PRH Summer 2016

WENDY HAMILTON

SugarHouse GM

Summer Hot Spots SugarHouse Casino leads our list of things to do this summer

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VOLUME _32 ISSUE 42_ 2016 gohomephilly.com

Insidethis issue

July | August | September 2016

24_ SALUTE TO SERVICE And the winners are!

PRH introduces its 2016 Blue Sapphire Award winners: Jim Donovan, Dr. James Moylan, Frank Olivieri, Billy Paul, Vai Sikahema Plus! Meet our PRH WishRock Award Winners A tribute to Billy Paul

35_ MUSIC & ART PRH Music Spotlight Kenny Jeremiah: “Expressway to Your Heart” by the Soul Survivors The Grammy award-winning single turns 50

by Maria Merlino

44_ BUSINESS A sit-down with Carl Nolet Jr, 11th Generation / Ketel One Vodka

by Brenda Hillegas photos by Andrew Andreozzi

51_ MENU Henry McDaniel, winner of Chopped Junior Dessert: Malay Bunuelos

60_ SALUTE TO LABOR Women in Business Chellie Cameron (CEO/ Philadelphia International Airport) Cherice Corley (Director Public Affairs & Communication/PES) Wendy Hamilton (GM/ SugarHouse Casino) Loretta Mitsos-Panvini (President/ Athena Contracting) Maria Olivieri (Owner/Olivieri and Associates, Inc.) Tori Alexandra Tomasco (Mural artist) Kim Troast-Singley (Owner/TroastSingley Insurance Agency) Rita Trombetta (Painter/Builder One, Inc.)

35

74_ SPORTS

BUSINESS

74

Neighborhood Spotlight: Jimmy Kerrigan

by Anthony Grosso

77_ WRITERS BLOCK

MUSIC & ARTS

44

Philly

Buck Buck. Jailbreak.

Hide the Belt.

If you know what these are, you grew up in South Philly

SPORTS

77

WRITERS BLOCK

51 MENU

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gohomephilly.com

LEGENDARY TASTE.

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VOLUME _32 ISSUE 42_ 2016 gohomephilly.com

regulars

July | August | September 2016

72

6_FROM THE PUBLISHERS Bar Tabs PRH heads to Popi’s Italian Restaurant Fine food & spirits in the heart of the neighborhood photo by Andrew Andreozzi

12_NEIGHBORHOOD NOIR Flyers: Stanley Cup Championship Parade

18_HANGIN’ OUT Dorette & Dawn hang out with SugarHouse Casino GM Wendy Hamilton

23_WINE KNOW Frozen fruits bring a new dimension to your glass of wine!

by Vincent R. Novello, Jr.

GREEN SPACE

46_BRIDES GUIDE Celebrating Mr. & Mrs. DeStefano

by Joe Volpe / CEO / Cescaphe Event Group photos by Mark Louis Photography

72_GREEN SPACE “Green” up your summer space on a dime!

by Kerri-Lee Mayland

94_ PHILADELPHIA ROWHOME BUSINESS DIRECTORY Go Home Philly! Stop & Shop at our Local Spots

96_PRESSED Dropped Call

by Dorette Rota Jackson

BRIDES GUIDE

46

96

PRESSed

on the cover |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Wendy Hamilton

GM, SugarHouse Casino “The terrific food and our great SugarHouse team are just some of the reasons why there’s a lot of Philly pride at the casino.

I could go on and on about our expansion: the beautiful grand staircase and atrium, the gorgeous patios along the river walk, the country’s first Poker Night in America poker room and the colorful urban light mural on the casino’s Delaware Avenue façade just to name a few more highlights.” – WH

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| rowhome magazinegohomephilly.com

These are the people in our

photo by Andrew Andreozzi

neighborhood restaurateur |ˌrestərəˈtər| noun a person who owns and manages a restaurant.

Popi’s Restaurant Savor the moment

Popi’s is a family owned and operated Italian Restaurant located in South Philadelphia. Founded in 1993, Popi’s was the creation of family members with a dream of replicating tried and true recipes they could share with the neighborhood. Their goals were modest, but the value was soon evident and their reputation spread far and wide. Popi’s combines quality food, friendly service and an atmosphere of elegant comfort, to provide guests with an experience to savor. If you are looking for authentic Italian food in Philadelphia, look no further than Popi’s.

Dine Al Fresco!

Or grab a seat at the bar with your favorite summer cocktail.

Don’t leave without trying Popi’s signature Jumbo Lump Crab Cake in a creamy lobster sauce Linguini & Mussels Eggplant Stack – Breaded & layered with tomato, fresh mozzarella on a bed of arugula with balsamic reduction Veal Di Mare – Tender veal medallions sautéed with fresh shrimp & scallops, served in a white wine, basil, garlic sauce topped with jumbo lump crabmeat

Celebrate the end of the week with Bob Pantano 98.1 WOGL Every Friday starting at 6 pm.

Plan your next party with us Our Tuscan-inspired banquet room accommodates any occasion.

3120 S. 20th Street Free Parking | 215.788.7180 popisrestaurant.com River to River. One Neighborhood.

Dorette & Dawn

Philly

Gina Rucci, Owner

Nick Rucci Jr., Owner

VOLUME_32 ISSUE 42

July | August | September 2016

GOHOMEPHILLY.COM

President | Publisher Dorette Rota Jackson

Vice President | Publisher Dawn Rhoades

Editor Dorette Rota Jackson

Vice President Marketing & Promotions Dawn Rhoades

Creative Director | production Omar Rubio

Contributors Mark Casasanto David Cava Vincent A. DeFino, Esq. Frank DePasquale Jr., Esq Dr. Richard Dittrich Larry Gallone Brett Jackson Maria Merlino

Dr. James Moylan John Nacchio Vincent R. Novello, Jr. Michael Rhoades Leo Rossi Jade Rota Tony Santini Bob Wagner

Marketing & Editorial Assistant Brenda Hillegas

Green space Editor Kerri-Lee Mayland

THE BRIDES GUIDE Joseph Volpe

COPY COORDINATOR / THE MENU Maria Merlino

Marketing Communications Coordinator Carol Vassallo

Photographers Phil Kramer Andrew Andreozzi Maria Merlino

Account Manager Theresa Palestino

NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Mike Rhoades

Published by

Philadelphia RowHome Inc. P.O. Box 54786 Philadelphia, PA 19148 Phone – 215.462.9777 | Fax – 215.462.9770 www.gohomephilly.com | www.phillyrowhome.wordpress.com

Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Magazine and its contents are copyrighted.

Content printed in the magazine may not be reproduced or reprinted, in whole or in part, by any other party without the expressed written consent of Philadelphia RowHome Magazine. 2016 Philadelphia RowHome Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the USA. Published by Philadelphia RowHome Inc.

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gohomephilly.com

Tony “Papa Luke” Lucidonio Founder, 1992

39 East Oregon Avenue Philadelphia, PA 215.551.5725 Get the real taste of South Philly online:

www.TonyLukes.com

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email your letters to: info@gohomephilly.com

Dear PRH

Thank you for your great magazine.

How we look forward to reading it. It’s the best and we are blessed to live in South Philly and be a part of RowHome Grown.

Midge Enrico Caruso & Joe Caruso

Dear PRH

Love you Dawn Retallick Rhoades and Dorette Rota Jackson.

The magazine is the best. I am proud to be from South Philly.

Karen Antonelli

Dorette & Dawn

Thank you for inviting me to share my story (Real People. Real Stories / Spring 2016). All the stories are inspirational, informative and full of courage and life lessons. I also wish to thank you for the photo shoot in which I felt so bonded with these blessed people. Thank you Vince, Steve, Ricky, Debbie, Julianna, Joe, Dawn, Dorette, and Andrew Andreozzi! I was very blessed to be in your company. God bless you all!

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Services:

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Dorette & Dawn

We are always humbled that our UNICO Philadelphia Chapter is recognized for all the charity work we all do for our local sick kids by the best magazine in Philly. Thank you RowHome for always supporting us.

John Ferrara & Ben Ferrara

Go to:

www.AppzDepot.com or call 1.855.527.7236 BNY Mellon Center 1735 Market St., Suite 3750 Philadelphia, PA 19103

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gohomephilly.com

Dear PRH

OMG! I just received my [Spring 2016 issue], opened to the last page and read “Blues Cruise.” I am still laughing. I so remember my kids learning to drive and I did not have a Dawn. She must have nerves of steel. I would have been pushing my kid out of the driver’s seat and doing the exit myself.

Great article and really funny.

Eileen Burdo

Dorette & Dawn

I just got the recent edition of RowHome. OMG, Dorette. I love “Blues Cruise.” I was hysterical laughing. I can always picture my crazy cousins in every story you write. The last page is ALWAYS the first page I read in the magazine.

Thanks for the laughs.

Deb Retallick Karagianis

July | August September 2016

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In the past, sometimes I’d manage to pick up one at either the Post Office on Broad Street or Matteo’s on 12th & Ritner. Do you think in the future you could put Philadelphia RowHome Magazine newsstands on Broad Street?

Nunzio Fortuna Jr. (From the Publishers: Dear Nunzio. In case you don’t remember us, we were your neighbors on 12th Street growing up. 1831. We have known you since you were a young kid. You delivered our newspapers when we got older.

Our mom Carol went to school with your dad Nunzio. We wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your letter. If our magazine can appeal to a reader who loves People and AARP, we are doing something right. Thank you for your beautiful letter and the memories of you, our childhood friend.)

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| 11

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RowHome Remembers PRH Life

Best Birthday Ever

by Tony Santini

O

ur daughter Gina was born on May 9th and since her birthday often falls on or around Mother’s Day, we combine the two events. This past Mother’s Day, we celebrated the two occasions at the Bistro Romano Restaurant and were fortunate to witness a marriage proposal from her boyfriend – now fiancé –Michael. What made the day even more special was that besides my wife and I being in attendance, she was surrounded by her brother, her future in-laws, her Godparents, three Grandparents, her aunts, uncles and cousins. When the excitement settled down, my sister remarked, ‘Best birthday ever!’ That got me thinking. What would other folks say was their best birthday ever?

For me, I’ve had many to consider. I embrace my birthdays. If age was determined by the number of birthday cakes one receives, then I would be something like 216 years old. I’ve been known to have as many as four cakes on each birthday. I get a cake from my family, my in-laws, my friends and my co-workers. I look at birthdays as the beginning of another year to make more memories with family and friends. Also, nine out of 10 doctors say that the secret to a long life is having many birthdays. Think about it!

My ideal birthday starts with a bike ride on the Wildwood Boardwalk followed by an afternoon on the beach and finally, an evening with family and friends. Good thing I was born in August.

I’ve been fortunate to repeat this scenario many times through the years as Wildwood has been

and is still my favorite vacation spot.

When I was 16, I threw myself a birthday party at my parents’ house on a night when they weren’t home. (Sorry, Mom and Dad). My friends and I managed to smuggle some beer and Whiskey Sours from the caterer where we worked at the time. So cool.

For my 30th birthday, I asked my wife if I could throw myself a surprise party in our new home even though we moved in about three weeks prior and most of our stuff was still in boxes. God bless her. She managed to get one floor ready for guests and then hung caution tape around the rest of the house to mark those rooms off limits. I further surprised her by inviting friends we hadn’t seen in years. Boy was I surprised at her reaction to all of this.

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| rowhome magazine

By Genesis HealthCare

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Ten years later, she retaliated. She and my children threw me a surprise 40th birthday party four months before my actual birthday. I was a part-time bartender for a caterer and thought I was going to work a party at the hall, that night. My reaction to seeing my family, friends and friends’ children at the party was genuine. The highlight of the night was a Celebrity Roast with me as the Guest of Honor.

Best birthday ever!

For my 50th, the family hosted a dinner party at the restaurant where my son got his first server position en route to his restaurant career. Once again, I was surrounded by family and lifelong friends. As it turned out, one of my nieces met my son’s friend at the party and has been with him ever since. Their wedding is planned for 2017. Another memory logged.

On my 55th birthday, I became eligible to retire - a great day in the life of any federal government employee. Although I didn’t retire just then, I did create a personal “Bucket List” with retirement near the top of the page. Another top-of-the-list item was dinner at the iconic Pub in South Jersey. Even though it was only minutes across the bridge, I never dined at the Pub. So, on my birthday, we went with another couple to celebrate. After dinner, our “veteran” waitress asked if we enjoyed it. “Excellent,” I told her, mentioning that it was my birthday dinner and we picked the Pub because it was on my Bucket List. ‘Honey, if the Pub was on your Bucket List, you must have led a pretty sheltered life!’ she laughed. (Ba-dum-dum!)

Some avid RowHome readers recently shared their “best birthday ever” stories with me. My wife Julia fondly recalls her recent birthday when we rented a Party Bus and joined our eight best friends for a trip to New York City. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at a restaurant on Mulberry Street in the midst of the San Gennaro festival. We had a great time but the limo ride to and from NYC was unforgettable.

Debbie Leuzzi reminisced about her father’s 90th birthday party in 2010. During the festivities, she realized how fortunate she was to be there with her Dad, Mom, two sisters and five grandchildren. Plans are under way for Charlie’s 100th birthday party.

Donna Gualtieri’s best birthday ever was her 50th, which she and husband Anthony celebrated with a trip to Italy. On her birthday morning, they enjoyed coffee on their hotel balcony overlooking Rome. Following lunch, which was slightly delayed because they had to wait for a procession of Cardinals to leave the same restaurant, they toured the Coliseum and the Pantheon. The evening ended with dinner after a tour of the Sistine Chapel. Not too shabby.

Whether it’s a day when you got your first bike or first car; went on a special trip; spent time at the beach or just shared time with family and friends, birthdays can be special. Maybe you are reading this story on the beach with your family and friends right now. Maybe now is the perfect time to start your own discussion. What was the best birthday ever? prh

Tony & Gina Santini with Christina & Bob Rotandi

Michael Impagliazzo & Gina Santini Engagement Photo

rowhome magazine

| 15

PRH

life

My dance with

the Devil

by Crystal Wacker

D

eviled eggs. We’ve all tried them. And everyone has their own unique take on them.

The deviled eggs my Opoe (Dutch for Granny) made were amazing. The best. My absolute favorite.

They were the kind that 1950s housewives served their guests on a fancy egg tray. Silver plate in one hand, martini in the other. Not that Opoe served them like that, but she could have. They were that good. We didn’t see my Opoe more than a few times a year. But every time she visited, she made her deviled eggs for us. Well, at least for me. I was convinced that she secretly made them just for me.

I knew the ingredients she used but never got an actual recipe. She never wrote it down. It was all in her head. I never really watched her make them, either. They were always just there. Waiting for me on that old 1960s golden rod yellow and chrome kitchen table in that little apartment in Asbury Park.

The perfection and consistency of her deviled eggs remained the same. Smooth and tangy mayonnaise

mixed with the kick of spicy brown mustard and a zing of vinegar combined with that creamy egg goodness.

Paprika sprinkled on top. Oh MAN, they were heaven.

I enjoyed them for years. They were an important part of my visits to New Jersey. I was just a kid when Opoe got sick and before we knew it, she wasn’t around anymore. As much as I loved those deviled eggs, they just weren’t on my mind once she was gone.

Years went by before I reached my mid 20s. That time of life when you start going to real parties and bring something more than bags of chips and sixpacks. Grown-up get-togethers, I call them. I was invited to a backyard party and wondered what to bring. Visions of failed attempts at mango salsas and soggy bruschettas flooded my mind. Suddenly, it hit me. Deviled eggs! It had been years! Sure, I tasted a few fancy versions in my day. Some with bacon or jalapeños. Low-calorie ones with olives and basil. They were tasty but none of them came even close to the ones my Opoe made me when I was a child.

So, I thought, ‘Why not make them yourself?’

After a decade of tasting deviled egg perfection, I remembered all the ingredients. A quick glance around my kitchen and I realized I had everything I needed: spicy brown mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, paprika and, of course, eggs.

After a sad attempt at hard-boiling eggs and peeling them for what felt like an eternity, I was ready to make the mix. I added mayonnaise, mustard and

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vinegar to the egg yolks; spooned the messy mixture into the perky little egg whites and haphazardly sprinkled some paprika on top. Then I had a sample.

Amazing! Not the exact taste I expected but a glimmer of a childhood memory all slapped together in a tasty little snack.

I brought them to the party and they were a hit! The whole dozen-and-a-half deviled eggs (36 minus the three or so I ‘tested’ at home… okay six or so) were gone before the party was half over.

As amazing as it was, I knew they weren’t just right.

They weren’t perfect like my Opoe’s eggs. So my quest began.

Every party I went to, they were there with me.

Slightly different, slightly adjusted. A pinch of this and a little less of that. Each time closer to what my memory considered the perfect recipe. This went on for years and for any occasion that called for them.

My only true hurdle was peeling those damn eggs.

I became enraged by those rounded little spheres.

I tried baking soda, vinegar, old eggs, new eggs, ice baths, poking holes in the shells. You name it, I tried it. And failed. So, one day, I cheated and bought pre-boiled and peeled eggs. This shaved my time in half, and you know what? Worth. It. My husband will concur. Egg-rage wasn’t pretty. Yet, my journey continued because eggs were only half the battle.

One day, thinking I had everything I needed, I set out to make yet another batch for yet another get-together.

gohomephilly.com

The party was in less than two hours so I started mixing the ingredients. Mayo, mustard, paprika, eggs (precooked and peeled, of course) and vineg…. Crap! I didn’t have white vinegar. What was I going to do? How could I let this happen! I made a mad dash through my pantry to see if I had missed it. None! And no time to make a grocery store run. But, I did have apple cider vinegar. Hmm, I mean, maybe it could work? Gave it a taste… sure. So I continued the usual routine.

I sliced my two-dozen eggs in half, pressed the yellow yolks into my mixing bowl and added two large tablespoon dollops of mayo and an equal amount of mustard. Next, a good splash of apple cider vinegar.

Electric mixer in hand, I whipped it all together until it was nice and fluffy. Then, I tried a little taste…

I couldn’t believe it. I did it! You know that part in movies when all time stops and a choir of angels sings? This was my moment. I was back in Opoe’s kitchen, again. All these years and I did it. I almost cried. Seriously. It was surreal. All over one ridiculously simple ingredient. I was ecstatic! (Eggstatic?!)

I have never filled egg whites so excitedly, sprinkled paprika so delicately or skipped so happily to serve them. Did everyone enjoy them? Yes. But did they get such glee as I did that night? Of course not. How on earth could anyone enjoy them as much as me?

Not only did I figure out the not-so-hidden secret, but everyone gets to enjoy them now. My Opoe’s recipe!

Of course, they were all eaten, myself being no exception to indulging in a few or so.

At the end of the day, the journey was just as fun as the outcome. Am I happy I finally figured it out, you bet I am, but I’m also proud that I was able to finally discover an unintentional long lost tradition that I can pass on to my daughter, due at the end of July.

It’s the little things in life, the things that others find mundane, that make all the difference between great and amazing! And all over something as simple as deviled eggs.

I think Opoe would be proud. prh

Real People. Real Stories.

PRH Life

You Raise Me Up

by Mark Casasanto

L

ife. An obstacle course of highs and lows, ups and downs, and that unexpected twisted turn that’s just ahead and around the bend. A road travelled with a little help from family and friends. Along the journey, one will emerge from the crowd. And that is the one who will raise you up.

Through the years, Gina Naseef has touched many lives through her passion – teaching. Her students, their parents and her colleagues will tell you that to keep pace, you must learn to talk, sing and dance with the vivacious teacher. She is an educator that can easily unearth the hidden gems of academia and personality that sit in the desks of her classroom every school year. If her students are the apples of her eyes, then she is the nurturing mother that keeps them deliciously fresh and shiny. She won’t accept the accolade, but to her students – past and present – she is legend.

Merry Christmas to me

A mere week and a half before Christmas 2015, Gina got the news. She needed a complete hysterectomy. Her gynecologist told her, ‘You have cancer but it’s only stage 1 uterine cancer - the best kind of cancer to have.’ Stunned, she thought to herself, ‘Really? The best kind of cancer to have?’ She frantically called her family and asked them to meet her at her sister’s home in South Philly. “They were waiting for me as I arrived, sobbing while trying to park the car.” She didn’t make it to the front steps before blurting out the news.

Days later, instead of prepping her beloved Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, Gina sat with an oncologist to map out a game plan to combat cancer. The news continued to get more complicated.

To ring in the New Year, a revealing diagnosis suggested her cancer had spread throughout her lower extremities in what her newly assembled medical team were now labeling as a stage 4 designation.

Cancer 101

She quickly learned that cancer does not discriminate. The reality of being 48 years old with her life flipped upside-down weighed heavily on her.

And she had no textbook with directives. “Being a teacher, I’ve been a role model all my life. People look up to me and I take that very seriously.”

But in a Miss Nay indigenous way, she chose how to deal with the new norm. “I decided there would be no bad days. They were either going to be good or great. Everyone was going to need to learn the vocabulary of my life…” It was her way of saying ‘don’t feel sorry for me.’ Not only did she need the positivity for herself, she needed others to feel it, as well.

The Game Plan

From the get, the road ahead called for 25 radiation treatments (5 days a week) with five chemo and four double chemo sessions thrown in for good measure. Gina thought about tackling the task holistically – no treatments, a proper diet and exercise. But after thorough research and careful consideration, the reality lingered. It’s stage 4 cancer. Onward she marched.

Before taking leave of her duties, the gifted educator gathered her team at the Chester Community Charter School. She knew it would be tough to part ways. “That was a hard day and very emotional… I promised them that I would always be there for them.”

#TEAM NASEEF

During excruciating long days of treatment, Gina found time for prayer, chit-chat, reading and Middle Eastern lunches. Inexplicable to her, she craved the culinary offerings of her Lebanese ancestry on chemo days.

But this certainly wasn’t any picnic.

She endured the most aggressive form of treatment her body could withstand.

It took a toll on her energy and turned the simplest of tasks into daunting endeavors. And it left her with the easiest hairstyle she’s ever had to manage.

Through it all, she could count on the support of her loving family. She credits her partner Liz - “a true angel from heaven” - as the fuel behind the fortitude to fight. As for her medical team, she appreciates the fact that they are as invested in their calling as they are. “Attitude makes a difference in whatever you do.

In my book, they’re all aces!”

As for her former students, she emotionally explains, “They continue to provide so much motivation for me, in more ways than they’ll ever know.”

Just around the corner to the light of day

Post treatments, she’ll be scanned every two months to make sure her body is maintaining and there are no signs of new cancer cells. “So far, we’re doing good and there’s nothing there to be concerned about.”

Even though she hasn’t set a timeline to return to the classroom, she is mentally preparing to go back to work and getting her body back into shape. She’s even been sneaking in a few minutes on the trampoline every now and again.

“I’m the kind of person that stays in the fight until the final rounds. I’m so motivated to live. My mission is not finished.”

Keeping it 100 percent

“I expect nothing less in life than 100 percent effort. Now it’s my time to be the standard bearer.” She says she wants to make a message out of the mess she’s in.

With breast cancer topping the headlines as far as awareness goes, Gina wants to be the voice for anyone battling endometrial cancers. She feels her current calling is to help women who suffer from uterine cancer.

Paying it forward, Gina’s ultimate mission is to comfort and aid people in their time of need. She knows there are others who will not have the same love and support system in place that she does.

While in no rush and with a vow to do it right, she is setting up the #TeamNaseef Foundation to accomplish the undertaking. “There’s a reason I have cancer. Maybe God chose me to be the mouthpiece for it.”

Dancing with Ellen

There’s one final piece to this perplexing predicament. Gina and the rest of #TeamNaseef have embarked on a campaign to get Miss Nay on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Ambitious? Perhaps. But, to know Gina Naseef is to never bet against her.

