PRH Summer Hot Spots 2019

Summer in the City

Hot Spots 2019 Chick’s

er Ice t a W s Pop’

South Philly Sports Training

The Beer Peddlers of Pat’s King

Steaks

Anthony’s Italian Coffee House

Gran Caffe L’Aquila

The Original Tony Luke’s JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2019 VOL 44_ISSUE 54_2019 GOHOMEPHILLY.COM $4.99 US

Tankie’s Tavern PHL Athletics

$5.99 CAN

Tattoo One Fiv e

A Taste For Tradition 700 Haddon Avenue Collingswood, NJ 08108 Call 856-854-2156 for reservations w ww . kitconcafe . com

Monday – Thursday: 4pm – 9:30pm

Friday: 4pm – 10:30pm

Saturday: 12pm – 10:00pm

Book your private parties | Home catering available

Certificate of Excellence 2014 Winner- Trip Advisor

Sunday: 12pm – 9pm Vo Sout ted “De he li 2013 rn Italia sh” Zaga n Far e, t Ra ting

Diner’s Choice Winner 2014- OpenTable.com Voted One of the Top 10 Restaurants in the Philadelphia Area Zagat 2013 Exclusive Caterer of Fralinger String Band, Contact: Catering@kitconcafe.com or 856-854-2156

Jewelers Since 1957

a

Promise to Remember Designs by:

Roman + Jules

www.romanandjules.com

Prima New York

www.primanewyork.com

All the top designer brands.

❦ Large selection of Engagement Rings & Wedding Bands

❦ Custom Designed & Crafted

❦ Certified Diamonds

❦ Full Line of Gifts for the Bridal Party

2523 S. Broad Street

215.336.1130 www

| OlivieriJewelers

.dolivierijewelers.com Facebeook | OlivieriJewelers

Twitter @OlivieriJeweler

VOLUME _44 ISSUE 54_ 2019 GOHOMEPHILLY.COM

INSIDETHIS ISSUE 16_ SALUTE TO SERVICE

And the winners are…

Meet our 2019 Blue Sapphire & WishRock Award winners!

Save the Date!

An Affair to Remember XIV & Awards Extravaganza 2019!

Wednesday / November 6 / Vie / 6 pm on the Red Carpet!

Call or Click to reserve your tickets early!

215.462.9777 or RowHomeCarol@gmail.com

62_ MENU

SPORTS

70_ MUSIC & ARTS

Frances Egler: Booking Broadway Theatre’s hottest shows head to the Kimmel Center

by Brenda Hillegas

62 MENU

76_ BUSINESS

Meet Michael DiGiacomo / Tattoo One Five Custom Tattooing & Art Gallery

by Dominique Verrecchio

42_ HOT SPOTS 2019

Celebrate some of RowHome’s favorite places to Unplug & add these top picks to your summer To-Do list!

82

Melmos Dog Treats Building a Better Biscuit

by Matt Kelchner

34_ HEALTH

It’s time for a new pair of sneakers!

Courtesy of Gerald Dufour Jr., MSPT Superior Physical Therapy

JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2019

82_ SPORTS

42

Play Gloria!

Philly Fans sing the “Blues”

by Anthony Panvini photos courtesy of Mike Montecalvo

76

Philly

BUSINESS

HOT SPOTS

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| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

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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

VOLUME _44 ISSUE 54_ 2019 GOHOMEPHILLY.COM

REGULARS 6_ FROM THE PUBLISHERS

Summer in the City!

Hot Spots 2019 Tattoo artist Michael DiGiacomo / Tattoo One Five / sets the scene for our 2019 Hot Spots issue with his custom design of Summer in the City. Read all about some of RowHome’s favorite places to Unplug & add these top picks to your summer To-Do list!

10_ NOIR

Kathleen Yucco & John McCullough, married June 14th 1969 at Stella Maris Catholic Church. Met as next door neighbors.

12_ HANGIN’ OUT

RowHome’s Stephen Pagano hangs out with Phillies Bryce Harper

14_ ON THE CORNER

Above Deck with Captain Gino 101 Tips for a Breezy Sailor Lifestyle

by Mark Casasanto

25_ LIFE

RowHome Remembers Senior Prom & Major Harris

by Tony Santini

37_ REAL ESTATE

Sophisticated Modern drama with minimal décor Courtesy of Fetterman Design Group

56_ TIPS FROM THE PROS

Before, During & After A step by step guide to home buying Courtesy of Joseph Mesi Tioga-Franklin Savings Bank

JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2019

14

ON THE CORNER

25 LIFE

64_ BRIDES GUIDE

Jose & Emily Doñes The perfect pair

by Joe Volpe / Cescaphe

72_ MUSIC & ARTS

Broadway Roulette will pick a show for you!

by Marialena Rago

96_ PRESSED

Lifers

by Dorette Rota Jackson

REAL ESTATE

37

ON THE COVER

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Summer in the City!

42

2019

Tattoo artist Michael DiGiacomo / Tattoo One Five / sets the scene for our 2019 Hot Spots issue with his custom design of Summer in the City. Read all about some of RowHome’s favorite places to Unplug & add these top picks to your summer To-Do list! Page 42

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| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

gohomephilly.com

2017.01.05 appzdepot - ROW HOME - 3.5x9.75 advert.pdf

VOLUME_44 ISSUE 54 JULY

1

| AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2019

GOHOMEPHILLY.COM PRESIDENT | PUBLISHER

Dorette Rota Jackson VICE PRESIDENT | PUBLISHER

Dawn Rhoades EDITOR

Dorette Rota Jackson VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING & PROMOTIONS

Dawn Rhoades MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Carol Vassallo MARKETING & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Brenda Hillegas CREATIVE DIRECTOR | PRODUCTION

Omar Rubio THE BRIDES GUIDE

Joseph Volpe GREEN SPACE

Kerri-Lee Mayland COPY COORDINATOR | THE MENU

C

M

Maria Merlino

Y

LOCAL BAND CONSULTANT

CM

Albert Fortino PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andrew Andreozzi Phil Kramer Maria Merlino

MY

CY

CMY

K

ACCOUNT MANAGER / PRH BUSINESS NETWORK

Michael Rhoades ACCOUNT MANAGER

Theresa Palestino NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Mike Rhoades DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Jade Rota CONTRIBUTORS Kelley Bregenzer John Nacchio Mark Casasanto Vincent R. Novello, Jr. David Cava Anthony Panvini Bryan Culver Santina Pescatore Joei DeCarlo Michael Rhoades Frank DePasquale Jr., Esq Marialena Rago Victoria DiPietro Jane Roser Liam Divon Leo Rossi Larry Gallone Anthony Santini Brett Jackson John Stabeno Matt Kelchner Geno Thackara Maria Merlino Dominique Verrecchio Ann Moschorak Robert “Woody” Woodard

PUBLISHED BY

Philadelphia RowHome Inc. P.O. Box 54786 Philadelphia, PA 19148 Phone – 215.462.9777 | Fax – 215.462.9770 www.gohomephilly.com | www.gohomephillyblog.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. 2019 Philadelphia RowHome Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the USA. Published by Philadelphia RowHome Inc.

July / August / September 2019

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 5

1/6/17

8

The Beach Brings us Closer to the Memories in our Hearts The sea is in our souls.

It keeps our memories alive.

And cradles our dreams.

Wherever you are right now, we hope it’s near a beach, a barbecue or a bench under a tree.

With family and friends and the people you love.

River to River.

One Neighborhood.

Dorette & Dawn

PRH Business Spotlight

ON THE COVER

SUMMER IN THE CITY! Hot Spots 2019

Unplugged [ no obj. ] informal relax by disengaging from normal activities

Tattoo artist Michael DiGiacomo / Tattoo One Five / sets the scene for our 2019 Hot Spots issue with his custom design of Summer in the City.

Read all about some of RowHome’s favorite places to Unplug & add these top picks to your summer To-Do list!

Philly

A special thanks to our Cover Hot Spot Members!

Chick’s Pop’s Water Ice PHL Athletics The Beer Peddlers Pat’s King of Steaks Anthony’s Italian Coffee House Gran Caffe L’Aquila The Original Tony Luke’s Tankie’s Tavern South Philly Sports Training (SPST) Tattoo One Five For a complete list of RowHome’s Hot Spots 2019, turn to page 42!

Buy Local! Be Happy

THEMAILBOX JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER

EMAIL YOUR LETTERS TO: INFO@GOHOMEPHILLY.COM

HI DAWN & DORETTE:

I know that you are aware of Bob Shannon’s passing. I just wanted both of you to know that every time I saw him, he always mentioned how much it meant to him to receive that award from you guys [2018 Blue Sapphire Award / Service to Community].

I wanted you to know how important that was to him.

Mary Ellen Corazo

DEAR DORETTE, DAWN & JOHN [NACCHIO]:

I am simply overwhelmed at the two-page article in PRH! The pictures you chose of my art as well as the article describing my life experiences just filled my heart with joy. I cannot wait until my mom actually gets to read the print copy as I know she will be thrilled as well as very proud. As you know, I’ve lived in a few places in the wonderful United States, but honestly there is no place like home. Your magazine’s attention to the Philadelphia locals and how their contributions enhance this rich and diverse city is laudable. I am so very proud to be a part of PRH’s spring edition [The layers of her life paint a beautiful portrait].

Alexis Bonavitacola

DEAR PRH:

Reading this magazine, published and written by my grade school friend! Dawn, thanks for keeping me in the loop and needless to say, I’m so proud of your accomplishments!

God bless you, your family and your staff.

Deborah Ann Dolce

DORETTE & DAWN:

Every story is great. Real people - real life stories, a ton of info and great pictures!

Patty Cally Phelan

DORETTE & DAWN:

Thank you very much for the article in your 15th anniversary edition. It was greatly appreciated.

Especially to Joei DiCarlo - a job well-done!

Carmen D’Aquilante / Swan Caterers

Please fill out the

SUBSCRIPTION CARD located here and drop it in the MAIL today! Your next issue of PRH will be delivered right to your doorstep! Or subscribe online at gohomephilly.com!

8

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

gohomephilly.com

photo by Thomas DiGilio

1950. Dolores Bove & Joseph Baccare.

St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Parish.

1950s. Joan Yo ung with twin brother Johnny.

araffa, nthony C n Gallo, A h Jo . ieffo. h 0 8 C 19 Ernie micone & Michael A

1950s. Joan Young is a flower girl.

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1965. 1831 Schley Stre et. Carolin with sister e Angerom Mary Seba e stiano hold ing Micha Gillen, wit el h Linda Se bastiano.

May 1969. Joseph Grimes & Linda Hilbert at her Junior Prom.

y NJ. tic Cit Atlan in io g Fro & Gre Froio e t t e , Ann Froio Linda , io o Fr Don

JoAnn DiLeo and John Vacca at St. Maria Goretti’s senior prom.

1950

s. N

en Kathle hbors ig e fr n , h om oor ulloug Next d 14, n McC h June o n J o & arried Yucco . m h , c n r o u Oreg ris Ch 10th & lla Ma at Ste 1969,

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July 4th, 1945. Lou Pinto Sr.

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1962. Den 1940s. John Retallick & his sister Florence.

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VOLUME _44 ISSUE 54_ 2019 GOHOMEPHILLY.COM

JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2019

1

HANGIN’OUT

1.

angin’ Out at Vesper Day Club H with Dean D’angelo, Michael Rhoades, Sonny Conto, Devin Nottis & Anthony Dispensa.

15. S outh Philly goes to New Hope with Mia Post, Jimmy Post, Nicole, Victoria, Tommy DiNapoli, Mia Abbruzzi & Marci Renaldi.

2.

angin Out with Retro 5 at H Tollman Joe’s. L to R: Jim Santangelo, Andrea Mascaro, Donna Desanto Bullock, Alexa Santangelo, Linda Santangelo, Sharon Elliott Laganella, Linda Pellegrino, Erica Santangelo, Roe Belardo.

16. H angin’ Out with Anna Pittman on her birthday - BFFs Cookie, Dorette & Dawn.

3.

ominic Scalfaro picks the D perfect spot to propose to Kasia Syvarth. Congratulations!

4.

liade & Tara Herrera celebrate E their beautiful winter wedding.

5.

owHome writer David R Cava bumps into RowHome reader Denise DeMarco at the Kentucky Derby!

6.

anny DiNapoli with his parents D & the Mayor of New Hope cut the ribbon at the grand opening of his new deli and restaurant in New Hope.

7.

8.

2

9.

angin’ Out at Henri’s in Sea H Isle with the 4 Ds for Girls Weekend 2019. Dorette, Dawn, Donna & Dawn. en Ferrara & John Ferrara of B The Founding Hearts Foundation recently honored Fr. Joseph Kelley, Pastor of St. Monica, with their 2nd annual Golden Heart Award at a dinner at Galdo’s.

PRH Publishers Dorette & Dawn with Fr. Kelley, Linda Baldi, Frank DePasquale, Vincent Novello, Tom Pitucci & Art Novello. angin’ Out at the Famous H Deli on Primary Day with Steve Lauer, Judicial Candidate James Crumlish, retired State Rep. Bill Keller, John Dougherty & Ken Adams. Photo by Maria Merlino

10. D orette & Dawn are hangin’ out with Cheri Oteri of Turkey’s Done.

11. A ntonio & Janaye Cima, 1-11-19. Photo by Mark Louis Photography 12. D enise LaRosa & Co. hang out at Megan Henry’s bridal shower at the Merion Country Club.

13. P opPop Sal Rota (SLR Construction) & GiaCapri in a staring showdown for the last juicebox.

3 12

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| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

14. F ormer Heavyweight contender Randall “Tex” Cobb prepares to duke it out with Tony “Moke” Cuffari at the Italian Market Festival.

17. D iNapoli’s grand opening in New Hope with Linda Rocco, Mer Abbruzzi, Lucas Post, Denise Capone, Gina Lamonica, Patty Bardone & Rita Merlino.

18. F irst District Councilman Mark Squilla with wife Bridgid and supporter Harry Spear celebrate a win at the Waterfall Room.

Photo by Maria Merlino 19. J ennifer Tini hangs out with “Jon Snow” (actor Kit Harington / Game of Thrones).

20. K risten Costello is hangin’ out with friends at her Block Party celebrating graduation from Kutztown University.

21. H appy Anniversary to Sam & Edith Grace and Steve & Louise Morreale celebrating 65 years of marriage.

22. R owHome Dawn hangs out with the gang at Noir - Nancy Hinkie, Lisa DiFlorio Davis, Danielle DiNapoli, Marialena Abbruzzi, JoAnn Fiore, Danielle DiNapoli & Lisa Desiderio.

23. D orette is hangin’ out at The Thirsty Soul with Alexa Zepp on her 21st birthday!

24. J erry Blavat tells Jarrod Markman & Dawn Kramlich of DaVinci Art Alliance, ‘The Geator is now a member!’ while taking a selfie at the opening reception of DVAA’s “South Philly: Pretty and Gritty” exhibition, 704 Catharine St. 25. R owHome writer Stephen Pagano hangs out with Phillies Bryce Harper.

26. R owHome girls – Brenda, Dawn, Kait & Dorette - hang out at the Cambria for the Turkey’s Done premiere after party.

27. C hildhood besties and next door neighbors from 19th Street, PRH’s Mark Casasanto & John Battista, reconnect at Golden Gate State Park overlooking the San Francisco Bay. 28. D enise LaRosa & Co. are hangin’ out at Jacqueline Spadea’s baby shower at IATSE. 29. L isa & Ed Costello with daughter Kristen Costello at Kutztown graduation ceremony. gohomephilly.com

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| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 13

PRHON THE CORNER

ABOVE DECK WITH CAPTAIN GINO 101 Tips for a Breezy Sailor Lifestyle

ON THE CORNER with MARK CASASANTO

I

guess I’ve always been somewhat of a dreamer with the heart of an adventurer. Don’t misunderstand me, though. I am by no means a thrill seeker. While I do sometimes gravitate to the road less traveled, I truly prefer the slower-paced backroads of life in search of the old, odd and unique.

Lately, I’ve embraced the notion that there has to be more to life than demanding clients, employees with more family emergencies than they have family and 60+ hour work weeks.

Coincidentally, I’ve recently cozied up to a Bravo series called, Below Deck. (Yes, I’ve binge watched. It happens. Let’s move on.) The reality series follows a captain and the relatively small crew of a super yacht during a season’s worth of high-end charters. The very reason I started watching the show was that the parallels between the yachting industry and that of what I do routinely on dry land are strikingly similar. Namely, managing, errr... babysitting... clients and employees from all walks of life.

Daily... hourly... seemingly every minute of the waking and non-waking day.

Needless to say, while engrossed in the episodes and the drama within, my mind dropped anchor somewhere in a quaint, quiet port of call with no honking horns, triggering texts, egotistical emails or baffling bullshit. Craving insight, I called my friend, Captain Gino (Garofalo) and soon we were on the deck of his boat sharing tales of the sea and a kinder, gentler lifestyle.

Although this mid-June day found Atlantic City engulfed in heavy fog with low visibility and wet weather on

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| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

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the horizon, it didn’t matter. As we sat and talked topside, you’d be hard-pressed to tell there weren’t blue skies, calm seas and gentle breezes. Such is the life of a sailor.

For Captain Gino, it all started back in 2009. Facing his own wave of uncertainty, the affable restauranteur (Atlantic City Bar & Grill) needed emergency heart surgery for a mitral valve repair. “Cracked open at the age of 44” left him time to think, reflect and recover. It then became crystal clear. He wanted much more out of life.

In part, that more was delivered in 2011 in the form of a 30-foot Catalina named The Valerie (after his daughter).

This was indeed the beginning of living more of the easy, breezy lifestyle he so desired. He’s since sailed the world over, both at the helm of his sailboat, down through the Chesapeake and up into New York Harbor, and behind the controls of other vessels in some of the more exotic locations specific to Caribbean and Mediterranean ports of call.

