to get me what I need. Or when I need a quick bouquet of flowers, Chrissy from Chrissy’s Flowers knows how I want the arrangement I’m giving to look. Owners of small businesses honestly care about the services and products they are providing and choose those things to sell based off personally interacting with their clients. There is no customer service rep, just the owner and their small staff. As far as experience goes, small businesses will bend over backwards to make sure your experience is nothing less than 100% and if it is less than that, they are usually getting in touch with you to find out how they can make it better for next time before you’re even out the door!”

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SHOP: GLITZ & GLAM

Indulge Yourself Or A Loved One This Holiday Manayunk’s jewelers have you covered with one of a kind pieces for the holidays.

By Leo Dillinger & Jane Lipton

“Beauty is who you are. Jewelry is simply the icing on the cake.”

Need a gift that says, “I love you”? Or maybe you just got your holiday bonus and you’re looking to splurge on yourself. Either way the holidays are a perfect time to purchase a quality piece of handmade jewelry and Manayunk’s signature jewelers have just what you’re looking for. A stunning pair of earrings for her? A handcrafted watch for him? Our jewelers have you covered.

Gary Mann Jewelers 4349 Main Street, 215-482-7051

Since 1988, Main Street has been graced with the presence of Gary Mann Jewelers. Offering a variety of unique, custom gems, Gary and his wife, Norma, will help you find that special piece for that special someone for the most wonderful time of the year.

“When you come here, you get an incredible selection of both handcrafted and estate jewelry. We’re not a big chain store. We’re not a corporate mall store. We’re a small mom and pop, literally, and we take pride in helping our customers find the most special gift. People do come in a little frazzled and nervous because they have a lot of gifts to buy, a limited budget, and in some cases have never even bought jewelry before. We’re very patient, taking as much time a person needs, and break down the process to make it easier for them. By the time they leave, they say, ‘Wow! Thank you so much. You really helped me and I’m happy with what I bought,’ and we really love to hear that.”

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Martin Pulli Fine Jewelry and Watches 4337 Main Street, 215-508-4610

Orbit Art Gallery 4312 Main Street, 215 - 508-6728

If you’ve got a hankering for vintage or contemporary timepieces, stop by Martin’s shop and bend his ear. After 20 years of working in the business, Martin is guaranteed to select the perfect watch for you or your loved one.

David Decca, owner of Orbit, not only sells a wide range of art pieces. He also provides a fine selection of jewelry courtesy of local jeweler Emily Keifer.

“The watches I sell are all from small to micro manufacture. In fact, quite a few of the watches I sell are from single watchmakers that produce their own watches in very limited numbers. It’s a very non-commercial approach, from an industry that’s dominated by very large commercial interests in regard to marketing and advertising. So regionally, or even nationally, I provide products that are really becoming the most unique type of handmade or hand fitted rarities. A lot of the commercial world of manufacturing has left the old world in the dust. Watches are made in increasingly sterile environments, intended to really be perfect clones of the one preceding and the one to come. I come from a collector’s world, where the notice of the lasting evidence of the hand of the maker is a sign of pride. I work mostly by appointments, so clients generally have a good idea of what they what to choose ahead of a visit. It’s my job to find just the right, extra special item for any given client, according to their taste and budget. We live in a world that is completely interconnected now, yet folks are more disconnected from other humans than ever before. I believe when you want to make a special gift for the most special people in your life, it’s nice to have specialized, expert, personal service to enhance your valuable experience. An experience which is exceedingly rare in today’s modern society, yet it’s possible here!”

-Martin Pulli

“I can tell you people return to us because we do everything in our power to make it a great experience for our customers. We’ve delivered everything from engagement rings to centerpieces right to our customers’ homes. If there is a problem with a piece someone purchased at Orbit, the owners, Sandy and myself, deal with it. We push hard to get the sale right the first time and to continue to support that sale long after it leaves the gallery.”