Together with her formidable friends, Ellen’s social media outlets have been flooded with photos of supporters around the world in #TeamNaseef shirts. Naseef even rapped in a video for the engaging talk show host. Although she’s afraid to go airborne, she made it perfectly clear in a letter to Ellen that she would absolutely board a plane to be her guest. “Once Ellen calls… we are going to blow,” she laughs. And for someone who has been the wind beneath so many wings, have no doubts about it. This will be Gina’s time to fly. prh

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Real People. Real Stories.

PRH Life

A Moment of Gem

by Randy Giancaterino

“Destiny guides our fortunes more favorably than we can have expected.”

– Don Quixote

E

arly one Sunday morning over the radio din of Sinatra and the drift of fried air from a neighbor’s kitchen, came the call. It was my sister-in-law Evelyn. I could feel her voice swelling, her body lighting up like a pinball machine. “Oh, Randy, I just had the night of my life. You’ve got to a hear this...”

Her night to remember began on this past May 6th. Evelyn and my brother Don revisited their past and were celebrating their 37th wedding engagement anniversary at the Saloon restaurant in South Philly.

Ev remembered my brother popping the question after a 10-year engagement (my brother takes things slow). Both were cautiously headed for their second marriages.

Ev cleaved for the familiar, for a real comfort-experience like someone who was searching for the relief of reality by replaying old 45s on the jukebox. Ev wore her wedding dress. Very Victorian, ivory, a high neck. The lacey English details caught her eye in a catalogue back in 1989. Now, three decades later,

in the same place, maybe the same table, a ring worn through the ages sparkled brilliantly in the supper-club darkness of that first night. So, about the ring.

Don, the man with the Dom DeLuise demeanor, carefully planned their big proposal. Back at their apartment, Don said he hid something valuable and asked Ev to search for it. She was going to have to work for her bling. Finally, when nothing turned up in their residence, she found a jewelry box in the glove box in their car en route to their destination that evening. Their marriage odyssey had officially begun in a box. It was a 1/4-karat round diamond stone with a yellow-gold mounting. The eyes of the woman who met the jeweler on Jeweler’s Row sunk. Her words concealed the disappointment. “I thought to myself: ‘He’s a jeweler. And I worked at a jewelry store. And he gives me this flimsy ring. I can’t take this back to my jewelry shop and show them this.’”

If diamonds are forever, then this one should be forbidden, she thought. Ashamed of her reaction, she looked for the positive: It was creative the way Don hand-engraved “To My Dulcinea” from Man of La Mancha (Don Quixote), inside the arc of the wedding band. After all, love cannot be measured by the weight of a stone, she convinced herself. “By the time she got to the Saloon, she had talked herself into liking the ring,” Don now recalls.

Ev managed to put on a brave front during the ride

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that felt like an eternity to the restaurant, a landmark where they would celebrate their unlikely union. Don grew up in an Italian rowhome in South Philly, Ev on a farmhouse in South Jersey. Ev came from a Polish family of four conservative sisters (and four brothers); Don had a testosterone-filled household of three curious brothers. Ev went swimming with snapper turtles in Ewan Lake near Mullica Hill, New Jersey.

Don “swam” under the gush of a corner fireplug.

Both in their ‘30s, Don was less mature. Who knew, though, except Fate? At the inauspicious start, when Ev dropped off her company’s jewelry repairs a few times a week, she was more interested in Don’s business partner Jerry -- who was more Paul Newman and less like Don’s…Luciano Pavarotti. Ev had suitors.

Eventually, Don somehow tagged along on Ev’s date with another guy -- who was more Paul Newman than Pavarotti. But Don, warm and funny, wore her down and his third wheel of fortune came up sevens.

“We are as different as night and day, but somehow it works,” says Ev looking back.

Once seated at a quiet Saloon table, Don ordered Ev’s favorite: Martini, very dry, straight up with an olive on the side. But Ev would not escape into a sweet gin-induced state without him. He ordered a Southern Comfort Manhattan. Over cocktails and conversation, Ev offered her brand new fiancé her olive. That was his cue. With more purpose than poetry, Don slipped

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something shiny over the olive (leave it to an Italian) and presented her with the second ring of the day.

This one -- 1-1/2 karats, with two flanking baguettes, platinum mounting. With a smile, Don asked, “This is the real one. Will you marry me?”

Now, this was a gift from a jeweler in a real moment of gem. “At first, she wouldn’t take the olive back, Don remembers, “but she changed her mind when she saw the real ring over it.”

The ring of life came full circle at that anniversary dinner a few weeks back at the Saloon. My niece Melanie, a server at the restaurant, waited on them with personal attention. An anonymous man sent over a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. The owner of the Saloon picked up the anniversary tab. Some of the patrons applauded. For a surreal moment, it was 1989: Ev, like a movie star, sitting gloriously in that restaurant suspended in time, with the comfort of gin, flashing her engagement ring in her Victorian wedding dress. Only now the dress is less snug from seven years of operations, procedures and cancer chemo treatments. Living each day bravely and boldly, her legion of doctors calls her a miracle. It seems like yesterday, that in the blink of a medical stranger’s diagnosis, she left a familiar life of amethysts and opals to quickly learn a second language in her ‘70s -- immunotherapy, chemo brain, IV drips, metal mouth and tumor molecular profiling…

My oldest brother sits by his warrior’s side and strokes the tuft of her grayer hair on bad nights. The ritual is sort of her tonic – with an olive. Every moment is a milestone -- raw, tender, inspiring. Some are bigger than others. Together, they are a Manhattan and a martini.

In Ev’s adoring eyes, I see it as clear, as pure and perfect as in the sparkle and stability of any 1-1/2 karat diamond. Today -- two engagement rings later -- her “Domenic,” my brother, is more Paul Newman than Pavarotti. prh

VOLUME _32 ISSUE 42_ 2016 gohomephilly.com

July | August | September 2016

1

HANGIN’OUT

1.

angin’ out in Sea Isle for Girls’ Weekend with the triH ple Ds - Dorette, Donna Diorio & Dawn Perre.

2.

Andrea Mascitti hangs out with her dad Dom at the Phillies game.

3.

roud dad Barry Biello is hangin’ out with Blase Biello at graduation P from Film & TV Production, University of Southern California.

4.

hillies fans! Christopher & Ken Eaves enjoy lunch in P Clearwater with their mom Eileen Retallick Eaves.

5.

tephen Pagano, Steven Grosso, Jason Pinto & Pat Lerro S hang out in Stephen’s “sports fan” themed basement.

6.

ictoria DiPietro (Bella Angel) with Bernie SandV ers. Bella Angel did hair and makeup for the journalists and Sanders during the Town Hall in Olde City.

7.

Floss Hauschild hangs out with Bob “The Hound” Kelly. Go Flyers!

8.

rankie Carto has a good time hangin’ out with Jimmy Binns F Jr. and 5-Time World Champ Zab Judah in Las Vegas.

9.

J oann Costa is hangin’ out with Joe Rota Jr. & Donna Costa in Disney World.

10. Popi’s Gina Rucci hangs out with son Michael.

11. I BEW’s Mike Neill is hangin’ out with Villanova’s Jay Wright.

12. K athie Petrillo & Sherry McConney enjoy RowHome Magazine in Clearwater, Florida.

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13. R ichard Tenaglia graduates from Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

Hangin’ out with proud parents John (John’s Custom Stairs) & Joan.

14. D orette and Dawn hang out with SugarHouse Casino GM Wendy Hamilton.

15. H angin’ out with three generations of the Mariutti family: Virgil, Joseph (Hairs to You), Lil’ Joey & Julian.

16. H angin’ out with PopPop John Vacca (The Petal Pusher Florists) on his birthday.

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17. P astificio’s Frank Sangiuliano & Anthony Messina are hangin’ out with Eagles’ Carson Wentz.

18. P erry de Marco Jr., Esq., hangs out with the Wildcat at his Nova Nation Parade.

19. M ark Mariani, Costume Designer at Walnut Street Theatre, hangs out on opening night of Always Patsy Cline with Director Debi Marcucci and Lighting Designer Troy A. Martin-O’Shia.

20. I talian Market Festival 2016. In the Piazza - PRH’s Mark Casasanto, The Philly Pops’ Sarah Maiellano & husband Joe. 21. D enise LaRosa & the Thursday night Bowling girls at St. Monica’s Lanes.

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22. H angin’ out with Noelle Pawlowski & daughter Rosie.

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Wine Know Wine Know

by Vincent R. Novello Jr.

Fruit Scoops PRH Life

W

ith the warm weather upon us, there is no better time of year to enjoy a variety of fruits that can add flavor to your favorite wines. There also is a delicious selection of frozen fruits you can add to make your wine and your summer gatherings even more special.

When enjoying such white wine varietals as Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and my favorite summer white, Viognier, pairing frozen melon balls, especially honeydew, can add not only the chill for a summer refresher but is also a great

way to add more depth to your wine, culminating with the wine-soaked fruit at the bottom of your glass.

Frozen citrus like grapefruit or mandarin orange wedges bring a glass of Viognier to a totally greater dimension. Tart white grapes enhance the chardonnays and Pinot Grigios. When enjoying barbequed or grilled meats, poultry, fish or veggies, a frozen strawberry or a few frozen raspberries pair perfectly with a glass of Malbec or Bordeaux blends. They bring out the smoky taste grilled or barbequed favorites have to offer.

Remember, ice only dilutes a glass of wine. So use your own favorite fruit to chill your “vine.”

Wine

Maghero – Chianti Riserva $15

Recommendations ❚❙❘ White Wines Zaca Mesa – Viognier $15 Sterling – Pinot Grigio $13 Robertson – Gewurztraminer $10 Nobilo – Sauvignon Blanc $12 Byron – Chardonnay $17

Host/Hostess Gift Maison Henry Fessy – Pouilly Fuisse Sous La Roch $18

Marietta Cellars – Old Vine Red $13 …and remember “Never save your good wine for tomorrow!”

For more information contact Vincent Novello Vinoinfo824@aol.com

❚❙❘ Red Wines Joel Gott – Pinot Noir $16 Don Miguel Gascon – Malbec $11 (great buy)

Vincent Novello has been making his own wine since 1997 and has competed in and judged the annual Vendemmia. His 2008 Brunello took first and second place in the competition. Today, Novello serves as the Vendemmia’s contest director.

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gohomephilly.com

SOME OF THE

REGION’S BEST DOCS ARE JUST STEPS FROM YOUR FRONT DOOR Methodist Hospital – Jefferson Health For the convenience of patients in South Philadelphia, Methodist Hospital has outstanding primary care physicians and specialists. So you don’t even have to leave the neighborhood for easy access to our doctors, leading-edge technology and clinical trial options. Methodist Hospital provides it all, right in your community. When it comes to your health care, excellence is close to home.

2301 South Broad Street 1-800-JEFF-NOW Jefferson.edu/Methodist

1-800-JEFF-NOW Jefferson.edu/Women

HOME OF S IDNEY KI M M E L M ED I CA L COL L EGE

As part of its annual “Salute to Service” Program, Philadelphia RowHome Magazine (PRH) will present its 2016 Blue Sapphire Award to individuals whose “selfless dedication to the City of Philadelphia has left an indelible mark on the culture and traditions of our neighborhoods for future generations to enjoy.”

The following individuals have been named

Philadelphia RowHome Magazine’s

2016 Blue Sapphire Award Recipients

Jim Donovan

Billy Paul

Frank Olivieri

Vai Sikahema

Media CBS 3 News Anchor, Consumer Reporter

Lifetime Music Achievement Grammy Award Winner, R&B Soul Singer

Local Business Success Story Pat’s King of Steaks

Harry Kalas Memorial Sports Award NBC 10 Sports Director

Dr. James Moylan Service to Community

2016 WishRock Award Winners Anything is possible if you believe in yourself

Santino Stagliano

Bobby Hill

Nate Murawski

Alex Podagrosi

Rebecca Corosanite

The annual PRH Black Tie Business Networking Gala will be held at Cescaphe Event Group’s

Vie

| 600 N. Broad Street | Philadelphia, PA 19123 | November 3rd, 2016

Guests will meet on the Red Carpet at 6 p.m. for an elaborate cocktail reception followed by a five-course dinner. Entertainment provided by guest band The Business.

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Tickets are $150. Tables of 10 are $1,500 and include sponsorship.

Individual sponsorships available. Contact Carol at 215.462.9777 or info@gohomephilly.com rowhome magazine gohomephilly.com

RowHome Remembers

Billy Paul 2016 Blue Sapphire Award

Lifetime Music Achievement 1934 - 2016

photos courtesy of Blanche Williams

All great accomplishments begin with a Dream “We congratulate the late great Billy Paul and his wife Blanche on this honor by Philadelphia RowHome Magazine.

Billy was not only a musical legend that we had the wonderful opportunity to write and record, but he was a kind person and dear friend. His R&B, jazz and soulful prowess and style was unique and allowed us to create through him one of the greatest and controversial love songs, ‘Me and Mrs. Jones.’

Billy would have loved this honor and it is well deserved for the music icon. His music will last forever.” —Gamble & Huff

On March 18, 2016, Philadelphia RowHome informed Billy Paul that he was the recipient of the magazine’s 2016 Blue Sapphire Award for Lifetime Music Achievement. This award is presented annually in honor of individuals who have helped preserve the unique traditions that define our City’s culture, history and diversity of lifestyles.

He and his wife Blanche were excited to learn of the award from Billy Paul’s hometown, where his legendary career originated and changed the music industry forever. “Billy Paul is honored that you want to recognize his contribution to music and to his community,” Blanche wrote in a response to our staff.

Billy Paul combined jazz, R&B and soul to create an unforgettable sound that caught the attention of a world hungry for his distinct style. On April 24th, just a month after the award announcement, we were shocked by the news that the legendary Billy Paul died.

We, along with a legion of loyal fans worldwide, mourn the passing of our native son and pioneer of soul music. His memory lives on in every note he recorded. We are comforted by the fact that Billy Paul knew how much he meant to us and looked forward to accepting this award from Philadelphia RowHome Magazine on behalf of his beloved City.

Born Paul Williams in Philadelphia on December 1, 1934, he grew up listening to his mother’s extensive record collection. At the age of 11, his music career began when he appeared on local radio station WPEN. His schooling included the West Philadelphia Music School and the Granoff School of Music. Paul spent the early years of his career performing at clubs and colleges with jazz and soul legends like Nina Simone and Miles Davis. After serving in the Army (he was stationed with Elvis Presley), Paul released Feelin’ Good at the Cadillac Club in 1968. Philadelphia’s iconic producer and soul pioneer Kenny Gamble produced the album on his Gamble Records label.

Paul’s success skyrocketed with the release of 1972’s “Me and Mrs. Jones.” The song climbed to the top of the Billboard 100 soul and pop charts for three weeks, sold two million copies and led him straight to a Grammy Award. It also was the first hit for Philadelphia International Records, headed by the legendary Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who wrote and produced it.

In his lifetime, Paul released 15 albums between 1968 and 1988. prh

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Salute to Service Philly

Local pastor named Humanitarian of the Year

UNICO Philadelphia honors

NICO Philadelphia Chapter awarded its Humanitarian of the Year Award to the Rev. Nicholas F. Martorano, O.S.A., at its recent spring fundraiser.

Nicholas Martorano was born in a row home in South Philadelphia on May 12, 1950. For the first few years of his life, he lived with his parents, siblings, grandmother, uncle and aunts. His family then moved to another area of South Philadelphia that placed them in the parish boundaries of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church.

Martorano attended Francis Read Elementary School, Furness Jr. High School and then South Philadelphia High. Unsure of his future plans, he decided to attend the Community College of Philadelphia and earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration in 1969. He transferred to LaSalle College and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1971 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing.

Throughout his high school and college years, Martorano worked at a department store in Center City called Strawbridge &

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Clothier. He was offered a position as an assistant buyer for the store but decided to teach a year at St. Nicholas of Tolentine School, his home parish. During that year, he became familiar with the Augustinians.

The principal encouraged him to seek vocation so he befriended Fr. Vince Altimare, the Vocation Director of the Augustinian Vice Province that staffed St. Nicholas.

In 1972, he entered the novitiate at New Hamburg, N.Y. He professed his simple vows in 1973 and went straight to Washington, D.C. to study theology at the Washington Theological Union for three years.

He was ordained a deacon at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church in 1976 and assigned to St. Augustine Prep School in Richland, N.J. He also was named an assistant at Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Vineland. These ministries were all part of the Vice-Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel that was originally formed to serve the needs of the new Italian immigrants arriving in America at the turn of the 20th Century. The Vice Province merged with the Province of St.

gohomephilly.com

Thomas of Villanova about 10 years ago.

The Rev. Nicholas Martorano was ordained to the Priesthood in 1977 at St. Nicholas of Tolentine, while remaining a member of St. Augustine Prep. In 1983, he was assigned as Assistant Pastor at Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Vineland. When the Pastor of St. Nicholas Church became ill, Fr. Nick was asked to go to St. Nicholas Church to be the administrator for three months.

Three months has lasted 32 years and Fr. Nick is still pastor of St. Nicholas, his lifelong parish. He could have easily taken different turns in his life and career, but something kept him on the path to priesthood as an Augustinian. Most of his vocation and work have revolved around St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish and his South Philadelphia community.

UNICO is a non-profit organization comprised of philanthropists, professionals and businessmen and businesswomen whose main objective is helping others. UNICO members live by the words “Service Above Self.” prh

photo courtesty of www.stnicksphila.com

Rev. Nicholas Martorano U

PRHHEALTH Time

outfor

Hard

Workers

t

by Dr. Richard Dittrich

his issue of RowHome is a salute to labor. It is dedicated to those hardworking individuals who make Philadelphia a great city. But what, exactly, is a hard worker?

There are some jobs that scream “hard workers.” I think everyone will agree that those in construction trades work hard. They are an everyday sight in the city, high on scaffolding, tools or paintbrushes in hand.

Persons employed to “protect and serve” are hardworking. Police officers and firefighters who risk their own lives to save others are among those that are thought to have the most demanding jobs of all. Delivering mail is a difficult occupation. Walking in all types of weather, heavy mail sack on back, makes a postal job a difficult one. Hospital employees - physicians, nurses, therapists…provide care around the clock to heal the sick.

Other jobs might not be thought of as so demanding. Is teaching a group of four-year-olds fun or frustration? Does it take a special person to ask, “Do you want fries with that?” The hostess who escorts you to your table and hands you the menu - is she working hard? And how about the mother of two who spends her day with preschoolers? Exactly how hard is she working?

Truthfully, everyone who gives 100 percent every day is a hardworking person. A childcare provider can work as hard as a laborer - a gardener as hard as a postal carrier. Striving for excellence and taking pride in one’s work is the energy force that makes one shine in his or her position. Hard workers come from every ethnic group, in all ages, from all different educational backgrounds. The common denominator is dedication to a job well done, a commitment to doing nothing but their very best. And all of these hard working individuals should be saluted. ➻

Meet me at the Penrose

PENROSE DINER 20th & Penrose Avenue Philadelphia, Pa.

215.465.1097 Open 7 days S-Th: 6 am to midnight F&S: 24 hours

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S E RV I N G B R E A K F A S T, L U N C H & D I N N E R

Often, in striving for professional success, we forget to take care of ourselves. Having “me time” and treating oneself is an excellent way to recharge your batteries. An energized person will perform better at work and at play.

Professional Aesthetics & Wellness Center would like to offer the hardworking people some summer specials to help refresh and revitalize!

T ROAST - S INGLEY INSURANCE

Strawberry Laser

Are you heading for the beach this summer? Is your body ready for that bikini? How about scheduling a package of Strawberry Laser sessions. The Strawberry Laser is a cool lipo treatment that will shrink inches from those problem areas. You will see results immediately after your first treatment, and it only gets better from there!

Get back on track

Is the ice cream truck jingle stuck in your head? Can’t resist just one small treat? Need help getting your diet back on track? It is proven that physician-guided weight loss programs are more successful than trying to diet yourself.

Not only will you lose more, you will keep those pounds from coming back. Stop by and talk with our staff about our diet options. We are sure that there is one that will fit your weight loss plan and your lifestyle.

Laser Hair Removal

Are you done with that razor? Is waxing just not for you?

Ready to rid yourself of unwanted hair forever? Consider laser hair removal. No more underarm irritation from razor burns. Imagine being able to pull on that bikini without worry. Feel daring? Try a Brazilian!

AGENCY, LLC

TROAST-SINGLEY INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC Your Insurance Professionals

Excellent Rates & Excellent Customer Service Auto Homeowners Business Life Insurance 2700 S. 18th Street * Philadelphia, PA 19145 Call For A Free Quote!

215-339-0333 www.troast-singleyagency.com

Eyebrow & Lash Tinting

Do you feel like shaking things up? Want a subtle change?

We now offer eyebrow and eyelash tinting. Goodbye mascara and eyebrow pencil! No more raccoon eyes at the beach or pool. Go a little darker for a brand new you!

Skin Care

Most importantly, don’t leave your skin out to dry. Protect your skin from harmful rays with our top-of-the-line skincare products. Obagi SPF 50 will minimize ultraviolet damage and help protect you from skin cancer. Everyone who works outside, take note! Obagi Vitamin C serum is essential to help fight antioxidants.

These are just a sampling of the services and specials that await you at the Professional Aesthetics & Wellness Center.

Drop in any time or visit WellnessCenterPa.com. Dr. Richard Dittrich and staff salute you – the hardworking people of this great city. We look forward to meeting every one of you! prh Dr. Richard Dittrich and the Professional Aesthetics & Wellness Center are members of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network Serving patients for more than 30 years, Dr. Richard Dittrich has offices conveniently located in South Philadelphia at 1313 Wolf Street - 215.465.3000 - and in Voorhees, NJ - 856.435.9090.

New patients are welcome!

Why is Steam Coming from the COOLING TOWER? Water is used throughout the refinery to heat fluids during the refining process and to cool various production units while they perform refining functions. In some units, water temperature reaches more than 140 degrees fahrenheit.

In order to continually reuse and conserve the water, it is sent to be cooled and stored in the cooling towers.

Once in the cooling towers, hot water is cooled by an airstream that is blown at it as it enters the tower. The cooling process causes some of the water to evaporate while the major portion is cooled and stored to be reused in the refinery. The evaporated water mixes with the airstream on its way out of the cooling stacks at the top of the towers. This mixture forms the visible “cloud” over the cooling units.

The only thing coming out of he cooling tower stacks is the water in the form of STEAM and AIR that cannot be retained and reused in the refining process.

Philadelphia Energy Solutions believes in going beyond supporting the communities in which we live and work.

Through our active support of youth, culture, health, education and environmental opportunities, we strive to improve the quality of life for our employees and our neighbors.

We are focused to be the best every day.

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PRHHEALTH

Get off the couch!

Get in the game

O

by Dr. James E. Moylan, D.C

ld athletes never die. They just become “Master’s Level,” a euphemistic term for “old.”