“Sundays are family days,” he says with pride. “My son and daughter enjoy every aspect of being out on the water.” As for his wife? Well, let’s just say she’s a little bit more hesitant. “Maybe it’s the South Philly girl in her!” he says with a conniving smile. And yes, the vessel sleeps six so “overnighting” is indeed part of the lifestyle.

So intrigued by this way of life, Captain Gino put pen to paper and authored his first book - 101 Tips For A Breezy Sailor Lifestyle. “I had a lot to say and there were great tips from other captains I felt needed to be heard.” The quick read is perfect for a beach bag, briefcase or desk drawer. Easy reference spots for the aspiring sailor. The eclectic collection covers everything from simple on-board recipes to valuable personal advice and hints on how to survive close quarters out at sea or in port with varied personalities and states of mind.

With another book planned for late summer, his eye on a 40-foot catamaran and future excursions in the making, the Captain will tell you, “Sailing is timeless.” Don’t set your watch for a return to port. It’s as simple as this: “Put aside the shit that bogs you down. Shelve it and go live life. It’ll still be on the shelf when you return.”

Visit CaptainGino.com for more on the breezy lifestyle! onthecornermark@verizon.net

July / August / September 2019

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 15

As part of its annual “Salute to Service” Program, Philadelphia RowHome Magazine (PRH) will present its 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.”

Philadelphia RowHome Magazine announces its 2019 winners

2019 Blue Sapphire Award Recipients All great accomplishments begin with a dream

CARL ARRIGALE Neumann Goretti Basketball Coach Edward J. McBride Service to Community Award / Sports

JANE GOLDEN

Founder, ED of the Mural Arts Program Edward J. McBride Service to Community Award / The Arts

RUSSELL THOMPKINS, JR.

16

The Stylistics Lifetime Music Achievement Award

KENNY BONAVITACOLA Fashion Designer Fashion Award

TOM PICCONE A&P Kitchens Local Business Success Story Award

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

KITTEN HAYWARD

Boxer Harry Kalas Memorial Sports Award

VITTORIA WOODILL

CBS 3 Media Award gohomephilly.com

Philadelphia RowHome Magazine announces its 2019 winners

2019 WishRock Award Winners Anything is possible if you believe in yourself

BIANCA NATALONI

CARMINE YUSKO

Rowan College at Burlington College

String Theory School

SCARLET CIMILLO GAMP

VICTORIA ROSE CONROY Merion Mercy Academy

Join us for the biggest Night of the Year!

An Affair to Remember XIV & 2019 Blue Sapphire Awards sponsored by Cescaphe

Vie

| 600 N. Broad Street | Philadelphia, PA 19123 | November 6th, 2019 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.

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

July / August / September 2019

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 17

ODE TO MANHATTAN

In Memory of

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

by Dorette Rota Jackson

I wrote the following account in September 2001 as I watched the horrific news coverage of the rescue and recovery efforts in Manhattan.

I dedicate it to all the heroes who keep us safe from harm. Never forget.

The thick dust of death that looms over the hole in Manhattan has made its was across the New York border. You can smell it in the air. You can taste it in the salty tears that so many have shed for the senseless suffering that has been forced upon thousands of our innocent neighbors, families and friends. Every passing day brings us closer to the grief-stricken mourners who carry photographs of their loved ones through the war-torn streets of America’s city. Every television screen, every radio station, lures us to listen, to cry, to hope. We applaud the efforts of police and firemen as they delicately dig through piles of metal and rock in search of souls – living or dead – that will signal closure for someone who waits. For all of us who wait.

Suddenly, the American flag has new meaning.

No longer does it represent the face of a President most of us will never meet.

Or a history of forefathers we have never known.

It represents our unity as a free people.

Free to go to work and school.

Or to McDonald’s with our children.

Without fear of missiles or bombs, or hijacked planes flying over our heads.

Free to worship our God. Or no God. To choose to buy cellphones and roller skates and bread.

To sleep safely in our beds Because someone else in our country is awake.

Guarding us from danger.

Free to search our souls Or the ruins of Manhattan and Washington And a cornfield in Pittsburgh.

Knowing.

Hoping that there is life Beyond the death and destruction.

That there is life Because we search Through the dust that chokes us.

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| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

We reach higher.

Because there is a Red Cross. A Blue Cross. An America.

On Calvary. On our shoulders. In our hearts.

Raise our flags above our doorways and our consciousness.

Above our vending carts and playgrounds.

Above the pile of rubble that used to be Manhattan.

And remember.

That in the end, it is not the computer, the radar, and sonar, the satellites and nuclear power.

But men with buckets Shoulder to shoulder Bleeding and worn Digging, searching, In the rain, In the ruins, For life.

For America.

For our children and their children.

Because there is a God. He’s the man with the bucket. gohomephilly.com

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1517 Packer Ave, Philadelphia (Across from Chickie’s & Pete’s) 215.462.2424

PRHSALUTE TO SERVICE

WILLIAM

YEATS

by Maria Merlino

His choir gives the Performance of a Lifetime 20

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

Influencer. It’s a word that has been commandeered by the social media darlings, beauty bloggers and celebrities alike. But long before the dawn of the electronic media frenzy, genuine people influenced our young minds.

O

pera singer John Tenaglia was a teenager when he met his first influencer. “There was a butcher shop on 9th Street. The owner was Frank Munafo. He was an opera singer. I was about 14 and my father and mother were going to see Madame Butterfly at the old Forum. They dragged me and my brother with them. I sat in the audience and for the first time in my life, I knew what I wanted to be. I heard Frank sing and knew that this is

what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It seemed like he was singing directly to me.”

A year later, Tenaglia joined the choir at Thomas Junior High School. “That is where I met William “Bill” Yeats. He was the choir director at Southern and he came to Thomas to recruit. I sang a couple of scales and told him I was going to Southern for high school. He asked

if I sang and I told him only in the choir, but I listened to opera all the time. He gave me a strange look!”

The following September, Mr. Yeats told Tenaglia he could be in the choir. That same day, Tenaglia heard Mr. Yeats singing a piece from La Boheme. “I sneaked into the room and sat quietly. As I listened, the tears streamed down my face. It was absolutely gorgeous. The chair I was

gohomephilly.com

Mr. & Mrs. WIlliam & Janet Yeats

PHOTOS courtesy of John Tenaglia, Donna Ryan, Donato Valentino Mr. Yeats, John Tenaglia, Hugh Kronrot

sitting on squeaked. He turned and looked and asked what I was doing there. I said, ‘What are you doing singing opera? You’re not Italian!’”

The two became friends. Mr. Yeats recognized Tenaglia’s talent and gave him and his brother Frank voice lessons after school for three years, no charge. Of course, the lessons came with fine print - Tenaglia had to take music seriously and make it a profession. Tenaglia also had to promise to give back when he was older. And he has. “Under my tutelage, I have several students, including up and coming opera star Justin Hopkins who will be going to Belgium for six months to sing,” Tenaglia says.

As the years went by and Tenaglia’s career progressed, he often turned to Mr. Yeats for advice and guidance. “He was instrumental to vocal music. Anyone with musical talent, he would push.

He is a wonderful, giving person with a tenor voice - the best that I’ve heard since Frank Munafo.”

Death has a way of nudging us toward self-

reflection. In 1994, Tenaglia lost the wind in his sails following the deaths of so many family members. He said he started questioning his career, his future, his goals. “Do I want to be away from home so much?” he asked himself. When his father died, he hit a crossroad. “My father was my best friend. I was contracted to sing until 2000. I lost the thrust in my career because I didn’t want to be away from home anymore.”

Ironically, Mr. Yeats had suffered the loss of one of his loved ones, as well. “He had a bigtime recording contract,” Tenaglia explained.

“It would be a stepping stone to a major career with Marlena Malas of The Juilliard School to perform a definitive recording of Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes. A week before it was to happen, his father passed away. It changed him.

There is a line drawn between family and career.

If I never had a music career or never sang another note, it’s more important to have family.”

This past May, Tenaglia decided it was time to

honor his promise to give back, once again. This time, Mr. Yeats would be the deserving recipient.

He wanted to surprise his music mentor - who remained choir director at Southern from 1958 to 1994 - with a choir concert to show him how much he meant to him and thousands of young students he taught for almost 40 years of his life. “I had to tell him about the show,” Tenaglia said. “I wanted him to be prepared for the performance.”

The planning was intense but the reaction to Mr. Yeats’ opus was overwhelming, Tenaglia says.

“We got Giovanna Cavaliere, whose brother Alphonse was a violinist, to perform with us. She was in his first choir class. We had 37 years of people who were influenced by Bill Yeats. We have sports heroes who give back, but here is someone who gave back every day, five days a week for decades.”

The gift of music that William Yeats shared with generations of students is a resounding memory in a neighborhood that will never forget. PRH

July / August / September 2019

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PRHON THE WATERFRONT

by EVAN DAVIS VP & General Counsel of SugarHouse Casino

SUGARHOUSE Sportsbook

Continues to Grow

Since launching this past December, the SugarHouse Casino Sportsbook continues to be a big success! From the beginning of construction for the new permanent space to the Pennsylvania launch of PlaySugarHouse.com, the Keystone state’s first online and mobile sportsbook, the casino continues to offer – and expand – a top-of-the-line betting experience.

As for sports, were you among those who believed that Kawhi and company could overtake the Warriors dynasty? If you put your money behind it, you could have made a few dollars at the SugarHouse Sportsbook. For the first time in Pennsylvania, people could wager legally on the NBA finals, betting on everything from which team would win the series to who would be named MVP, which went to Kawhi Leonard.

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| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

photo by Justus Henry Photography

Baseball is where the action is now, with wagering available on everything from player prop bets to World Series futures. Think that Bryce will hit a home run tonight? You can bet on it! Or that the Phillies will win it all this fall? You can bet on that too!

Even if baseball’s not your thing, we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s the NFL season, UFC fights, or even Icelandic soccer (seriously!), you can find something to bet on at SugarHouse.

Since opening, the buzz has been incredible. From watching the games on our 14’ x 7’ LED screen to ordering food and drinks right to your seat, people have loved coming to SugarHouse to cheer on their teams. And with an even bigger, better sportsbook coming later this fall, and online betting, the fun is only just beginning!​ PRH

gohomephilly.com

PRHLIFE this

Turkey’s not Done yet!

Local film is raking in the awards

FINE EYEWEAR NOW IN SOUTH PHILLY Eyeglasses, eye exams and a very friendly staff, conveniently located on Passyunk Avenue.

1815 E. Passyunk Avenue (215) 575-5188 Innervisioneyewear.com

Back in the Spring 2016 issue, we introduced you to Turkey’s Done, a short film created here in South Philly. The neighborhood’s own Jennifer Tini, Krystal Tini and Monique Impagliazzo created characters that are true to the people and personalities of their beloved hometown.

Turkey’s Done is a comedy that revolves around Peaches Bracco (played by Saturday Night Live’s and Upper Darby native Cheri Oteri). Peaches is a South Philly housewife who is impatiently waiting for her cheating husband to come home for a Thanksgiving he’ll never forget! With love and support from her neighbors, Peaches works up the courage to finally walk away from the man who crossed her one too many times!

Since our coverage and the launch of the film’s Indiegogo campaign, we are proud to announce just how much this film has been loved and supported!

In April, Turkey’s Done was selected to appear in the Women’s Film Festival here in Philadelphia, winning Best Comedy. In May, the film entered Philadelphia’s Independent Film Festival and won Best First Time Director. Now, Turkey’s Done is an official selection at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. The festival is a qualifying festival for the Oscars and the BAFTA awards! It will take place August 6th-11th.

As these three women say, they’ve traveled the world and there’s nowhere quite like our South Philly.

Follow the film at www.facebook.com/turkeysdone

July / August / September 2019

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 23

Wine Know

by VINCENT R. NOVELLO JR.

Summertime Wines PRH Life

People ask me if wines with less alcohol

are as enjoyable as the hardier, higher alcohol content wines. The alcohol level for wines on average are 13.5% to 14.5 %. But there are great wines that have 12% alcohol and under, which are full of flavor and complexity.

Some people ask if they could enjoy them and still have their wits about them when two or three glassed are consumed. Whether the wine is under 12% alcohol or over, we all have to know when we have had our fair share. Wine is always

best served with food but I tell my family and friends that in between glasses of wine, you should have a small glass of water with a twist of lemon. It not only hydrates you but it rejuvenates your taste buds and enhances your next glass of wine even more.

Below are wines I selected that have 12% alcohol or under to be enjoyed at those summer gatherings when the temperatures are hot and the humidity is high. Great at BBQs or just relaxing outdoors – even better served with refreshing fruits.

Wine Recommendations ❚❙❘ WHITE WINES

❚❙❘ RED WINES

L.A. CETTO Chenin Blanc $12

VALLATA VALPOLICELLA Ripassa $12

CHATEAU HAUT Sauvignon Bordeaux $10

EL ESTECO DON DAVID Malbec $10

ASHBOURNE Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay $12

BODEGAS Berceo Rioja $14

PRINCIPESSA Gavia $14

MASCIARELLI MONTEPULCIANO $10

❚❙❘ ROSÉ WINES

❚❙❘ PROSECCO

JOLIESSE Rosé $12

RUFFINO Prosecco $13

ZACCAGNINI CERASUOLO D’ABRUZZO $15

MOLETTO Prosecco $12

CAVIT ROSCATO Rosé $11

MIONETTO Prosecco $17

…and remember “Never save your good wine for tomorrow!”

For more information contact Vincent Novello Vinoinfo824@aol.com

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

Row Home Remembers PRH Life

Senior& Prom

Major Harris

A

by Tony Santini

rite of passage. A memorable event. Or just another night. Senior Prom can have emotional strings attached to it for a variety of reasons. As a high school senior, you already have the run of the school. You sit with other seniors during lunch period and flash back to how young and naïve you were when you first entered that cafeteria four years earlier as a freshman.

For me, it was Bishop Neumann, Class of ’75. “Go

Pirates!” Our prom was in May. By that time in the school year, most of us had our immediate future locked in place. College acceptances were sent or post-high school jobs were lined up. We also had a few classmates who chose to enter the military or the ministry. All we had to do was not screw up the rest of the month so we could graduate in June. I was 17 at the time. Single with no kids, mortgage or full-time job and two healthy parents who were still working. The only worry I had was how to get down the shore for Senior Week. Life was easy.

As the prom and graduation get closer, you realize this might be the last couple of times you see some of the guys you’ve been friends with for the last four years. The

memories of all those intramural games, pep rallies and varsity sports will be fading as you know your lives will take different paths. I consider myself lucky. At our prom, I sat at a table with my best friend and three other classmates who are still my friends 45 years later.

We were in the middle of the Disco era back in 1975 and our prom entertainment reflected it.

Through the efforts of the Prom Committee, headed by our dear friend (and sadly missed classmate) Senior Class President Joe Sarnese, our dinner entertainment was a hypnotist who made some of our classmates do ridiculous things.

The Sons of Robin Stone was our post-dinner dance band and they sang their hit record, “Got to Get

You Back.” Our headliner was a solo singer by the name of Major Harris who was booked by a very young local disc jockey, Bob Pantano.

When Major Harris broke into his hit record, “Love Won’t Let Me Wait,” my prom date let me wait as she chose to go to the ladies room moments before he started singing. No regrets though. We had been dating prior to the prom but she broke it off to go back with her old boyfriend. She was gracious enough to still go to the prom with me. That following summer, I met my wife, to whom I have been happily married for 38 years.

Things have a way of working out.

I’ve never been to any other Senior Prom.

I have been that annoying parent and uncle who cracks jokes and takes too many pictures of the prom couples as they wait in the house for their limos to arrive. For this, I apologize to my kids, nieces and nephews.

I never did make Senior Week but that’s a story for another day. PRH

July / August / September 2019

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PRHLIFE

The Row Home P

PHILADELPHIA’S GIFT TO THE NATION Do You Know Your Row Home?

PRH Life

by Jane Roser hiladelphia rowhouses are the most abundant type of housing in the city. They are so characteristic and instantly identifiable to their landscape that Brian Phillips and his team at Interface Studio Architects created an entire exhibit last month at Cherry Street Pier entitled Rowhome Workshops, showcasing “the unique identities of four row house blocks located in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia.”

The historical origins of the row home begin with William Penn’s great disdain for London’s claustrophobic streets. Penn grew up in England and would have seen how the Great Plague and the Great Fire of 1666 ravished the city, so he planned Philadelphia to be laid out on a grid, with areas of untouched land in between.

Penn called this plan a “Green Countrie Towne,” but as the city’s population ballooned from 500 residents to more than 20,000 from 1681-1701, the need for new housing grew with it. Larger blocks were eventually subdivided into smaller lots and affordable row homes, built in the Georgian architectural style with fire-resistant

26

brick, were constructed in these narrow spaces. They fit every type of budget, aesthetic and utilitarian need.

The oldest examples of these are still located on Elfreth’s Alley (circa 17281836) and in Queen Village, including the circa 1763 Nathaniel Irish House at 704 South Front Street, and the circa 1748 George Mifflin House on the 100 block of Pemberton Street.

One of the earliest blocks of row houses that were built at the same time and in an identical style is Carstairs Row, today a part of Jeweler’s Row. Completed in 1803 by developer William Sansom and architect Thomas Carstairs, a series of 22 uniform houses were built on

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

land previously owned by Robert Morris, one of only two Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.

In 1798, Morris fell into financial ruin and wound up in debtors’ prison. His land, including an unfinished mansion designed by famed architect L’Enfant, were seized and sold to Sansom at a sheriff’s auction.

Today, several of the houses remain unchanged or nearly unchanged since they were originally built, although sadly their fate hangs by a thread as many of these houses are currently scheduled for demolition to make way for a high-rise condo tower.