-David Decca

Bendi Jewelers 4333 Main Street, 215-508-5220

Owner and designer, Sami Nakishbendi, has an eye for precious metals and has been selling his designs on Main Street for years.

“Our hand crafted pieces are designed to reflect upon the latest in-fashion styles. They captu e appeal and functionality in an art form. We are known for our extraordinary service. When designing a piece we manage to successfully connect with clients and ultimately give them what they want. This is achieved by taking the time to exchange ideas and present different options until the masterpiece is achieved. The ultimate goal is to make the client happy.”

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SHOP: GIFT GUIDE

Make Your List And Check It Twice Joe DeCandido shops for everyone on his holiday list right here in Manayunk.

By Caitlin Maloney Photography By Alexa Nahas (www.alexanahas.com)

Manayunk is the place to get something for everyone on your list and this year Advent’s Joe DeCandido shows us just how it’s done. We followed along as he shopped at fourteen different Manayunk stores and checked everyone off his gift list. From his nieces and nephews to his employees, Joe found the perfect gift for each of them right here in Manayunk.

Top: Orbit Gallery | Philly Love Park Print On Canvas By Yaz Allen ($100) With my family in New York, I thought this canvas from Orbit Gallery was a simple reminder for my niece Brooke of all the love she has coming from Philadelphia.

Remix | Christian Louboutin Black Heels ($480) Gold Chanel Earrings ($295) - Hermes Bracelet Remix has the world’s most reknowned fashion at affordable prices and is perfect shopping for my sister Lori.

Gary Mann Jewelers | 18 Karat White Gold Diamond & Opal Earrings (Handmade & One Of A Kind) - My mother deserves the best and where else to find her something special than visiting Gary Mann Jewelers.

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The Spiral Bookcase | Signed Copy of Just Love By Scott Stabile ($30) / I Like Big Books Mug ($10) / The Spiral Bookcase Tea By Yokai ($15) I love everything about The Spiral Bookcase. I went in for a children’s book and walked out with these perfect gifts that my girlfriend Renee will love.

The Little Apple | The Wine Lovers Cookbook By Sid Goldstein ($24.95) - Teroforma Wine Twirls ($20) - Map Wine Tote ($15) I have always bought clients and friends bottles of my favorite wine over the years. This year, I felt I’d compliment those with some wine themed gifts from The Little Apple.

Latitudes and Longitudes | Bearington Baby Collection - Wiggles Hush A By ($26) Wiggles Belly Blanket ($38) - Wiggles Bib ($12) It’s so easy to gift shop for all ages at Latitudes and Longitudes, but they especially have a great selection of childrens items and I was able to find the perfect gift for my 1 year old niece Natalie.

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Housewarming Hutch with Harris & Tweed | Organic Cotton Comfy Knit Throw - Grey ($98) - Patterend Zestt Pillows ($65-$74) - Sketched Vases ($16) - Copper Glass Jar ($20) These stylish home goods from the Housewarming Hutch by Harris & Tweed seemed perfect for my grandma Mary.

Millay Vintage | Brooklyn Candle Studio Soy Based Candles - Sweet Fix Scented Boxed Size ($34) Rose Botanica Travel Size ($14) - 1950’s Original Fashion Illustration ($60) - Earling 1900’s French Evening Bag ($120) Millay’s vintage pieces and unique gifts are perfectly suited for my Marketing Coordinator Jessica.

Hidden River Yarns | Top Down By Elizabeth Doherty with Quince & Co. ($24) - Quince & Co. Skein of Yarn ($13.50) My grandma Marietta’s father, papa Mike was a tailor all his life. Visiting Hidden River Yarns and seeing the clothing handmade, I thought of my grandma right away, figuring maybe I’d spark a new hobby for her

Nicole Miller | Nicole Miller Belletare 100% Cashmere Cape With Fur Collar In Camel or Black ($385) Every superwoman needs a cape and I felt my sister Dawn was due. This piece from Nicole Miller is especially exquisite in person.