Or better yet, they find variations of sport that they can handle physically and still keep that competitive spark. Competition, whether in team or individual sports, has a rejuvenating effect. We feel that urge and focus to want to do better. Keeping moral pain killers and energy boosters. bile and getting off the couch will add Allowing increased physical motion years to your life and life to your years. helps exchange the chemicals in our Bocce, darts, whiffle ball, frisbee, golf joint spaces. Refreshing and cleansor city street sports like half ball, box ball, ing them to allow smoother function step ball or wire ball all can be played and limit joint restriction and improving with a competitive edge as we age. balance and coordination. Possibly reDepending on our individual physiducing our risk of falls as we age. cal status, most of the above listed Some of our city childhood games games don’t require much running or came about out of necessity or lack sudden start and stop motions. Those of specific equipment and access to type of quick force variations are the more organized activities. But they ones most likely to lead to injury. also taught us lifelong lessons of creAny recurring activity or exercise is ativity and adaptation. good for you. It’s the physical (though So as we age, let’s continue to limited) exertion and probably more adapt. Be aware of your aches and importantly, the camaraderie, of pains, but don’t let them shut you friends that will provide an emotional down. Just because we can’t be as exercise, as well. Being in the mix of highly active as we once were, is no family and friends and adding a bondreason to stop all exercise activities. ing and competitive effect will provide Stretch and walk daily. Ice and heat countless benefits. after a strain. Follow up with your docIn physical and emotional swings, tor on a regular basis. And most imporour bodies release endorphins - natutantly, stay young at heart and mind. prh

Dr. James Moylan, Chiropractic Physician, is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

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PRHReal Estate

Healthy

Rowhouse

by Nicole Devereaux

P

Project

hiladelphia is known for many things.

Along with the Liberty Bell, Rocky and cheesesteaks, row houses are another icon in the City of Brotherly Love. These brick buildings , most of which are more than 50 years old, make up 70 percent of the city’s housing.

Although these attached homes are affordable and distinctive, they can sometimes be harmful to the health of residents when major systems fail or they can’t afford to repair a leaky roof. Failed systems turn into health risks like mold and chipping lead paint.

The Healthy Rowhouse Project, founded by the Design Advocacy Group in 2014, and now an initiative of the Center for Architecture, is on a mission to prevent

these iconic homes from falling apart and negatively affecting the health of occupants. Jill Roberts, the Executive Director, says that the project plans to create an innovative model that will bring housing repair to scale in Philadelphia and improve the health of residents.

Roberts previously worked for Project HOME - a nonprofit organization that provides housing and services to chronically homeless people in our city. She believes that her past experience as a Community Development Project Manager, primarily dealing with home rehabilitation, will help the Healthy Rowhouse Project successfully achieve its goal.

“My time spent working for Project HOME will be most helpful because I worked for many years with

city residents who are the population that is in need and who the Healthy Rowhouse Project is aiming to help,” Roberts says.

Through her experience, Roberts has seen how a minor infusion of funds to make some repairs can improve a person’s health and home. If these homes are stabilized and maintained, they can last for another hundred years and provide residents with a better quality of life. prh For more information on the Healthy Rowhouse Project, visit www.healthyrowhouse.org.

CRO

CONSTRUCTION, LLC. PHILADELPHIA, PA

DREAM it, We can BUILD it!

If you can

CRO Construction, LLC. 215.952. 8740 www.croconstruction.net rowhome magazine

| 31

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Real

Estate

Go

Solar!

by Brenda Hillegas

RUBBER & SHINGLE ROOFS • SKYLIGHTS METAL CAPPINGS • GUTTER CLEANING ALUMINUM COATINGS • VINYL SIDING GUTTERS & SPOUTS • WINDOWS & DOORS

215.292.4521 • ACELLOROOFING.COM

Joseph Ruple of Vivint Solar explains how you can convert your home into a solar one!

your home, send you a drawing for approval, obtain all necessary permits and complete the installation.

How does it work?

It’s pretty simple. Vivint Solar will install solar panels onto the roof of your home. These panels collect energy from the sun, which is then converted into useable energy. The energy travels through the panels, through the wires and into your net meter. From there, it is distributed to your household appliances.

Who pays Vivint?

Vivint Solar can offer you an affordable solar solution based on its Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). You agree to pay for the power Vivint’s array produces and they agree to design, install, finance and service a solar energy system for your home. “This is the new way of obtaining solar,” Ruple says. Vivint will monitor your home’s system 24/7, every single day of the year, to ensure maximum productivity.

Vivint’s team of trained professionals also provides complimentary maintenance and customer support.

Benefits of Solar No matter what kind of energy source you use in your home (such as coal, natural gas, nuclear power), there are always three steps to powering your home: generation, transmission and distribution. These steps all create additional costs that get passed on to you. Solar panels can eliminate those costs and save you money.

Go green!

Going green can be expensive and complicated but Vivint Solar will reduce your carbon footprint without the usual hassles that involve changing your lifestyle or a lot of out-of-pocket expenses.

The Process Step 1. “Vivint Solar requires homeowners to be eligible for this program,” Ruple says. “To be eligible, one must be the homeowner or landlord of a residential property.

Vivint checks to see if the homeowner has a good history of payment. WiFi is required in the home. Our site technician will evaluate the property to determine if the home qualifies.”

Step 2. Once a Vivint Solar professional comes to your home and determines that solar is the right solution for you, the team will design a unique solar energy system for

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So, what’s the cost to you?

“Vivint Solar doesn’t require qualified homeowners to pay anything,” Ruple explains. “You simply pay much less for your power than what you are currently paying to your electric provider.” is solar right for me?

Ruple says he wants to make sure his customers understand every aspect of converting their homes to solar energy.

From information, to costs, to process, to installation, he promises you will feel great about your home’s solar panel makeover! “Vivint Solar installs new, modern-looking, low-profile panels for our customers,” he says.

“Customers absolutely love the look.”

Five Star Rating Aside from having the best program, warranty and customer service in the solar industry, Ruple is proud to point out the top-notch reviews and BBB ratings his company has earned. Visit www.consumeraffairs.com to learn more. For more information about Vivint Solar contact Joseph.Ruple@VivintSolar. com or visit www.vivintsolar.com

Joseph Ruple, Vivint Solar, is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

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PRHReal Estate

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Going Up! What’s Developing in our Neighborhoods

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Yelp

by Brenda Hillegas South Philadelphia Community Health and Literacy Center.

The City of Philadelphia and CHOP celebrated the opening of this center at Broad & Morris Streets. The facility includes a CHOP pediatric primary care center; Philadelphia Department of Public Health community health center; state-of-the-art Free Library of Philadelphia and DiSilvestro Playground and Recreation Center.

Independence Visitors Center Redo.

A $15 million overhaul will extend the outdoor terrace and expand the gift shop. The roof of the expansion will become a second-floor deck and will connect to the existing patio on the Market Street side. The proposed outdoor space will be big enough to host weddings and other events. Changes will also include replacing one of the theaters with a glassed-in screening room and the installation of touchscreen monitors that will provide info to visitors. The renovation will be the biggest investment at Independence Mall since the early 2000s.

Stephen Girard Park.

City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson joined Kathryn Ott-Lovell, (Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation), Maggie Dunn (Community Planner, Philadelphia Water Department), Francesco Cerrai (Project Director, Department of Public Property) and Jody Della Barba (President, Girard Estate Area Residents) to break ground on $900K in im-

provements to historic Girard Park, 21st & Shunk.

These improvements will include lighting, tree trimming and pruning, sidewalk/pathway replacement and stormwater management.

Broad & Washington.

This isn’t the Bart Blatstein project mentioned in the last issue, nor is it the Lincoln Square development across the street. Instead, this is the smaller mixeduse project designed by Harman Deutsch Architects. Plans include 53 one- and two-bedroom units and some lofts. There will be a roof deck, a backyard, some parking spaces and 15 bike spaces. The ground floor could include retail space.

Vine Street Expressway.

It’s about to get a makeover! U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx recently announced that Philadelphia is one of four cities to win his department’s “Every Place Counts” design challenge. Along with Philly, Spokane, WA, Ramsey County, MN and Nashville, TN will each receive a U.S. DOT-hosted design session that will bring together elected officials, urban planners, designers and local residents around a key transportation issue. Philadelphia’s session, which took place in mid-July, focused on issues related to the Vine Street Expressway. Mayor Jim Kenney noted that hundreds of K-8 students must cross the bridge over the expressway daily to get to Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic School or FACTS Charter School. prh

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PRHTIPs FROM THE PROS Italian Coffee House

TASTE THE TRADITION

Philly

903 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (215) 627-2578

A Clear View on Glass Projects

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Christine Krawiec Photography

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Everman Glass Services

A

re your sliding glass doors looking a little dingy? Is it finally time to replace that old shower door with a beautiful glass enclosure? Have the windows of your storefront weathered their last storm? Whatever the project – commercial or residential – Paul Everman of Everman Glass Services can help you see things more clearly.

Sliding Glass Doors

Replacing the glass in your patio doors might be more practical – and budget friendly – than replacing the entire structure, Everman says.

He will take precise measurements and custom order top quality glass panels to fit the doors.

He removes the old panes, installs the new ones and saves his clients thousands of dollars.

Before you decide to tear out windows or doors completely, consider a glass replacement.

Windows

www.christinekrawiecphotography.com

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| rowhome magazine

Replacing the windows in your home is a big project when it comes to cost and process.

Painted-shut or jammed windows can present a serious safety hazard. If a fire breaks out, you need a quick escape. Drafty windows waste a lot of energy and lead to wood rot, another safety hazard, especially if they

gohomephilly.com

are tainted with lead paint. In those cases, an entire replacement is necessary. However, if your windows are in good condition, consider a glass replacement instead. Everman Glass can help you determine your needs and help you make the right choice.

Custom Colors

Glass choices aren’t as clear-cut as they were in the past. Contractors are using a variety of textures and colors in their projects, these days, Everman says. Whether it’s new construction or an historic renovation, his team is ready to assist with custom glass options that meet the styles and needs of any design plan.

Let’s Get Started

Summer is a great time to get started on that bathroom upgrade. Imagine a custom shower door that matches your bathroom’s overall theme. And how about that powder room that’s been screaming for a remodel. Glass replacement can be a real eye opener. prh 610.803.3420 / paul.everman@yahoo.com Everman Glass Services is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

PRHmusic&art

Kenny Jeremiah The Soul Survivors Expressway noise is music to his ears

photos courtesy of Kenny Jeremiah

b

by Maria Merlino eep-beep-beep-beep-beep! Beep-beep-beep-beep-beep! Who would have thought that those 10 honks of a car horn and the background sounds of the Schuylkill Expressway would lead to a million dollar hit that topped the charts for 15 weeks, became a national breakout song for the creative team that launched the Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP) and handed the Soul Survivors a gold record.

Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff thought so. The legendary songwriting team and pioneers of Philadelphia soul were in search of the right sound to add to their collection at Philadelphia International Records.

They had local success with The Intruders but were looking for a crossover band with blue-eyed soul and musicians that sounded Black. It was 1966 and the pop charts were dominated by The Monkees, The Mamas & the Papas, Nancy Sinatra and Sgt. Barry Sadler. Their song, Expressway to Your Heart, needed the perfect act to pull it off.

New Yorker Kenny Jeremiah founded the doo wop group The Dedications in 1962 and had a successful song called “Why Don’t You Write Me?” In the meantime, brothers Richie and Charlie Ingui, from the Lower East Side were busy doing their own thing – which included a little bit of soul, harmony and doo wop. In 1966, the musical crucible merged the three into the Soul Survivors and off they went to Atlantic City to sing for their supper.

“Now Sid Bernstein, who was managing The Rascals, was a friend. We were playing The Penguin Club, a strip-joint that was all mobbed up.

This was real,” begins Jeremiah. “It was Memorial Day weekend. The owner Tommy Johns was skeptical. ‘Make them set-up’, he said. ‘They

can do one song. If I like them, OK’.”

Jeremiah reminisces. When he was 13, he saw Little Richard at an Alan Freed concert. Right then and there, he knew he wanted to be a showman. “I studied music but I couldn’t play an instrument and sing at the same time,” he laughs. “But I was wild. I jumped up on the bar, did cartwheels, pulled down ceiling tiles, opened up the cash register, threw the money around. So crazy!”

Even with Jeremiah’s wild antics, the group got a following. A lot of it was a gay crowd and Jeremiah shopped for clothes in the Village. His outfits attracted a lot of attention, he says. Before long, the band started working at The Living Room at 13th & Locust. It cost $7 to get in and the lines were around the corner.

“This is when Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff came in to see us,” Jeremiah says. “We were blue-eyed soul with a rock and roll edge - just what they were looking for. At the time, they didn’t have a studio. Leon Huff had a record store and we went to the second floor and listened to [Expressway To Your Heart]. It was really good, a true fusion of what we wanted to do.

They set us up with musicians and we recorded on the Crimson Label at Cameo Parkway where Joe Tarsia was the engineer.”

Expressway to Your Heart was released in

1967. Jeremiah was on the Queens Borough Bridge when the song came on the radio on WABC as the Sleeper of the Week. “I’ll never forget that day. I was driving a blue convertible.

I knew we had a major hit. As the song gained in popularity, we needed a place in Philly because it became number one here. WFIL and WIBG were playing the heck out of it.”

They searched for an apartment close to Wildwood where the band was getting more gigs and found one at 8th and Fitzwater above Swan Records. “Tommy Foglietta was our landlord. He was great! He would come by every month to pick up the rent, but then he would invite us to a place called the Third Down. He’d put the money on the table and we’d eat and drink all night.”

The song went national in 1967 but by 1970, the group disbanded due to the changing music scene. Not one for a day job, Jeremiah performed with the 1970s band Shirley and Company. He’s performed around the world and is a regular down the shore. Along with Pepper Paul, he hosts his “Good Time Old Time Rock & Soul Radio Show” on 92.1 FM WVLT, Vineland, NJ and worldwide on wvlt.com. It airs every Tuesday night from 10-11 pm. He has 15 songs on cdbaby.com.

Now 74, Jeremiah has a high happiness factor.

“I thank God for another day of life - another day that I can earn a living doing what I love. This year, the Soul Survivors celebrate 50 years in the business. “Expressway to Your Heart will be 50 years old,” he smiles.

Now that’s something to toot your horn about. prh Check out www.kennyjeremiah.com

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PRHmusic&art

Marilyn Russell Philly Morning Radio at its Best

e

by John Nacchio

ntertaining. Smart. Quirky. Determined.

Whatever words you use to describe Marilyn Russell, one thing is certain.

They are as upbeat and positive as she is. You may know her best as host of Mornings with Marilyn on 95.7 BEN-FM Radio but she’s been a familiar personality on the Philly scene since 1994.

Her roots sprouted in a row home in Northeast Philadelphia near Cottman Avenue. Her father had a huge influence on her. By day, he worked hard to provide for his family. By night, he was a jazz musician. Marilyn says it was the best of both worlds. Music, ambition and moxie evolved our “Mayfair Lady,” who took to heart the practical wisdom, ‘Live each

Q: Who have you met that highlights “Woman of the Week?”

Katie Couric. Fun and smart.

Dr. Oz - guest speaker. I’m thrilled as a fan to email him and he replies.

Leslie Stiles - the PA Conference for Women’s Board President.

She constantly amazes me.

Madeleine Albright. Hearing her say that women should lift each other up has stayed with me.

Q: What is your favorite music?

I’m a huge fan of early alternative as well as that’s the sound that was

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day and make it a masterpiece.’

As a young woman, she took the long way around trying to figure out what to do professionally, but radio, luckily, found her. Her career kicked off in advertising, which led to a voice-over stint that landed her a job in radio. She started out answering phones and voicing public service announcements for Radio Station 103.9 WDRE, located about 10 minutes from home.

From 1998-2003, Russell distinguished herself as a co-host of the Y100 morning show, where she says she learned her core radio experience. Simultaneously, she watched a little blog she started evolve into a new platform highlighting women. It was inspired by her admiration of TV newscaster Peter Jennings and

being ushered in back in the early ’90s when I got into radio. At my first real radio job, I was Assistant Music Director (then promoted to Music Director) and hosted both the Local Music Show and the New Music Show, so I’m still a sucker for Nirvana, NIN (Nine Inch Nails) and the like.

In the ’80s, all I listened to was college radio. That’s where I fell in love with The Cure, Depeche Mode, The Smiths, along with the B-52’s, The Clash and more.

Still love to crank up the ’80s!

Also, REM, U2 and Coldplay. I am, after all, 100% Irish (Marilyn Murphy Russell).

gohomephilly.com

his ‘Person of the Week’ series on the evening news.

Her brainchild became a show that started as a blog on Philly.com where she could thank women and let them know that someone is noticing what they’re doing in the community, in business, in the arts.

Russell has interviewed thousands of women over the course of eight years hosting “Woman of the Week” on 95.7 BEN-FM. She has gained steady recognition for the popular 30-minute public affairs program that profiles and celebrates women in business and community throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.

Russell says, “If you know someone to nominate who is passionate about what’s she’s doing (acknowledging that 70 percent of the show is dedicated to locals), email me.” Marilyn@957benfm.com

Q: What charities are front and center for you?

Charities that are near and dear to my heart are the American Heart Association (no pun intended), Volunteers of America and JDRF (my son is Type 1 Diabetic).

Also, the fundraiser that I take part in every year is Put A Bad Beat on Hunger. Its goal is to raise funds and generate awareness of the lifesaving work the Food Bank does for South Jersey communities.

Q: What are you doing this summer?

Heading to the NJ Shore.

Q: Advice?

“The earth has music for those who listen” - Shakespeare

Q: Check out where to find me Marilyn In The Morning. 95.7 BEN-FM, 5 am to 9 am “Woman of the Week.” Sunday mornings at 7:30 am on 95.7 BEN-FM I’ll be speaking at the PA Conference for Women on October 6, 2016, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+

A High School Rock i Band

Bass Revival

Philly

by Bryan Culver photo by Bryan Culver

t’s often said that learning and retaining a second language is naturally easier at a young age. Learning to play a musical instrument works the same way—and because music is based on a 12-note scale and classical Western and most pop music conform to a handful of common time signatures—once you’ve mastered the basics, you have a lifetime’s source of creativity at your fingertips.

Local South Philly high school student Nicholas Cirillo Jr. is a testament of this learning philosophy. He began playing the drums at the age of seven and has been honing in on his chops ever since. He’s also fortunate enough to attend a school that integrates music studies into the core curriculum. String Theory Schools are a group of charter schools throughout the greater Philadelphia metro that believe studying the arts not only makes you more creative, but increases brainpower all-around, enhancing academic aptitude in math and the sciences.

Although by far and away the coolest perk of being a drummer at a music school is playing in a rock band—which String Theory Schools facilitate further by offering as an elective.

Rock band class, now there’s a way to get young people enthusiastic about learning!

Along with Nick on the drums, Bass Revival consists of mostly fellow 11th graders: lead guitarist Gea Angelo, rhythm guitarist Vincenzo Congialdi, singers Josh Kurman and Monica Landena, as well as 10th-grade bassist Lilly George-Forgey.

The rock band course is designed to give students free-range to jam out and practice rock standards they’ve selected to incorporate into their repertoire including Kansas (Carry On Wayward Son), Rolling Stones (Paint It Black), Misfits (He), Guns ‘N’ Roses (Sweet Child of Mine). They also got a

chance to compose their own tune, which manifested after hours of jam sessions, to which Josh Kurman penned lyrics. They made their debut performance this past April at a talent show hosted by the high school and attended by students, friends, family, relatives and faculty. Their second performance came in May during the joint orchestra-band concert. The string orchestra and several Bass Revival members collaborated in performing a rendition of “Kashmir,” the megahit from English rock band Led Zeppelin’s 1975 record Physical Graffiti. The members of Bass Revival plan to take the rock band class again next year and continue to practice new songs. They hope to record some music before the majority of the group graduate from high school and ship off to college.

Nick’s ear for music is no mere accident.

Throughout his childhood, Nick was exposed to everything from classic rock to Frank Sinatra at home. His dad, Nicholas Cirillo Sr., is also a fellow musician. The two have performed together with the Woodland String Band, one of the oldest and most beloved members of the New Year’s Mummers Parade. Although Nick Sr. has since retired from performing in the string band, Nick Jr. is keeping the tradition alive to inspire the next generation of Philadelphia musical upstarts. prh

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PRHMusic & Art

We’re Going

Hopping…the

Philadelphia

S

Concept (no

outh Philadelphia always has been a place where neighbors look after neighbors and everyone has their own story and connection to just about anyone. Call it six degrees of separation to our many local heroes. It should come as no big surprise that when a beloved mural, in the heart of the neighborhood, was in jeopardy of crumbling, forces quickly banded together to ensure the legends of the Bandstand era had a new place to call home. Wall-hopping, the Philadelphia way.

Located at 1231 East Passyunk Avenue, amidst the aroma of cheesesteak wit… the mural of South Philly Musicians was designed and commissioned in 2004 by the City of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program and artist Peter Pagast in partnership with local public radio station WXPN. As part of The Sounds of Philadelphia mural series, the al fresco rendering featuring Frankie Avalon, Jerry Blavat, Chubby Checker, Fabian Forte, Al Martino and Bobby Rydell quickly became a neighborhood landmark.

Through the years, multiple factors from mother nature to father time saw the mural fall into a severe state of disrepair. Executive Director of Phila-

38

lphia Mural Arts Program

Eric Okdeh for Philade t finished design) by artist

| rowhome magazine

delphia’s Mural Arts Program, Jane Golden, in concert with top staffers, eventually determined in 2014 that there was no hope for restoration.

Through strong public sentiment, the program eventually committed to a “reenvisioned rendition.”

“Once we determined that it was not possible to restore the mural at its current location, we decided to look for a new site where we could re-imagine it,” Golden explains. While the search for acceptable wall space ramped up, part of the new vision included the additions of two very popular and deserving names (or faces) – James Darren and Charlie Gracie.

Paving the road to their new neigh-

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way by

Mark Casasanto

borhood hang, the honorees and in some cases, their families, were consulted and all were very supportive of the new undertaking.

“They feel really proud to be remembered in this way,” Golden says.

Lead artist and muralist Eric Okdeh will lead his team to actualize South Philly Musicians Remix on a high profile, prominent blank canvass located at Broad and Tasker (1532 S Broad Street), next to Valley Green Bank.

“What’s great about this new location is that several of the musicians actually grew up in the vicinity,” remarks a very proud Golden. “It was a great match for this project.”

Re-imagining the mural will fall largely on the broad strokes of Okdeh who has more than 80 public art commissions throughout the city, more nationally and even some abroad. Basically put… new location, new mural. Expecting the project wrap up by late summer/early fall, plans are underway for what may not exactly be a big reveal. Call it a celebration benefit for South Philadelphia – Block Party style!

Organizers are gearing up for neighborhood events and activities leading up to the October 15, 2016 community dedication. The public will have

plenty of opportunities to take part in this mural “re-envision,” including a community paint day this summer when participants will get a chance to help “paint” the mural.

Recognizing the artists featured in the mural becomes more about the neighborhood and the city itself and not just the musicians, Golden explains. “We know the American Bandstand era of music is so important to South Philadelphia and to our entire region. We are excited to create a new version of a mural commemorating these musicians and their legacy, and to honor this iconic period of Philadelphia’s rich cultural history.”

Fundraisers have collected most of the $75,000 needed to complete the mural from corporate, individual, city and foundation donations. They are a mere $10,000 shy of their goal and are turning to the public for help.

No donation is too small and every contribution is tax-deductible. If you want to help bring the Teen Idols mural to South Broad Street, call the Development team at 215.685.0759.

In the meantime, stay tuned for the latest details, events and activities by visiting the Mural Arts Program’s website at http://www.muralarts.org/events.

Salute

Labor Jane

to

2016

Women in Business

Golden Executive Director Philadelphia Mural Arts Program

by Maria Merlino photo by Steve Weinik

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: Margate, New Jersey Q: What was the catalyst for wanting to be in your industry? What inspired you to become who you are today?

A: My parents inspired me to use art in a way that might have a useful social purpose. And, then I was inspired by the kids I worked with when I started working at the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network (the precursor to the Mural Arts Program).

Q: What project are you most proud of?

A: I am proud that our city values and loves art and has created more public art over the last 30+ years than any other city in the world.