If you hop over to West Philadelphia, you’ll notice several row houses that look like they’re deliberately split in half. Two homes with a shared wall will have a line down the middle of the exterior facade.

These may include different color schemes, variations in building materials or architectural features.

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Trinity houses

(The name comes from the Holy Trinity - inspired by the house’s three levels and by the city’s prolific Catholic history) were mainly used by the city’s working-class and often built along narrow, inner alleys behind larger properties. These are typically less than 1,000 square feet with one entry door and one room on each floor, joined by a winding staircase. Most have no interior doors due to how the rooms are separated. The Bandbox style is a more modest version of a Trinity house, usually no more than 16 feet wide.

The London house

plan was built in massive numbers in London after the Great

Fire and was most likely the model Penn used. Most of these Philadelphia examples date to the 19th century and are similar to the Bandbox with three stories, but are two rooms deep.

The City house

plan is a larger version of the London style home. These are typically three to four stories, with a narrow wing in the back with stairs, a piazza and smaller rooms.

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There is no one who knows and cares about Packer Park more than BC. Keller Williams - BC direct 215.551.5100

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 27

 PRHLIFE

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| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

gohomephilly.com

Philadelphia’s LARGEST BLOCK PARTY!

photos by

ANDREW ANDREOZZI

More than 70,000 people packed the streets of America’s oldest outdoor market for the annual 9th Street Italian Market Festival. Live entertainment, arts and crafts, Half Ball Tournament, Grease Pole Contest, the traditional Procession of Saints and food, food, food! Visit this local Hot Spot this summer! To keep up with upcoming events or see what’s in store at one of many specialty shops & restaurants, visit ItalianMarketPhilly.org!

PRH Life

July / August / September 2019

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PRHLIFE

HISTORIC CHURCHES on a Mission to Keep their Doors Open Italian Market Businesses Launch “Give Back Wednesdays”

A

by Rachel Porter

neighborhood church represents more than a religious destination. It stands as a sanctuary to all who enter its doors. St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Church welcomed many worshipers since 1852 when Bishop John Neumann established the first national Italian parish in the United States as a means to fulfill the spiritual needs of Philadelphia’s Italian immigrant community within the largely populated Irish archdiocese.

During the 1800s and 1900s, a mass of Italian immigrants settled in Philadelphia and the city created numerous national parishes. By the year 1930, the Italian American population grew to 150,000, with the highest concentration in South Philadelphia. Many of the parishes were located in South Philadelphia including Our Lady of Good Counsel at 816 Christian Street, St. Nicholas of Tolentine at 9th and Watkins Streets and King of Peace at 26th and Wharton Streets, while St. Mary’s remained the historic anchor of the area.

Despite the beauty and tradition St. Mary’s represents, it closed as

30

a parish in 2000 and merged with St. Paul Church at 923 Christian Street. St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Church became a worship site offering mass on Sundays at 10 am and for funeral services. As older parishioners died and fewer people supported the Church, St. Mary’s struggled to keep a full house and financial concerns escalated.

In July 2013, Father John Large, a priest for 44 years, moved to St. Paul Parish and was informed of the financial situation for the entire Parish. Despite the numerous events and activities St. Paul’s hosts for parishioners and tourists who visit the Italian Market landmark,

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

the financial struggles continue. In addition, both Churches require repairs or face an uncertain future.

Although finances are a major concern, Fr. Large says that money isn’t the main matter. He wants to create an environment that welcomes people from all walks of life.

“I want to make them see that they are all welcome whether it’s the first time or 100th time they’re coming in. I want people to feel that this is a place at ease,” Fr. Large says.

With both churches needing assistance, Fr. Large spearheaded the parish Capital Campaign coinciding with its 175th Anniversary.

The Churches set out on a mission to raise a half-million dollars to repair and maintain both historic sites. As of January of this year, they are about $150,000-$200,000 short.

Father Large contacted the South 9th Street Business Association, a nonprofit organization committed to unifying and fueling the surrounding businesses, to ask for their help.

gohomephilly.com

Dr. Adam Ellis family medicine

Why did you become a family doctor?

I have many physicians in my family so you could say it was already in my blood as a child. When I was in elementary school, I couldn’t think of anything more valuable or interesting to me than a career in medicine.

I liked getting to the root of a problem so I trained in both psychiatry and general surgery as a resident. I was given extra training in family medicine since I wanted to go into practice for myself.

What is your personal care standard for your patients?

One of the businesses he spoke with was Anthony’s Italian Coffee House, owned and operated by Anthony Anastasio. Anastasio was more than willing to help and noted how both churches have been major participants in the Italian Market Festival for the last 20 years. The annual Procession of Saints, where nearly 20 statues of saints are paraded through the streets of the Italian Market, is one of the highlights of the weekend event.

“There’s always been a relationship between our businesses and our parish plus there’s always been an understanding that this is a tradition that is vitally important to our community and now they need our help,” Anastasio says.

In March of this year, Father Large met with Anastasio, David Brown from Talluto’s Authentic Italian Food and Carolyne Savini, a parish volunteer, who proposed an idea to bring businesses together. Anastasio and Brown came up with ‘Give Back Wednesdays,’ where participating businesses donate a portion of their sales for the day to help support the parish’s financial needs.

On May 1st, 2019, they launched the first ‘Give Back Wednesday’ in hopes this will be the change needed. The Association is proposing additional ideas and various campaigns to raise money for repairs and other expenses by 2021.

“The church serves our community in many ways.

It goes back to our history. Our ancestors built both churches. They came here to create something better and I think it’s an awesome responsibility to maintain it, grow it and pass it on to the next generation,” Anastasio says.

Donations are greatly appreciated and can be given at www.stpaulparish.weshareonline.org ​PRH

Care with me is always personal with only me as the doctor. There are no other people between me and the patient. No students or physician assistants are in my office, so my patients get true continuity of care.

This has been my standard for over 20 years. I offer house calls, visiting my patients right in the comfort and privacy of their own home. This is something only a private practitioner can offer their patients. I am happy to do it since I really enjoy getting to know the patients and their families. South Philly is very family-oriented; it’s just a special place and has wonderful families I have had the chance to care for.

Any special areas of expertise?

I have a special interest in treating knee and shoulder pain. By using joint injections, I have helped patients decrease their joint pain and maintain their usual lifestyle until surgery is required.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and attended both the University of Pennsylvania and LaSalle University before going on to medical school.

Hobbies?

During undergraduate summers, I sold art, as it was one of my interests as well as playing golf. Like most Philadelphians, I also enjoyed Ventnor growing up.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

My hope is to spend the rest of my career practicing in South Philly as my patients have really added color and richness to my life. It’s been 20 years and continues to be a rewarding ride.

I have admitting privileges and am on staff at both Jefferson and Methodist Hospitals. And I continue to make house calls. My staff and I welcome new patients to our office. Please give us a call if you would like to schedule an appointment: 215.334.2550.

For an appointment, call:

Adam Ellis, D.O.

Board certified family medicine.

1641 Jackson Street, (corner of 17th & Jackson)

P: 215.334.2550 |Open Monday through Saturday

July / August / September 2019

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 31

PRHHEALTH

In the Philadelphia Navy Yard!

Francis S. Matarazzo, DDS Anita M. Milici, DMD

Drs. Matarazzo & Milici have been creating healthy, beautiful smiles for patients from the Main Line to the Jersey Shore. Both doctors have dual-specialty training from the University of Pennsylvania’s elite Periodontal Prosthesis Program.

Their team is dedicated to ensuring a warm and personal experience.

•Cosmetic Dentistry: Veneers. Zoom! and KÖR Whitening. Porcelain Restoration.

•Periodontics: Laser Therapy (LANAP).

Gum Sculpting & Grafting.

•Implantology. Surgical Placement & Restorative. 3-D Radiology.

•Invisalign Orthodontics •Sedation/Sleep Dentistry

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| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

photo by ANDREW ANDREOZZI

SculpSure YOUR BODY & BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE

y

by DR. RICHARD DITTRICH

ou’re standing in that cubicle staring at the person in the mirror. The lighting is harsh. The mirror must have been recycled from the carnival fun house. You shake your head in disbelief. That person staring back really can’t be you!

Swimsuit shopping. The most dreaded of all shopping events.

No matter how you twist, turn or suck it in, there always seems to be an extra bulge that can’t be covered up. An old song about an “itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikini” starts playing in your head. Could wearing a blanket actually be a backup plan?

Summer is here. It was easy to hide the extra pounds under sweats and comfy sweaters but there’s no place to hide the extra you in your summer wardrobe. It’s time for a plan.

Dieting is an option but it’s a difficult commitment to make

when the fun food (and drinks!) of summer tempt us on a daily basis. Cutting calories is one way to change the scale but toning is better if you want to look good in that skimpy bathing suit.

Exercise is essential. It will enhance weight loss and “sculpt” your figure to put curves back where they belong. Find an exercise that you enjoy and make it part of your day. Ask a friend to join you. Cheering each other on will keep you motivated.

Do you have a trouble spot that just won’t budge no matter how hard you try? Jiggly upper arms?

A belly bulge? Thighs that touch? gohomephilly.com

Retirement

Business

Life

Home

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Here for you in PHILADELPHIA.

SculpSure could be the answer you’re looking for! It is a new, non-invasive procedure that targets those stubborn trouble spots to give you the summer body you’ve been dreaming of!

P # ROvIDINg# O ^ n YOur Side^ s # ERvIcE FOR 26 yEARs.#

At PHILADELPHIA, we’re proud to be part of the fabric of this community, helping you protect what you care about most. We consider it a privilege to serve you.

JOHN FERULLO PHILADELPHIA 215-468-4116 ferullj@nationwide.com www.ferulloinsurance.com Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company.

Nationwide, Nationwide is On Your Side, and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2016 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. NPR-0784AO (04/16) #

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Most of us have at least one area that is resistant to the most intense workout regime. You look great everywhere except “there.” Vacation is approaching quickly. You have to do something FAST!

SculpSure

SculpSure could be the answer you’re looking for! It is a new, non-invasive procedure that targets those stubborn trouble spots to give you the summer body you’ve been dreaming of!

What is SculpSure?

SculpSure is a light-based body contouring treatment that can destroy up to 25 percent of treated fat in one 25-minute procedure.

Forty percent of treated fat is destroyed with two procedures!

This FDA-approved treatment heats fat cells under the skin, causing them to break down. The damaged fat cells are eliminated from the body naturally through the lymphatic system. Once the fat cells are removed from your body, they cannot regrow.

SculpSure is painless. Fat cells are destroyed by a light source. Contact cooling remains on the skin throughout the procedure to keep the skin safe and comfortable. Clients report feeling a warm, tingling sensation that is well-tolerated. You can easily relax with a book or get

some work done on your laptop during the 25-minute treatment.

There is no “down time” with SculpSure! Schedule your treatment during your lunch hour. It’s much more relaxing than a workout. And you can go back to living your life without aching muscles!

Results for SculpSure treatment can be seen as early as 6 weeks after treatment. As your body continues to destroy and eliminate fat cells, you will continue to see the lasting results. Optimal results are usually seen at 12 weeks post treatment. This is important to consider when scheduling SculpSure treatments before an important event or a vacation.

Professional Aesthetics and Wellness Center is proud to have been the first facility to offer SculpSure in South Philadelphia. We are the local experts in this exciting new body toning procedure. We welcome you to stop in and speak with Dr. Dittrich and our staff to learn more about SculpSure or any of the many aesthetic services that we provide. At Professional Aesthetics and Wellness Center, we want you to LOVE the way life looks on you! PRH Dr. Richard Dittrich and Professional Aesthetics & Wellness Center are members of the Philadelphia RowHome Magazine (PRH) Business Network.

Serving the Community since 1937

Vincent C. Gangemi, Founder (1915-2005) Vincent C. Gangemi Jr., Supervisor Randy L. Goldy, Director James L. Guercio, Funeral Director (1954-2016)

w w w. G a n g e m i F u n e r a l H o m e . n e t Funeral Pre-Planning Available Relieve your loved ones of future responsibility for funeral expenses

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July / August / September 2019

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 33

PRHHEALTH

It’s time for a new pair of

SNEAKERS! H E A LT H

Courtesy of Gerald Dufour Jr., MSPT Superior Physical Therapy

Has It Gone From This…

To This?...

The summer in Philly and at the shore is finally here!

Many people are getting in shape and enjoying the outdoors with a common activity during this time of year – running! Here are five tips to help you enjoy yourself while staying healthy at the same time.

Footwear.

Hydrate.

Toss out your old sneakers and make a trip to a New Balance or local running store. Get fitted with the right sneaker for you! Everyone is different.

Avoid caffeinated sports drinks.

These dehydrate you. Make sure to drink water all day, not just during and after your run. If you feel the need for a sports drink, mix it 50/50 with water. Remember, if you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.

Clothing.

Choose light colored “breathable” material (mesh or wicking material) rather than cotton, which can cause the body to become overheated more quickly. Also, wear a hat and don’t forget the sunscreen, even on cloudy days. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF and water/sweat resistant is best.

Time of day.

Are you suffering from Memory Loss Weight Gain Sleep Problems Decreased Sex Drive Inability to Concentrate Depressed Mood Have you considered

BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Natural Therapies for Men and Women Dr. Richard Dittrich, Medical Director 1315 Wolf Street, Philadelphia PA, 19148

215.465.9600

w e l l n e s s c e n t e r pa . c o m 34

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

Try to avoid running between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most direct, and on humid days. As humidity increases, the body has a harder time cooling down because our sweat does not evaporate as quickly. Conversely, if you run in dry heat, you sweat more which can cause an increased rate of dehydration. Each affects your body and HR differently so pay attention to your running “effort” not just your running pace.

Warm up/cool down.

Walk approximately 10 minutes before and after you run.

Gradually increase your running pace when starting and gradually decrease your running pace before stopping. Finally, when stretching, use dynamic stretches rather than static stretches.

A little planning will help you enjoy all the beauty around you, get in better physical shape and stay injury free. If you do happen to injure yourself or develop some form of foot or other joint pain that you did not previously have, stop immediately and seek medical advice from your doctor or physical therapist. Most of the time, with a few minor corrections and treatment, you will be back to running in no time.

Now go get those new sneakers and enjoy the summer! PRH

Superior Physical Therapy, Inc 2547 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148 215 462 3303 | 215 462 3304 (fax) Superior Physical Therapy is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome Magazine (PRH) Business Network. gohomephilly.com

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Team In Our Market

Center City South Team

Michael Giuda & Mario Tropea Jr., have built the Center City South Team into a top producing real estate team. Having a strong passion and drive for all aspects of real estate, Center City South Team With Keller Williams has a very impressive and accomplished resume, with an outstanding reputation. With their established and reputable career, you can trust you are in the best of hands. Their knowledge, connections and enthusiasm will ensure a seamless and successful real estate experience.

Michael Giuda Office 215-227-3333 Mobile 215-783-3697 Email Mgiuda@kw.com www.sellinginphilly.com

Mario Tropea Jr Office 215-389-2222 Fax 215-389-0337 Mobile 215-783-3698 Email mariocentercity@gmail.com

Philly Dream Homes

REAL

ESTATE

On the Block Beauty & the Beach Price: $769,000 Builder Gary Tavella and realtor Robin Mitchell have known each other for about 30 years. They worked together selling rehabbed homes in South Philadelphia, where they grew up.

Robin purchased her first home at the Jersey Shore in 2001. After commuting back and forth for many years, she got her NJ Real Estate license in 2007 and moved there permanently in 2010.

Robin helped Gary and his wife Susan find their dream home on the Bay in Ventnor Heights. Gary purchased a lot and built two homes which Robin sold for him.

Having sold homes in Philadelphia that were 100 years old, making the shift to selling “new construction” was new to Robin. So she signed up for a few courses over the summer of 2017 to become a Certified New Construction Specialist. This house on Argyle Avenue is ready for sale. And she has three more exciting projects in the works, so stay tuned.

Please see Robin Mitchell’s ad in this edition of Philadelphia RowHome Magazine for more information on the Argyle Avenue home.

Contact: Robin Mitchell BHHS Fox & Roach Realtors Margate Office O: 609.822.4200 D: 609.487.5013 C: 215.266.8334 robin.mitchell@foxroach.com

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gohomephilly.com

REAL

ESTATE

Sophisticated Modern

High Drama with Minimal Décor Courtesy of FETTERMAN DESIGN GROUP fettermandesigngroup.com

Design styles truly have transcended from years gone by. With everything from Eclectic Bohemian to Coastal Glamour, it’s tricky trying to distinguish what’s what when it comes to picking the perfect options.

A certain style that is gaining plenty of appeal is called Sophisticated Modern. Think high drama and contrast with minimal décor! Here are a few tips from your team at Fetterman Design Group to help you achieve this look in your space.

New construction in Margate

317 N. Argyle Ave.

Located in the lovely Brunswick Gardens neighborhood of Margate, yet close to the beach and Ventnor boardwalk.

• 5 bedrooms, 4 baths.

Completed and ready to move in.

Robin “the Realtor” Mitchell Certified New Home Specialist BHHS Fox & Roach Realtors Margate Office 9218 Ventnor Ave. Margate, NJ

Office: 609-822-4200 Direct: 609-487-5013 Cell: 215-266-8334 robin.mitchell@foxroach.com

ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING BUILDING DEVELOPMENT SERVICES NEW HOME DESIGN RENOVATION DESIGN ADAPTIVE REUSE RESTUARANT & RETAIL DESIGN ADDITIONS & ENGINEERING BUILDING & ZONING PERMIT SERVICES

Color. Select the right color palette. Modern color palettes tend to favor black and white with different shades of gray. This cool color palette creates a strong contrasting color scheme. Black is considered bold, clean and sleek. To further this palette, add white to achieve the greatest impact.

Furniture. To create this sleek modern look, choose furnishings with distinctive features like low back couches with clean lines. Select pieces with minimal detail to keep the lines contemporary.