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Spectrum Scientific | Spy Gear Ultra Range Walkie Talkies ($59.95) - Spy Specs Video Glasses ($69.95) With three nephews ranging from 4, 7 and 11 years old, these spy sets from Spectrum Scientifics will be so much fun for all the boys to play with together.

Main Street Music | Audio-Technica ATLP60 Record Player & Records ($124.00) - Records When my grandfather Sonny passed, I inherited his record collection. Through this gift, I plan on spending some quality time with dad listening to all of our favorite oldies on vinyl.

Armen’s Clothier | Enzo Tovare Jacket ($250) Go in for an alteration by Armen and you’ll always leave with something new! They have the perfect selection for those men who care about quality, material, style and fit. This jacket looked like it could have been made specifically for my C eative Marketing Manager Kevin.

The Eyeglass Works | Limited Edition Parkman Sunglasses Made In NJ From Exotic Hardwoods ($230.00) - With my friend Dell now living in LA, I thought these glasses from The Eyeglass Works made in his home state of New Jersey were just his style.

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SHOP: BUSINESS SAVVY

All Signs Pointed North

A look at how the coordinates aligned for Meredith Podob to start a new adventure as the owner of Latitudes and Longitudes.

By Caitlin Maloney Photography By Susan Beard Photography (susanbearddesign.com) The Start Of It All Meredith Podob was just a 19 year old college student in 2000 when she walked into Latitudes Gallery for her first day of work. 15 years later and she’s sitting in a chair in the middle of the store for this interview not as an employee, but as the owner of Latitudes and Longitudes.

Meredith first came to Main Street looking for a job while she was attending Philadelphia University. After being hired at two other Manayunk businesses, Why Be Board and Banana Republic, Meredith’s need-to-stay-busy mindset lead her to also work at Latitudes Gallery.

“Ever since I started to work when I turned 16, I’ve always had one to three jobs,” Meredith said. “I need to stay busy; I’m a social person, so working allows me to expand my social network.”

After working at the gallery all throughout college and landing a full time job after graduation, Meredith still never really left the Latitudes family, always helping out on weekends and during the holidays. “There was really never a point when I ever stopped working here, it’s crazy,

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“I know a lot of gift shops tend to lean towards one certain audience, but I didn’t want that, I wanted to have a store where you could find anything you needed, this is the longest job I’ve ever had,” she said.

It was in 2011 when Meredith happened to be between contracted jobs. She stopped down to visit Latitudes and as she walked up to the store she noticed the sign right away; a large “FOR SALE” sign was looking right down at her. A shocked Meredith walked in to ask the owner Joan what was going on. After 29 successful years in business, Joan said she put the sign up to see if there was anyone interested. As Meredith left, she jokingly said, “Joan, wouldn’t it be funny if it was me who bought the store from you.”

When the word first came out of her mouth she really was joking, but as she left the store and walked to her car, she started thinking even more about the possibility of owning her own business, a dream she’s always had. She comes from a long line of entrepreneurs; her parents own a manufacturing business and her grandparents owned a clothing store and butcher shop. The entrepreneur spirit is certainly in her blood.

Before this dream could become reality, Meredith called her mother Dana, her go-to financial advisor, to help her put the numbers together. “It all happened really fast,” Meredith said. “It was January when we started talking and made an offer, and six months later by June, I was the owner.”

Though she had worked in retail most of her life, Meredith never owned her own business and knew this would be an adventure all her own. “I came into the shop the first day I owned it and of course you’re overwhelmed a little bit, but I thought ‘Okay I got this,’ I knew I was ready,” she said.

Rebranding A Manayunk Landmark Back in January when she first decided to buy the business, Meredith started to think about ways to make the longstanding Main Street store her own. “I thought about changing the name completely, but because it was here and was an established business for years, it was so recogniz-

able that I realized I couldn’t change it, I could just add to it,” she said. “I always say that a longitude comes in and shakes things up.”