Q: What does Mural Arts mean to you and to the city?

A: For me, it means that we live in a city whose citizens care about art, culture and community. Philadelphians want murals and artists want to get involved. This is great. And, it’s a point of pride that Philadelphia is nationally and internationally known as the City of Murals.

Q: What does the next year look like for you?

A: We have amazing projects coming up. We’re currently at work on the restoration of our iconic American flag mural; a large mural project

depicting civil rights leader Bishop Richard Allen; and a giant project for the Democratic National Convention activating the median of South Broad Street with a field of brilliant color. We’re also planning a large public art project at Bartram’s Garden with environmental artist Stacy Levy; brand new initiatives with several Philadelphia developers to bring a cohort of young artists to bold collections throughout the city; and a huge and inspiring public art exhibition called Monument Lab that merges public history and public art (Fall of 2017).

Q: What do you hope to do in your career by this time next year?

A: By this time next year, I want to expand our art education programs; have new projects in the pipeline with a new and exciting group of artists; and get our vision for a civic institute off the ground.

Q: Last book you read?

A: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates Q: Where is your favorite place to visit during the summer?

A: I love visiting Oregon where my husband grew up.

Q: Favorite song from back in the day?

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 PRH On the Waterfront

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| rowhome magazine

gohomephilly.com

Welcome Welcome to to the the new new

SugarHouse

photos courtesy of SugarHouse Casino

I

by Wendy Hamilton, GM

t’s been a long time coming but the all new, bigger, better SugarHouse is officially here! We’re thrilled to share our expansion highlights in this edition of RowHome and to give you a look at all that Philly’s casino has to offer.

From the moment you arrive and park in our new seven-story covered parking garage, you’ll notice all the sparkling new amenities. Plenty of new restaurants, an upscale VIP lounge and extra elbowroom on the expanded gaming floor are just some of the things you’ll find.

One new addition that can’t be missed is The Event Center, which already has hosted multiple sold-out shows, including LeAnn Rimes and Trevor Noah. The 30,000 square-foot, multi-function facility features a spacious floor plan with no columns, offering unobstructed sight lines. Guests can enjoy the floor-to-ceiling windows that display gorgeous views of the Delaware River waterfront and the Ben Franklin Bridge. This space is perfect for wedding receptions, galas and banquets, to name a few, and is available for bookings at www. eventsatsugarhouse.com.

The Event Center’s customizable menu is provided by world-renowned Gibsons Restaurant Group, the venue’s exclusive caterer. (Gibsons is the only restaurant group in the country to have its own USDA Prime Angus beef certification!) Gibsons also runs the casino’s steakhouse, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House.

Hugo’s is the city’s newest high-end steakhouse and offers an array of unmistakably pleasing menu options.

One specialty dish is the delicious, exclusive “Philly Cut,” a 12-ounce rib eye cap, topped with smoked provolone, crispy shallots and fried herbs. The restaurant also offers an extensive list of chops, fresh seafood and scrumptious desserts including (literally!) gigantic slices of carrot cake.

The casino’s new restaurant offerings also include The Marketplace, which features Philly brands: Tacconelli’s Pizzeria, Geno’s Steaks, Saxbys Coffee (coming soon) and Revolution Grill, which is a brand-new local concept.

Just like the City of Brotherly Love, the restaurants are real and authentic. Everything is prepared on site using fresh ingredients. That’s right, an authentic Geno’s cheesesteak, “wit or wit-out” onions, can be ordered in Fishtown just as easily as it is in South Philly.

The terrific food and our great SugarHouse team are just some of the reasons why there’s a lot of Philly pride at the casino. I could go on and on about our expansion: the beautiful grand staircase and atrium, the gorgeous patios along the river walk, the country’s first Poker Night in America poker room and the colorful urban light mural on the casino’s Delaware Avenue façade just to name a few more highlights.

But don’t take our word for it. Come see for yourself everything that the all new, bigger, better SugarHouse Casino has to offer. prh

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Philly

Jazz Age on the Delaware photo by Iveta Buonacuore

What I did on my

summer vacation

by Brenda Hillegas

photo by Mac Likosky

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gohomephilly.com

photo by Matt Stanley

❚❙ On the Waterfront There are plenty of free outdoor concerts and movies throughout the city this summer. Penn’s Landing’s Screening Under the Stars series takes place Thursday nights in July and August. Watch a great movie on a huge outdoor screen overlooking the beautiful Delaware River. Just bring a blanket or beach chair! The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing is also the perfect spot for free concerts on Friday nights and some Saturdays, all summer long.

From jazz to gospel to R&B, the series has something for everyone. www.delawareriverwaterfront.com

portation. Bus services will be available if you’re already in town. Keep an eye on www.cmcaoh. com/festival for updates, bus and trolley schedules.

❚❙ Pastalicious

Sausage Fest with State Rep, Jordan Harris. Photo by Anthony Caroto

photo by Greg Thomas

❚❙ Food, fun and a great cause

❚❙ Cool off Pop’s Water Ice is a summer tradition you won’t want to miss. This South Philly favorite – family-owned since 1932 - has a rotating list of homemade water ice flavors like pina colada, mango and root beer.

Get a cup to go or a take home a whole tub for that next pool party.

Also on hand are soft pretzels, milkshakes, soft-serve cones and more.

Visit 1337 W. Oregon Ave. and see for yourself or visit popsice.com.

❚❙ A Bubbling Brew The Beer Peddlers carries a huge selection of cases – craft, import and domestic. Whether you have something in mind or you’re looking to try a few new brews, these beer peddlers will help you pick out a great case...or two. It’s located at 1942 S. Columbus Blvd., conveniently next to a Wine & Spirits (cheers to PA’s crazy liquor laws). Follow them on Facebook for tasting and event info: www. facebook.com/beerpeddlers.

photo by Brenda Hillegas

❚❙ Save the Date for the Irish Fall Festival The 25th Annual Irish Fall Festival in North Wildwood takes place from September 22nd-25th. Enjoy the lineup from a variety of vendors, live bands, a food court stage and beer garden. Other activities include a pipe exhibition, free Irish dance lessons, mass, a parade and a 5K run. Don’t worry about trans-

and bar space, and access to a new event space. Look for an exclusive IPA developed just for Uptown

by Pizza Boy Brewing.

Set your sights on September 10th for the South Philly Sausage Fest, a crowd-pleaser proudly presented by the Newbold Community Development Corporation - a non-profit organization run by volunteers and funded by donations. Their second annual event celebrates sausage! Local restaurants will be serving up unique dishes complemented by some of the finest beers from breweries like Conshohocken Brewing Company, Philadelphia Brewing Company, Point Breeze, Saint Benjamin, Sly Fox and Weyerbacher. Bring the kids!

While you enjoy the great food and brews, your kiddos can have fun with face painting and a moon bounce. www.southphillysausagefest.com

❚❙ Parks on Tap Nothing says summer in the city like a traveling beer garden.

Two concession trucks will travel from park to park in Philadelphia for 14 weeks. One is stocked with regional craft beers, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. The other offers a mouthwatering menu of sandwiches, salads, grab-ngo items and even pie in a jar.

Special activities will include live music, games and pre-packaged picnics along with each park’s current programs and events. A portion of the proceeds from Parks on Tap will benefit Philadelphia’s parks. www.parksontap.com

❚❙ Uptown Beer Garden Teddy Sourias (BRU Craft & Wurst, U-Bahn, Cinder) is bringing new tastes to 1735 JFK Boulevard this year. Chef Jonathan Petruce will fire up an outdoor grill with an expanded food menu. This summer offers more seating, additional bars

Head to Pastificio for homemade pastas & sauces, award-winning meatballs, signature sandwiches and Italian specialties that will be the hit at your summer party. Or let us cater it for you! Stop by 1528 Packer Ave. before your next big bash. We’ll help you celebrate the season. www.pastificiophilly.com

❚❙ Taste the Tradition Want to feel like a kid in a candy store? Head to Anthony’s Italian Coffee House in the heart of the Italian Market – 903 & 915 S. 9th Street. Feast your eyes on the savory treats that await you behind the glass display case. Sweet, succulent gourmet apples dipped in rich chocolate, creamy caramel and tempting toppings. Savor the summer with exotic chocolates, sweet, creamy gelato and imported specialties. Sip on a cup of rich cappuccino with a sweet side of cannoli. Grab a few Gift Certificates on your way to that summer beach party. www.italiancoffeehouse.com

❚❙ Jazz Age on the Delaware Glen Foerd Estate (www.glenfoerd.org) will be transformed into the Roaring Twenties on July 30th. Break out your best Gatsbyinspired attire and celebrate the era with music, dancing, lawn games and even a pie-baking contest.

If this year’s event is sold out by the time you read this, fear not!

Mark your calendar for 2017 and spend the next 365 days finding the perfect outfit. The Estate is open year round for free grounds tours and $5 mansion tours. www. jazzageonthedelaware.com

❚❙ Voted Best Waterfront Dining SugarHouse Casino’s waterfront eatery, The Refinery, offers an outdoor deck that was recently voted “Best Outdoor Dining” in Pennsylvania in Casino Player Magazine’s “Best of Dining & Entertainment Awards.” Enjoy live entertainment, contemporary American cuisine and a new Asian Fare menu under the beautiful lights of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Happy Hour rocks the

dock every Thursday-Saturday, 5-7 pm. Cheesesteaks, wings, sliders, $2 drafts, $3 house wines and $4 mixed drinks. SugarHouseCasino.com

❚❙ Punch Line Philly Punch Line Philly - a comedy club, restaurant and bar - opened up next to the Fillmore in Fishtown at 1004 Canal Street. Expect a comedy experience unlike any other at the 300-seat venue which features VIP seating, an outdoor patio, lobby bar and a full-service eclectic food and beverage selection featuring local craft beers, wine and cocktails with names like Sucker Punch, Philthy Martini, Jabroni, and Old City Fashioned! Upcoming shows include Aparna Nancherla, Marlon Wayans, Matt Bellassai, Pablo Francisco, Deon Cole, and Nikki Glaser. www.punchlinephilly.com.

❚❙ For a great escape Philadelphia International Airport will be bursting at the seams this summer with travellers to and from the City. Don’t’ sweat it! Relax with your library card at the virtual Free Library of Philadelphia lounge or grab your grub at some of Philly’s faves. You can also take in a wide variety of art forms by artists and art institutions from the Philadelphia area via the airport’s Exhibitions Program. There’s free wifi, too!

❚❙ #1 City for Bikers!

Walk Score ranked Philly as the #1 US city for bicycling downtown.

From Center City West, Broad Street to the Schuylkill River, with more than 440 miles of bicycle lanes, Philadelphia leads the United States’ big cities with the most bike lanes per square mile. The city also recently won a $300,000 grant from the PennDOT Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) towards building a protected bicycle network.

❚❙ Yo’ South Philly!

Celebrate the spirit of the City at the third annual Yo’ South Philly Phestival on September 18th (the organizers may tack on the 17th too, stay tuned). Talented musicians take to the stage to pay tribute to our city of neighborhoods with music from every genre. There will be plenty of food, beer, games and memories.

Additional info, including this year’s location, will be posted in the weeks ahead. Search “Yo’ South Philly Phestival” on Facebook and join the group to be the first to know!

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Life in a Bottle

photos b

y Andrew

Andreozz i

PRHBUSINESS

Ketel One Vodka

toasts 325 years of family business

P

by Brenda Hillegas

hiladelphia was one of the stops along the way for Carl Nolet Jr. as he raised a glass to toast the reason his family is celebrating 325 years in business: loyal customers. During a private event at the Hotel Monaco, Nolet Jr., 11th generation owner of Ketel One Vodka, thanked guests for choosing his family brand.

He acknowledged the hard work and commitment of family-owned businesses everywhere, sharing his family’s work ethic and goals.

“We make our decisions together, both at the dining table and in the boardroom. That is something my father taught me and a practice I will pass down for generations to come,” Nolet Jr. explains.

From father to son for 11 generations, his family has maintained the highest standards in crafting the world’s finest spirits from their Nolet Family Distillery in Schiedam, Holland.

“We are very proud of the techniques and meticulous detail behind crafting our ultra-premium spirits,” he says. His family still adheres to the same belief system that has steered the business for hundreds of years – that of craftsmanship, quality and a commitment to excellence. Every bottle of Ketel One Vodka is tastetested and approved by a family member before it leaves the distillery.

Both Nolet Jr. and his brother, Bob, have worked in nearly every role at the distillery to learn the intricacies of operating and creating high quality products. Nolet Jr. remembers how eager he was to join the family business and his first job there.

“I was tasked with polishing all of the copper

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in the distillery. I got right to work scrubbing the copper with a towel and cleaning solution. It was here I learned my first lesson. If you don’t know what you are doing, ask. The chemicals from the cleaning solution ended up dying my hands green! I was told from the Master Distiller, ‘If you would have asked, I would have told you to use gloves when you polish copper.’ The green color didn’t come off for days!”

Today, Nolet Jr. is still involved in every aspect of the company and he travels the country to personally connect with incredible salespeople and talented bartenders crafting cocktails with Ketel One Vodka.

“Back in 1992, when I first moved to the United States, I traveled bar to bar nationwide to introduce and educate bartenders about my family’s vodka. If an account wanted to purchase a case of Ketel One Vodka, I would not sell the buyer the product until he or she personally went through the ‘Ketel One Vodka Taste Test’ and experienced firsthand “The Four Fs” of Ketel One Vodka – Fragrance, Flavor, Feel and Finish,” he says.

The Nolet family encourages its growing sales team to follow suit with this same focus on brand education and product taste and trial. Nolet Jr. values the personal relationships the company has established with bartenders around the world, which they maintain through frequent visits to the regional markets.

“We attribute much of our success in the Philadelphia market to our extended family of Philly bartenders’ affinity for, and recommendation of, our product – providing excellent word-of-mouth for Ketel One Vodka,” Nolet Jr. says. “We have always considered talented bartenders to be

gohomephilly.com

part of our ‘family.’ As gatekeepers of the brand, they are vital in building Ketel One Vodka and we hope to continue to learn from them.”

Ketel One hosts many visitors at their family distillery in Schiedam, Holland, just one hour south of Amsterdam. “I believe consumers and the spirit enthusiasts today want to visit distilleries, just like they visit wineries. When you’re proud of what you make, you open your doors and invite everyone to come see for themselves. Seeing is believing.”

At the distillery, you’ll find that environmental quality is important to the Notel family, as well.

“When De Nolet, the Nolet Family Distillery windmill, was refurbished, we converted it into a wind power generator creating green energy for the distillery. Our home is to continue to honor and advance the town of Schiedam. After all, a healthy environment is an important part of a sustainable future,” he says.

The brand is also a steadfast ally of the LGBT community. They have a longstanding relationship with GLAAD. “We are at a pivotal moment in society and Ketel One Vodka advocates toward the benefit of social responsibility. Standing for something as a brand is important in today’s world. It is good for both our employees and our business.”

For new entrepreneurs looking to take a leap of faith with a business or idea, Nolet Jr. encourages them to “work harder, smarter, with more innovation and pride.” His father taught him to stay committed to delivering products with impeccable quality and taste. “The proof is in the pudding – or the bottle! When you buy a bottle of Ketel One Vodka, you’re not just purchasing a phenomenal, super-premium vodka. You are buying our life’s work.” prh

“

Philadelphia has an excellent bartending community – nationally known for transforming neighborhoods into dining destinations and continuing to advance and invigorate Philadelphia’s cocktail culture scene.

”

— Carl Nolet Jr., 11th generation, Ketel One Vodka Nolet Jr. tells PRH that this was a great year for cocktail lovers in Philadelphia. More bars and restaurants than ever before are serving great drinks and giving the customer a refined experience. We asked the 11th generation owner of Ketel One to name a few of his favorite Philly Hot Spots.

❙ Ashton Cigar Bar. “One of the premier cocktail bars in Philadelphia where you can get that enhanced experience. [It’s a] sleek, modern setting where you can enjoy a specialty craft classic cocktail and a fine cigar. The interior is made of different exotic woods that complement the distressed brick walls.”

❙ Moshulu.

“A Philadelphia landmark and the world’s oldest and largest four-masted Tall Ship.

It is a perfect spot for a sunset cocktail on the ship’s upper deck.”

❙ Rouge.

“Overlooking Rittenhouse Square.

It’s a popular Parisian spot that created the Rouge Burger, which received the accolade “Best Cheeseburger in America” by GQ Magazine. It is one of the best sidewalk cafés to enjoy some early evening cocktails with friends.”

Ketel One Vodka Dutch Mule

Ketel One Vodka Ultimate Martini

Ingredients

Ingredients

➜ 50ml Ketel One Vodka ➜1 5ml fresh lime juice ➜3 dashes Angostura bitters ➜ t op with ginger beer METHOD: Shake first 3 ingredients with ice and strain into ice-filled glass. Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with lime wedge and mint sprig.

➜ 1.5 oz. Ketel One Vodka METHOD: Stir with ice in a mixing glass and strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube, or a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Note: Can be tailored to personal taste with the addition of olive brine, specialty olives and/ or 0.25 oz. dry vermouth (if adding vermouth, decrease Ketel One Vodka by 0.25 oz.). rowhome magazine

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 PRH

Brides Guide

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gohomephilly.com

Celebrating

Mr. Mrs.

De Stefano by

Joe Volpe

I

was thrilled to introduce readers to Billie and Joey DeStefano in Summer 2015, shortly after they decided to host their wedding at Cescaphe Ballroom. They are an incredible couple with a wonderful Philadelphia love story that represents the true heart and soul of all of our Cescaphe brides and grooms.

Billie and Joey celebrated their wedding day on Sunday, May 1, 2016, and I had the pleasure of speaking with Billie recently to hear all about her Cescaphe wedding experience. Following up with our couples post-wedding is one of my favorite parts of the job. Brides always provide a new perspective now that they have celebrated their big day and are looking back.

I’m excited to share my conversation with Billie and hope her words help those brides out there in the midst of their own wedding planning.

Joe Volpe: Since RowHome readers last read about you, you’ve officially become Mr. & Mrs. DeStefano. What does it feel like to finally be a married couple?

Billie DeStefano: Wonderfully the same! Everyone asks me this

by Joseph Volpe, Cescaphe Event Group

special and important - not only on the big day, but throughout the entire planning process. Special shout-out to Jessica Kerrigan, who went above and beyond for me.

JV: What was the best part about being married on a Sunday?

question and I will tell you what I tell everyone. We got married because our life together was amazing, so if anything changed since being married, we would have problems. If anything, there is just a slight sense of feeling a little more important to each other.

JV: What was your favorite part of your Cescaphe wedding experience?

BD: When we decided to have a Philadelphia wedding rather than destination, we knew we were not going anywhere but Cescaphe.

We have been to plenty of weddings and Cescaphe has the greatest quality / selection of food and alcohol. We could have never imagined how great the service could be. Every single person on the Cescaphe team is client-focused and knows how to make you feel

Cescaphe is a member of the PRH Business Network.

BD: Being able to relax all weekend before.

JV: What unique details did you add to your wedding to make it personal?

BD: Everything we picked was unique to us - from the red velvet (Joseph’s favorite) top layer of our wedding cake to our ice sculpture of an elephant with shoes on. But out of everything, we had the Whoa Phat Brass Band come. We are Mummers and we love brass bands. There were 100 umbrellas on the dance floor!

Also, living in South Philadelphia, we had the traditional serenade and all our family and friends gathered outside our house the week before the wedding for a huge party.

Let’s not forget, also, to watch Joseph serenade me! My decorations were pretty unique, as well.

We caught many people walking by taking photos of our window.

JV: Which vendors went above and beyond to make your day special?

BD: Our DJ Loui Castelli with Liberty One played a huge part of making our day special. Throughout the entire night, there were never less than 30 people on our dance floor at all times. He knew how to judge the crowd to play a perfect mix of genres for all ages. His online client planning form allows you to give him all the information needed. It’s client-friendly and you can complete it at your own leisure.

Have to give a huge thank you to Mark Louis for my beautiful photos and video. Now we can relive our night over and over again. Beautiful Blooms also did an amazing job making the room beautiful!

JV: Any tips or advice for future brides and grooms?

BD: Do not get tied up with all the planning details. Remember what you are celebrating - each other! Everything comes together in the end and if something does not go as planned, who cares? You are marrying your best friend and hopefully you will never experience your wedding day again. So take it all in. It’s the best day of your life!

photos by Mark Louis Photography

Ever keeping his eyes focused on the latest wedding trends, Cescaphe Event Group CEO/Chef Joseph Volpe is recognized as the area’s leading authority on ballroom bliss. With his innovative approach to the most important celebration of your life, his award-winning Cescaphe Ballroom, The Atrium at Curtis Center, Tendenza, Vie, The Down Town Club and The Water Works combine a captivating ambiance with exquisite cuisine for an unforgettable experience. Visit cescaphe.com or call 215.238.5750.

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PRHfashion Tips from the Pros

FLORIST

EVENTS

Wedding

Specialists

Time to Unwind

by Hot Hands Studio and Spa

1921 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19148 215-336-3557 800-248-3557 www.tenpenniesflorist.com

Bella Angel Bridal Hair & Makeup

w w w . h o t h a n d s p h i l ly . c o m

“Your body deserves more.”

That is the motto at Hot Hands Studio and Spa. Owner and massage therapist Damian Colella says it’s important to take some time to unwind so you can reap the rewards of a healthy mind and body.

“When you’re stressed mentally, you’re also stressed physically,” he says. Summer signals the start of backyard barbecues and family vacations but don’t forget to set aside some down time for yourself. Hot Hands offers a variety of tempting options.

Relieve tension and stress with an invigorating 30-minute signature massage that focuses on the neck, back and shoulders. Or splurge on an hour-long Swedish session that combines stretching, reflexology, acupressure and aromatherapy to relax your muscles and restore your balance. There’s a special massage for moms-to-be and a Sports Therapy session to ease overworked muscles.

Scrubs and Body Wraps Scalp Massages Skin Care

We come to you! photo by Andrew Graham Todes

Locations in Old City Philadelphia & Cherry Hill, NJ

Voted #1

in Philly for Best Hair & Makeup.

856-227-7774 WWW

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gohomephilly.com

Waxing Foot Rubs Visit www.hothandsphilly.com for a complete list of ways to pamper yourself. Become a member and enjoy deep discounts. Gift Cards are available.

Hot Hands Studio and Spa

2545 S. Broad Street / Philadelphia, Pa. 19148 215.467.9666 | hothandsphilly@yahoo.com Hot Hands Studio and Spa is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network.

PRHfashion Tips from the Pros

Beach feet

by Philly’s Nails and Spa nailsalonphiladelphia.com

It’s summertime in the city and time

Andreozzi Photography

WEDDINGS • SPECIAL EVENTS • BIRTHDAYS • ANNIVERSARIES

Andrew Paul - Photographer “QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHY FOR LESS” (484) 614-1952 apandreozziphotography@aol.com apandreozziphotography.com 50

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gohomephilly.com

to put your best foot forward. Make sure your beach feet are fit to hit the sand with a soothing spa pedicure or hot rock massage.

Confused about color trends? No worries, say the stylists at Philly’s Nail Salon. Popular shades like peach echo, serenity, snorkel blue, fiesta and iced coffee are soaking up the rays this summer.

Dare we say the “f” word? If you want to get a jumpstart on “fall,” look for cool blues, mustard yellows and vibrant reds when booking that mani/ pedi combo in the weeks ahead.

Keep track of the latest shades on www.pantone.com. Or add these top contenders to your checklist when autumn rounds the bend. Riverside. Airy Blue. Sharkskin. Aurora Red. Warm Taupe. Dusty Cedar. Lush Meadow. Spicy Mustard. Potter’s Clay. Bodacious.