Materials. Choosing textiles and fabrics with geometric patterns adds to the polished look. Metallic accents will further enhance the ambiance of this chic style. Select a streamlined metal mirror in a circular shape for visual appeal and optimal function.

It will reflect light and add depth to your space.

If Sophisticated Modern is your design goal, don’t be afraid to mix & match materials and accessories to achieve the perfect balance. Add natural chunks of wood like mango and lush green plants on floors and shelves to enhance your décor. The colors will warm your room and provide the perfect backdrop to your black & white palette.

$769K

LANDMARK Architectural Design, LLC VINCENT S. MANCINI, AIA AGATA M. REISTER & ASSOCIATES

1325 Snyder Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19148 tel: (215) 755-9050 email: office@landmarkaia.com WWW.LANDMARKAIA.COM

Fetterman Design Group / 856.534.3094 / 856.264.6816 / is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome Magazine (PRH) Business Network.

July / August / September 2019

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REAL

ESTATE

Property Pals PROBLEM

I

by Geno Thackara photo by Jeremy Poley t’s another day in paradise over here,” George Beatty laughs to describe how life has been going at Problem Property Pals. He’s not really kidding. The business has just finished a house deal the day before and there was another one almost ready to close that afternoon. Most real estate professionals would probably consider it unusual to manage more than one sale a month or so, but Beatty definitely isn’t like most people in the business.

In professional and personal life, there’s just no escaping

R E A L E S TAT E

those Philly-area roots. He says “jawn” and orders “wooder ice” in proper native style, as well as maintaining a fondness for Philip’s Steaks and Nick’s Charcoal Pit (of course any hard boiled Philadelphian knows that semi-greasy and delicious is where it’s at). At the same time, he’s aware of the times he needed help pulling himself out of a mess or two in the past, and this approach to real estate makes the perfect way to help other people who might be in those shoes.

Quick house sales have a reputation for being a semi-shady proposal - and not without good reason - but Beatty is happy to make clear that not all buyers are alike.

“True, most people are just looking to snatch things up and make some money. We don’t do that,” he tells me. “We’ve made a name for ourselves in the city and community

by performing extra services and adding a real human touch. It’s very rarely just about selling the house.

It’s about helping people move on to the next chapter of their lives.”

At one point, Beatty was the guy who needed to move on, admitting that his Delaware County upbringing had some rough spots.

During that period of his life, he ran into a lot of different types of people and homes. As a result, he has a personal connection to many of the situations people find themselves in when they’re faced with the decision to sell a home fast for cash.

“If someone is in a place where maybe that’s enticing, more than likely they have other things going on in their life that they might need a little bit of help with,” Beatty explains. “And that’s okay.

They may be facing a foreclosure, maybe a sheriff’s sale or tax delinquency. They might just need

to move when the house needs a lot of repairs. So we help people relocate, help them find a new place to rent or buy. We can pay a full year of their rent up front out of the proceeds of the property.

It’s really a full concierge service that comes with the sale. It’s not just, ‘here’s a check for your house, good luck.’ It’s ‘let me see how we can help make this transition easy, dignified and comfortable for you.’”

After steadily growing for five years, Problem Property Pals now manages about 100 such sales a year with no plans to slow down. “You gotta start strong and stay focused.

This has been the only thing I’ve been doing nonstop for five years.

Mostly all I do is work,” he laughs.

Still, an inspiring purpose is much more rewarding than just a job. A small but growing staff helps keep the wheels turning from their home base in Old City - all the better to take advantage of some of the city’s best food as they continue doing a good service for their community.

“There’s been talk of expanding but the main thing is to help more people in the city and become a household name,” he sums up.

“Philadelphia is our home. We intend to be here for the long haul.”

July / August / September 2019

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REAL

ESTATE

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: VINCENT MANCINI, AIA

LANDmark Architectural Design

By John Nacchio Images courtesy of Landmark AIA Landmarkaia.com

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gohomephilly.com

T

he professionals at Landmark Architectural Design are elevating the design experience of residential and commercial buildings. The company’s fundamental doctrine of architectural design is rooted in the classical teachings of Vitruvius - all good buildings should have elements of “Commodity, Firmness and Delight.” Landmark strives to implement good design features, which can be difficult as there are many

R E A L E S TAT E

constraints imposed upon the work.

Founder Vincent Mancini says, “I have read once that good design, as in nature, is such that ‘nothing can be added or taken away to make the result any better.’”

Mancini was born and raised in South Philadelphia.

His interest in architecture goes back to Bishop Neumann High School when he was introduced to drafting classes. He followed up with architectural degrees, licensure and consistent assignments in the architectural industry. His experience encompasses 40 years and he has worked on thousands of buildings and designs. In his youth, Vincent

was very familiar with construction.

He would help the local contractors as they were renovating homes in the area and, of course, impose his design opinions. Well, at least as much as he could get away with.

Mancini attributes Landmark’s success to his dedicated and extremely talented staff. “I may have a few good ideas but the architects and designers at Landmark are fabulous, younger, better and smarter. We are solving more building problems than ever before, from energy conservation to sustainability to newer technologies and materials,” he says.

There is a lot of thinking that goes into homes and buildings, small or large. The Landmark

team is energized about the new era of development in Philadelphia and looks forward to working with contractors and developers to build the finest quality homes and buildings.

Landmark has left its recognizable signature on local buildings throughout the neighborhood including AJ Appliances and the Pretzel Factory on Passyunk Avenue; Monti Rago Funeral Home on Broad Street and Khmer-Paleai Buddhist Temple in Southwest Philadelphia.

They’ve designed restaurants including Green Eggs Cafés, Stateside and Barcelona. Larger developments in their portfolio include The Armory Apartments on South Broad Street and Marina Bay Towers, a sevenstory, 143-unit senior residential facility in North Wildwood.

Landmark’s recent projects encompass numerous single and multifamily homes including Renaissance Estates, currently in progress in Packer Park, and The Exile Building on 13th and Reed Streets, which includes July / August / September 2019

apartments and a theater. The success of that design has launched a proposal for a larger complex with similar characteristics at 24th and Washington Avenue (80 residential units and a mixed use commercial space, duplexes and townhouses spanning most of the block along Washington Avenue).

Landmark’s scope of work also comprises residential projects like home additions and re-modeling.

Vincent Mancini and the Landmark Team of professionals invite you to contact them before you embark on your next design project: Agata M. Reister, Partner; Robert Palladino, R.A., Associate; Susan Uhl, Permit Services; Christopher Noble, Architectural Designer; Krishnah Aquitania, Architectural Designer; Felicia Diarra, Architectural Designer; Sunny Mancini, Office Manager.PRH Landmark Architectural Design is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Magazine Business Network.

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 41

2019

How I Spent my

SUMMER VACATION

by BRENDA HILLEGAS

Buy Local! Be Happy!

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| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

gohomephilly.com

❚❙ Anthony’s Italian Coffee House

for their rooftop deck which is currently in the works. Chick’s. Where you’re treated like family.

903-905 S. 9th Street / 215.627.2586 / Italiancoffeehouse.com

❚❙ G ran Caffe L’Aquila

1716 Chestnut Street / 215.568.5600 / grancaffelaquila.com

The Anastasio family has been in business for four generations, bringing the best coffee, chocolate and gelato to the Italian Market. Paninis, pastries and a variety of cold crafted drinks round out their menu. Try the Shakerato (a hand-shaken double espresso with ice and simple syrup in a smooth, frothy cold espresso), Affagato (gelato drowned in espresso) and the Bella Cold Brew (a 24-hour steep cold brew iced coffee). Iced coffee with Anthony’s signature coffee cubes is perfect for summer! The gelato flavors are constantly on rotation with new flavors and creations on a regular basis. Try the Extra-Dark Chocolate, Lemon Meringue, Mascarpone Cannoli or Watermelon Sorbetto. Anthony’s Italian Coffee House is home to the Gelato Burger, a bombolini (fried dough) stuffed with gelato and topped with whipped cream! Party trays are now available for events and catering so consider some mini-pastries, mini-cannoli and mini-sfogliatella or panini trays for breakfast or lunch. Mobile ordering with time-specific pick-up, (order ahead with no waiting) and hand-delivery service direct to 150+ local zip codes through Mercato! Don’t forget about their upcoming Coffee for a Cause fundraiser to benefit children with dyslexia (more info on the event in The Schoolyard section of this issue).

❚❙ The Beer Peddlers

1942 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard (at Snyder) / 215.755.2337 / thebeerpeddlers.com

If you’re looking for the perfect brew to bring to a summer party or just have on-hand at home, head to The Beer Peddlers on Columbus Boulevard.

Locally owned and operated, this is a onestop-shop for your favorite imports, domestics and the largest selection of local craft beer in the city. You’ll find ciders, gluten free beer/ciders and a friendly know-it-all staff to get you exactly what you need (or suggest something new and different). Make your own six pack, get a keg, grab a growler. They’ll even carry your beer out to your car for you! Even better - it’s located in a shopping center with parking and right next door to a liquor store! No need to drive around

looking for the best beer spot, only to have to do it all over again to grab your spirits (crazy PA liquor laws). There’s a cool, brewery-like feel here. This is not your father’s beer distributor!

Stop in on Fridays from 4-6 pm as they host free tastings from different breweries. The best perk of all? The Beer Peddlers is so close to the sports complex, don’t even think of going anywhere else for tailgating supplies before a concert or game.

❚❙ Chick’s Philly

1807 Washington Avenue / 215.546.2233 / chicksphilly.com

Authentic Italian right in Center City. This is the real deal. Come enjoy a full menu of Italian dishes or just grab coffee and dessert. Gran Caffe L’Aquila also offers a tasting menu that highlights the cuisine of a different city in Italy each week. You’ll experience a true look into Italy’s old world style of cooking - something that’s hard to find here in the States! From Riccrado Longo’s continual travels in Italy, he has brought to Philadelphia the hot cocktail of Italian summer: Hugo. It features Prosecco and elderflower infused with fresh mint and lime, served over ice. Another must-try is the Salmone Crudo. Crudo is the centuries old tradition of Italian style sushi. Gran Caffe L’Aquila is featuring sushi grade salmon accented with fresh avocado, pomegranate and Calabrian chili pepper this summer. Visit their website or Facebook for upcoming events, food and classes.

❚❙ Pat’s King of Steaks

The staff at Chick’s makes all of their customers feel at home. Their menu truly has something for everyone and every taste. Every visit presents something different! New lunch specials are on the menu with a paired beer or wine, every Monday to Friday from 11 am to 4 pm. Brunch is always unique and delicious with new menu items each week (available Saturday, Sunday and most Holidays from 10 am to 3 pm). Chick’s added a take-out only breakfast, Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 11 am (just breakfast sandwiches for now but more items will be rolled out depending on popularity). Weekday happy hours can’t be beat with rotating specialty drinks and beers and a special menu with some Chick’s favorites. Try the BBQ chicken salad, a favorite! Check out their website for special events throughout the summer and ticket giveaways for Philly teams all year long.

Chick’s is just a few blocks off Broad Street, on Washington Avenue, making it easy to stop in after a game or concert for their late night menu.

Or enjoy some pizza and beer any time! Take out beer and wine is also available. Stay tuned

1237 East Passyunk Avenue / 215.468.1546 / patskingofsteaks.com

Owned & operated by the Olivieri family since 1930 when brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri invented the iconic steak sandwich at this very location. You know the story. They started out selling hot dogs from a stand until Pat fried an onion with some thin steak on his grill for lunch one day. The aroma caught the attention of a cabdriver who wanted the same thing he was eating. History. Pat’s King of Steaks is currently in the skillful hands of owner and executive chef Frank E. Olivieri, grandson of Harry Olivieri. In addition to overseeing the daily

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operations of America’s cheesesteak empire, he focuses a lot of attention on giving back to his neighborhood. He started a non-profit called Spread the Whiz Foundation and partners with local schools to teach kids about food and nutrition.

Order your sandwich in line like the locals (1. Cheese (American, Whiz or Provolone). 2. Wit or Witout (onions). 3. Cash only. Window 1 is for sandwiches. Window 2 for drinks & fries.

Or order via UberEats. Try the Threesome – 3 drinks, 3 fries, 3 cheesesteaks. You can even ship a sandwich nationwide through GoldBelly.

❚❙ PHL Athletics

2017 S. Juniper Street / 215.778.3259 / phlathletics.com

South Philly’s training gym is a no judgement zone. The team at PHL Athletics prides itself in creating a community that feels like family. Come as you are and work out as you choose. Their wide variety of weekly classes include Olympic lifting, bootcamps, team strength and conditioning and personal training. Different membership packages include Crossfit, Bootcamp, Group Training for twofour people or Personal Training (one on one). Visit their website for prices and membership details.

Want to give a certain class a try? There are dropin rates. No need to schedule in advance! You can also take advantage of their free trial week for bootcamp classes. Body work by Gia Carangi is in house at PHL Athletics. She offers deep tissue massage, sports massage, cupping and scraping. Or come meet PHL Athletics’ new trainer Anthony Dellapia. Anthony will be running their 5 am bootcamp classes and taking on more classes after the summer. More than 30 members of the gym will be participating in the Atlantic City Triathlon on August 10th, presented by DelmoSports. If you’re down in AC or on the boardwalk, go cheer them on! The gym also does Gym Happy Hours at local bars once a month through the summer.

❚❙ Pop’s Water Ice

1337 Oregon Avenue / 215.551.7677 / popsice.com

Pop’s Homemade Water Ice has been the hottest spot for the coolest summer treats in Philadelphia since 1932. That year, Filippo “Pop” Italiano started selling frozen treats from a pushcart in his South Philadelphia neighborhood. Popular in his native Italy, they were known as “Water Ice”

44

or “Italian Ice.” Try the local favorite flavors – lemon, cherry, pineapple, blueberry, mango.

This season, try their new Sugar Free chocolate water ice. The Pop’s team knows its customers patiently wait for their favorite peach water ice, made with fresh-picked peaches from an orchard in New Jersey! Another must is their vanilla ice cream gelati (try it with the peach ice). The Pop’s Sundae is made with hard or soft ice cream with one topping, whipped cream, syrup and a cherry on top! Another flavor in the works this season is coffee water ice. Pop’s was in the testing stages when we spoke so be sure to ask about it when you stop by.

❚❙ Tankie’s Tavern

1720 W. Moyamensing Avenue / 215.800.1778

This is the place to go whether you’re looking for a night cap after the game or concert or a sitdown meal with friends visiting from out of town.

Conveniently located in the shadows of the nearby Stadiums, Tankie’s has standard tavern favorites like homemade mozzarella sticks and wings or you can try something different like sausage bites or rice balls. There are plenty of salads, sandwiches and pizzas to try as well as mussels and clams. From small plates (crab gravy & linguine), to large plates like steak or salmon, you won’t go home hungry. Refreshing, one-ofa-kind cocktails are a real crowd pleaser. Try On Point (rum, lime, mint, cucumber, club soda) or the Philly Refresher (vodka, elderflower, cranberry, lemon). All the beers you love are available, too.

Come inside or have a seat outdoors! Tankie’s Tavern was named in honor of Salvatore “Tankie” DiNubile, who was taken from the world at only 16 years old in 2017. Come to Tankie’s and help celebrate his legacy. Cheers.

❚❙ The Original Tony Luke’s 39 E. Oregon Avenue / 215.551.5725 / tonylukestheoriginal.com

Cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches, chicken cutlets. The Original Tony Luke’s awardwinning sandwiches are always cooked to order so whatever you decide to eat, it will be uniquely yours. Each sandwich is served on freshly-baked bread – made on-site daily – for the perfect bite.

Broccoli rabe or sauteed spinach with provolone on any sandwich is a mouthwatering treat.

Vegetarian? No problem. The Uncle Mike is piled high with mixed veggies and marinara sauce, a delicious delicacy even for the carnivores

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

out there! The Original Tony Luke’s lineup of authentic family recipes have remained the same since 1992. They use grade A, quality meats including pure ribeye from Kissin Fresh Meats, the last of the hanging meat markets. Veggies like brocolli rabe and spinach come from a local farm. Mushrooms are picked fresh from the produce market and all of the seasonings and mixes you taste are homemade. New this summer!

Milkshakes! Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry and Cookies & Cream. Let us cater your backyard party or next event. Check out our menu online. Cheesesteaks and chicken cheesesteaks can also be shipped nationwide for a real taste of South Philly no matter where you live.

❚❙ SPST (South Philly Sports Training)

1401 S. 25th Street / 215.767.8103 / southphillysportstraining.com

Baseball is in full swing at SPST! Louis Cammisa, Dewey LaRosa and Dominic Nardini joined forces to bring baseball back to the neighborhood at South Philly Sports Training (SPST). This indoor training facility offers a variety of year-round classes and programs to customers from ages 6 to 22 years old including weeklong camps over Christmas holidays and summertime; strength, speed and conditioning classes; and the Driveline Arm Care Programs. At SPST, customer feedback is taken seriously to make sure the programs they offer are the programs their customers want. Instructors moderate the classes accordingly. SPST encourages everyone who comes through their door to work hard, have fun, learn to be a good teammate, player and person.

SPST will be fielding Fall Baseball teams, this year, as well as Winter Baseball & Conditioning classes. Call for details at 215.767.8103. Visit their website for class and camp schedules. gohomephilly.com

THE RIGHT PLACE. RIGHT IN THE HEART OF PACKER PARK.

Brand New 3-story Townhomes with Garages starting at $475,900 Invest in a unique and luxurious lifestyle in Packer Park, one of Philadelphia’s most desirable neighborhoods, with its own fusion of style, culture and personality. Sports and entertainment venues are nearby, and great restaurants and FDR Park are right around the corner.

New Phase Now Open!

Where else will you get this much space, your own private driveway, 9’ ceilings, a private balcony, a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel GE® appliances, hardwood floors, and great views of the Philadelphia skyline?