The subtle name change from Latitudes Gallery to Latitudes and Longitudes has proven to be a smart one. People who haven’t been to Manayunk in a few years walk in to the store and are excited to see it still here. Meredith assures them that it’s still the same business at heart, but it’s a little different now. “They always say it looks amazing and that I’ve done such a great job with it,” she said. “Those moments make me the happiest.”

Those returning customers are happy to see that Meredith has maintained some of the key merchandise Latitudes Gallery was always known for – mainly their greeting cards, jewelry and children’s toys.

She focused on bringing in updated jewelry styles and more Melissa and Doug brand toys. The greeting cards, they’ve always remained the same.

“Everybody knows to come here for the funny cards, they’re not your Hallmark cards, they’re raunchy, there’s no better way to say it,” she said. “I have people who come in and sit here for an hour just reading the cards and they just laugh hysterically.”

The decisions Meredith made were all part of her plan to keep the demographic of the store wide enough to include everyone. “I know a lot of gift shops tend to lean towards one certain audience, but I didn’t want that, I wanted to have a store where you could find anything you needed,” she said. “I call it a one stop shop.”

One of the other things Meredith did to transform the gallery into her own, was to remove the outdated display cases to make the store feel more visually pleasing and the items more accessible. As she started researching display methods, Meredith’s creative mind started flowing and she knew right away that with her industrial design degree she could make displays herself. “I guess I have the creative eye, that’s what I’ve been told.” Meredith said. “I wanted to make pieces that brought out the Winter 2015 | manayunk.com 23

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character of what I was trying to display.”

As you look around the store, you can see the handmade touches and a reoccurring theme: bodices. Meredith was candid in saying that she has no idea where her obsession with bodices came from, ever since she was little she loved them and attending a fashion focused school certainly didn’t curb her addiction. She’s always used them as a fun way to display her own jewelry at home, friends and family always buy them for her and her room is admittedly filled with them. “I feel like your jewelry shouldn’t just be hidden away, it should be displayed, so I wanted to do that here so people could see that it’s not just functional, but also pretty,” she said. “Sometimes when I’m out searching, I come across one and I’m like ‘I have to have it,’ I just love them.”

Decorating her window is one of Meredith’s favorite things. The window tells a story of what’s going on in the store and is the best way to draw people in, Meredith explained. “If it’s crafty, the person walking by will get the impression that the owner has an eye for design and knows what they are doing,” she said. And just as we discuss this, we look out the window and see a man walk by – seemingly in a rush to get somewhere – and stop just for a moment, to look at Meredith’s window display that clearly caught his eye.

Finding The Merchandise Every single item in the store is something Meredith personally has picked out, most of it at the infamous New York Gift Show, the Mecca for all retail shop owners who flock from all over the country twice a year to find new lines to sell. Before going, Meredith reviews the list of vendors, looking at all of their work and marks down their booth locations so she can map out her day. The temptation is the hardest part.

Meredith’s mother Dana is not just her shopping partner, but also handles all of the stores accounting and finances. “She’s the one that keeps me in line,” Meredith laughed.

While at the show, Meredith stops by her favorite vendors including Grandmother Buttons, a New Orleans based jewelry company with oneof-a-kind pieces made from repurposed buttons and beads. Meredith 24

orders so much from them that they now know her by name. It’s the hundreds of new vendors that are the most enticing though. “Every time I go to the gift show I try to bring three to four new vendors I haven’t had in the store before and actually this sounds really crazy, but I’ve never had any new vendors that haven’t worked out,” she said.

Shopping all day for new items for the store seems like a dream, but it’s still work. “We start at 9 a.m. and go to 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., so it’s a whole eight hour day of shopping,” Meredith said. “This past year we went Saturday through Tuesday so it was almost 32 hours of shopping and it gets exhausting.”