The staff at Philly’s Nails and Spa is standing by to book your appointment. Manicures, Pedicures, French Tips, Gel or Acrylic extensions and a full range of services like tanning, waxing and brow shaping are the perfect way to greet every season.

Philly’s Nails and Spa

2502 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19145 215.271.9831 Philly’s Nails and Spa is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network.

Tips from the Pros

❱❱

by Victoria DiPietro www.bella-angel.com

Lashes

Sunblock

Before you step outside, be sure to apply sunblock all over your skin, especially your face. This prevents premature aging so you can look your best always. Start early and protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

Lips

If you are heading to the beach or hanging out by the pool, you want a look that isn’t overdone. Skip the foundation and layers of makeup but make sure your lips look hot.

Sugar on top

Don’t forget to protect your lips from the sun, as well. I recommend Sugar Lip Treatment

by Fresh. These lip treatments have an SPF 15 and come in several different colors or clear if you don’t want any color. I prefer the clear for the beach and then I apply MAC clear Lipglass on top for maximum shine. If you want to attract even more attention, try a Sugar Lip Treatment and apply a bold red color on top.

If you can’t leave home without it, I recommend using black waterproof mascara for more fun in the sun. If you sweat or decide to jump in the pool or ocean (or get splashed!), your lashes will not run.

The Petal Pusher FLORIST & DECORATORS

Ponytails

No one wants their hair flying in their face or sticking to their shiny lips. Pull it back into a simple pony. Take a small piece of hair out of the ponytail, wrap it around the base then secure it with a bobby pin. Or try a side pony.

It’s fun and young.

Braids are always popular. Can’t manage a fancy French braid?

Start with a ponytail then braid your hair.

It’s very sexy in the sun!

Victoria DiPietro and Bella Angel are members of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

FLOWERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS “the unusual is our specialty”

2515 S. Broad Street / Philadelphia, PA 19148 P: 215.463.5485 / www.petalpusherflowers.net rowhome magazine

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PRHthe menu

Philly

1

James L. Guercio, Director

www.gangemifuneralhome.net 2

3

1.-Tony Luke shows off his latest culinary creation. photo by Howard Karoshoff. 2.-Bon appetit! photo

by Howard Karoshoff. 3.-Building business relationships. photo by Howard Karoshoff

Bon Appetit! www.lombardimeats.com B E E F / P O R K / P O U LT R Y / V E A L / L A M B / P R E PA R E D F O O D S

Anthony & Vince Lombardi “A father & son team that is a cut above the rest!”

1801 Packer Avenue / Philadelphia, PA 19145 P: 215.940.2211 / P: 215.334.1212 / F: 215.940.2210 Photo by Dan Uhl Photography

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gohomephilly.com

Benjamin Foods is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

Photos by Howard Karoshoff

After owning and operating two

successful restaurants in the Philadelphia area, Matt Karagianis switched gears and joined Benjamin Foods in 2014 as Vice President of Sales. His established track record in the foodservice industry makes him a great addition to the company. Benjamin Foods, located just outside of Philadelphia in Hatboro, is a distributor and wholesale supplier to government agencies, public and private food service clients. If you’re in Hatboro, stop by their cash & carry restaurant superstore for a variety of foods and supplies (open to the public).

Benjamin Foods recently hosted its annual Spring Food Show at Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland, PA. More than 100 food and restaurant supply vendors – many familiar Philly faces - were on hand with samples and demonstrations. The show gave people an opportunity to network with restaurant owners, chefs and other professionals in the food and beverage industry.

Check out the Benjamin Foods website for upcoming food and restaurant industry events: www. benjaminfoods.com/resources/events. Be sure to “like” them on Facebook for food specials and new products: www.facebook.com/benjaminfoods

Malay Buñuelos Courtesy of Henry McDaniel

H

i, my name is Henry McDaniel. I am 12 years old and live in a row home in West Philly. I am also a young chef.

Recently, I was a winner on the Food Network’s Chopped Junior television cooking competition and have worked locally as a guest chef for fundraisers, catering companies, pop-up restaurants and the like.

I first started cooking after being inspired by both traveling and the study of history. My parents have to travel a great deal for work and often take my sister and me with them. I have traveled to Japan, Korea, Ireland, France, Thailand, Burma, India,

Nepal, Belgium, Singapore, China and Great Britain. On these trips, I have tried lots of different food, took cooking classes and discovered new techniques and ingredients. I have eaten fried grasshoppers in Japan, silkworms in Thailand and all types of wonderful dishes! Funny thing is that my two favorite places for food are closer to home -- New Orleans and Philadelphia. Philly, especially, is a great place for all things culinary!

Philadelphia also has inspired me to study history and I love learning about the international history of this great city and exploring the ways in which immigrant communities have come to-

Dough Ingredients ➜ 2 cups milk ➜1 1/2 tbs. salt ➜1 /2 tbs. of lemongrass powder ➜ A pinch of cardamom ➜7 oz. sugar ➜8 oz. soft butter

➜2 cups all purpose flour ➜1 oz. dry yeast ➜2 eggs ➜2 cups all purpose flour ➜O ptional: pinch of chili powder

photos by Justin McDaniel

Directions 1. Combine milk, salt, sugar and butter in a saucepot. Heat to 115°F (no higher or you will kill the yeast).

5. Take your risen dough and place it on a clean surface dusted liberally with flour.

2. Combine dry yeast with the 1st cup of flour, cardamom, chili powder (optional) and lemongrass in a 20 qt. mixing bowl with the paddle attachment. Add the warm milk mixture and eggs.

Stir together and then beat on medium speed for 3 minutes.

6. Roll out the dough until it is about an inch thick.

3. Scrape well. Switch to dough hook attachment. Add the 2nd cup of flour. Stir to combine. Change to second gear and mix for 1 minute.

4. Place the dough in a pan sprayed stainless bowl, cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

7. Cut out small balls of the dough with a shot glass or similar size cookie cutter.

8. Deep fry the dough balls in about an inch of canola oil or in a deep fryer. Turn them once or twice to make sure they are lightly golden brown on all sides. This should take no more than a minute in hot oil.

gether to develop unique local dishes.

I love the great cuisines brought to Philadelphia by Nigerians, Cambodians, Italians, Russians, Haitians, Dominicans, Indonesians, Czechs, Bangladeshis, Ethiopians, Armenians, Syrians, Greeks, Lao people and many other immigrant communities.

Inspired by traveling both at home and abroad, I have created many dishes. Some of my best creations are dishes that combine different cultures like a Bulgogi Po-Boy, a Tandoori Pulled South Carolinian Chicken, Wasabi Wellington, among others. Although I love savory dishes, below is a simple dessert that anyone

Philly

can make at home with a few basic ingredients. My family loves it. I call it Malay Buñuelos. Buñuelos are a type of Argentinian (although they are found throughout Latin America) donut that most likely originated among Spaniards living in Morocco and Southern Spain. They traveled to Latin America and are small donut balls that are often dipped in chocolate or dusted with powdered sugar. My friend Jim taught me how to make the donut dough. I give them a Malaysian twist, which adds citrus and spice. This recipe makes about 50 delicious bitesized Malay Buñuelos. Invite your friends and neighbors over and enjoy!

Glaze and Garnish Ingredients ➜1 can of coconut milk ➜3 stalks of lemongrass ➜ 3 cups of confectioner sugar

➜2 cups of grated coconut ➜ Z est of 3 limes

Directions 1. C ut lemongrass into 1-2 inch pieces.

2. B ring coconut milk to a simmer in a pot and add the lemongrass.

3. S immer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally not allowing the milk to boil.

4. T ake off heat and pour carefully into a mixing bowl.

5. Add the sugar. Stir until it becomes a smooth and slightly thick glaze.

6. D ip slightly warm buñuelos into the glaze one at a time and coat all sides.

7. Dip the glazed buñuelos into the grated coconut and place each on a plate.

8. Dust the glazed and coconut covered buñuelos with lime zest.

9. F or those who do not like coconut, the lemongrass glaze tastes great on the buñuelos by itself.

Enjoy!

9. Remove, pat dry and put aside in a bowl.

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PRHthe menu Courtesy of Lombardi’s Prime Meats

Blue Cheese Burgers w w w . l o m b a r d i m e at s . c o m

Ingredients ➜ ➜ ➜ ➜ ➜

3 pounds lean ground beef 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese 1/2 cup scallions, chopped fine 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

➜ ➜ ➜ ➜ ➜

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 1/2 teaspoons salt Vegetable oil for grill 12 French rolls or hamburger buns

Directions In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except for rolls and vegetable oil. Cover and refrigerate for two hours. Preheat grill for high heat.

Divide meat mixture into 12 portions. Lightly

form into patties. Soak a wad of paper towels in vegetable oil. Using tongs, grease grill grate. Grill the patties for about five minutes per side, or until well done. Serve on rolls.

PRH Suggested Wine Pairing by Vincent Novello Rosso ~ Piceno $14 Lombardi’s Prime Meats is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

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gohomephilly.com

Courtesy of Revolution Taco

Miso Fried Cod Tacos w w w . t h e r e v o l u t i o n ta c o . c o m

Ingredients Cod Marinade ➜ 2 lbs. fresh cod cut in 1’ in strips ➜ 2 tbs. light miso paste ➜ 1 tbs. lemon juice ➜ 1/2 cup soy sauce ➜ 1 tbs. sugar ➜ 2 tsp. granulated garlic ➜ 2 tsp. granulated onion For breading the fish 1 cup all purpose flour 4 whole eggs (beaten) 2 cups panko bread crumbs 2 cups vegetable oil

➜ ➜ ➜ ➜

Mango salsa

➜ 1 1/2 cups mango, small diced ➜ 1/2 cup red onion, small diced ➜ 2 tbs. jalapenos, seed➜ ➜ ➜ ➜

ed & small diced

2 tbs. cilantro, chopped 2 tbs. lime juice, fresh squeezed 1 tbs. honey Salt & pepper, to taste

To finish the tacos

➜ (12) 6-inch corn or flour tortillas ➜ 1/2 cup red cabbage, shaved ➜ 6 lime wedges to serve w/ tacos

AUTHENTIC HOMEMADE ITALIAN SPECIALTIES

Directions Mix the miso paste, lemon juice, soy sauce, sugar, granulated garlic and granulated onion with a whisk. When the marinade is thoroughly mixed, add the cod. Let the cod marinate in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.

Remove the cod from the marinade. Coat the cod in the flour, remove any excess flour. Then put the cod into the egg wash. Lastly, cover the cod in the panko breadcrumbs.

Refrigerate the cod until ready to fry.

Prepare Salsa Add the diced mango, red onion, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice and honey to a bowl. Season

with salt and pepper to taste.

Fry Cod Heat the vegetable oil in a cast iron pan to 350 F. Fry the cod for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Heat Tortilla Heat the tortilla in a nonstick pan until warm on both sides. Heat all tortilla and keep warm in foil until ready to assemble tacos.

Assemble Tacos Place cod in warm tortilla, top with shaved red cabbage and mango salsa. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Serves 6 (2 tacos per person)

PRH Suggested Wine Pairing by Vincent Novello Domaine Charbonnier ~ Sauvignon Touraine $12 Revolution Taco is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

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PRHthe menu

Courtesy of Giovanni’s Italian Catering

Grilled Stuffed Veal Chops g i o va n n i s i ta l i a n c at e r i n g . c o m

Ingredients ➜ 2 one-inch thick veal chops, ➜ ➜ ➜

Elegant Unforgettable

➜

with a Frenched bone and a slit pocket on side for stuffing 1/4 cup olive oil plus 2 tablespoons additional 4 cloves garlic, chopped fine 1/4 cup fresh rosemary, chopped - leaves only 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper

➜ 1/4 teaspoon salt ➜ 1 bunch broccoli rabe ➜ 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

➜ Pinch red pepper flakes ➜ 2 tablespoons seasoned Italian breadcrumbs

➜ 1/4 cup sharp provolone, shredded

Directions

2 015

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Pre-heat outdoor grill on medium heat. In a zip top bag, place veal chops, 2 tablespoons chopped garlic, rosemary, black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Marinate for an hour or more in the refrigerator. In the meantime, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Prepare the broccoli rabe by removing the coarse leaves, trimming the stems into 1/2-inch pieces and rinsing to remove any dirt or sand. Blanch broccoli rabe for 2 minutes in boiling water and drain well.

In a frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons chopped

garlic and red pepper flakes Add salt and pepper to taste.

Add broccoli rabe and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Allow broccoli rabe to cool, chop leaves into 1 inch pieces. Add breadcrumbs and fresh parsley. Mix well.

Place half the shredded provolone into each veal pocket, then half of the broccoli rabe mixture. Use toothpicks to keep pockets closed. Brush with olive oil. On a medium hot grill, place chops and cook for 15 minutes on each side. Serves two. For a side dish, try twice-baked potatoes!

PRH Suggested Wine Pairing by Vincent Novello Wente Vineyards Sandstone ~ Merlot $10 Giovanni’s Italian Catering is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

Certified DBE/WBE Contractor & Dumpster Service Certified Woman Owned Business Since 1988 Field Office

13 E. Pattison Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19148 267.535.9642 athenacontracting1@verizon.net w w w

. at h

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Loretta Mitsos-Panvini // President Carmen “Butchie” D’Amato // Construction Manager Bill Bowen // Painting Division

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DISCOUNT PRICE WITH INSTALLATION FBI Pest Control

HARRY ALESSI

Real Estate Sales

It’s summer in the city. Out come the grills and the patio furniture. And a shopping cart filled with candles, sprays and citronellascented bracelets to keep the bugs at bay.

While you’re swatting those flies and mosquitoes. FBI Pest Control expert Frank Fioravanti says you should also be on the lookout for termites, ants and fleas. Both inside and outside your home.

What does a termite look like?

1033 N. 2nd Street 5th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19123 Office: 215-400-2600 Cell: 609-636-9783 HarrySellsPhilly@gmail.com

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They look like flying ants but have two pairs of wings, Fioravanti says. “When a termite colony starts to swarm, they are searching for a new home – like the one you own.”

Active year-round, these destructive pests are mostly visible between March and November. If they set up house inside your warm home, the seasonal temperatures won’t have much of an impact on them. Basements make the perfect shelter from the cold weather and are a great place to hide year-round.

Outside the home, termites may create nests up to 18 inches below ground to keep warm. A pest control pro will recognize the signs inside and outside your home and effectively treat the problem, giving you peace of mind regardless of the season.

gohomephilly.com

When left untreated, ant colonies grow larger every year so it’s important to address the problem on an annual basis.

Rainy seasons, in particular, can signal the start of ant infestations. If you see an anthill inside or outside the home, spray it down with one part ammonia and three parts water. The ammonia mixture is a temporary fix and the ants will eventually make their way back to their nests. For a permanent solution to the problem, contact your pest control service.

Flea season usually starts around late spring and doesn’t end until September.

Since they love to feast on our furry friends, most fleas enter the home courtesy of your pets. If you see your pet scratching or notice flea dirt - which looks like ground pepper- in or around the carpet or pet bedding, you may have a problem. Quick action will save you months of heartache since fleas reproduce quickly and are difficult to treat if you wait too long.

This also is tick season. Although pest control services can’t do much to rid your home of ticks, you can minimize the risk of an infestation by making sure your pets are on a regimented flea control pill or collar.

Frank Fioravanti and FBI Pest Control are members of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network.

Tips from the Pros

Alcohol & Water Sports Don’t Mix

by Ron Rabena

Whether you are vacationing at the beach, boating or swimming in the community pool, swimming and water safety should always be a priority. AlliedBarton Security Services offers the following tips to help you stay safe this summer: ❚❙ Don’t Swim Alone: Do not allow children to swim without an adult.

Even adults should not swim alone. In a pool, swim at a depth that is safe for you. If you’re just learning to swim, stay in the shallow end. Keep in mind that swimming at night increases all risks. ❚❙ Follow Regulations: If you are at a public pool or beach, follow all regulations and lifeguard directions.

Depth markers are important. You should never dive into shallow water.

If there is not a lifeguard on duty, take extra safety precautions. ❚❙ Learn to Swim: If you have a pool or participate in water activities, it is important to know how to swim. Basic swimming and floating techniques can save lives. Check your YMCA or community pool for swimming lessons from a certified swimming instructor. ❚❙ Safety Equipment: Keep rescue equipment by the pool or on your boat. Life preservers and life jackets should be accessible. At home, keep a telephone and emergency numbers poolside. Parents should know CPR. Statistics show that when CPR is performed, it improves the outcome for drowning victims. ❚❙ Fencing: If you have a pool at home, make sure it is completely surrounded by fencing. Fencing latches and locks should be high enough to be out of the reach of children. Remove toys from the pool and surrounding areas immediately after use to help reduce the likelihood of children entering the pool area unsupervised. ❚❙ Flotation Vests: When boating, wear a Coast Guard-approved flotation

vest, regardless of your swimming abilities. Even while wading in the ocean, it is recommended to wear a personal flotation device. This is especially important for inexperienced swimmers and children. Remember, water wings, noodles and rafts should never take the place of an approved flotation device. ❚❙ Designated Areas: Swim only at designated beaches or areas marked with buoys that keep boaters, water skiers and jet skiers away. If you cross these buoys, you run the risk of not being seen by boaters and you could be injured. Designated swimming areas are the safest place to swim. ❚❙ Don’t Drink and Swim: Remember that alcohol and water sports don’t mix. Your chances of drowning or becoming injured increase greatly when under the influence of alcohol. ❚❙ Surf Conditions: Ask a lifeguard about conditions before swimming in the ocean. Rip tides are dangerous and can catch even the best swimmers off guard. If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore.

Once you are free of the current, swim toward the shore. ❚❙ Warning Flags: Beaches post warning flags to alert swimmers of the conditions. Check these flags before entering the water. Red indicates that no swimming is allowed; yellow signals the need for caution; and green indicates safe conditions. ❚❙ About the Author: Ron Rabena is the Division President – National Security Operations at AlliedBarton Security Services. He can be reached at ron.rabena@alliedbarton.com.

AlliedBarton Security Services is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT No closing costs • No applications fee No appraisal fee

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Broad & Porter Sts. 215-465-2230 | www.conestogabank.com Loan rate shown is subject to change without notice. After the 12 month initial fixed rate period, Loan Rate is variable and based on Wall Street Journal Prime Rate. As of 04/20/2015, Prime Rate is 3.25%.

For a credit score of 721 or above, the current rate is 2.99% (Prime minus 0.26%). Loan rate shown includes 0.25% discount for payments automatically deducted from a new or existing Conestoga Bank checking account. If loan payments are not automatically deducted for any reason, this relationship discount will be terminated and the loan rate will increase by 0.25%, resulting in a higher monthly payment.

APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Minimum APR = 2.99%. Maximum APR = 18.00%. Satisfactory Homeowners’ Insurance is required. Satisfactory Flood Insurance may be required. Title Insurance is required for loans of $250,000.00 or more. Subject to credit approval. Other terms and conditions may apply. Refer to the complete loan program disclosure for further details.

Conestoga Bank NMLS # 488772 MEMBER FDIC

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Salute

Women Labor Business in

to

2016

Chellie Cameron

CEO, Philadelphia International Airport

by Maria Merlino

“Let me tell you how I ended up in South Philly,” says Philadelphia International Airport CEO Chellie Cameron. “This was five years ago. I was looking around and the neighborhood spoke to me. It’s a great ethnic neighborhood with terrific restaurants. I had a 2nd floor apartment on South Broad Street, right next door to Monti-Rago Funeral Home.”

“Parking was challenging!” she laughs. “So that’s when I began taking walks all over South Philly, through Passyunk Avenue and up to the cheesesteak places. I really got to know the neighborhood. The worst part? The food! It’s so good! So many restaurants I love such as L’Angolo, Tre Scalini, P’unk Burger, Le Virtu, Slice. I haven’t eaten a bad meal...my waistline!”

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: The little historic town of Ligonier, 50 miles east of Pittsburgh. My parents are retired schoolteachers – my father a teacher in tech science and my mother, a middle-school librarian.

Q: What was the catalyst for wanting to be in your industry?

A: After high school, an Air Force ROTC Scholarship got Cameron a Notre Dame education and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a special concentration in economics and philosophy. “After graduation, you’re required to serve four years,” she explains. “I never set out to be in aviation, but that’s when I fell in love with aviation.”

She was an Air Force Officer from 1991 to 1998 and was deployed to Turkey right after the first Gulf War. She rose to the rank of Captain while on active duty. “When I was sent to Turkey, I was scared. I was away from my family, but I made the best of it. You have to think about the opportunity. Recognize it. Be ready for the challenges. Have courage.”

Q: What project–personal or work-related–are you most proud of?

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Q: What are your favorite things to do and places to visit during the summer?

A: I like staying in the city during the summer months. It’s less crowded and more relaxed.

Q: What was the last book you read?

A: As the daughter of a librarian, I like to feed the brain and heart, so I have two books going at once, a non-fiction and a fiction. Right now I’m reading How Stella Saved the Farm by Chris Trimble and Vijay Govindarajan. It’s a little fable about how to make organizational innovations, trying new things and looking outward. The other is The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, a psychological thriller. I finished that in one reading.

In Terminal D of the Philadelphia Airport, an art installation for the book Love: A Philadelphia Affair by Beth Kephart is on display.

Q: Favorite song from back in the day?

A: Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey and Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi. I like listening to Don’t Stop Believin’ and Livin’ On a Prayer was played and sung at the games at Notre Dame. I’ve got that one on cassette and CD!

Cameron has some advice for young women entering the workforce.

“Opportunity looks like more work and you must be ready for that. Finish high school and get a secondary degree.

Keep your mind open. Close your eyes, hold your nose and jump. Know who you are. Be empowered. Looking back, I have been leading people since I was 21 years old. I have the military to thank for that. If anyone is hiring for positions, people with a military background have other skills you don’t always find.” prh

photo by andrew andreozzi

A: “Airport operators, public servants, bring people together and facilitate business. Every day, I am inspired. It’s the people, impact recovery, employees and people of the region. Passion makes a difference. What’s the saying? ‘Work to work to make a paycheck?’ Make it real.”

Cameron believes in employee development. Investing in your team by

planning ahead and setting priorities creates a stronger bond. A Veterans Day event is in the works for all employees with a military background.

She credits her parents who encouraged her to make a difference every day. “That’s number one, parents who take an active role. Also, the military helped shape me as a leader. That’s what you do at a national level. I’m very proud of that. Sacrifice is so important.

I think that it’s pretty cool to have a Miss USA with a military background, too!”

gohomephilly.com

in Women

Business

Salute

Labor

to

Kim Troast-Singley 2016

Troast-Singley Insurance Agency

by Joei DeCarlo Despite the hardships of a cancer diagnosis and the loss of her husband to cancer, Kim Troast-Singley is accomplishing big things at her insurance agency, Troast-Singley. Her employee and business partner, John Smith, describes her as “trustworthy, passionate, humorous and caring”.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: North Jersey. But I went to Temple University for graduate school.

Q: What was the catalyst for wanting to be in your industry?

A: My husband Edmond started the agency in 1993 and I began helping him in 1998. We were both diagnosed with cancer in 2003. Edmond had multiple myeloma and I had breast cancer. I went into remission after a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. When he passed away in February of 2008, I took over the agency. It gave me the freedom to raise our daughter Katie and earn a living.

Q: What project - personal or workrelated - are you most proud of?

A: My daughter Katie. She is graduating from Bishop Eustace and will be attending Loyola University in the fall. She always sees the good in people, isn’t judgmental and accepts others for who they are. Despite all our family went through, I just knew that God said, ‘I’m going to give you an awesome daughter.’ And he did!