Ask About Quick Delivery Homes!

10-YEAR TAX ABATEMENT VA AND FHA APPROVED!

SALES CENTER LOCATION: 2300 Hartranft Street Philadelphia, PA 19145

215.339.5390 | SienaPlace.com Sales@SienaPlace.com

DECORATED MODELS OPEN: Mon, Thurs thru Sat: 11 AM-5 PM Sunday: 12-5 PM

Broker cooperation is warmly invited and appreciated.

All prices and features subject to change without notice. Please see sales associate for details.

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How I Spent my

SUMMER VACATION

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[

Hot Spots

The Business bizband.com

Consider them RowHome’s soundtrack. This 11-piece, Philadelphia cover band has been dazzling audiences on national TV and at concerts, weddings, parties and nightclubs since1987.

Upcoming dates include August 2nd at Seaport Pier in Wildwood, August 17th at Keenan’s in Wildwood, August 29th at Morgan’s Pier in Philadelphia, and of course, the Yo’ South Philly Phestival on September 15th. Check www. bizband.com for full details and more events.

Caffè Vienna’s 233 S. 20th St. / 215.557.0400 / caffeviennaphila.com

Italian specialty sandwiches made fresh daily with fine Italian ingredients. Based in Rittenhouse, owners grew up in South Philly. This is a family owned and operated business, named after their daughter Vienna. Try an almond croissant for breakfast on the way to work or grab a Boxed Lunch (your choice of sandwich or wrap, a side & bread pudding) for later. Hot and cold specialty sandwiches, salads, wraps and homemade delicacies make this hot spot a popular destination. Order online for pick-up or delivery.

Cescaphe Black Special Events CescapheBlack.com

Celebrate your team at Philly’s newest summer destination – Cherry Street Pier No. 9. Three Food Trolleys for your guests’ enjoyment.

Authentic Indonesian Fare (beef curry sliders, corn fritters). Comfort Food Classics (Broad Street Taco, Italian Market Sandwich). Little Baby’s Ice Cream. Professionally organized team-building activities (make your own sangria, wine tasting, painting on the pier). Cescaphe Black’s award-winning event management and service. Contact Cescaphe to start planning. info@cescaphe.com / 215.238.5750

]

museums, school, your job, shops, restaurants and waterfronts! Whether you bike, walk or run, you can enjoy so much! www.circuittrails.org

Essence of Entertainment Concert Season The Dell Music Center / thedellmusiccenter.com

This outdoor venue in Fairmount Park has been entertaining crowds for more than 45 years. The weekly Thursday evening concert series launched in July with The O’ Jays, Russell Thompkins Jr.’s New Stylistics, Bloodstones and The Intruders.

Shows continue through August 29th. Other highlights in the series include India Arie, Anthony Hamilton, MercyMe, SWV, Keith Sweat.

The Kitchen Consigliere 700 Haddon Ave / 856.854.2156 / kitconcafe.com Head across the bridge to quaint Collingswood, NJ, to explore the neighborhood shops and have dinner at this amazing hot spot. Reservations suggested at this BYOB with a menu you won’t forget. Executive chef/owner Angelo Lutz serves authentic family dishes he grew up with in his South Philly family kitchen. Don’t leave without trying the homemade gnocchi, Sunday Gravy, Veal Saltimbocca or Salmon Mediterranean.

From appetizers to entrees, pasta, veal, chicken and fish, homemade desserts and every succulent special in between, don’t forget to add this destination to your summer agenda.

Lombardi’s Prime Meats

New York Bakery 2215 S. 11th Str / 215.389.5912 / Since 1926

circuittrails.org

Did you know that the Greater Philadelphia area is the home of the Circuit Trails? With more than 330 miles of trails across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, these multi-use trails connect you to parks,

gastronomic gelato artisan coffee roasting assaggi (tapas) / crudo regional italian wine & beer italian cultural school

It’s time to fire up that summer grill! Stop by Lombardi’s for the best steaks, ribs, chicken, ground beef and the finest selection of meats in town. You’ll want the best of the best for your backyard BBQ and this is the hottest spot around!

Look for a recipe from Lombardi’s in this (and every) issue of Philadelphia RowHome Magazine!

12 N. Columbus Boulevard / 215.923.0818 / cherrystreetpier.com

Circuit Trails

authentic italian restaurant & bar

1801 Packer Avenue / 215.334.1212 / lombardimeats.com

Cherry Street Pier A year-round, mixed-use public space on the central Delaware River waterfront. Get a peek at artist work spaces or attend an upcoming event (Art Star Pop-Ups, artisan and flea markets, Movie Mondays, Kid’s Sip N Paint are just some of the recurring events at the space). Food is available, too - Birdie’s Biscuits, Little Baby’s Ice Cream, Indonesian fare from Hardena, to name a few. Enjoy local brews and spirits, too.

The historic rebirth of one of Italy’s premier cafes

Authentic, brick-oven baked rolls, breads, sesame-seeded loaves of crisp, crunchy goodness, fresh dough and church pizza! If you don’t know what we’re talking about, where have you been!

Our interview with Stephen Candeloro, 2nd generation owner of this neighborhood hot spot, was one of our RowHome readers’ favorite stories!

His “Church Pizza” is the best tomato pie in the city! A family recipe and neighborhood tradition that Stephen continues for generations of grateful customers.“The bakery is located across from Epiphany Church. After mass people would come right from church and line up to get the pizza,” he explains.

1716 CHESTNUT STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103 215.568.5600 W W W . G R A N C A F F E L A Q U I L A. C O M

Pastificio 1528 Packer Avenue / 215.467.1111 / pastificiophilly.com July / August / September 2019

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 47

We raved about their chicken parmigiana sandwich last year, and we’re still raving. If you’re looking for fresh, homemade pasta, this is the place. Ravioli, fetuccini, spaghetti, cavetelli.

You name it, it’s made on-site daily. So is the fresh mozzarella cheese! Hot sandwiches like roast beef, pork, meatballs. Hoagies, sandwich trays, Italian delicacies, Salads. Everything is made to order with all-natural ingredients. Pick up some imported cheeses, spreads and homemade sauces for your pasta while you’re there!

Penrose Diner

FBI

2016 Penrose Avenue / 215.465.1097 / penrosediner.com 30 years experience serving Philadelphia & South Jersey

Frank Fioravanti Termite Specialist 215-768-1804 FrankieBugs707@gmail.com

“We Rid Your Pests So You Can Rest”

Pest Control Frankie Bugs, He’s the Best!

Family owned & operated, the Penrose Diner has been serving loyal customers for more than 60 years! Voted Best Diner eight years in a row, stop in for homemade daily specials (chicken pot pie) and a variety of tasty tidbits for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night favorites. There are piled-high Club Sandwiches, Open-Faced Beef/Turkey with mashed potatoes, Burgers, Salads and everything you can imagine for breakfast (don’t leave without trying a heaping bowl of homemade oatmeal!). The fresh-baked cakes and pastries are made on-site daily from scratch by pastry chefs. Definitely try the authentic Greek baklava made from a family recipe.

OCCULT 9.14

Popi’s Italian Ristorante

FALL 2019 ART&FASHiON SHOW

3120 S. 20th Street / 215.755.7180 / popisrestaurant.com

2440 FRANKFORD AVE www.numinousmag.com

Authentic Italian recipes are served in a friendly, elegant atmosphere for Lunch & Dinner. Enjoy signature specials like Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes (a customer favorite), Orecchiette Romano, Mussels, Clams, Fruitte di Mare, veal, chicken and steak entrees. Black Angus Burgers, Eggplant Rollatini and Salads like Mediterranean, Caesar and Caprese go well with a specialty cocktail. Happy Hour (4-6:30/ M-F) includes a special Bar menu / $3 & $4 Beers / $6 cocktails. In the heart of the Stadium District so make this hot spot a go-to before or after the game or concert! Free parking on-site!

RowHome Magazine Blog

South Philly based Locally sourced ingredients Gluten free, Wheat free, Vegan options

People tested Dog approved!

WWW.MELMOSDOGTREATS.COM melmosdogtreats@gmail.com

516-503-5802 48

Shameless plug? Sure. We print quarterly so our blog is a great way to stay up to date on where we are and what we’re doing in between issues. You’ll find recipes, event recaps, interviews with Broadway actors and more. www.gohomephillyblog.com

Stoke’s Sports Bar 2651 S. 16 Str / 215.271.2783 / Open till 2 am No frills here. Stoke’s is a true neighborhood taproom so pull up a bar stool and get ready for some friendly chat with the locals who

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

love to hang out. Bartenders are friendly, drinks are cheap, beers are cold and the jukebox is bound to have your favorite tune in the lineup. Stop by on your way to the game or concert! No credit cards.

Tattoo One Five (Tat215ive) Custom Tattooing & Art Gallery 815 S. 4th Street / 215.644.9444 / @Tat215ive/Instagram

Aside from designing our Hot Spots Cover for this summer’s edition of Philadelphia RowHome Magazine, tattoo artist Michael DiGiacomo shares his journey to opening his own shop – Tattoo One Five (Tat215ive) – in the Business section of this issue of PRH. His tattoo shop offers more than just high quality custom tattoos.

It’s also an art gallery featuring the work of local artists. Michael looks forward to hosting upcoming tattoo seminars for pro artists and small art seminars for both adults and children.

The Thirsty Soul 1551 West Passyunk Avenue / 215.515.3276 / thethirstysoulphilly.com

Cocktails made with love and all-day brunch every day? The Thirsty Soul in Philly’s Newbold neighborhood is a great local hangout with a unique décor and a separate room for live music & open mic nights. The food is a New Orleans meets Southern comfort style cuisine with a hint of South Philly.You know what a po’ boy is but here you can call it a “yo’ boy!” Gumbo Wednesdays, Strawberry Wings, Creole Soul Pasta with spicy shrimp and andouille sausage,Watermelon-Strawberry Salad, Blackened tuna salad sandwich. Plus a lineup of local brews & custom cocktails that will keep you coming back for more! Live music (blues, jazz, rockabilly) every Friday and Saturday night. Do yourself a favor. Stop in!

Uncle Tomy’s Pizza 1653 S. 27th Str / 215.271.0250 / uncletomyspizza.com

Of course, order a pizza but don’t stop there! The menu is awesome with cheeseteaks, strombolis, homemade entrees like meatloaf, pot pies, nachos, salads and seafood combos, you gotta try the rest.

Homemade soups are available in quarts to share at home. Just make sure you get a side of Tomy’s fries, too! Open since 1972, this popular hot spot has a great staff, fast delivery and awesome food!

Cannuli’s Fine Pork Products & Italian Sausage 1640 W. Ritner Str/ 215.468.7997 / cannulisausage.com

Dominick Cannuli opened his butcher shop in 1932, offering beef, pork, veal, lamb, along with his homemade Italian Sausage. He retired

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[ in 1961 and his son Joe took over, moved the shop to 17th & Ritner in 1972 and specialized exclusively in fine Pork Products & homemade Italian Sausage. When Joe retired in 1991, son-in-law John Giacobbo took over and keeps the local tradition around for generations to come! The locals line up for Cannuli’s sausage – hot, sweet, fennel, cheese, liver. And pork – cutlets, roasts, chops, brasciola.

Yo’ South Philly Phestival This annual community event brings together local musicians, local vendors and most importantly our family, friends and neighbors for a great time! This year, the 6th annual Yo’ South Philly Phestival takes place at Stella Maris School Yard, 10th & Bigler, on Sunday, September 15th, so save the date! For Vendor & Sponsor Info, call Dan Vanore at 215.336.5101.

Philadelphia Folksong Society 6156 Ridge Avenue / 215.247.1300 / pfs.org

Open mics, weekly shows (some are free if you’re a member), children and adult music classes, and two weekend-long music retreats a year. PFS brings world-class folk music via the Philadelphia Folk Festival each August (the

Hot Spots

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oldest continually-run outdoor music festival in North America). You’ll see 209 headliners including David Crosby, Joan Osborne, Margo Price and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Treetop Quest - a zip lining and ropes course).

There’s never a weekend without a street fair, festival, flea market or family-friendly event.

H20 Pop-Up Philly Water Bar

Many Philadelphia residents buy bottled water and spend more per gallon than they would for tap water. Why? Our tap water is safe, healthy and affordable! Visit the City Hall Courtyard on Thursdays this summer to quench your thirst at Philly’s pop-up Water Bar. Have a drink in a complimentary compostable cup or bring a reusable bottle.

Noon to 1 pm through August 15th (weather permitting). Follow @PhillyH2O on Twitter!

Beer Gardens / Free Movies / Festivals & More!

Philadelphia has so many free parks or outdoor spaces to enjoy throughout the city. Try the rotating Parks on Tap beer garden (or one of the many other beer gardens in the city). Go hiking. Find a splash pad or playground! Movie nights on lawns throughout the city. There’s also so much to do in Fairmount Park (like

Phildelphia Zoo 3400 W. Girard Ave / philadelphiazoo.org

America’s oldest zoo, right here in Philly, brought back the classic Zoo Key this year. Use your key to unlock facts and stories for some of the many animals you’ll see during your visit to this 42-acre garden that is home to 1300 animals, many of them rare or endangered.

Also new this year is the aerial WildWorks ziplining adventure (for adults and kids), the Urban Green open eating area with food trucks and Creatures of Habitat, which features 12 LEGO creations that highlight the zoo’s animals.

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Oh, those South Philly Summers

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by LOU PINTO & DEBBIE RUSSINO

o matter how or where we spent our summers growing up, being from South Philly, we always brought that South Philly gene along that made us who we are.

Here is our look at nostalgic “hot spots” and simpler times - the end of innocence. We wouldn’t trade these fond memories of growing up in South Philly for anything! Childhood gives us the freedom to be happy without a care in the world. These are some of our most

precious and defining moments that will stay in our hearts forever.

Debbie My Dad owned Bob’s Fruit and Produce Market on the corner of 10th & McKean that was connected to my house. Mifflin Pool was just a block away on 10th & Mifflin. I was there every single “Girls’ Day” and almost every Sunday because there was nowhere else I’d rather be on a hot summer’s day. You had to know how to swim to go into eight feet.

One day, my friend’s sister threw us into the deep end and told us to either swim or drown. That was the

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only swimming lesson I ever needed and the beginning of my love for the water. This popular city pool was summer vacation for every kid in the neighborhood and possibly the city. It will always be one of the fondest memories of my childhood.

Louie I sometimes went to Mifflin Pool but I mostly went to “Swimmies” - a pool that was part of the recreation center at 3rd & Oregon. Once in awhile, I got to go to Packer Park Pool since I was friends with the D’Ambrosio brothers. You had to be a member to get in. The

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

D’Ambrosios even had a Cabana there. Oh, what stories the inside of those tent walls could tell!

Debbie My father was not one to move his car and lose his parking spot so traveling in the summertime was very rare. Some Sundays, he would pack us up with a small grill, a cooler full of food and a few rafts and off we’d head across the bridge to Bellmawr Lake.

Louie I would go there with my family, too. I remember the greenish algaecolored water that I loved to play and swim in. It was only a 15-minute drive from South Philly and at least an hour closer than the shore.

Debbie They also had a live band or DJ and a little dance floor so we would dance in our bathing suits with bare and sandy feet! Another popular

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way for a city kid to cool off was the infamous “plug” – the fire hydrant. We would search the neighborhood for one that was open or a neighbor with a “plug wrench” and hoped that we could have at least some fun before a cop came by to shut it off. It was especially entertaining to watch the faces of horrified drivers with open car windows that got drenched by the spray of an open plug.

These mischievous, but harmless pranks pale in comparison to what kids are capable of today!

Louie The guy on the block who owned a “plug wrench” was king during the summer. All the guys on the block would see who could make the biggest spray by putting their butts against the mouth of the plug. Fran’s Italian Water Ice was across the street from “Swimmies.”

My Aunt Franny owned the place, which was attached to her house.

Her home was the first all-electric row home in Philadelphia (built by my dad, Louie Pinto Sr.).

“Wooder ice,” as we call it in South Philly, originated at Pop’s Homemade Italian Water Ice on Sartain & Oregon. Filippo “Pop” Italiano began selling his frozen treats from a pushcart in his South Philadelphia neighborhood in 1932. I’ve been going there since I was a Bambino.

Louie also likes John’s Water Ice / 701 Christian Street. Their Lemon is my favorite in the city. It has perfect balance and zest!

Mancuso’s Cheese Shop / 1902 E. Passyunk Avenue. If you’re a regular, you get to dish your own, but it must be earned.

Rita’s Italian Ice / 20th & Oregon Avenue. I know it’s Rita’s but my cousin Joan adds that extra South Philly DNA to it!

Lou’s & Debbie’s Hot Spot Takeouts John’s Roast Pork. Yes, they’re known for their roast pork, which is fantastic, but their cheesesteaks

will give you the WOW factor.

The Original Tony Luke’s. Order a Cheesesteak Italian with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe. And while you’re there, you gotta try the Chicken Cutlet sandwiches.

Antney’s Grub. Try his Sircrabagus - a cheesesteak with crabmeat and asparagus. Or grab a Chicken Crab A$$ - a chicken cheesesteak with crabmeat and asparagus. His award-winning meatballs are a favorite. He has seven different kinds of meatball parms.

Pat’s King of Steaks. Where it all started. Frank Olivieri Jr. has made a great product even better.

Geno’s Steaks. No matter what language you order in, you’ll always get a great steak.

Red’s Hoagies. If you’re looking for quality, content and price, here’s a sandwich that hasn’t changed in more than 50 years. Always a great hoagie.

P&S Deli. Other than Mom’s homemades, this is where we get our pasta. The sandwiches are off the hook, too.

New York Bakery. Everyone grew up on “Church Pizza” – a slice of tomato pie we ate on our way home from Sunday Mass. It will always be on my list of hot spots in the city. They have been around for as long as I can remember and delicious all year around.