Since most of the merchandise Meredith picks out at the gift show is handmade, it takes about two or three months for it to come in. “When I get boxes in, it’s like Christmas to me, and when customers see the big shipments dropped off at the store, they can’t wait to see all the new stuff I have, it’s so exciting,” she said.

At Home In Manayunk When she first walked through the door of Latitudes at 19, Meredith never would have imagined herself as the owner one day. Her dream of owning a business she thought was just that, a dream, not the reality it is today. “The reason why it came true is because my parents believed in me and they were able to push me in the right direction because they had been there before as entrepreneurs themselves,” Meredith said. “I’m still standing today because of my mom. I’m not very good with numbers, that’s my weakness, I know more than I did when I started, but my mom gets all the credit in that department.”

Meredith’s favorite part of transitioning from employee to owner is being able to connect even more with the customers. “I love getting to know returning customers and knowing they will love something new that came in based on what they liked before,” Meredith said. Even more than that, it’s being able to grow up alongside her customers and become a part of their families. “I see people grow up, I see people shop for their boyfriend, their fiancé, their husband, and then their families,” she said. “I’ve seen so many babies grow into young children and pup-

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pies grow into dogs.”

Dog owners are great, Meredith said, because once she gives the dog a treat, they always drag their owners back to the store and often end up buying something. “I’m actually bringing in dog items and toys for the holidays for the first time, so I’m pretty excited about that,” she said.

If it wasn’t for that one visit to Latitudes, Meredith would probably still be working in the engineering field making a lot of money, she laughed.

“That’s a big misconception, people think store owners have so much money, not so much,” she explained. “I have employees and bills to pay and I pay everything else before paying myself.”

Besides working 60-70 hours a week, Meredith is also an integral part of the Manayunk business community being an active board and committee member. “Manayunk is my home, so I want to make sure my home is the way I want to see it – of course there are things that could still be changed, but that’s with every growing community and Manayunk is growing again,” she said.

Manayunk has been Meredith’s home since college – she’s lived in virtually every part of this neighborhood and has become a recognizable face on Main Street. “When I’m out at the grocery store and someone says, ‘are you the owner of Latitudes,’ and I say ‘yeah that’s me,’ and when I look at the store and everything in here, it’s because I did it, those are the most rewarding feelings.”

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DINE: THE PERFECT POUR

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Winnie’s LeBus: This Cranberry Old-Fashioned blends the rich taste of bourbon with the tartness of a Thanksgiving staple. Muddled with orange and cranberries, this old-fashioned goes perfectly with your favorite dishes from Winnie’s.

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A guide to holiday themed cocktails found at your favorite Manayunk restaurants all season long.

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By Leo Dillinger Ah, the holidays: a time for family gatherings, sitting around the fi e, and indulging in the bountiful array of hard spirits infused with seasonal ingredients. If you find yourself in Manayunk during this season, be sure to stop into these bars and restaurants to try their signature holiday cocktails!

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The Goat’s Beard: A classic for any time of year, the Traditional Whiskey Sour from the Goat’s Beard has all the right ingredients to start your evening off right.

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PLAY: GET PHYSICAL

Healthy Holiday Manayunk fitness pros give their tips on how to stay healthy this holiday season.

By Shannon Geddes • Photography By Stephanie Nolt (snfoto.com)

The holiday season is just around the corner and with that comes the addicting appetizers, lavish meals, and endless amounts of calorie-packed spirits. Trying to stay fit and healthy on a regular basis can be challenging enough, but adding in all the holiday craziness makes it a little bit harder. Manayunk fitness studio owners give their insight on everything from tackling the holiday season in a healthy way to getting motivated to start the New Year off right.

What’s the best approach to avoid over indulging during the holiday?