Q: What do you hope to do in your career by this time next year?

A: I hope to grow the business, substantially. The agency has so much potential. We offer all types of insurance except health and we’ve become known for our customer service.

Q: What are your favorite things to do and places to visit during the summer?

A: I love to go to the Poconos and camping. In the summer, I love to visit Seaside Heights, New Jersey.

Q: What was the last book you read?

A: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Q: Favorite song from back in the day?

A: “Radar Love” by Golden Earring. prh Troast-Singley Insurance Agency is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

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in Women

Salute

Labor

to

2016

Business

Rita

Coccia Trombetta Builder One, Inc.

by JJoei DeCarlo

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I grew up in South Philly at 5th and Porter and have lived in New Jersey for the past 25 years.

Q: What was the catalyst for wanting to be in your industry?

A: Growing up, my mom was very creative. She painted our house and did all of the wallpapering herself. I took an interest in painting after watching her and have been painting professionally for the last seven years.

Q: What project - personal or workrelated - are you most proud of?

A: It would definitely be joining UNICO, an Italian-American service organization. We help raise money for sick children.

It’s a way for me to give back. I’ve found that I really enjoy attending meetings and planning our next project.

Q: What do you hope to do in your life by this time next year?

A: I really want to get closer to my children. I have two daughters, Nicolette and Tiffany, and a son, Anthony. I’ve always loved the idea of opening a boutique. It would help bring me closer to my daughters and become a new business venture.

Q: Last book you read?

A: A spiritual book by John Edward

Q: What are your favorite things to do and places to visit during the summer?

A: I love bowling, dancing and volunteering for UNICO. In the summer, I love to go to Atlantic City, Margate and Ventnor, New Jersey.

Q: Favorite song from back in the day?

A: “All and All” by Joyce Sims prh

Rita Coccia Trombetta, Builder One, Inc., is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

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gohomephilly.com

photo by Resyn Thomas

From an early age, Rita Coccia Trombetta started watching her mother paint and wallpaper their South Philly home.

Now, she’s a successful painter for Builder One, Inc. and is living a truly colorful life!

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e v e r m a n g l a s s s e r v i c e

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Salute

Labor

to

2016

in Women

Business

Maria

Olivieri

Olivieri and Associates, Inc.

by Santina Pescatore Q: Where did you grow up? If Philadelphiawhat neighborhood?

A: Stella Maris Parish

Q: What was the catalyst for wanting to be in your industry? What inspired you to become who you are today?

A: I remember watching the Broad Street subway being constructed outside my family’s jewelry store as a child. This, and my love of a challenge, was the impetus behind my career choice and 17 years later, it’s all history.

Q: What project personal and/or work-related - are you most proud of?

| rowhome magazine

gohomephilly.com

A: The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley

A: I love every aspect of my job. I can’t single out one specific project.

From 5 a.m. on, it’s a total adventure every day!

Q: What are your favorite things to do and places to visit during the summer?

Q: What does the next year look like for you? What do you hope to do in your career by this time next year?

Q: Favorite song from back in the day?

A: As every business owner, I would like to increase my sales and hopefully take some time off!

Olivieri and Associates, Inc. is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

64

Q: Last book you read?

A: The Jersey Shore

A: My all-time favorite song ever in life is “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”

by Diana Ross. prh

photo by andrew andreozzi

In 1999, Maria Olivieri founded Olivieri and Associates, Inc., a minority owned heavy highway construction company. Maria starts each day at the crack of dawn – involved in every aspect of her business including managing some of the City’s biggest construction projects. She has a fleet of heavy construction equipment consisting of tri-axles, backhoes, excavators and much more. Shortly after her company was up and running, Olivieri was accepted into the Small Business Administration’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program and won a scholarship to study construction at Temple University.

At Temple, her focuses included estimating jobs, reading blueprints and preparing budgets. Her company’s notable projects include Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the University of the Sciences and various PennDOT projects throughout the City of Philadelphia and surrounding counties.➻

Salute

De Fino Law Associates, P.C.

Labor

to

Don’t Settle for Less

2016

Designing

Women Michael Anthony De Fino

Vincent Anthony De Fino

Nicholas J. Starinieri

Nicholas L. Palazzo

Attorney at Law Attorney at Law

Attorney at Law

Benjamin J. Simmons

Attorney at Law

Attorney at Law

Areas of Practice •Personal Injury •Wrongful Death •Wills and Estates •Real Estate •DUI •Criminal Defense •Corporate •Traffic Violations

J

by Christina Henck

ames Brown said it best. “This is a man’s world.” Some ladies would argue that’s changing. It’s 2016 and time to look at the big picture for Women In Business.

Women are flooding the workplace more than ever before in history, especially in the U.S. We’re not being paid the same amount as men… but let’s not get off topic. The number of women-owned businesses (WOBs) in the U.S. is growing at twice the rate of all companies. Currently, women own about 30 percent of U.S. firms, according to womenable.com.

Typically, interior design companies are owned, run and employed by women. I can say from professional experience, the majority of Henck Design’s clients are – and have been - primarily women. If we’re working with a married couple, we typically work more closely with the woman.

We know that everyone benefits from great design. The definition of design, according to modernist architect Louis Sullivan, is “form (ever) follows function.” One must accompany the other. A design must be both beautiful and functional. If design benefits all of a home’s occupants, why is it that we

almost always work with the women?

There are some questions that cannot be answered. We do know that traditional gender roles are pretty much out the window in today’s modern family. With stay-at-home dads and their “women in business” counterparts, are these gender roles in the home all about to change? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Although interior design companies are typically WOBs, we are working right alongside men, whether contractors, architects, realtors or sales reps.

Woman or man, we must all know our strengths and weaknesses to get things done. We must also collaborate in team environments to make fabulous interiors happen. Life is all about cooperation and for us at Henck Design, implementing superior design solutions. It is a very exciting time for women at work, no matter what the industry. Here’s to us, up and coming Women In Business! prh

Designing for you Christina Henck, Henck Design Henckdesign.com

2541 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19148 TEL: 215-551-9099 | FAX: 215-551-4099

w w w. d e f i n o l aw y e r s . c o m

Paul Stolfo, Director • Marianne Stolfo, Director

The Tradition Continues the Fourth Generation

The Stolfo

Funeral Home Where Everyone is Treated Like Family 2536 So. Broad Street • Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.334.7376 rowhome magazine

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Salute

Women Labor Business

to

in

Cherice Corley 2016

Philadelphia Energy Solutions

by Larry Gallone

F

or the past 30 years, Cherice Corley has been a familiar face at the South Philadelphia Sunoco Refinery – now Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) – where she is the Director of Public Affairs and Communications. Her experience in the refining industry spans more than 25 years and she has held various positions in numerous departments including Plant Protection and Human Relations. She also handles the company’s philanthropic and community relations initiatives. “From the day I got here, I met the public affairs person, saw her in action – and I said, that is what I want to do,” Corley says. And she has been doing it ever since.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: Marcus Hook, PA. I’m one of three children.

Q: What was the catalyst for your getting into this industry? What inspired you to become who you are today?

A: My inspiration is my mother Carol. She was a single mom and she worked for Sunoco for more than 30 years. We lived close to where she worked. She was in a male-dominated industry and started in a low-level position. She worked double shifts so she could have gifts under the Christmas tree for us.

Corley then recounted how her mother was a candidate for an Emergency Response Shift supervisor position that came available, but didn’t have the required certifications. Undeterred, she fulfilled all the requirements and got the job.

Q: What project- personal and/or work-related - are you most proud of?

Taking into account the sacrifices that her mother made for her family, it is no surprise that Corley considers her family – and being a mother – to be her most important personal accomplishment.

A: I have three children, twins Justin and Julia, and son Matthew. Both Justin and Julia are in college and are working summer internships at the refinery. My husband Greg Corley is also an employee. This is a very family-oriented company.

And we employ a lot of people in the community.

Q: What does the next year look like for you? What do you hope to do in your career by this time next year?

A: I love what I am doing now. I learn every day.

As part of her responsibilities, Corley repre-

sents the company in the Greater Philadelphia Region, heads the corporation’s United Way campaign and has served on the South and Southwest Philadelphia Community Advisory Panel (CAP) since 2002.The CAP formed in 1996 as a forum to promote dialogue between residents and the refinery and recently marked its 20th anniversary.

Being able to educate the community and have an impact through PES’ philanthropic outreach heads the list of Corley’s continued goals for the future. Her efforts so far have not gone unnoticed. Corley was recently named the 2016 Person of the Year by the South Philadelphia Business Association and received certificates of recognition from both State Rep. Maria Donatucci and City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. Her community outreach includes serving on the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Fire Department’s Citizens for Fire Prevention Committee, the Philadelphia Chapter Advisory Board of the After-School All-Stars and on the executive leadership team for the American Heart Association.

Q: What are your favorite things to do and places to visit during the summer?

A: Spending time with my family. We love to go to the beach and relax.

Q: Last book you read?

A: Lean in: Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

Q: Favorite song from back in the day?

A: “Holiday” by Madonna. I love singing that song in my car at the top of my lungs. It just reminds me of my youth and makes me smile! prh

Philadelphia Energy Solutions is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Magazine Business Network

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A little background on PES

PES is the 10th largest refinery in the United States.

PES processes 335,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it the largest oil-refining complex on the Eastern Seaboard.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, PES employs more than 1,000 people.

A little background on Cherise Corley

in Women

Tori Alexandra Tomasco Business

Mural Artist

by Santina Pescatore

Salute

Labor

to

2016

Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Tori Alexandra Tomasco is a mural artist who specializes in custom painting and artwork in venues, businesses and most often, children’s bedrooms. As an artist who honed her skills at The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, she has created her dream job by turning her passion for art into her work. Tomasco loves the process of collaborating with her clients and creating a piece of artwork that brings their imagination to life.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I originally grew up in the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish on 1800 Bancroft in the same home my father grew up in.

When I was nine, we moved to 20th and Shunk with my aunt living only two doors away.

Q: What was the catalyst for wanting to be in your industry? What inspired you to become who you are today?

A: I love creating and collaborating with others. I feel that when a client introduces me to a concept, that’s when my best ideas really come into play. My family has been so supportive and my biggest drive in becoming this person they have pushed me to see I am meant to be.

photo by ronald zatyko

Q: What projectpersonal or workrelated - are you most proud of?

A: I think the baseball wall definitely feels like my biggest accomplishment. Having the detail of an object so zoomed in was definitely intimidating. To step back at the end and realize that I had created something to look 3-D on a flat wall was amazing to me.

Q: What do you hope to do in your career by this time next year?

A: I definitely want to get more involved in commercial work in restaurants, bars or salons.

Also, I find myself wanting to style the rooms from start to finish. I am very interested in the interior design aspect of it.

Q: Last book you read?

A: I just actually re-read Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.

Q: What are your favorite things to do and places to visit during the summer?

A: Wildwood, New Jersey, is my second home, every summer.

I work with my best friends and family at Duffer’s Restaurant, which is a seasonal job. There’s the casual Atlantic City trip, but mostly, it is just staying local and working to save my money.

Q: Favorite song from back in the day?

A: I like everything from Pink Floyd to Jay-Z to Kings of Leon.

“Blackbird” by the Beatles is a family favorite that pulls some heartstrings for me.

Tori Alexandra is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

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Salute

Labor

in Women

Business

Loretta Mitsos-Panvini

to

2016

Story by Brenda Hillegas Q&A by Anthony Panvini

T

my life have I met anyone - male or female for that matter - who works as hard as she does, as well as she does and is always there for others, if needed. Honestly, sometimes I’m not sure how she does it. I do know, though, that I appreciate everything she does and love her to death.”

“With a business like this - construction, dumpsters, etc., competition against businesses owned by men is hard enough,” Mitsos-Panvini says.

“But with a family and a sick child, it’s worse. Imagine being pregnant, sick, tired and running a business that isn’t the norm for a woman.”

Very recently, her mentor passed away. As a young girl, Mitsos-Panvini watched this woman run her business (where a lot of men worked) and was in awe of the power and respect she held. ‘Look at what she’s doing,’ she thought, ‘I want to do what she’s doing.’ Mitsos-Panvini said she would head to work three hours early each day just to watch and learn. “It was exciting to know her,” she says of the woman who inspired her to work her way to the top.

“You can do it, too,” she says.

For any young woman who has the ideas and determination to start her own business, Mitsos-Panvini says, “Never give up. Work hard.

Be relentless in your work ethic.”

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I’ve lived in South Philadelphia my whole life. I grew up on 11th and Bigler.

Q: What was the catalyst for you wanting to be in your industry? What inspired you to become who you are today?

A: I started working in this industry when I was 17. I started working for the 5th largest water and sewer contractor in the United States and it was interesting work. I became interested while watching projects get completed. I worked right on the jobsites and it made me want to learn and start my own business someday.

That’s what inspired me to start Athena in September of 1988. When you’re young and doing this type of work, it’s exciting. But now that I own my own company, it’s even more worthwhile. It’s rewarding to get so much respect in this type of business.

A: The next year looks extremely promising for Athena Contracting.

Over the next year, I would like to continue to grow my company and successfully complete the projects that are awarded to Athena contracting.

Q: Last book you read?

A: I’m actually reading a book now called Among Heroes by Brandon Webb. It’s a true story about a Navy SEAL sniper who talks about the friendships he made during his time and the effects they have had on his personal life. I’m really interested in our military.

Q: What are your favorite things to do and places to visit during the summer?

A: One of my favorite things to do is to be at my yard in the early morning and watch the sunrise with my workers and watch my trucks leave for the day.

I use that time to relax and get away from my crazy work schedule. It’s a very satisfying feeling. It energizes me.

Q: What project - personal or work-related - are you most proud of?

Q: Favorite song from back in the day?

Q: What does the next year look like for you? What do you hope to do in your career by this time next year?

Athena Contracting is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

A: Raising my son.

A: My favorite song is by the Isley Brothers, “For the Love of You.” prh

photo by andrew andreozzi

he Greek goddess Athena was fierce and brave in battle.

She was courageous and full of wisdom. There are so many similarities between this goddess and Loretta Mitsos-Panvini, who owns and operates Athena Contracting in Philadelphia.

It’s a no-brainer that she would be inspired by Athena and name the company after her. With the struggles and hard work of running a business and raising a family, her story of determination is one for all women.

Mitsos-Panvini formed Athena Contracting in her early twenties. Nine years later, she was successful, happily married and about to become a mom.

No doubt, it was a wonderful time for her. Unfortunately, her son Anthony came into the world prematurely at 24 weeks. Due in April the following year, he instead arrived in December and immediately, Athena Contracting was put on hold. “Everything stopped,” Mitsos-Panvini says. “He was sick for the first year of his life.”

As Anthony grew and his health improved, Mitsos-Panvini was able to get back to work running the construction company. Anthony went on to St. Joe’s Prep and then to St. Joe’s University. He is now 22 years old.

“I have the utmost respect for my mother,” Anthony says. “Never in

Athena Contracting, Inc.

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in Women

Wendy Hamilton Business

GM, SugarHouse Casino

B

right, flashing lights. Celebratory sounds and roars of chatter and laughter. That is the atmosphere that greets you as you step into the gaming complex along the Delaware River that is SugarHouse Casino. Since 2010, the waterfront casino just north of the Ben Franklin Bridge off Columbus Boulevard has been offering a wide range of fun and entertainment for Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. Wendy Hamilton has been leading the charge from day one.

As General Manager of SugarHouse Casino, the self-described “Philly Girl” has raised the young casino as it’s grown into a top destination in the city.

Last year, she was awarded SmartCEO’s 2015

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I was born in Philadelphia and raised in this region. I’ve lived on both sides of the bridges. I consider myself a Philly girl.

Q: What was the catalyst for wanting to be in your industry? What inspired you to become who you are today?

A: Interestingly, I never intended to be in casino work.

It happened to me strictly by accident. I’m still not sure what I’m going to do when I grow up but I’m going to ride this out for a few more years because I love what I do. My education is in another area entirely and this literally happened by accident. I kept being happy so I kept doing it and 23 years later, here I am.

photo provided by sugarhouse casino

Q: What project–personal or work-related–are you most proud of?

A: I am very lucky to work with the team that I work with at SugarHouse and I’m very proud of the expansion that we just opened.

We have a little bit more gaming space and a lot more amenities for our customers. The team here has always been wonderful. It’s been just about six years now that we’ve all been together.

Cornerstone Award in the large company category for not only her corporate leadership, but also for shining stewardship within the local businesses, both in terms of the economy and community.

During a recent sit-down with our neighborhood GM, it’s clear that Hamilton values teamwork - both in her hometown Philadelphia sports franchises as well as her own working team at SugarHouse. And she isn’t shy to admit both, either. “You know, I think most people would probably tell you that if you’re lucky, the thing you’ve done most recently is your proudest achievement. I am very lucky to work with the team that I work with at SugarHouse and I’m very proud of the expansion that we just opened.”

They did a really nice job launching this new product to the folks of Philadelphia. I love working with these people and I’m really proud of them. This is something that I really enjoy. It’s a big, shining star for me, right now.

Q: What are your favorite things to do and places to visit during the summer?

Q: What does the next year look like for you?

What do you hope to do in your career by this time next year?

Q: What was the last book that you read?

A: Well, I hope by this time next year that The Event Center here at SugarHouse is booked every minute of every day. I hope I have a steakhouse here at SugarHouse that you just can’t get a reservation in. We have a lot of new amenities at the property now that we’re introducing to the market. As people try them, they’re just raving about them and telling us how much they love what we’ve done. So, our job now as a team is to maximize the revenue that this property creates. We do that by making people happy and giving them a terrific product. By this time next year, I hope I can say that this team continues to perform like it has in the past and that we are continuing to hire people and introduce our product to even more customers, making the neighborhood, the owners and the employees happy.

Salute

Labor

to

by Matt Kelchner

2016

A: Well, if you’re a Philly girl, you’re a Jersey Shore girl and I’m no different.

A: Oh my gosh. It’s sitting right on my night table. I just finished it. You know when you just can’t remember the title? Let me Google it. It’s right on the tip of my tongue. Somebody gave it to me as a gift. Can I call you back with that? My babysitter’s at the house and she’s going to send me the title of the book.

(About an hour later, she stuck to her word and left me a voicemail) “Hey Matt, it’s Wendy Hamilton calling you back. So, the book is called This Old Man. It’s by Roger Angell. He’s a sports writer, primarily baseball writer. It’s an interesting collection of essays about his observations on life. That’s what sitting next to my bed.”

Q: What is your favorite song from back in the day?

A: Frank Sinatra - ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ prh

SugarHouse Casino is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

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PRHfilm West Coast

WAY BEYOND GAME DAY

the Enchanted Isle of Sicily

by Leo rossi Writer, Actor, Producer Eastman-Rossi Productions

SINCE 1993

3120 South 20th Street Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.755.7180 Monday-Thursday 11AM-9PM Friday & Saturday 11AM-11PM Sunday 12PM-9PM Live entertainment featuring Bob Pantano * L ever y Friday night starting at 6PM!

“Time stops for no man.” This quote echoed in my mind when my wife Lynn and our daughters Rose and Anna Marie said, “It’s time you go to your family’s hometown in Sicily.” I had never been to Bagheria, which is about 13 miles outside of Palermo. But I made my mind up that the whole family would come with me for this emotional journey to my grandmother’s homeland.

My grandmother Teresa Aiello raised me after my mother died when I was eight years old. She came to this country through Ellis Island with her mother and two sisters. She met Leopoldo Rossi in Trenton, New Jersey. They were soon married and had two sons, Giuseppe (my father) and Alphonso (my uncle).

Leopoldo opened a bakery in Trenton and his success was a story of immigrants overcoming the odds. Unfortunately, he died at age 51 from a burst appendix. Teresa, overcome with grief, took over the business and with her faith in God made it into one of the largest bakeries in New Jersey. Her customers were Acme Stores, Penn Fruit and Shop Rite. But when these supermarkets started making their own bread, that was the blow that crushed Rossi Bakery. To this day, her resiliency helps me deal with rejection in my show business career.

This trip has been on my “bucket list” for decades and I thank my family for inspiring me to take action. Everything fell into place beautifully and we were fortunate to be invited to stay at the Palace of Princess Vittoria Alliata (‘Vicky’ to us). The Palace Villa Valguarnera sits on the highest hill in the center of Bagheria. The 52 rooms are adorned with photos of the great Italian actresses – Sophia Loren, Anna Magnani, Giulietta Messina. You see, Vicky’s father, the Prince, was also a movie producer.

As I walked the streets of Bagheria, I felt the presence of Teresa. I could visualize her as a 10 year-old girl running through the narrow streets. Life is still hard in Sicily, but the people are warm and wonderful. This trip created memorable times with Lynn, my wife, of 33 years, our daughters, their husbands and of course, my first granddaughter, Nova. I am a lucky guy!

www.popisrestaurant.com

Ciao Philly!

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The Theatre Geek

The 70th Annual

Tony Awards Roundup

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by Marialena Rago

he American Theatre Wing recently hosted its annual Tony Award ceremony at the Beacon Theatre. This year’s standout was Hamilton with a record breaking 16 nominations (winning 11) - the most in Tony history. No surprise, it won for Best Musical!

With Broadway award season over, here are a few of the shows you shouldn’t miss on your next trip to New York.

Hamilton. Who would think blending the Founding Fathers with rap music would be such a winning combination? The show centers on the life of the First U.S. Treasurer Alexander Hamilton and it has been the hottest ticket in town since the show started previews last July. After the Tony Awards, a block of tickets was released for January to May 2017, but shortly after, they were all gone. Even resale tickets are being offered at thousands of dollars each. Seeing Hamilton anytime soon is almost impossible, but if you happen to have a friend who has tickets and offers you one - take it! (Wins: Best Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical, Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre, Best Costume Design in a Musical, Best Lighting Design in a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Choreography, and Best Orchestrations) The Color Purple. This musical is back for its first revival. The extraordinary story, based off of Alice Walker’s award winning novel, is about a family in rural Georgia. Fourteen-year-old Ceile is forced to marry a local farmer and is separated from her loved

ones. She ultimately learns to find her voice and her strength. (Wins: Best Revival of a Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical) The Humans. Written by Stephen Karam, this play centers on the Blake family. They travel from Pennsylvania to their daughter’s apartment in NYC for Thanksgiving. As the day goes on, things start to happen and the heart and horror of the family is exposed. (Wins: Best Play, Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play, Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play, Best Scenic Design in a Play) Waitress. Nominated for Best Musical, Waitress is based off the movie of the same name. A waitress and pie maker named Jenna (Tony winner Jessie Mueller) is unhappily married and pregnant. She dreams of a better life. A baking contest in a nearby town and a new doctor play important roles in her story. The musical celebrates courage, strength, friendship and more with original music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles.

School of Rock. Also nominated for Best Musical and based off a movie, this Andrew Lloyd Webber show follows an out-of-work rock singer and guitarist who pretends to be a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. After identifying the musical talent in his students, he forms a band of fifth-graders in an attempt to win the upcoming Battle of the Bands contest.

If the thought of driving into NYC (and parking!) scares you, budget services like Megabus and BoltBus provide transportation for as little as $1 each way. It’s the easiest way to get into the Big Apple.

Many Broadway shows do tour and come to Philly, but don’t wait- check them out while they’re hot off their Tony nominations! prh

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PRHGreenSp ce

OLIVIERI & ASSOCIATES INC.

Heavy & HigHway Road ConstRuCtion ConCRete & aspHalt paving utility woRk P.O. Box 60598 Philadelphia, PA 19145 Email: maria@olivieriandassoc.com P: 215.271.6777

Minority/Woman-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Certified

Get ready for the Third annual

By Kerri Lee Mayland

Phestival

Sunday September 18th Looking for sponsors and vendors

For more information call Dan Vanore at (215) 336-5101

Hurry because spots are limited!