Pastificio. Aside from the homemade pasta they make daily on premises, this place has amazing sandwiches, salads and Imported cheeses! Gorgonzola, Danish Blue, Asiago, fresh Ricotta, Prima Donna. And the mozzarella is made fresh daily on premises!

Lou’s & Debbie’s Hot Spot Sit-Downs Stogie Joe’s Tavern. The “Cheers” of South Philly. Everybody there knows your name. Try their staple dishes - Escarole & Beans, Pasta with Crab Gravy, Roast Pork on a Ciabatta roll. And their pizza is one of the best in the city.

Chick’s. Only two years old and it’s already becoming a South Philly icon.

2401 S. Swanson St., Phila, PA 19148 267.861.0391 | info@iatseballroom.com

The Mike Giordano Jr. and Sr. Duo at

Your favorite South Philly Father-Son real estate duo for all your real estate needs in PA, NJ and DE. 1608 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19148 Cell: (calls and texts) 267-688-1449 | office: 215-334-3333 mgiangiordano1016@gmail.com July / August / September 2019

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[

Hot Spots

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tonytshirts.com

WE STAND

BY OUR WORK tel : 917-300-8343 sales@tonytshirts.com www.tonytshirts.com www.dirtymug.com

the

Electric Street

P HAPPY WINDOWS

• 2-inch wood • Pleated Shades • Shutters • Roman Shades • Verticals • Drapes • Mini Blinds • Valances

Call Eileen 215.465.7525

by Matt Kelchner photos courtesy of The Percy Street Project hiladelphia is home to a lot of outdoor art murals. And we mean A LOT. They come in all shapes and sizes. You can find some on the sides of tall buildings and parking garages in Center City. Others might be part of a neighbor’s rowhome.

Mural Arts Philadelphia, our local public arts program, has helped produce more than 3,600 murals since it began in 1984. With a number like that, it’s no surprise that it’s the largest in the country and has earned international recognition.

With so many great choices, it can seem daunting when trying to find a place to start.

Don’t worry! We have your back. We’re starting this column to share some of our favorite murals with you so you can check them out around the neighborhood.

To kick things off, we went with one of our favorites. Just a few steps away from the cheesesteak mecca that Pat’s King of Steaks calls home is a mural that really lights things up – David Guinn and Drew Billiau’s The Electric Street! It’s located on the 1300 block of Percy Street, a block that looks more like a back alley than a normal street.

Best viewed at night, the installation combines a 30-foot mural painted by Guinn with blocks of neon LED lights designed by Billiau. The Electric Street marks the first phase of “The Percy Street Project.” When finished, the entire block will be decorated with multiple murals and other art projects. For now, The Electric Street stands alone to mark the beginning.

Guinn and Billiau debuted their project back in 2016. It marked a partnership

between Mural Arts Philadelphia, the Knight Foundation and supported by the Passyunk Square Civic Association. Prior to bright colors illuminating the sidewalks, this section of Percy Street was a hot spot for issues.

Since the debut of The Electric Street, the exact opposite can be said. A quick search of #percystreetproject on Instagram shows that it is now a selfie hot spot. Whether under the mural’s glow at night or in the bold painted color blocks during the day, you’ll find people posing in front of the mural. While it might dwarf in popularity to its nearby cheesesteak empire neighbors, The Electric Street still manages to draw fans from near and far.

It’s safe to say that within the few years of its existence, The Electric Street has been a positive addition to the neighborhood, giving South Philly another unique artistic destination to seek out.

Just make sure you have a good camera ready when you get there! The Electric Street is located on Percy Street, between 9th Street and Reed Street.

For more photos of The Electric Street and info about the project, visit www.percystreetproject.org.​

DISCOUNT PRICE WITH INSTALLATION 52

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

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BARTENDER SPOTLIGHT

BILLY HINES OWNER & THIRST QUENCHER AT THE THIRSTY SOUL

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

t h e t h i r s t y s o u l p h i l ly . c o m

THE SOUL COLADA INGREDIENTS ➜1 oz Patron

Citronge Pineapple ➜1 oz Bacardi

Coconut Rum

➜ .75 oz agave ➜ . 75 oz fresh

lime juice

➜1 oz of aquafaba

DIRECTIONS

Mix all ingredients in tin, dry shake, than add ice and shake. Double strain to create a foam. Pour. Garnish with a cherry & pineapple leaf. Enjoy!

Visit The Thirsty Soul / 1551 W. Passyunk Ave / 215.515.3276 The Thirsty Soul is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Magazine Business Network.

Anthony, Vince & Vincent “Three generations; a 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 Andrew Andreozzi

July / August / September 2019

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Grey Towers Castle GLENSIDE, PA Content courtesy of Anthony Grassia, Past President, Society for Castle Restoration

Hot Spots

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You don’t need fairy dust, magic, or even a trip to Europe to discover beautiful castles bursting with history. There are many right here in Pennsylvania. We’ll continue to spotlight nearby structures that are worthy of a road trip.

Back in 1893, a raging fire destroyed Rosedale Hall, the home of William Welsh Harrison, a sugar baron and member of a prominent Philadelphia family. Harrison hired architect Horace Trumbauer to design a new home on that site. Construction took five years and when it was completed, Grey Towers Castle stood in its place. Located just outside of Philadelphia at Arcadia University, the castle remains part of the majestic landscape and beckons many visitors through its doors. Named for the grey stones mined in nearby Chestnut Hill, the exterior of the structure is modeled after Alnwick (Annick) Castle in northeast England.

Grey Towers was Trumbauer’s first presidential mansion. The structure was so impressive that Horace Trumbauer’s firm was later commissioned to design the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Free Library of Philadelphia. He also designed country estates on Philadelphia’s wealthy Main Line, as well as Newport, RI and elegant townhomes in New York City and Washington, D.C. Grey Towers Castle Facts �� Most of the original lighting is still intact (a luxury at the time). �� Gilded ceiling panels in the Grand Hall opened to create an early form of air conditioning.

�� There are 54 tapestries throughout the Castle, making this the largest collection of Baumgarten tapestries still surviving in their intended location. �� In 1898, a bill from William Baumgarten noted the total charge for decorations alone at $50,000. ($1.2 million today). �� A rough estimate of the total bill for the castle in 1907 was a little over a halfmillion dollars ($12.7+ million today). �� William Welsh Harrison owned one of America’s great Castles. With 41 rooms, it was the third-largest private residence at the time of its completion. �� Harrison died in 1927 and the University (Beaver College) bought the estate for $712,000 ($3.5 million today). �� In 1985, Grey Towers Castle was declared a National Historic Landmark.

Arcadia’s student group, the Society for Castle Restoration, is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the Castle’s glory. The group regularly invites members of the community to special events to honor the Castle and its history.

October Events The Society for Castle Restoration offers evening tours throughout October. There’s also a Haunted Castle event that’s open to the public. Look for more about October events in our fall issue. For historical tours or more information, please email SCR@arcadia.edu.

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

Food for thought 54

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

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

gohomephilly.com

PRHTIPS FROM THE PROS LEGAL

& RDER LAWO is CHILD SUPPORT

Retroactive?

by FRANK C. DEPASQUALE JR., ESQUIRE

Q: My aunt appointed her niece Q: How can I prevent individual

as her health care agent. I get the feeling that her niece is looking for a nursing facility even though my aunt is still very self-sufficient and still has all her marbles.

She has been hospitalized a few times this year for infections but recovered with treatment. Can her niece send her to a nursing home without her consent?

No, so long as your aunt has the capacity to make her own medical decisions. Advance health care directives permit a health care agent to make health care decisions only when that person becomes unable to understand, make or communicate decisions about their heath care.

property from being “marital” property? I own a family property but my husband says he’s entitled to half since we’ve been married for 20 years and it was acquired during the marriage.

Marital Property is defined by statute as all property acquired by either party during the marriage and the increase in value of any property acquired prior to the marriage. If the property was acquired during the marriage, that property will be subject to equitable distribution, which is not necessarily a 50/50 split. It requires a review of all of the facts of a marriage to determine a fair division of all of the marital property.

Q: Is child support retroactive?

Frank C. DePasquale, Esq., is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Magazine Business Network.

A:

My friend told me she sued her ex-husband for the money he never gave her while she raised her two children. He moved to the West Coast when they divorced and she never took him to family court. She said the judge determined he had the means and should have provided for his children with or without a court order.

No. Child support obligations start from the date the custodial parent files an application for child support with the court.

Since she never filed with family court, she will not be entitled to any retroactive child support.

A:

A:

Once again, Frank DePasquale has been recognized by his peers as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for 2018.

He heads DePasquale Law Offices, 2332-34 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145. P: 215.755.4410. Email him at frank@depasquale-law.com or visit www.depasquale-law.com

SL

Construction & Improvements LLC slrconstruction4@gmail.com Licensed and Insured

215-669-7248 215-260-0748 July / August / September 2019

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PRHTIPS FROM THE PROS

Before, During & After

a Step by Step Guide to Homebuying courtesy of JOSEPH MESI

Tioga-Franklin Savings Bank ❚ BEFORE 1. Determine a down payment amount based on your available funds.

❚A FTER 1. Transfer utilities.

2.

Change your address with the United States Postal Service.

3.

Celebrate!

2.

Define a monthly payment amount that fits into your budget.

3.

Start gathering important income and assets documents.

4.

Get a pre-approved letter from an Independent Mortgage Professional.

5.

Consult with a Real Estate Agent.

6.

Shop for your home.

❚ When should I consider refinancing?

If you’re looking to lower your current interest rate or if you are looking to consolidate debts or obtain cash for your equity, it may be a good idea to refinance.

7.

Make an offer. Consider asking for seller’s contribution to assist in paying for your closing fees and any remaining taxes for the year.

❚ Refinancing your mortgage could: 1. Lower your monthly mortgage payment.

2.

Lower your interest rate.

❚ DURING 1. Consider a home inspection.

3.

Eliminate Private Mortgage Insurance (P.M.I.)

2.

A home appraisal will be completed to determine the value of the property.

4.

Lower your loan term to pay off your mortgage faster.

5.

3.

Do a final walk-through.

Turn home equity into cash for home improvements.

4.

Sign final closing documents.

6.

Pay off or consolidate debts.

Call Joseph Mesi at 215.423.8012 ext. 6597 or email Jmesi@ tiogafranklin.com today to discuss your financial options.

Joseph Mesi, Tioga-Franklin Savings Bank, is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome Magazine (PRH) Business Network.

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Bugs, Balms & H2O Summer Safety Tips Worth Repeating courtesy of RON RABENA Chief Administrative Officer, Allied Universal www.aus.com

Many look forward to warm breezes and longer days but when summer approaches, the reality of extreme heat, humidity and a glaring sun become an uncomfortable reality.

Tips to deal with heat don’t change much from year to year but it is important to have a refresher. Heat-related injuries are very preventable. Please review the safety tips below to be aware of and prepared for the unique hazards that may arise in many workplaces during the hottest months of the year. ❚ Hydration. When it’s hot, increase your intake of water. Salty foods and beverages (like potato chips and soda) can work against you in this area. If you have a specialized diet or other health concerns, you should consult a physician on this issue.

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❚ Acclimatization. This means that you need to be even more cautious during the first few days of warmer weather or during a heat wave. Your body needs time to adjust to a warmer environment.

Pace your physical activity and drink more water. ❚ Heat Illness. Watch for the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in yourself and others. Know the details of your sites’ Heat Illness Prevention Plan. Don’t delay if you experience symptoms of illness. Respond immediately to cool down and seek medical attention as needed. ❚ Sun protection. The CDC advises that you apply a thick layer of sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) on all exposed skin. Seek or ask for sources of shade if you work outdoors. ❚ Severe Storms. Many areas of the country can be affected by severe storms. Register to get local weather alerts sent to your cell phone and familiarize yourself with your site’s response plan. In the U.S., lightning strikes 25 million times a year. Move indoors if possible or into a fully-closed, hard-top vehicle in an emergency. ❚ Insects. Protect yourself from insect bites with clothing that covers your skin and use insect repellents. Survey your area for sources of standing water where mosquito eggs are laid.

Always check your skin and scalp for tics after being outdoors for a prolonged length of time. ❚ Exercise. Fitness is important year-round but play it safe in extreme weather. Try to fit in your exercise during the cooler parts of the day when the sun is down.

2531-35 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia PA 19148

Ron Rabena, Allied Universal, is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network.

July / August / September 2019

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PRHTHE MENU COURTESY OF JOHN NACCHIO

OLIVE ALL’ASCOLANA

O’LIVE LONG & HEALTHY I grew up Italian American, feasting often on plates of tender spicy shrunken Black Sicilian aged-cured olives and dipping slices of fresh baked hearty breads into a rich flavored liquid gold bowl of oil (Bertolli, Pompean or Calavita). But who knew that olives are by and large uniquely a passion born by Greeks!

The worlds’ largest olive tree is supposed to be in Canneto, Rome. It is 1,000 years old. However, one of the oldest olive trees in the world is the “olive tree of Vouves” in Crete, Greece. Then, news is that in Lebanon, they have found the three oldest trees, supposed to be 6,000 years old. Fossil

evidence further has the olive tree with origins at 20-40 million years ago in an area corresponding to parts of Italy. With such longevity, could olives hold nature’s secret to long life? Unlocking the much sought-after Fountain of Youth?

Today, there are about 800 million olive trees in the world, growing in places as different as Australia and California. But 98 percent of the world’s olives and oil comes from 20 or so countries. Spain is the largest producer of olive oil in the world, followed closely by Italy. Greece is the third-largest producer, though it uses more olive oil per capita than any other country.

The olive is undeniably one of the most celebrated fruits of all time. Its taste, virtues for heart health or weight loss and the mystique of beautiful hair and skin with its character praised in various religious texts, celebrated by philosophers, poets and writers down through the centuries. In Greek mythology, Zeus pronounced Athena the victor in a competition because it was she who had bestowed upon mankind the most useful plant of all: the olive tree. With the culinary pleasure that olives provide in a variety of oils, sauces or topped on salads and pizzas, it is easy to understand why they are considered one of the greatest gifts of the gods!

Q: What is the difference between Green and Black olives?

A: There is hardly any difference between black and green olives, but one is in their degree of ripeness. Green olives are unripe, whereas the black olives are ripe. Both are bitter and to reveal the flavor must, for months, be soaked in brine.

ITALIAN FRIED STUFFED OLIVES

Best known as “Olive all’Ascolana” - named for the town the recipe originated, Ascoli Piceno in Le Marche, Italy.

➜ 60 large, whole Castelvetrano ➜ ➜ ➜ ➜

bright green Sicilian olives (largest variety, note other choices) 2 cups water 1 Tbsp. salt 1 /4 cup butter 2 Tbsp. olive oil

Chop the celery, onion and carrot, cut whole meat into pieces (if not ground) and fry everything in oil and butter. Blend with white wine (use a food processor if used whole meat pieces). Vegan: sub for meat using cooked chickpeas/garbanzo (like a falafel mix)! When cooked add the

INGREDIENTS ➜3 cloves garlic, minced ➜4 – 6 ounces ground chicken ➜1 small carrot, finely grated up dry white wine ⅓➜ c ½➜ m ¼ ➜ t sp. nutmeg edium onion, finely chopped ½➜ c up finely chopped celery ➜ p inch of cracked red pepper ➜4 – 6 ounces ground pork ➜S alt and black pepper to taste ➜4 – 6 ounces ground beef ➜1 egg yolk for stuffing DIRECTIONS

cheese, eggs and a sprinkling of nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well, and roll the mixture into olive-shaped balls. Cut the green olives in a spiral top down with a paring knife, removing the stone, then wrap around the stuffing balls. (Short cut - use pitted Spanish queen green

olives or jumbo pitted black olives by slicing down one side and open flat. Place stuffing in top with second sliced olive and press together).

Dredge them in flour, then pass through the beaten egg and finally roll them in breadcrumbs. Fry the stuffed olives in hot oil until brown. Serve

½➜ c up freshly-grated Parmesan cheese ➜1 to 3 eggs to dip the olives ➜2 cups flour ➜2 – 3 cups Italian breadcrumbs ➜1 bottle vegetable or olive oil for frying hot or cool as antipasto appetizer (in bowl or surround with field greens).

Served as a meal entrée, top them over a hot plate of any pasta choice with Red Marinara sauce or White Bianco Sauce (Fettuccini or Linguini best choice or ribbed Penne pasta) ​

Philadelphia RowHome Suggested Wine Pairing by Vincent Novello El Esteco Don David Malbec / $10 58

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

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COURTESY OF TINA GRASSIA

SUMMER SENSATIONS

GRASSIA’S ITALIAN MARKET SPICE CO.

Deli l Catering l Gift Baskets

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I ta l i a n m a r k e t s p i c e c o . c o m

Give us a call because we do it all j Full-Service Deli j Homemade Daily Specials j Soup j Signature Salads j Hot & Cold Sandwiches j Free Delivery!

CUCUMBER APPLE SALAD (Gluten Free, vegetarian and vegan)

INGREDIENTS

➜4 cucumbers,

peeled and cut into small pieces ➜2 Granny Smith (or any kind) apples,

cut small pieces ➜4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ➜1 to 2 splashes of apple cider vinegar

1-tsp Villa di Verdi or Capo Mix (Italian Market Spice Co. blends)

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, toss cucumbers and apples. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar and spice blend. Toss small bowl mixture with cucumbers and apples. Refrigerate until ready to serve with another quick toss.

Philadelphia RowHome Suggested Wine Pairing by Vincent Novello Moletta Prosecco / $12

j Corporate & Private Catering j Event Planning Gourmet Gift Baskets & Specialty Italian Foods Shipped Anywhere!

A TOAST TO THE PAST WITH THE TASTE OF THE FUTURE

PEZONE CELLO

TRADITIONAL ITALIAN LIQUEUR WITH A ROW HOME GROWN FLAIR

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Newest addition to the Pennsylvania Pour Collective at Reading Terminal Market: Pezone Cello!