As one who loves the holidays and all the delicious goodies that come with it, Kasey Manwaring, Owner and Trainer at Goal’s Fit, explains that she makes it a priority to exercise during the holidays. “To avoid, totally overdoing it, both with the wine and sweets at holiday parties, I will always set up a run with a friend for early the next morning,” Kasey said. “It gets me out of bed, works off the extra cookies and drinks, and most importantly will keep me from going overboard.”

Wondering what her favorite form of exercise is during the cold winter months? Believe it or not…running outside. Kasey explains, “I actually love the colder temperatures and how invigorating it is. The first 5 mi utes may be tough, but you will be amazed at how quickly you warm up!” Kasey suggests the best way to get motivated to exercise is finding a program that’s fun. By finding a fun program it will make it that much 32

easier to go. She also suggests finding a program that challenges you and doesn’t get easier. Lastly, she believes in finding a program that encourages you to set a goal because having a goal in mind will always keep you working harder!

Juliet Sabella, Owner and Instructor at The Wall Cycling Studio, believes the best piece of advice on getting fit for the New Year is to take it one goal at a time. She thinks New Year’s resolutions are great, but a lot of the time we over commit ourselves. “Set one goal and take it day by day. When you reach the milestone with the one goal, add something new on,” said Juliet. “You’re going to have some really good days and also some really challenging ones. If you take it one day at a time, it’s much more manageable than looking three months ahead.”

While the winter months can be tough to get motivated, Julie’s favorite form of exercise during the cold winter months is spinning and barre.

If she’s not cycling at her own studio, she’ll head over to Goals Fit for their boot camp or to Joltin’ Jabs for a good kick-boxing workout. But what’s her opinion on getting motivated to exercise when it’s this cold as well as eating right? “I like being on an endorphin overload! I just know I feel happier and more alert when I put healthy food into my body in combination with a daily workout session so that’s my motivation right there,” said Juliet.

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Simple and small is what Liz Pagonis, Director of Outreach and Marketing at Philadelphia Runner, believes is the best advice on getting fit for the New Year. “Keep it simple and start small. A lot of people make really complicated, overzealous resolutions that are easy to break.

Success takes time and consistency,” said Liz. Motivation can be tough, especially when it’s cold, but Liz believes you should make yourself a priority. “A lot of people feel like they don’t have time or make a list of excuses why they can’t work out or eat healthier, but you need to make the time and take it day by day,” she explained. As for Liz, her favorite form of exercise during the cold months is running of course.

“Many people will work out inside, so during the cold months the paths are clear,” she said. “There’s a lot of great apparel, gear, and footwear options to keep you comfortable and warm outside.”

Ali Cook Jackson, Owner and Head Trainer at N ever Give Up Training, has three things she tells all her clients during the holidays.

First, she believes working out in the morning is best. “Not only will you burn more calories throughout the day, but you will feel better and not want to waste away all the hard work,” said Ali. Second, drinking lots of water helps with over indulging too. Drinking a lot of water before, during, and after meals will fill your stomach, therefore you won’t be thinking about food and overeat. Lastly, the best way to avoid over eating and drinking too much is to keep busy. “Help in the kitchen, take your dogs for a walk, play with your cousins, nieces and nephews, run errands or help decorate,” Ali said. “If you plop down in front of the TV, you will most likely be tempted to munch on things you probably shouldn’t!”

As for getting motivated to exercise, Ali believes that everyone finds

motivation in different ways. “I always believe the best way to get motivated is to prove yourself wrong and surround yourself with inspiring individuals to motivate you and inspire you along the way,” she said.

You need to be committed to proving to yourself that you are capable of accomplishing anything with the right instruction, inspiration, and support system. Ali then explains that you need to be able to find a place that you look forward to going to each day. “The people should be those who inspire you and who you love to be around, while the place should be somewhere you can’t wait to go back to,” she said. “You should look forward to your 45 minutes or an hour alone to concentrate on you and your goals.”