Brought to you by: John Gallo 72

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is’ the season of easy breezy days of entertaining with family and friends, soaking up the countless outdoor gifts Mother Nature offers this time of year. Blue skies, golden sunshine, starry skies and fireflies.

What’s not to love? Our outdoor spaces are all the more enjoyable with a little DIY-TLC. This time, we are going “green style.” I went to work to dig up unique earth-friendly ways to impress your guests with backyard projects they have never seen before.

Light up your night Not everyone has outdoor outlets to plug in a string of market lights for nighttime get-togethers. I was on the hunt for a *bright* idea and I found one. You don’t have to look too hard to find old chandeliers discarded in trashcans or second-hand stores. The brass fixtures that decorated decades past are often the first to go during a revamp.

Instead of throwing it out, why not turn it into a quirky outdoor lighting fixture? It only takes a trip to the hardware store to find low-cost solar lights that fit into the light bulb socket. The rest is up to the sun. Tie it onto a favorite backyard tree or from a pergola or porch, let it charge up during the afternoon and enjoy watching the lights come on as the sun goes down. Feel free to give it a new lease on life by painting it a bright summer hue!

Floral Fence Discarded bottles and jars are hardly a rarity. Chances are your recycle bin is sporting a few of them right now. Whether it’s a leftover wine bottle, a jar from the pickles you just polished off or a discarded bottle you found on the side of the street, collect as many as you can in various shapes, colors and sizes. They make a plain fence come alive when tied with twine and filled with flowers or ferns from the yard. Covering your fence makes a fantastic backdrop and a colorful sweet smelling statement. And aside from a strong gust of wind, they are weather proof!

And the flowers won’t mind wayward drops of rain.

Bell Jar Beauty They are everywhere. Mason or Bell jars are sold in craft, grocery and hardware stores. They are easy to find, inexpensive and the options are unlimited if you put your creativity to use. I like to use them as drinking glasses and vases for flowers. What about summer centerpieces on the cheap? I found some gold spray paint kicking around the house and used it to cover the outside of the jar. Then I went foraging in my garden to find flowers and a couple of sprigs of wild mint and ferns and voila! Summer glam table bling. The entire project took less than 10 minutes and the compliments from friends abound. ‘I can’t believe I never thought of doing that!’

Drop Cloth Dining Tablecloths can be pricey and while there are tons of choices, the burlap look is quite popular. Why not skip a trip to Bed Bath & Beyond and head for Home Depot, instead? Go straight to the paint supply aisle and find a heavy duty drop cloth that will make your outdoor summer table shine with rustic chic. Anything looks good on a simple yet durable backdrop like this and the best part is, you can actually USE the drop cloth for that fall painting project once summer is over. Get double the use for half the money and feel free to change the look of your tablescape each time you set it since you aren’t locked into patterns or colors.

Pat & Anna Scioli

Brand Name Designer Suits from Italy Sports Jackets • Pants • Dress Shirts Ties • Cashmere Top Coats Custom Alterations for men & women 1744 E. Passyunk Avenue 215.334.0990

Green Graffiti This is my absolute fave find and a tried and true recipe my gardening friends swear by. Philly is no stranger to graffiti. It causes a lot of angst and expense to those left to clean it up. But few are going to be outraged by a cleverly constructed green tribute that is as easy to remove as scraping moss off a wall. This is great for dank old buildings, stone or cement found in damp shady corners. It’s made of nothing more than beer, sugar, moss and your imagination. Throw all the ingredients into a blender, grab a stencil and a paintbrush and become a street artist with a green streak. Leave a message of love, go on a rant (express the political views this election year is bringing out in the best of us) and enjoy the pending results. A moss masterpiece for the price of a can of beer. Keep the rest of the six-pack cold and invite your besties over to enjoy the view when your garden art comes to fruition. prh Happy summer, RowHome friends!

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Philly SPORTS

Local Athlete Spotlight

Jimmy Kerrigan

by Anthony Grosso

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Photo courtesy of VCU Athletics

Work Hard G Play Hard

rowing up as a kid in South Philly comes with a whole lot of playing sports. From t-ball to little league, from travel to AAU, a lot of kids’ lives revolve around sports like baseball.

At a young age, many kids will tell you they want to be a professional ballplayer when they grow up. DVYAA (Delaware Valley Youth Athletic Association), at 19th and Johnston in South Philadelphia, was the home field for a lot of kids. I played there as a kid and remember most kids that I played with. Ten years later, I came across a young athlete playing college baseball at VCU who I grew up playing with and against. He was a catcher with a lot of heart and always gave his all on the field. His journey to play Division 1 baseball at VCU started here in South Philly with kids from the neighborhood.

Jimmy Kerrigan played high school ball for SS John NeumannMaria Goretti. NG has been very successful this last decade and currently made its way to States this season. When Jimmy played his freshman, junior and senior years, his team won Philadelphia Catholic League and City championships. Jimmy was a 2x 1st Team All-Catholic amongst many other accomplishments and accolades. Talking to Jimmy, I asked if he dreamt of playing or saw himself playing college ball while playing for Neumann-Goretti.

“I had no idea that I was going to play baseball after high school, at all. I just wanted to play for Neumann my whole life and when I got there, it was such a great culture and vibe,” he said. “My senior year, I went to a camp at Temple University and they offered me a scholarship to play baseball for them.”

Jimmy’s assistant coach from Neumann, Joe Messina, labeled him as one of his favorite players. “He was one of the hardest working players I ever coached. He came to NG undersized and had average abilities. He dedicated himself and fought to make himself a Division I college baseball player. After going through a growth spurt and losing time to injuries his first two years, he bounced back to finish his high school career very strong, and went on to play four years of D-1 ball.

I use Jimmy as an example to all the kids I coach for what you can achieve if you follow your dreams and work hard.”

Jimmy went on to play at Temple in 2013. He mentioned the team being similar to Neumann’s in the sense of a great vibe and a teamwork-oriented organization. He played 37 games that year with a .218 average, 8 RBIs and 14 runs scored. Temple went on to win the A-10 Championship that year, beating Rhode Island. They went on to win regionals, also, beating the host team Dallas Baptist, twice, and Oregon State. Temple finished the season losing in the Super Regionals to The University of Miami in Miami, Florida. In December 2013, Temple cut the baseball program along with six other intercollegiate sports because the University could not afford to give the student athletes the quality of care with the accessible funds. Jimmy made a decision to transfer to VCU after seeing them as the best fit.

In the 2015 season, the VCU Rams went 39-16, finishing 2nd in the A-10 and losing in the tournament. They beat George Washington twice, but lost to Davidson and St. Joe’s, which led to elimination.

Jimmy had a great season playing 51 games. He batted an improving .296 average while hitting 3 home runs, 22 RBIs, scoring 32 runs and stealing 10 bases. The 2015-2016 season was Jimmy’s last year of eligibility but his accomplishments that came from hard work and dedication will stick with him for the rest of his life.

PRHWRITERSBLOCK Barbershop TALK 20th St. & Moyamensing Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19145

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215-852-4822

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ELIZABETH “LIZ” EMORY Sales Associate CELL: 267-252-4792 OFFICE: 856-227-1950 FAX: 856-228-5214 | ee0809@comcast.net Washington Township 5070 Rte 42, Turnersville, NJ 08012

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Mother

ree labor in the United States started with slavery. Human beings from Africa were called “Chattel Slaves.” They arrived as nonimmigrants and were looked at as less than humans. To be or not to be a laborer should be a choice, not an order.

Today, child labor forces many children to work as adults in jobs for long hours, while receiving very little pay. In the United States, there are laws to help prevent child labor. The Department of Labor in America oversees workers to help bring balance to this type of injustice, including equal pay for equal work for adults while banning child labor.

Once mistakes are made in this country, corrections should follow. Candidate Hillary Clinton stated in her run for President, that in this nation, your level of education should not depend on your zip code. She is correct and it should have never been that way in the first place. Our job as fellow Americans in this country is to work for better days to come for our children and their future.

I remember talking with many of my friends in the neighborhood and most of them had mothers that did “Day’s Work” – taking care of wealthier families.

The problem was that it took them away from their own homes and children. In the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, many mothers took the bus to reach their destinations. Sometimes, they got home very late and had to walk back from the bus stop, carrying heavy bags of second-hand gifts for their children. I also saw white people coming into black neighborhoods from the suburbs to pick up our mothers to take them to work in large suburban homes. A mother was pretty tired when she got home to take care of her own children.

Sometimes, she had to take a child to work with her and the child would see that this type of work paid very little for doing a whole lot of work. The mothers who did this type of work never really received the credit they deserved for being laborers. That is why the history of this story is so important to remember.

In the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia, at the corner of 54th and Berks Streets, rich people arrived very early in the morning to pick the mothers up.

Many of the workers had to take the bus to get there on time. Workers raised their hands as the people hiring them shouted out what kind of work they wanted done. They would shout out windows, floors, laundry, cooking, shopping, babysitting, heavy lifting, cleaning, lawn and garden, and elder care to name a few. Jobs like these were nothing new for workers.

In times of slavery, the mother of the children of those slaves had to work in the Master’s houses to take care of his children. Many even breast-fed the infant

gohomephilly.com

The Ultimate Laborer

by Robert L. Woodard The Wynnefield Barber children. So they gave her the name of “Mammy.”

The children knew she was not their mother, but she did all the work of a nurturer and mother.

The disparity in equality is never measured with dollars and cents. Today, equal pay for equal work should be addressed for women as a whole. There are women in the Military, Police Force, Fire Department.

They are bus drivers, truck drivers, judges, congresswomen, mayors, prosecutors, principals, and now, Presidential candidates. Yes, women have made big strides in the world of labor, but the biggest job of labor comes straight from our Creator – the “labor of birth.”

The love for human life is experienced annually at our Barbershop Talk Human Family Day celebration. This year, it was an overwhelming success.

The celebration gives us the opportunity to meet and share with many diverse cultural and ethnic groups.

Most of these people are the laborers who keep this country functioning. From doctors to lawyers, butchers to bakers, and yes, even some candlestick makers. All of these working class people took time out of their busy lives to be a part of the making of history at the “Historical Church of Marian Anderson,” Union Baptist Church, 1910 Fitzwater Street. Marian Anderson was a Civil Rights Activist and a world-renowned opera singer. Her singing art was accepted all over the world as the best in her field, but if the world had not given her the chance, we would have never known how great she was.

The United States of America has not always lived up to what she says she is, but it takes the people of this Country - from all ethnicities - to make her what she has to become. Hats off to Tom Loomis, Woodland String Band President and recipient of our “Good Neighbor of the Year Award,” for opening the doors of the Mummers organization to allow cultural diversity to be part of the New Year’s Day Parade. By bringing different cultural experiences to the parade, we truly will bring the experiences of “Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection” to this vast City of neighborhoods.

The great Michael Jackson said we have to look in the mirror in order to make that change. Each and every one of us as Americans has to make that change and the world will follow. There is only “One Race.”

It is called “Human” - with many cultures. There is only “One Color” that is called “Melanin.” It has many shades. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a Civil Rights Movement in which they crawled so we could walk.

Let’s walk into a new day for our children. Join our Human Race Movement by taking the “Race Test” today and sharing it with your family and friends along the way at www.BarbershopTalkHFD.org. prh

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PRH Writers Block

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856-456-1316 New Jersey

Brian W. Donnelly, Spvr.

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by David W. Cava

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gohomephilly.com

the

Summer Games

recently saw a post on Facebook asking me to click â&#x20AC;&#x153;Likeâ&#x20AC;? if I survived being a youngster in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s. I laughed my way through many of the dangers that my friends and I somehow survived while growing up in that era.

No seatbelts, baby oil instead of SPF 30 and riding a bike without a helmet were just a few things that would be inconceivable today.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure children in the year 2016 enjoy the antimicrobial activities that are being passed off as play time. In fact, I actually observed a kid or two smile during a structured event once.

In Philadelphia back in the late â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s and early â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s, adults didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care about their kids. As soon as the sun was up, parents pushed their offspring outside and locked the doors. Where do you think the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;out of sight, out of mindâ&#x20AC;? came from? If a child got hungry or thirsty, a bag of Razzles and a few gulps from the nearest garden hose would hold you over until dinner.

The other day, I was walking the dog and forgot to bring my cell phone.

I got chatty with a neighbor and was gone for about an hour. My daughter was so upset because she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know where I was and couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get in touch with me. It was the spark for this story and reminded me of some of the fun games we played while we were outside all day waiting for our parents to unlock the doors. Lord knows my friends and I were out for hours without any adult supervision, miles away from home and unable to be contacted. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exactly the way we liked it.

Buck Buck was a lovely game that required everyone to bend over and brace themselves for the next guy to run and jump on top of the pile. The winner was the person who was able to break through the pile. Yes, this was an innocent game of break your friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; backs and you win. Rarely did anyone have to go to the hospital.

We played a variation of Chicken that was best played after you had your tetanus booster shot. Standing about four feet away from the other idiot with your legs spread wide open, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d take a pocket knife and toss it towards the open space in an attempt

to stick it in the ground between the other playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feet. If, and I do mean if, the knife stuck in the ground, the player would move his foot to the spot where the knife was. This would go back and forth until the space inbetween one of the playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feet was so small that they chickened out and quit. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair to note that someone usually chickened out before the knife was thrown into a playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foot. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to say that players always walked away unscathed. No. The most common injury was caused by the knife bouncing off the grass and cutting your leg wide open. Explain that one to your mom as she tries to wash out the bloodstains from your socks.

Sure we played wire ball and half ball, chink and stickball. But the power games and the activities that had a high percentage of injury were the ones that hold a special place in my memory. Red Rover was a game played between two teams holding hands about 20 feet away from each other. One team would yell out Red Rover, Red Rover, let (insert name of kid) come over. The kid that was called would leave his line and run full speed into the oppositionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s line in an attempt to break through. If they were successful, they got to bring a person from that line back into their line. If not, they stayed with the opponentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s line and joined hands with them. This went on until there was a single player left. Today, I know that profiling is not an acceptable practice. That being said, the wee children of the neighborhood that wanted to play Red Rover more times than not returned home with bruised arms to show for it.

I wonder if I ever would have left the house if I had an Xbox or a cell phone back then. I can picture myself sitting in air-conditioned bliss, sipping a cola while battling the forces of evil via hi-resolution video games.

How different things would have been. Right up until my buddy texted me that the DDT trucks were outside and we would all jump on our bikes and chase the truck as it dispersed its sweet-smelling, cough-inducing mist of bug killer. Some things would have been just too good to miss. prh

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1.-A game of halfball (stickball) on 10th & Winton in the ‘70s courtesy of Linda Gallo 2.-Bob Lanzillotti at his grocery store on 10th & McKean 3.-Hopscotch on Broad Street 2016, courtesy of Debbie Russino

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by

I

The Childhood of Imagination

was born and raised in South Philly on the corner of 10th & McKean. My father Bob had a fruit and produce store on the corner that was connected to my home and this main street was to become my playground. I was very fortunate to live on a block with many children my age so I never had to go very far to find a playmate. Our possessions were simple, but that certainly did not hinder our ability to have a great time no matter what we decided to do that particular day.

I know it seems hard to believe, but there was a time when we all lived in a technology free world. We had to refer to our imaginations for our recreation. Although we watched a lot of cartoons, we never seemed to spend much time in the house. In the summertime, we were outside all day. But being home in time for dinner was a must. Everyone sat at the table together,

especially on Sundays when my grandfather and sometimes aunts, uncles and cousins joined us for this family tradition.

Many of the games that we played were very productive. Not only did we use our minds, but also our bodies. We were constantly on the go and never seemed to grow tired.

We played so many games it would be impossible to name all of them. Here are a few high-

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lights of some of my favorites.

TAG was spent running away from your friends. Whoever got tagged was “it” and had to chase another kid so they could be tagged. We did this over and over, but we never seemed to get tired or bored because we were having so much fun!

Another was RED LIGHT/ GREEN LIGHT. This game consisted of running toward the child who would be calling either

red light to stop and green to go.

If we moved even an inch on red, we were out. Same concept with SIMON SAYS. If we moved without hearing “Simon Says,” we were out. That was it. No exceptions!

MOTHER MAY I was a game where one person was selected to be either the Captain or the Mother, while they faced backwards. The premise was to get to the mother first by using the phrase, “Mother

Jailbreak was another favorite street game.

The object was to choose two teams of four. One team would hide and the other tried to find them. may I?” and taking either giant steps or baby steps. The first one to reach the mother was the winner.

Of course there was DIXIE DOORBELL, which was simply ringing someone’s doorbell and running away! Although it seemed quite devilish back then, it pales in comparison to what children consider pranks, today. It was innocent fun and no one was harmed. I’m sure it was very frustrating for the person rushing to answer the door only to realize there was no one on the other side.

Another innocent prank we pulled was the crank phone call. We would call someone and try to disguise our voices to either play a trick (Is your refrigerator running?

Go catch it!) or just simply hang up.

Modern technology has made this “game” obsolete because of caller ID, but back then, we were safe.

JAILBREAK was another favorite street game. The object was to choose two teams of four. One team would hide and the other tried to find them. When they did, the child ran away and if caught, the “chaser” would say “1-2-3 you’re my man” and send the child caught off to jail – usually the front steps of a designated house or corner store.

They would stay in jail until another player on their team got close enough to touch the imaginary jail and yell “Jail Break!” Everyone was free. Time to switch teams and start again!

Of course, there were the classics like JACKS. Everyone at any age is familiar with this because it is a game that will never go out of style.

I also believe it teaches children great hand and eye coordination.

It’s not easy to swoop a handful of jacks off the top step before the red ball hits the surface! And it was a great way to pass the time.

We played other ball games, too. PIMPLE BALL was simply throwing a white pimple ball against the wall outside of your home. I remember counting 1-2-3-4 and so on to see how far I could count and still catch the ball. There were many variations of playing ball (stick ball, half ball, wall ball, wire ball), but this is the one that I played quite often. You can still purchase these balls and learn more about the

games at www.thepimpleball.com.

Although HALF BALL/STICK BALL was primarily a “boy sport,” many girls liked to get in on the fun.

This game consisted of a white rubber ball cut in half and a stick, usually a broom or mop handle, as the bat. Two people stood on opposite sides of the street. One pitched the ball and the other tried to hit it. If the half ball hit the first floor of a row home, it was considered a single.

Second floor was a double. Hit the top of the home and it was a triple.

Over the roof, you had a homerun!

How about the sweet simplicity of skipping up and down the street? I loved it because it was the definition of being young and carefree. Add Jumping Rope and Hopscotch to that lineup. Almost every summer day included one of these all-time favorite pastimes. We viewed the world as a blank canvas and we were the artists ready and willing to paint our futures any color we chose.

We also had a public swimming pool a block from my house called Mifflin Pool. I will always consider this my favorite summer retreat. I went there every single “Girls Day” and learned how to swim so the lifeguards allowed me in eight feet.

We played one game after another, leaving us dirty and sweaty. When we wanted to cool off, we would find someone to turn the local fire hydrant “plug” on. We’d splash around and swim in the streets outside our homes for hours – or at least until a police officer arrived to shut it down.

I could go on for days about all of the wonderful and nostalgic memories for those of us fortunate enough to have been city kids in the ’60s and ’70s.

I must admit that writing this particular article was very bittersweet for me because it sent me back to a time of innocence and simplicity. Many of the people associated with these memories are gone, but of course, they will never be forgotten. They will remain forever in my heart where love never dies.

Thanks to RowHome Magazine for allowing me to travel back in time and relive my happy childhood memories of growing up in the streets of South Philadelphia. I have lived here my entire life and it is the only place that I will ever call home. prh

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Summer in the

South South Philly that Is! by

I

was born and raised in the South. South Philadelphia to be exact. Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods and each has a “character” all its own. I was lucky enough to grow up in the section bounded by South Street to the north, the Delaware River to the east and south, and the Schuylkill River to the west. In my opinion, it has the most “character” of all. It is nicknamed and affectionately known as South Philly.

My life and stories are about characters. South Philly being the main character. A lot of famous characters were born and raised here. Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, Jerry Blavat, Fabian, Bobby Rydell, Al Martino and Eddie Fisher just to name a few. In my high school yearbook, my childhood friend Mike Gonnella wrote, “There are people and there are characters.

You, Louie, are a character. Don’t change! Life in South Philly would be too boring if you

did!” So, it’s appropriate that this character was born and raised in a place that has character.

Growing up, every season had a different meaning.

Fall meant starting school (Yuck! Although it meant seeing our friends we missed over the summer) and Halloween (Yay! Free candy!) Winter meant “The Holidays” (presents and a lot of food), wishing for snow every day and making money shoveling it when it did come. And, of course, snowball fights. Spring meant it was getting close to the end of the school year and summer was just around the corner. As soon as Memorial Day weekend was over, we counted the days to summer vacation. When the last day of school arrived, we had the whole summer planned out.

Buck-Buck We spent most of our summer playing games. Games that we made up. Games like nowhere else in the world. At least that’s what I thought! One of my favorites was Buck-Buck. It was a rough game that even girls played. We had some tough girls in South Philly.

It helped to be big with a strong back and little brain.

Buck-Buck was fun and sometimes painful, but we played for hours when we had at least 8-10 kids.

Rules One person was the wall cushion or anchor. The person who was the anchor could hold onto the fence.

The first person of the defending team would bend over and hold onto the anchor’s midsection. The next person bent over and held onto the first person’s waist leaning on their back. Depending on how many people you had, you would create a chain in this manner.

A person from the other team would come running full

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speed and yell out, “Buck-Buck number one is coming,” then leapfrog onto the backs of the other team. He slid up as close as he could to the anchor so there was plenty of room for Buck-Buck numbers 2-5. If Buck-Buck number whatever was a girl, and you were an anchor facing the right way, you can see how this game could really be fun. This went on until either all members were on the backs of the human chain or the chain collapsed. If the chain did not collapse, the captain of the chain gang (team bent over on the bottom) had to guess how many fingers were held up by the other team’s captain. He had three tries. If he guessed correctly, the teams would reverse sides and the chain was formed by the team now on top. If the answers were incorrect or if the chain collapsed, the same team created another chain and the game started over from the beginning.

Hide the Strap (Belt) Another popular game that we played (at least on 6th & Oregon) was our version of “Hide the Strap” that we called “I walked one night and I never saw a ghost.”

The game was similar to hide and seek or tag, but with a twist. One of the kids was chosen to be the “Ghost.”

The Ghost would choose a hiding spot behind one of the sides of the steps down the block while the rest of the players hid their eyes and counted to 50. There were 53 houses on 6th street so it gave the person enough time to reach the end of the block if that’s where they wanted to hide. When they finished counting, the rest of the players would slowly walk down the street and when they passed each set of steps they would chant, “I walked one night and I never saw a ghost” and so on. Two nights, three nights, passing

gohomephilly.com

Lou Pinto

each set of steps. When they caught up to the spot where the Ghost was hiding, they would say, ‘I walked one night and did see a ghost!’ The Ghost would run out and try to tag one of the players before they made it to Home Base. If the Ghost couldn’t tag anyone, he or she would be the Ghost, again.

Pimple Ball You wouldn’t be a true South Philly guy if you also didn’t play a game involving a “Pimple Ball” or at least half of one. It was a rubber ball that had what looked like pimples on it. You could get it at any corner store for about 50 cents. We used it to play various games like Wall Ball and Step Ball, but my two favorites were Half Ball and Chink.