Chill. Shake. Serve.

Give it a shot. Any time of year.

MARDI GRAS VEGETABLES (spicy)

INGREDIENTS

➜1 bunch of

asparagus (string bean or Brussels

Sprouts can be substituted) ➜4 tbsp avocado oil

➜1 tsp Mardi Gras

(Italian Market Spice Co. blends)

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, toss vegetables with oil and spice blend. Grill, bake or fry to your liking.

July / August / September 2019

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 59

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Anthony’s Caterers at the IATSE Ballroom INGREDIENTS ➜2 (16 oz.) center-

cut, bone-in, veal loin chops ➜4 oz. Sharp provolone, cubed into 4 pieces ➜4 -6 (1/2 lb.) Italian

long hot peppers

➜1 /4 lb. prosciutto, thinly sliced (Prosciutto de Parma) ➜1 /2 cup balsamic vinegar

➜E xtra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

➜1 tsp chopped garlic (in oil)

➜2 sprigs fresh rosemary

➜S alt, pepper

DIRECTIONS

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 60

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat (350 degrees). Roast peppers: place peppers in mixing bowl. Drizzle with EVOO. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Place on grill, medium heat (350 degrees). Grill each side until slightly charred, 3-5 minutes per side. Remove from grill. Put on a plate and allow to cool. Turn grill off. Lay the veal chop flat on cutting board. With a sharp knife held parallel to the board, cut a pocket into the chop, going all the way to the bone, but leaving the sides intact. Take one slice of prosciutto, wrap it around one cube of cheese, and stuff into the pocket. Repeat so there are two cubes of cheese/prosciutto in each chop. Insert 2 peppers into the pocket on top of the cheese/prosciutto, and close the chop with a wooden toothpick. Combine 1/2 cup EVOO and garlic in a mixing bowl for marinade. Stir. Pour into the bottom of a casserole or baking dish. Dip stuffed tenderloins into the mixture to coat one side. Flip and coat the other side, leaving in the dish. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Lay fresh rosemary in the oil beside the tenderloins. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator to marinate for 4-6 hours (can marinate overnight as well). Prepare balsamic reduction: Heat balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan to a slow boil on medium-low heat. Allow to boil for 15 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Cook until vinegar has reduced to half the original volume (syrup-like consistency). Allow balsamic reduction to cool completely. Pour into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat (500 degrees), pre-oiled.

Dip top side of tenderloin in oil mixture, then place marinated chop on grill. Dispose of marinade. Grill each side 5 minutes. Reduce grill heat to medium (350 degrees) and cook 8 minutes with grill lid down. Remove from grill. Place on serving plate and drizzle with balsamic reduction and enjoy.

Philadelphia RowHome Suggested Wine Pairing by Vincent Novello Bodegas Berceo Rioja / $14 gohomephilly.com

COURTESY OF LOMBARDI’S PRIME MEATS

GRILLED FLANK STEAK

with

CHARRED CORN SALSA w w w .L o m b a r d i M e at s . c o m

INGREDIENTS ➜ One 2-3 lb flank steak, trimmed of fat ➜ 1 tbsp light

brown sugar ➜1 tbsp chili powder ➜1 tbsp ground coriander

THE RUB ➜1 tbsp smoked

paprika ➜1 tbsp dry mustard ➜2 tsp ground cumin ➜1 tsp dried oregano

➜C oarse salt ➜ F reshly ground black pepper

➜O live oil, for oiling

the grill grates and brushing the steak

DIRECTIONS

Prepare an outdoor grill or grill pan for medium-high heat.

In a small bowl, stir together the dry ingredients for the rub. Set aside.

Lightly oil the grill grates. Brush both sides of the flank steak with oil.

Coat both sides with the dry rub. Grill until a golden-brown crust is formed, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Remove the steak from the grill and let rest, loosely covered with foil, for 10 minutes. Thinly slice the steak against the grain. Serve on a warmed platter with fresh corn salsa.

FRESH CORN SALSA ➜3 -4 cobs of fresh

corn, kernels cut to make 2 cups ➜2 small roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

INGREDIENTS ➜1 /2 cup diced

red onion ➜1 /2 cup diced red pepper ➜1 jalapeño, diced, seeds removed

➜1 /2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

➜1 fresh lime, juiced ➜C oarse salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

215.755.7180 3120 S 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145

DIRECTIONS

Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Sauté corn until kernels begin to char. Set aside to cool.

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, including cooled corn, and refrigerate for about an hour. Makes about 3 cups.

LOMBARDI’S PRIME MEATS IS A MEMBER OF THE PHILADELPHA ROWHOME MAGAZINE (PRH) BUSINESS NETWORK.

Philadelphia RowHome Suggested Wine Pairing by Vincent Novello Villata Valipolicella Ripasso $12

Monday-Thursday • 11am-9pm Friday&Saturday • 11am-11pm Sunday • 12pm-8pm

Benny Marsella and friends appear every Saturday night! Happy Hour - Monday-Friday 4 PM-6:30 PM. Call for more entertainment information. Visit our website for all of our upcoming events!

w w w. p o p i s r e s t a u r a n t . c o m July / August / September 2019

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 61

PRHBUSINESS

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Melissa Morales with her business partners Brandon Robbins (l) and Gary Ward

Caffè Vienna’s

making sandwiches great again!

215-557-0400 www.caffeviennaphila.com We Deliver!

Find our catering menu online as well!

Anthony Alberto 2651 S. 16th Street Philadelphia, PA 19145

267-819-6318

62

MELMOS DOG TREATS Building a Better Biscuit

by MATT KELCHNER

P

ups, doggos, good boys and girls. Whatever your nickname, dogs are like family. The saying goes, “Every dog has its day.” South Philly company Melmos Dog Treats is aiming to help make every day a dog’s best day, one biscuit at a time.

Founder Melissa Morales used to manage a high-end pizza restaurant where all the customers had dogs and were looking for a higher quality treat. “The cute biscuits I was buying were expensive and the dogs really didn’t like them!”

Melmos was born from that desire for healthier treats at a fair price. As she was researching and developing recipes for her business, the family’s 13-year-old Rottweiler passed away. Melissa reached out to customers and dogs around her neighborhood for their feedback on the flavors.

One corgi, Yuki, enjoyed being a tester so much that he became the face of Melmos Dog Treats.

“He gets free biscuits for life,” she says.

Melmos dogs can enjoy unique flavors like beef-carrot-apple, chicken-carrot-apple, pumpkin or sweet potato with peanut butter, blueberry chamomile and blackberry peppermint. Melmos proudly uses locally sourced ingredients only: grains from Love City Brewery and fruits, veggies and meats from the Italian market and other local farm stands. No wheat, salt or fillers! The company’s motto sums it up best. “People Tested, Dog Approved.” Why would you feed your dog something you wouldn’t be willing to eat?

In January, Melmos Dog Treats added two business partners, Brandon Robbins and Gary

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

Ward, to help with the company’s growing demand and product expansion. “We are all in agreement about giving back to our communities and do monthly charity events for many of the local dog rescues and organizations.” Treats are available online but can also be found at events around the Philadelphia area. “We are regulars at Swarthmore, Bedminster, Tinicum and Bristol farmers markets,” Morales points out. They also share retail spaces at Coffeehouse 2 in Fishtown, Bristol Antiques in Bristol and Antiques on High Street in Burlington, New Jersey, with more stores in the works.

Custom orders are not only welcomed, but encouraged! “We love doing new designs and have access to a 3D printer to accommodate unusual shapes. We love doing doggie birthday cakes and custom dog cookies for every size and palate!,” Morales says. Melmos is also happy to create special batches of treats by altering and developing recipes, including grain-free, based on customer needs and wants.

Currently the Melmos Dog Treats’ four-legged team consists of a pit bull mix named Dozie and four cats. “It’s great having a test subject like Dozie while working on new recipes. He is a great tester dog, though not very discerning.”

Visit www.melmosdogtreats.com and follow @melmosdog on Instagram to find out where Melmos Dog Treats will be next. With more than 50 events between now and Christmas (including Woofstock in Atlantic City at the Showboat on August 2nd and 3rd), you should have no problem finding these handmade, high-quality treats for your tail-wagging best friend. PRH gohomephilly.com

COURTESY OF MELISSA MORALES

EASY HOMEMADE

DOG TREATS

COCONUT OIL, PEANUT BUTTER GOODIES!

MELMOS DOG TREATS w w w . m e l m o s d o g t r e at s . c o m

One of the things I like to do in the summer is take a silicone mold (or an ice cube tray, whatever you have handy) and fill it half way with coconut oil. Coconut oil is super amazing for your pets’ digestion and their coats! It’s also amazing for you!

Then add peanut butter and/or shredded carrots into the molds.

Freeze until solid.

You can substitute peanut butter and carrots with blueberries or watermelon...or any kind of favorite foods your pet really enjoys!

My Dozie enjoys it with broccoli (he’s a weirdo)! Make sure you give these treats to your pets when they are outside or in a spot you don’t mind getting a little messy.

This recipe is a quick, easy way to give your pet an occasional treat on a hot day.

It’s both nutritious and delicious!

Melmo’s Dog Treats is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome Magazine (PRH) Business Network.

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER PIZZA • BRUNCH • LATE NIGHT

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July / August / September 2019

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 63

PRH Brides Guide

64

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

gohomephilly.com

~

Jose & Emily Dones The perfect Pair by Joe Volpe

H

appy Summer to all of our Brides Guide readers! This season, I’m excited to provide a follow-up to Philadelphia RowHome Magazine’s winter issue cover story about our newest addition to the Cescaphe Wedding experience – The Lucy – and a five-course Chef’s tasting and wine pairing menu. Emily Costa, the Community Relations Manager at SugarHouse Casino and Jose Doñes, the Community Relations Officer for the 26th Police District, are constantly sharing their time, energy and hearts with those around them so it was only fitting that they would want to share such an interactive culinary experience with those closest to them at their wedding on Friday, April 12 at The Lucy.

As I shared in the original article, this new offering is near and dear to my heart as it was inspired by the many family dinners hosted in my mother’s row home.

Emily just so happens to be my cousin and was also a member of the Cescaphe family for many years, so I was very eager to catch up with her after the wedding to hear all about her and Jose’s experience.

it? What was your guests’ reaction?

Joe Volpe: You were the first to experience Cescaphe’s new tasting menu. How did you feel about

JV: What was your guests’ reaction to this new experience?

Emily Costa-Doñes: You and Chef Joe LaPorte are experts in your craft.

When you presented this idea to me, the only answer was “of course!”

One of the reasons people choose Cescaphe is because of your reputation for impeccable service and innovative menu twists. We wanted to give our guests a unique culinary experience.

ED: They were blown away by the tasting menu!

It also came with wine pairings selected by a Cescaphe sommelier.

JV: Why did you choose a Cescaphe Wedding?

ED: I spent four years as a Cescaphe Event Manager and know firsthand how much hard work and love go into each wedding. The Lucy has a special meaning for me because its namesake, Lucille Volpe, was my godmother. The venue is as elegant and beautiful as my godmother was.

wedding planning?

ED: Jose and I put the wedding together in 8 months so we knew time was of the essence. Even though I knew what to expect during the planning process, it was so much fun to see it from the bride’s perspective.

I’ve known planners Betsy, Danielle and Nikki for years and we absolutely loved working with them again!

JV: What was your favorite part of your wedding?

ED: It downpoured the entire day but that didn’t dampen our spirits! The rain stopped just in time for us to sneak out after dinner to get the iconic City Hall picture. Jose and I couldn’t stop laughing at cars honking to congratulate us and the photographer caught that special moment.

CESCAPHE Credits Client Event Event Manager: Development Coordinator: Nikki DiJosie Associate: Betsy Danielle Fisher McNelis Shoustal Bech

by JOSEPH VOLPE, Cescaphe.com

JV: What was your favorite part about

Maitre D’: Dan Fleischmann

Head Servers: Marsi Tursi & Carolyn Baret​

Cescaphe is a member of the PRH Business Network.

Ever keeping his eyes focused on the latest wedding trends, Cescaphe 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 awardwinning Cescaphe Ballroom, Tendenza, Vie, The Down Town Club, The Water Works and The Lucy combine a captivating ambiance with exquisite cuisine for an unforgettable experience. Visit cescaphe.com or call 215.238.5750.

VENDOR CREDITS

Venue: The Lucy

Florist: Beautiful Blooms

Band/DJ: JPRod Productions

Invitations & Stationery: Shutterfly

Photographer: JPRod Productions

Dress Designer Dress Shop: David’s Bridal

July / August / September 2019

Menswear Designer/Shop: Indochino

Hair/Makeup: Bella Angel

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 65

-2018 NER hoice N I W ers’ C R e a d Aw a r d !

PRHFASHION TIPS from the PROS

Bring on the

“The Unusual Is Our Specialty”

The

Petal Pusher FLORIST & DECORATORS John & Joann Vacca Flowers For All Occasions

Bronze! ❱❱

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WHEN IT COMES TO MAKEUP this season, think sun-kissed, glowing skin! Matte is out. Bronzers are back.

Highlighters and contouring are also a big part of this summer season. If you need assistance in learning how to apply them, you can watch one of the many makeup tutorial videos available on YouTube.

Here are some of my favorite tips to get your summer glowing!

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MAC Mineralize Skinfinish™ in Soft and Gentle

It is a perfect combination of part bronzer and part highlighter.

It will give you a shimmering, “peachy,” bronzed warm look.

Perfect for the pool or beach.

Contour

If you prefer to contour your skin for a slimmer facial appearance, apply your bronzer below your cheekbone, along the sides of your nose and temples and below your jawline. If you want to look like you were lying on the beach all day at the Jersey Shore, follow your bronzer with a highlighter.

This combination allows you to wear almost any color shadow and lipstick. I recommend a bold peach or orange shadow to finish the look.

Highlight

Highlighters are a great summer choice since they work well with bronzers or alone on the skin. Highlighters create a dewy look, add dimension and enhance light, which create a slimming effect and a well-rested look. Highlighters can also help minimize dark circles under the eyes, decrease the look of wrinkles and mimic a “facelift” effect with appropriate placement.

The key to highlighters is knowing how to use them. Highlighters are applied along your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, on the brow bone, under your eyes and in the inner corners.

Again, a makeup tutorial can help. You can use a powder, cream or liquid highlighter based on your skin texture.

If you prefer a powder highlighter and want a lot of shimmer try Anastasia Beverly Hills Sun Dipped Glow Kit™. There are four shades available and you will likely end up using all of them as your skin tone changes in the upcoming months. The best part of this kit is that when you run out of your favorite shade, you can simply pop the empty disc out and replace it with a new one.

If you are looking for a natural highlighter, consider Benefit Watt’s Up!™ This is a cream highlighter that gives a natural glow. People will notice your glow, not your makeup, keeping the focus where it belongs. Liquid highlighters will give you the most intense light and I love Tarte Tarteist Pro™ glow liquid for this effect. This is a creamy highlighter that builds from sheer to intense. It’s ultra-concentrated so a little goes a long way.

Time to take these tips to the pool or beach. I’m sure this summer you will be Hot! Hot! Hot! Victoria DiPietro and Bella Angel are members of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network.

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| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

gohomephilly.com

PRHFASHION FREEDOM APOTHECARY

Skin+Wellness +Health photos by ROSIE SIMMONS food by CHEF MITZI JACKSON OWNERS BONKOSI HORN AND MORRISA JENKINS believe that the pursuit of health, happiness and wholeness starts with taking care of ourselves first! Freedom Apothecary is committed to providing customers with the highestquality health and beauty products, free of toxins. The products in their shop are handmade in small batches using carefully chosen ingredients that are packed with therapeutic properties to help keep hair and skin healthy and glowing.

Freedom Apothecary promotes beauty and wellness, creating a welcoming community for people who have skin...all of us!

Andreozzi Photography

WEDDINGS • SPECIAL EVENTS • BIRTHDAYS • ANNIVERSARIES

Andrew Paul - Photographer “QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHY FOR LESS” (484) 614-1952 apandreozziphotography@aol.com apandreozziphotography.com 68

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

Freedom Apothecary owners Bonkosi Horn and Morrisa Jenkins at their Grand Opening with Chef Mitzi Jackson & Philadelphia RowHome Magazine Publisher Dawn Rhoades.

gohomephilly.com

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July / August / September 2019

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 69

PRHMUSIC&ART

FRANCES Booking EGLER Broadway Theatre’s hottest shows head to the Kimmel Center WWW.KIMMELCENTER.ORG

J

by Brenda Hillegas ust a few days before this year’s Tony Awards were announced, I got the chance to speak with Frances Egler, Senior Director of Programming and Presentations at The Kimmel Center.

As a voting member, her lips were sealed regarding favorites among the 34 shows she saw on Broadway this season, which happened to be the highest grossing season in Broadway history. By now, you know the top winners include Hadestown with eight wins (including Best New Musical), Oklahoma! for

MUSIC

Best Revival of a Musical and The Ferryman for Best Play.

While NYC is just a short bus ride away, you may be able to see one of this year’s winners as part of an upcoming season at The Kimmel Center. In general, Egler says the 2018-2019 Broadway shows will be on tour during 2020-2021.

Looking ahead to this fall and the Kimmel Center’s 2019-2020 season, some previous Tony Award winners for Best Musical will be heading to Philly - Dear Evan Hansen and The Band’s Visit, as well as a returning favorite RENT. “Mean Girls and Dear Evan Hansen have strong Philly ties. We’re excited to bring these shows to their hometown,” Egler says. Mean Girls, of course, is based on the hit 2004 movie written by Upper Darby’s Tina Fey, and Dear Evan Hansen features the music and lyrics of Philadelphia’s Benj Pasek along with his writing partner Justin Paul.