How can one avoid over indulgence during the holiday? John Rosado, Trainer at Sweat Fitness, said to enjoy yourself, but wisely. He explains, “Allow for those must-have treats, but don’t have a binge fest. There’s no single meal that will wreck your lifestyle, so savor a bit of your favorites!”

As for getting fit for the upcoming New Year, John encourages clients to set realistic fitness goals and to try not look at your relationship with food as a diet, but rather a lifestyle change. “Taking that first step can be challenging, but once you get started with a fitness routine, your endorphins kick into overdrive and you’ll feel better,” said John. John understands that everyone’s approach to getting motivated to get fit is going to be different.

“Some people like to track their eating and fitness habits. Other’s prefer an old school method of keeping their own log. I often like to keep my gear out where I can see it,” he said, “It’s always good to reward yourself for reaching goals, too. Once you get started, you will feel better from eating healthy and have more energy from working out.”

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Favorite Healthy Snacks At Holiday Parties Check out how these fitness fanatics enjoy holiday snacks while still having fun

Kasey Manwaring – Goal’s Fit Kasey finds that if she starts with the cheese and dips she will always crave more so she’ll usually go for the hummus. Another favorite is seltzer with a splash of cranberry. “It’s super thirst quenching, tasty, and fills me up!” said Kase .

Juliet Sabella – The Wall Cycling Studio A lover of cookies and peanut butter, Julie likes to make a healthy-ish version of chocolate chip cookies with PB2 on top. PB2 has 40 calories per serving versus the typical 180 calories in regular peanut butter. As for drinks, Julie enjoys tequila with fresh squeezed lime, a splash of orange juice, and club soda. “This is my version of a super skinny margarita,” laughs Juliet.

Liz Pagonis – Philadelphia Runner “There are so many cute broccoli trees and Santa fruit kabobs on Pinterest that add a healthy, festive touch to a holiday table,” explains Liz. Her current favorite is the Grinch Kabob - a green grape topped with a slice of banana and a strawberry.

Ali Cook Jackson – Never Give Up Ali has three favorite healthy, holiday snacks. An easy one to serve or have is veggies with hummus. For something that isn’t too generic, she suggests adding cinnamon to coconut-oil covered almonds. Her third and favorite healthy snack is zucchini chips.

“They are such a great alternative to pigging out on potato chips at a party,” said Ali.

John Rosado – Sweat Fitness Sometimes selecting healthier foods at a holiday party can be a little bit more challenging. John suggests bringing your own veggies or fruit salad with you to make sure you have a healthy option.

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NOW OPEN

By Marisa Palombi Anastasi Raw Bar (4161 Main Street) has fina ly brought it’s delicious and popular seafood specialties to Main Street! Whether it’s lunch or dinner, Anastasi offers something for everyone.

They have new happy hour specials like Bucka-Shuck Oysters and Clams, as well as $5.00 Draft Wine. Feel free to come in and sit either indoors or outdoors, on one of Manayunk’s only roof decks. Do all of this while you chow down on options like crab meat crème brulee with pickled cucumber or Atlantic Halibut with buttered leeks and purple potato.

MAYA J (4371 Main Street) will open in mid December in the old Chabaa Thai Bistro. The restaurant will offer a wide array of small plates made with all local ingredients. Most of their cuisine will be inspired from places all across the globe, such as Greece, Mexico, Thailand, India, and Morocco. This multi-cultural restaurant is the perfect addition to Main Street’s restaurant scene.

Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex (4456 Main Street) comic shop is now open and satisfying the needs of lovers of all things comic!

JD has much to offer beyond comic books, however. He has collectable action figurines, specialty silk screened t-shirts and art pieces made by JD himself! Whether you want your everyday comic, or hard to find specialty comics, Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex is the place for you.

Starshine Salon also recently moved locations from 4456 Main Street to 111 Grape Street. The move allowed Su-Shan and her team to have a larger area to work and accommodate clients.

Stop by to check out the new space!

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