Half Ball & Chink Half Ball was played with a stick that we usually borrowed from mom’s mop or broom. We’d take a pimple ball and cut it in half; that was your ball. Many roofs were littered with half balls back in the day. Although it sounds politically incorrect, these days, Chink was a poor man’s racquetball. It got the name because of the sound the ball made when it hit the ground. We would play hours on end to see who would hold the title of Chink King in that part of South Philly.

Swimmies How did we stay cool after playing those games?

We had a few options back then. We could go to a public pool. I would go to either the pool at 10th & Mifflin, “Swimmies” at 3rd & Shunk, or if you knew anyone that belonged to the Packer Park Swim Club, you could go there. Mostly everyone had their own “Swim Club” right at the corner of their street that we called “the plug.” Every block had a guy with the plug wrench. During the summer, this guy was a god! On a hot summer day, you would hear ‘Let’s get — to open the plug so we can go under!’

Down the Shore Back then, a vacation meant “going down the shore.” If you were from South Philly, you either went to Wildwood or Atlantic City. Every year, we stayed a week at Angie’s Place on Florida Avenue in AC. I think every Italian from

PRHWRITERSBLOCK South Philly stayed on Florida Avenue.

We planned this trip months ahead and stocked up on food. My mom and aunt planned the meals for our entire stay.

Eating Italian food “out” was sacrilege back in the day.

Although we kept busy on “summer vacation,” I was always looking for ways to make money. A lot of famous people came from South Philly. So much talent from such a small section of the city.

My Dad said it must have been something in the water. I used to think, ‘Wow. If I could sell the water from South Philly, I could give people abilities far and above any mortal man! (I was a big Superman fan) I could make a fortune!

Until I found out that South Philly got its water from the same place the rest of Philly did. I told my Dad about my idea to bottle and sell the water. He smiled and said, ‘Who would buy bottled water?’ The year was 1966. The start of my entrepreneurial endeavors.

melted or warm by the time I arrived.

But I was a cute eight-year-old and Danny was a family friend. He ended up delivering most of the orders himself and still paid me. That’s how great South Philly people are.

Newspaper Boy I had a newspaper route. Well, actually, the route belonged to my best friend Lenny Moffa. I helped him out some days and substituted when he couldn’t work. He spent the next day fixing all the mistakes I made. Sometimes I missed a house or delivered it to the wrong address. Some people got yesterday’s paper. Some got a free paper. Mostly, he just apologized. When there was a problem, our neighbors didn’t say anything because they liked seeing me. I was the funny kid that made everyone laugh. For as long as I can remember, I had this ability to make people laugh.

The funny (excuse the pun) thing is that almost every time I made them laugh, I didn’t even realize I was being funny. My cousin Jimmy said I could make people laugh that didn’t even want to smile.

Window Washer My first real business was washing windows. I made up flyers that said “WE DO WINDOWS BY YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDERKIDS – Louie, Johnny and Lenny (I was a Marvel fan, too).

All the streets in South Philly had row homes. Each street had 53 houses with either a picture window or two regular windows side by side. I figured I would charge $3 a house for the outside first floor windows and $5 if they wanted the inside done.

I usually didn’t offer to do the 2nd floor windows. I wasn’t afraid of heights but I was (still am) very accident-prone. My Dad said I could trip over a matchstick.

I enlisted my brother Johnny and friend Lenny to help. We would average about $84 per block if only half the block wanted their windows washed. That was a heck of a lot of money for some kids. We had to keep our expenses low. Paper towels, a squeegee and Windex. Then I got this bright idea to save money. At about $1.98 a bottle, Windex was our most costly product. I figured I could buy a bottle of ammonia for 64 cents and mix it with a bottle of bleach for 98 cents. I could put a shine on the windows at a lower cost. I got my first chemistry lesson that summer.

Thank God I mixed them outside and my Dad saw what I was doing. You don’t mix ammonia and bleach. It creates a deadly gas and, if inhaled, can really mess up your day. We kept using Windex and ate the extra cost.

Grocery Delivery I also had a job delivering groceries for a local store that Danny Esposito owned. Danny was one of four brothers from Esposito’s Meat Market in the Italian Market. The Esposito family was huge. When I say huge, I mean one brother was bigger than the other.

Danny was the smallest of the brothers and he was pushing 350 pounds. His brothers Joe, Louis and Lee made Dan look small. They loved their pasta. Not only would Joe consume two pounds of spaghetti at a sitting, he’d eat it with molasses (not gravy!) on top! Gross!

I piled all the groceries in my wagon and walked to the neighborhood houses to deliver the orders. If anything was frozen or needed to be refrigerated, they would be defrosted,

Biker If you were 12 and had a bike, every day was an adventure. My “gang” consisted of me, my brother Johnny and my best friend Lenny. Once we rode our bikes from South Philly over the Penrose Bridge to Fort Mifflin. We would test our riding skills by rolling down “Suicide Hill” at the side of the old JFK Stadium and jump over giant holes at Whitman Plaza (before the shopping center was built).

There was nothing like summers in South Philly. Just sitting out front on the steps (we say steps not stoop in South Philly) on a warm, clear, moonlit night and talking with neighbors who were “family.” It was the best! These were my wonderful, crazy summers in the South. South Philly that is! prh

COSTELLO CONSTRUCTION LLC

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â&#x20AC;&#x2030;PRHSCHOOLYARD

Prom 2016 Memories around the neighborhood (1) Victoria Perre, Sophie Davish, Alexis Zimmerman, Kristina Kruse, Nichole Peta (Downingtown East) (2) Nathaly Bravo, David Crudele, Jacklyn Gindville, Eric Furey, Alexa Zepp, Brett Jackson (Neumann-Goretti HS) (3) Stephen Morreale & Alexis France (Paul VI) (4) Ricky Baccare Jr. & Malorie Lazer (String Theory HS) (5) Brett Jackson & Alexa Zepp (Neumann-Goretti HS) (6) Nicolette Retallick & Sal Oldrati (GAMP Senior) (7) Carly Scirrotto (Neumann-Goretti HS) (8) Taylor Eiser & Pat Sanborn (Prep Charter Senior) (9) Nicholas Renzi & Jessica Mele (Neumann-Goretti HS) (10) Keree & Lexis (Penn Treaty HS) (11) Nagee Graves & Amber Amadio (Science Leadership Academy (12) Elisa McCann & Vincent Cavallaro (Hallahan) (13) Frank Strati & Alexis Masella (Prep Charter) (14) Talia Rota, Kaitlyn Brady, Devin Bender, Samantha Brady, Brianna Gelsomino, Elizabeth Caulfield (Williamstown HS) (15) Michael Rhoades & Georgia Puhl (GAMP Junior)

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St. Anthony of Padua Regional Catholic School 913 Pierce Street Philadelphia, PA 19148

by St. Nicholas of Tolentine and Annunciation B.V.M. Parishes

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Educating Our Future One Child at a Timeâ&#x20AC;?

A rigorous Pre-K (3 year old) to 8 th Grade Academic Program, administered by

Religious Teachers Filippini & Qualified and dedicated lay faculty & staff

Currently taking registrations for the 2016-2017 School Year Call for a school tour with Principal,

Sr. Mary Esther 215-468-0353 teacherweb . com /Pa/S aint a nthonyof P adua r egional c atholic S chool / SchoolhomePage

PRHSCHOOLYARD

2016 SPBA Scholarship winners with members of the Board

!

PES CEO Phil Rinaldi with scholarship winner Alec Powers, who will study Engineering

Kudos to the

at

Scholars! photos by Teri Lombardi

ti High

The South Philadelphia Business Association (SPBA) hosted its annual Scholarship Awards Dinner at Galdo’s Entertainment and Catering. As a result of yearlong fundraisers and member donations, the Association presented scholarships to local students who exemplified community service in addition to academic achievement. Each is dedicated to their South Philadelphia community, which the SPBA hopes they will continue to serve as they embark on professional careers in the future.

Nicolette Alessi

Christian Reda

John Birkmire

Nicolette Retallick

David Crudele

Katie Singley

James Harrity

Giavana Tenuto

George Leone

Sophia Valenti

Toni Lombertino

Julius Wibisono

Nicolette Procopio

Alexa Zepp

The Philadelphia Energy Solutions Scholarship, given to a student who will study Engineering, was presented to Alec Powers.

8

Ss. John Neumann-Maria Goretti Catholic High School Success Starts Here!

Welcome class of 2020 neumanngorettihs . org

Ss. John Neumann-Maria Goretti High School 1736 South 10th Street, Philadelphia PA 19148 215-465-8437 ex: 229

1736 South 10th Street • Philadelphia, PA 19148 “SUCCESS STARTS HERE” www.neumanngorettihs.org • 215-465-8437 88

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gohomephilly.com

Dragon and the Princess Prom the

photos by Andrew Andreozzi

Philly

Santino’s Dragon Drawings presented the Dragon and the Princess Prom for children with autism at the 2nd Street Shooters NYB Club.

Thank you to the sponsors and businesses that helped make this prom a reality for our neighborhood children.

2nd Street Shooters NYB Philadelphia RowHome Magazine T&N Homemade Kitchen Chickie’s & Pete’s Pizza Shack City Pizza Uncle Oogie’s Pizza Quinn’s Flower Shop Mia of Philadelphia Andreozzi Photography

DJ Robert Curran Sunny Adelsbach Hunter Victor Della Barba Andrea Natale Mulligan Deb Tomaselli Arway Linens Ferko String Band Christopher James D’Amore Samuels Seafood Stephanie Elise

Herr’s

Kelly Troiano

Wawa

Megan Smith

Cedrone’s Flowers South View Pizza

Nicole Marker Center for Foot & Ankle Disorders

Santino & Maddie

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PRHSCHOOLYARD

1917

2014

Get on board the Portside ArtsMobile

by Brenda Hillegas

Philly born of an immigrant family who used life to the ultimate level of success.

A South Philadelphia Legend Memorial can be visited Upstairs at St. Rita’s Church on 1166 S. Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19146 Completed painting of an “ocladile”- an octopus + koala + crocodile. Photo by Portside Arts Center

est.

1921

1327-1331 south broad street

Pennsylvania

b ur i a l c ompa n y i nc

Peter J. Jacovini 215-334-1717 Supervisor PennsylvaniaBurialCompany.com

B a ld i

funeral home

Victor L. Baldi, III Funeral Director 215-389-2414 www.BaldiFuneralHome.com

Two trusted names.One caring funeral home.

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Ample Parking • Handicap Accessible

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P

“The Portside Arts Center believes that the linkage between arts instruction and overall academic development is too vital to be severed,” says Sarah Damiano, ArtsMobile Director.

Many schools in Philadelphia have limited or no visual arts, performing arts and music programs as part of their curriculum. They also have limited or no afterschool programs offering arts education. Recently, the Portside Arts Center set out to provide educational art outreach programs via the Portside ArtsMobile project. By integrating visual arts with academic subjects like math and science, they are reinforcing classroom curriculum with a hands-on, interactive approach.

The Artsmobile currently partners with five local schools and hopes to increase participation with the new school year. “Our program is provided to schools free of charge. To become a partnering school, the principal may contact us to set up a meeting,” Damiano explains.

The program is funded entirely through generous contributions of foundations and individual community members. Visit www.gofundme.com/portsideartsmobile to donate.

Portside also seeks donations in the form of supplies: oil pastels, glue sticks, Elmer’s glue, sharpened #2 pencils, crayons, markers, erasers, binder clips, colored pencils, watercolors, Play-Doh and tempera or acrylic paint.

The ArtsMobile’s mission is to deliver visual arts integration to local schools during the day, in the classroom, at no cost to the school. “This project is designed to improve student learning through high quality arts education as well as to provide teachers an opportunity to learn about arts integration, hands-on.”

Visit www.portsideartsmobile.org or contact Sarah at portsideartsmobile@gmail.com for more information.

PRHSCHOOLYARD

Party at

Popi’s photos by Andrew Andreozzi

Thanks to everyone who came out to our Party at Popi’s Italian Restaurant. We enjoyed sampling Ketel One Vodka as RowHome Publisher Dawn Rhoades mixed drinks behind the bar! It was great dancing the night away with Bob Pantano of 98.1 WOGL and all of our friends. Thank you for supporting Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Magazine and Santino’s Dragon Drawings for Autism Awareness. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/PhiladelphiaRowhomeMagazine and Twitter @RowHomeMag to stay updated on our future PRH events. prh

Philly

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1601 Oregon Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.389.2222

BUSINESS NETWORK DIRECTORY

Shop Local / Support Local Automotive Services

Home Improvement

Music Lessons

Professional Automotive Service 2023 S. Percy St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 215.551.7559

1641 Ritner St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.334.4927

Washington Township, NJ

Accutune

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Construction P. Agnes

Construction managers and builders since 1918

2101 Penrose Avenue Philadelphia, PA 215.755.6900 contact@pagnes.com www.pagnes.com

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Collectibles

Victor Capo Coins & Cards We buy almost anything!

Established 1966

1610 E. Passyunk Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19148 215.468.4500 caposebay@aol.com facebook.com/caposcoins

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Entertainment Punch Line Philly

Comedy Club Restaurant and Bar 1004 Canal St. Philadelphia, PA 19123 www.punchlinephilly.com

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Fashion

Goldstein's Clothing Men’s and boys’ clothing

114 years (1902-2016) 2537 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19148 215.468.0564 Goldsteinsclothing.com

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Financial Services United Savings Bank

1510 Packer Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.467.4300 www.unitedsavingsbank.com

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Florists & Decorators The Petal Pusher

2515 S. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 215.463.5485

Specializing in weddings, funerals & corporate events

www.petalpusherflowers.net

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Graphic Design

ten2two creative solutions Ken Cahill 267.408.5501 ken.cahill@ten2twocs.com

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Gym / Fitness CrossFit PHL

1414 Darien St. Philadelphia, PA 19147 Contact Joe Renzi 215.778.3259 www.crossfitphl.com

Ritner Hardware

_____________________________ Painter / Rita Coccia Trombetta Builder One Inc, owner Sam Troilo 267.446.0693 builderoneinc@verizon.net or infinity4367@yahoo.com

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Home Services FBI Pest Control

We rid your pests so you can rest

info@fbipestcontrol.com Frank Fioravanti, route supervisor 2909 S Franklin St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 215.768.1804 www.fbipestcontrol.com

_____________________________ Filippone Electric & Contracting 856.952.8197 24-hour emergency service 215.783.3844

Free Estimates. We will beat any written estimate.

Licensed & Insured. 5-year warranty on all work.

AlFilipponeElectric@yahoo.com

_____________________________ Kim’s Home & Office Cleaning Service 267.207.7664

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Philip's Moving & Removal Services No job too big or small.

Licensed & Insured. Free Estimates.

215.500.3903 www.PhilipsMovingandRemoval.com

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Insurance Services

Troast-Singley Insurance Agency, LLC Kim Troast-Singley 2700 S. 18th St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.339.0333

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Jewelers

Olivieri Jewelers

2523 S. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 215.336.1130 www.dolivierijewelers.com

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Legal Services

Joe Cuglietta Guitar Lessons Specializing in blues, jazz, rock & roll Beginners to advance

609.504.8258

_____________________________

Neighborhood Associations Newbold CDC

Revitalizing Newbold socially, economically & physically

1437 West Passyunk Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19145 Tim Lidiak, President (president@newboldcdc.org) www.newboldcdc.org

_____________________________

Photography

Enchanted Unique Photography Teri Lombardi, Proprietor 267.296.0811 enchantedphoto43@gmail.com enchantedunique.com

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Professional Organizations

South Philadelphia Business Assn.

Oldest Business Association in South Philadelphia

Join today!

Russell Shoemaker Director of New Membership 267.597.7154 spba1897@gmail.com www.southphiladelphiaba.org

_____________________________

Real Estate

Leonardo Realty

2136 S. 16th St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.389.7944 Ciampittiventure@aol.com

_____________________________

Restaurants Francoluigi

1549 S. 13th St. Philadelphia, PA 19147 215.755.8900 www.francoluigis.com

_____________________________ L’Oceano Ristorante

833 Haddon Ave. Collingswood, NJ 08108 856.833.9888 www.loceanoristorante.com

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Perry deMarco, Jr. Esq.

The Little Lion

_____________________________

_____________________________

1500 Market St. Suite 4100 Philadelphia, PA 19102 215.563.6100 PerrydeMarcoJr@gmail.com

Medical

Dr. Denise D’Adamo DC

2432 S. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.468.2999 www.Drdenisetdadamo.com

_____________________________ Pennsport Physical Therapy 2101 S. Columbus Blvd.

Philadelphia, PA 19148 215.467.4431 www.pennsportpt.com

243 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 267.273.0688 Thelittlelionphilly.com

Revolution Taco

2015 Walnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19103 267.639.5681 www.therevolutiontaco.com

_____________________________ Stogie Joe's Tavern

1801 E. Passyunk Ave Philadelphia, PA 19148 215-463-3030 stogiejoestavern@hotmail.com www.stogiejoestavern.net

Security Services

AlliedBarton Security Services

The industry’s premier provider of highly trained security personnel. More than 60,000 employees and 120 offices across the country service a client base of several thousand. AlliedBarton is the most honored security officer services company, and responsive local teams are supported by national resources.

1760 Market Street, 14th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 1.866.825.5433 information@alliedbarton.com www.alliedbarton.com/philadelphia

_____________________________ SPI Security Services Inc.

2440 Federal St. Philadelphia, PA 19146 215.338.0800 www.spissecurityservices.com

_____________________________

Senior Services

Always Best Care Senior Services Specializing in In-Home Care and Assisted & Independent Living Placement

Joe Clayback 267.812.5744 jclayback@abc-seniors.com www.abcphillybristol.com

_____________________________ Senior Companionship & Home Helper Carmen DeSanto 610.908.4811

Meal preparation, grocery shopping, light housekeeping. 30+ years of experience.

References available.

_____________________________

Spa Services Bella Angel

158 N. 3rd St. Philadelphia, PA 19106 856.227.7774 www.bella-angel.com

_____________________________ Hot Hands Studio & Spa 2545 S. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 215.467.9666 www.hothandsphilly.com

_____________________________ Philly's Nail Spa

Wellness and Beauty Spa Refer three customers and get $20 off the service of your choice!

2502 S. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.271.9831

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Specialty Foods & Catering Amici’s Deli

Authentic Italian Deli & Catering 2355 S. Woodstock St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 267.930.3235

_____________________________ The Beer Peddlers

1942 S, Christopher Columbus Blvd.

Philadelphia, PA 19148 215.755.2337 www.facebook.com/beerpeddlers

_____________________________ Big Nick’s Cold Cuts & Italian Specialties 1311 W. Moyamensing Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19148

(Between 13th & Broad on Moyamensing)

215.952.2500

Cannuli’s Sausage

1640 Ritner St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.468.7997

_____________________________ Dad’s Stuffing

1615 W. Ritner St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.389.3237 www.dadstuffings.com

_____________________________ Dew’s Deli

1710 S. 10th St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 215.465.4890

_____________________________ Giovanni’s Italian Catering

Located in the heart of South Philadelphia

267.439.0779 giovanniitaliancatering@gmail.com www.giovannisitaliancatering.com

_____________________________ Mike's Hot Dog Cart 24th & Passyunk

_____________________________ Swan Caterers

Now serving at 2 locations 2015 S. Water St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 215.389.8888 1500-02-04 Shunk St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.389.2045 www.swanwaterfallcaterers.com

_____________________________

Tailoring / Custom Clothing Alana Ferr Atelier

Clothing/Accessories/Custom Clothing/Alterations

2231 S. 13th St. 215.336.6166 www.facebook.com/Alanaferr www.alanaferr.com

_____________________________

Travel Services

Travel with Pam Draper

Full Service Agent 856.956.3532 TravelWithPamDraper@gmail.com www.TravelWithPamDraper.com

Join the PRH Business Network!

Call Carol at 215.462.9777 or info@gohomephilly.com

P RHPRESSED

Dropped Call

W

D E S S E R P by Dorette Rota a Jackson

By Dorette Rot Jackson

ait till you hear this one.

That’s how my nephew Michael started the conversation around noon on July 8th – Dawn’s birthday.

(Michael) Virtual Dawn fell into the sewer.

(Me) Huh? (M) My mother dropped her phone in the sewer.

(Me) No way.

(M) Yeah way. I wanted to take her out for breakfast on her birthday. A simple cup of coffee and a spinach omelette at Caffee Chicco and all hell breaks loose.

You can’t even imagine my morning.

He’s pretty pumped up on the other end.

Michael isn’t one for phone calls. He’s a texter. When I saw his name light up on my caller ID, I knew it had to be important.

Or...it was a God-forbid-call. A few minutes into his meltdown, I’m relieved to know it’s not a gfc. What happened? I ask.

(M) We pick MeMe up and head to Chicco. I even get a parking spot right out front! Her cousin Dominic sends her a video of him playing Happy Birthday to her on his trumpet but she can’t get the volume up to hear it. So, she hands it to me while I’m driving! ‘How many things do you want me to do at the same time?

Drive, park the car, fix the volume on your phone? Wait till we get inside,’ I tell her.

He’s still pumped. I listen while he vents.

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(M) She opens the car door & stares at me with this look of horror on her face.

(M) I look down at the curb and see the metal grate. It’s ugly down there. I tell her, ‘It’s insured. Just go to the phone store and they’ll give you a replacement.’

I can feel the thick cloud of despair following them into the coffee shop for the celebratory breakfast omelette. That phone is like Samson’s hair to Dawn. Without it, she is powerless. Long line at the Phone store?

Hah! My poor nephew is about to be inducted into the “there’s no guilt like a mother’s guilt” club. And on her birthday! With his mother’s mother in tow? Triple that dose! The poor kid is really upset. He continues his rant.

(M) We’re sitting at the table and I feel like we just left Monti-Rago! My mother is outside in the heat staring at a filthy sewer. Meme says, ‘It’s your mother’s birthday. Maybe there’s a way to get the phone out of the sewer for her.’

Here I am, laying face down in the middle of Broad Street looking for her phone! A crowd of people are all around us. MeMe asks Greg the pharmacist if he has one of those claws to reach for things on the top shelves. He runs into his store and comes back with one. Now I’m moving things I should never be seeing to find the phone.

Nasty ass food, peoples’ trash! Don’t people know that sewers aren’t for trash! It’s for drainage!

He digresses.

(M) My mother says, ‘Will a crow bar help? We have one in the trunk. You can pull the metal

gohomephilly.com

grate off and have more room to look around.’

Great! Just what I want to do! Dig deeper in a filthy sewer! I pop the grate off and see some packaging - a box and wrap that somebody tossed into the sewer like it’s their recycling bucket.

MeMe dials my mom’s phone and I hear it ringing! A couple of dudes walking by all high say, ‘Listen to that! The sewer’s ringing!’ It was actually funny. All these people standing around. Everybody wanted to help. It was great.

All of a sudden, I see MeMe’s face light up in the sewer. My mom’s phone is resting right on top of a box! MeMe is holding my feet so I don’t fall in. Really? She weighs 100 pounds. And I’m not in the river, I’m on the pavement! I’m trying not to look around because it’s boiling hot outside and I’m going to freak out if I see a rat or something else. I don’t know what’s down there.

I grab it with Greg’s claw and they pull me up!

She’s got her phone back and I have to call my boss to tell him I’ll be late for work! I’m never late. I say, ‘Craig, I just crawled out of a sewer and can’t come in until I take a shower!’ Yeah.

That’s a normal excuse. Everybody uses it.

Thank God she has her phone back.

I had to call you and blow off steam.

Nobody else would believe me.

A simple happy birthday breakfast.

I get the text a few seconds later from Michael. Thank God he’s back to his old self, again.

Smh. GTFO. Lmfao. #ismelllikearodent. #yougottalovemymom. prh Happy birthday, Dawn!

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