Though Egler is not a Philly native, she has lived here for about five years now (currently in Queen Village). When she’s not working hard to help bring

70

the best of the best in music and arts to Philadelphia, she enjoys spending time at Dilworth Park, the Wissahickon Trail, the Franklin Fountain or John’s Water Ice. Prior to her position at the Kimmel Center, Egler worked as a producer for a small booking company in New York – her first experience working with theatres. She originally attended college for Art History but her love for the theatre steered her back to school for a Masters in Theatre Management from the Yale School of Drama.

“I’m from a big family with 10 siblings and I would see my older siblings in their high school musical productions,” says Egler about her earliest theatre memories growing up in Pittsburgh. “I would also go to various shows with my parents. There was always lots of [Broadway] music playing in our house.”

Egler even saw Les Miserables while it was in previews in London. Les Miserables, which won Best Musical at the Tony Awards in 1987, will also be returning to the Kimmel Center for their upcoming Broadway season.

The Kimmel Center books their Broadway shows two years ahead of

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

time and Egler is currently working on programming for the next few seasons. With so many musicals on tour throughout the U.S. and stops in so many major cities, Egler says that logistics is key to what ends up in Philadelphia each season.

“Shows travel with anywhere from five to 25 tractors and buses,” she says. “Generally, a show closes on a Sunday night and then opens on a Tuesday in the next city. The amount of travel time between each city and the load in/load out time for each show has to be considered.

Where the tour starts and where it’s headed is also a factor.” The East Coast, for example, has a cluster of major cities within a short drive, making it easy for shows to include cities like Philadelphia, DC and Baltimore in one season.

Broadway shows are just a fraction of what the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus (which includes the Academy of Music and Merriam Theater) offers each year. When booking shows to come to Philadelphia, Egler also must take into consideration what is already on the calendar and work around the previously scheduled events. Each season is filled with music performances in a variety of genres, free shows, educational programming, special exhibits, workshops, film and much more.

“This is our second year of the National Geographic Live Speaker Series,” Egler says. “We bring

people affiliated with National Geographic to the Kimmel Center to present their work.” The series will include programs on the Grand Canyon, Egyptian history and the search for life beyond Earth.

Other season highlights that Egler mentions are vocalist Jazzmeia Horn (March 2020), comedian Paula Poundstone (March 2020), percussion/world music from Zakir Hussain with Kala Ramnath and Jayanthi Kumaresh (April 2020), Broadway vocalist Mandy Patinkin (October 2019) and The Office! A Musical Parody (September 2019).

“The challenge is to present a series that reflects the community we serve,” Egler says.

One new feature this season is the addition of a weekday matinee to the Broadway series. This enables people with non-traditional work schedules or school groups to attend shows. Egler also encourages people to subscribe to series and buy packages. You’ll have priority access to the shows and seats for each season. The Kimmel Center campus is the second largest performing arts center in the country. There are shows for every taste and budget and always something to discover.

“Live theatre is a unique experience. It’s a live connection you don’t have with movies or streaming services,” Egler says.

“I’m glad we can bring the best of Broadway to our backyard.” PRH gohomephilly.com

ROB MCCLURE Spotlight:

Beetlejuice on Broadway

Y

by Brenda Hillegas photo by Matthew Murphy ou can catch Philadelphia-based actor Rob McClure on Broadway in his current role as Adam Maitland in the new musical version of Beetlejuice, based on Tim Burton’s 1998 comedy-horror film of the same name. McClure has appeared at the Walnut Street Theatre in shows like Amadeus, The Producers and Oliver! and received a 2013 Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his first starring role on Broadway as Charlie

MUSIC

Chaplin in the musical Chaplin.

McClure recently played Nick Bottom on Broadway in Something Rotten!, as well as on the national tour (which came to Philly last year).

Rob talked to us recently about his role in Beetlejuice - nominated for eight Tony Awards this year, including Best Musical - and his love for the movie.

Q: Are you a new car smell kind of guy? Or old book smell?

a: I’m definitely an “old book smell person.”

Q: Tell us a bit about Beetlejuice the Musical’s road to Broadway. When did you learn you would be playing Adam Maitland and how did you take the news?

a: I was on tour with Something Rotten! when Director Alex Timbers reached out to discuss the possibility. I am a HUGE fan of the movie and have always thought that Tim Burton’s aesthetic would translate beautifully

(l to r) Sophia Ann Caruso (Lydia), Rob McClure (Adam) and Kerry Butler (Barbara).

onstage...and it did! I jumped at the chance to be a part of it.

Q: Why does Beetlejuice work so well as a musical?

a: The movie translates so well

because we had a really smart group of artists doing the translating. Scott Brown, Anthony King and Eddie Perfect figured out EXACTLY what makes that story sing and what gives it an emotional core worthy of a Broadway stage, while fully maintaining the madness that drew us all to it in the first place.

Q: Beetlejuice, the movie, is a classic. What’s your earliest memory of the movie? What did you think?

a: I have home movies of me

doing the “Day-O” dance around my kitchen table at 7 years old. So, yeah. I was into it.

Q: How did you prepare for the role of Adam?

a: I prepared the same way I

do for any role. It starts with the words. I dig into the script and try to figure out exactly who this guy

is. I like to work inside-out. If I can figure him out on the inside, it will start to translate physically.

Q: Has Alec Baldwin [who played Adam Maitland in the movie version] seen your performance of the character yet? Any feedback from him?

a: Alec Baldwin has not seen the show...yet!

Q: What’s your favorite musical number from Beetlejuice?

a: My favorite number is “Say My

Name” because I think our writers found a really cool way to musicalize the cat and mouse game of charades between Lydia and Beetlejuice.

Q: You shared on Instagram that the first musical you saw was CATS at the Winter Garden Theatre (where Beetlejuice now plays). What other theatre memories - shows you’ve been in or seen - stand out for you?

a: Oh, gosh! So many. Sweeney Todd

was hugely formative for me...the idea that musicals don’t all need to smile!

Q: RowHome Magazine interviewed your wife July / August / September 2019

Maggie Lakis, last year, when you were both touring in the cast of Something Rotten. What’s new with the two of you?

a: We have a beautiful sevenmonth-old daughter.

Q: Are you living in South Philly and commuting to NYC?

a: I do commute daily from

Philadelphia! I joke that I have a second home on the Amtrak train.

Q: Who are you more like in real life? Nick Bottom (Something Rotten!) or Adam Maitland?

a: I am definitely more Adam Maitland than Nick Bottom.

Q: What are some of your favorite spots to visit or eat at in Philadelphia?

a: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and then dinner at Marrakesh for their amazing tasting menu.

If you’re wondering why we asked Rob if he likes the old car smell or the new book smell, it’s a reference to the musical...and that means you probably haven’t seen it yet! Rob commutes to NYC every day from Philadelphia, so why don’t you try it for a day and go see Beetlejuice too!

For info and tickets to Beetlejuice visit www.beetlejuicebroadway.com.

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PRHMUSIC&ART The Theatre Geek

YOUR DAY IN NY BEGINS HERE!

Broadway Roulette will Pick a Show for You

I

by Marialena Rago

n the summer, many people take trips to sunny, tropical vacation destinations. But if you are anything like me, you would prefer the hustle and bustle of a good, old-fashioned New York day trip. Shopping in SoHo, grabbing lunch at a cool, hip place and ending with a Broadway show.

Every June, the American Theater Wing presents its Tony Awards to the best of the best on The Great White Way. This season, Broadway saw its highest grossing year to date

with theaters at 98% capacity.

I think it’s safe to say that this year’s new shows are ones you won’t want to miss. Here is a little guide to the Broadway season.

Musicals This year had a great variety of shows from comedies like The Prom (which will close on August 11th), Beetlejuice and Tootsie to jukebox musicals like The Cher Show (closing Aug 18) and Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.

This year’s winner was the Greek mythology based Hadestown which follows two intertwining love stories - Orpheus and Eurydice; King Hades and Persephone.

The show, complete with its

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Tony Award-winning score, takes you to the underworld and back on an epic journey that pits love against fear, faith against doubt.

Two of my favorite categories are Best Leading Actress and Best Leading Actor in a Musical. I was particularly excited because two of my absolute favorites won in their respective categories. Stephine J. Block won for her diva role in The Cher Show. When you listen to her sing and talk, you truly believe she is Cher. Santino Fontana won for his portal of Dorthy Michaels/ Michael Dorsey in Tootsie (based on the Dustin Hoffman movie of the same name). Tootsie also won Best Book of a Musical; this production will have you rolling

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

in your seat with laughter.

This year marked a historical win in the Best Actress in a Supporting Role category. Ali Stroker, in her role of Ado Annie from Oklahoma!, is the first person in a wheelchair to win a Tony Award (and to ever be on Broadway).

The show also won Best Revival of a Musical for its bare bones and more modern version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic.

Plays The Ferryman walked away with Best Play. In 1981 Ireland, the Carney family is preparing for the annual harvest. The Hollywood Reporter says, “This crackling thriller positively thrums with life and love. It will leave you breathless.”

Brian Cranson won Best Actor for Network and Elaine May won for The Waverly Gallery. Unfortunately, both are closed now. But if you are looking for a play, consider tickets to To Kill a Mockingbird. The classic story gets a retelling with a book by Emmy Award-winner Aaron Sorken and

features 2019 Best Supporting Actress in a Play winner Celia Keenan-Bolger as Scout. Actor Jeff Daniels plays Atticus Finch until early November, when Ed Harris takes over.

With so many show options, how will you choose? Luckily, there’s a great program called Broadway Roulette that will pick a show for you. You pick the day and how many tickets you want, then you’ll be asked some preference questions: Do you like plays or musicals? Do you want something that’s family friendly? Are there any shows you already know you don’t want to see? What have you seen recently (you’re allowed to eliminate four for free, but can pay $10 to eliminate a few more).

When the day of your trip arrives, you’ll know which show, when to head to the theatre and where to go. The tickets run $49-59 – a steal for premier Broadway tickets! PRH Visit www.broadwayroulette. com to find out more. gohomephilly.com

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JOHNNY MOVIES! // Actor

Filmmaker

John DeStefano Jr.

Licensed in NJ & PA “SOUTH PHILLY” born and raised

joins a new generation of storytellers

J MUSIC

Realtor, Notary

by John Nacchio photo by Matt Mahoney

ohn DeStefano Jr. is bound for a Hollywood journey. The South Philly born actor and filmmaker is putting his dreams into practice with determination and passion to join a new generation of storytellers.

DeStefano’s Philadelphia moxie unexpectedly became enlivened in his teenage years, participating in a Philly-favorite pastime as a member of the traditional New Year’s Mummers parade.

He strutted up Broad Street year after year but in 2010, something incredible happened that redefined his life. The Vikings Fancy Brigade auditioned and strutted on America’s Got Talent (Mummers on national TV - first ever!). Flying to LA and being on a television studio lot with his Mummer family and friends, led by Vikings Captain Pete D’Amato, became a life-defining moment. This experience ignited a vision in DeStefano of what could be done with creative talents and personal drive.

DeStefano started his film career shortly after graduating from Temple University in 2012 with a degree in business management. This degree provided a foundation to manage his own career by applying business professionalism, marketing and media integrity. From inception, his versatility and talent as an actor became noticeable in his first production. His ability began to shine through on screen with both a commanding presence and compelling charm.

In an effort to gain traction in his career goals, DeStefano began producing his own films to star in, as well. While doing so, he discovered a remarkable aptitude for directing.

DeStefano says he would like to follow in the steps of acclaimed writer-director Christopher Nolan (Interstellar, Inception) best known for his cerebral, often nonlinear storytelling.

Nolan’s filmography is very diverse in directing, screenwriting and story concepts with a range from low-budget independent films to some of the biggest blockbusters ever made.

ED MARRONE DeStefano is also a big fan of Marvel movies and franchises like Star Wars, Avatar and Pirates of the Caribbean. Why? “They’re genre blending,” he says. “You can have an epic scene but mix comedy, drama and action all in one.”

Earlier this year, DeStefano released a crime/ thriller called Concerned Citizens of Philadelphia.

The short film is based on true events surrounding the Philadelphia Parking Authority revenue scandal and $33 million that went missing from the City of Philadelphia’s general fund. When attempting to take down an unpopular municipal agency, chaos ensues for a group of activists who discover a large-scale political conspiracy.

In his own work, no matter what film genre, you will be sure to notice a unique creative vision and insight. Comedic timing, for example, is brilliantly captured in Breakup Business, his 2017 romantic comedy short. In this film, a suave yet goofy bachelor professionally ends relationships for people who don’t want to do it themselves.

(Portions of the film were shot at Morgan’s Pier, one of DeStefano’s favorite Philly spots).

Currently, DeStefano is in production on a film called The Battle at Home. It’s a war/sports drama about a young Veteran returning home from the Armed Forces as he attempts to revive his pursuit of a professional baseball career. “My goal for the film is to create quality cinematic content to help propel my career forward,” DeStefano says of the upcoming release. “At the same time, [The Battle At Home] provides awareness to the often overlooked issues that Veterans face when returning home from war.”

DeStefano’s stylistic and detailed approach, whether through comedy, edgy action packed sequences or thought-provoking storytelling, will always leave you thoroughly entertained and wanting more. See for yourself. His short film credits to date are Concerned Citizens of Philadelphia (2019), Breakup Business (2017), I Am: The Divinity Theorem (2017) and Epiphany: The Journey Begins (2016). www.johnnymovies.com PRH

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Hot Waves

PRHMUSIC&ART

PHILLY

45S Summertime

L

ong ago in simpler times, he was just the Fresh Prince. Well ahead of Men in Black and his “aw, hell no” action-comedy shtick, years away from Ali and Suicide Squad and before ever gettin’ jiggy with anything, Will Smith was a West Philly kid like so many others: a smart guy with an outsized personality and a knack for fun rhymes. His nickname even appeared in the second slot after the “and” in his soon-to-be-famous double act. Turntable wizard Jeffrey Townes was the guy mentioned first - not under that name, as it happened, but as the much catchier DJ Jazzy Jeff.

The pair easily hit it off and started spinning stories and raps as soon as they met. Before Smith graduated from Overbrook High, they’d caught the ear of Paul Oakenfold and earned a single release through Word Up Records. The duo soon taught their generation a timeless lesson with “Girls Ain’t Nothing But Trouble,” then shared a further nugget of wisdom with “Parents Just Don’t Understand.”

There’s no need to argue - there are just some things everyone learns in life sooner or later.

When the Grammys started a category for Best Rap Performance, “Parents” received the first award. The pair’s friendship and creative chemistry had them branching out more than ever before too long. Smith’s star persona brought him into TV-land with The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and Townes came right along in a recurring role playing (of course) his character’s best friend Jazz. Maybe it was the whirl of new experiences or their burgeoning fame at the turn of the decade, but they sounded more grown-up than ever when they returned to the studio between seasons to make their fourth album Homebase.

This one showed them stepping up in all kinds of ways. The rough edges of previous recordings gave way to smarter layered production and slicker beats, while Smith’s fun and personable rhymes got (somewhat) less goofy. The whole thing made a big splash and deservedly so. If there’s one part that’s truly iconic, “Summertime” is it. There are some things that both fans and non-fans absorb

MUSIC

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by Geno Thackara

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

by osmosis just because they’re so woven into the city’s culture and history. You might go for ages not thinking about it but catch a hint of that snappy snare groove and some corner of your brain can bring it all back like the smell from a grill.

In time-honored hip-hop fashion, the duo made more than a few of their songs by building on pieces of Philly’s musical past. In this case, it was by borrowing the central synth pattern from Kool and the Gang’s smooth ‘70s soul jam “Summer Madness.” Smith wasn’t kidding about giving a new definition to the phrase: where Kool and crew’s piece was an easygoing instrumental daydream, Townes sets the airy hook behind a crooning R&B chorus and a cruising backbeat made to get bodies swaying.

(In somewhat less time-honored fashion, they encapsulated the early ‘90s with some ungodly eye-popping jackets for the cover and videos.

All I can say is, you really had to be there.)

The song stays in minor chords the whole time, yet somehow the feeling of fun outdoors doesn’t let up. Smith smoothly distills the season to its key essence in an early twentysomething’s world: girls, good times with friends, dancing, girls, cars, barbecues, basketball, and... girls.

Of course there are also some shout-outs to their beloved hometown - alongside the picnics, the video also made sure to splice in some shots of the Art Museum and Boathouse Row. If “Summertime” is a product of its time in more than a couple ways, some of those associations manage to stay fresh in any year.

They’ve gone on to become inescapable names in the worlds of music production and Hollywood, respectively. Still, once upon a time, these two were fun-loving youngsters like anybody else and they can never quite leave behind the tune that earned them their second Grammy and their biggest hit. Townes has continued to team with DJ Mick for a Summertime Mix Series dance compilation every year since 2010 to feature more of those good-time jams.

No wonder this slinky celebration remains a perennial memory and a staple of the season as much as chill lemonade when it’s 88 degrees.

Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it. PRH gohomephilly.com

LOCAL BAND SPOTLIGHT

St. Monica School

“THE PRIDE OF SOUTH PHILLY”

TUCKER MICHAELS D MUSIC

Junior School:

1720 W. Ritner Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145

by Bryan Culver

uring the day you may know him as Tom, but when he’s up on stage, he goes by Tucker.

“This music business is funny.”

Tom Martellacci is a laid-back, easy going guy - or at least that’s the vibe I got from him when we spoke over the phone. On the weekends, he gigs at local bars around the Reading, PA, area. He plays the acoustic guitar and sings covers of his favorite rock and pop tunes, nothing more to it.

“I still play, doing the solo acoustic gig, because of the love I have for playing in front of people.”

By day, Martellacci is a finance manager at a local Lexus dealership, a business he’s been working in for more than 20 years.

He’s also a grandfather! In fact, our initial phone call was postponed on account of his daughter giving birth to a newborn baby boy. You can tell Martellacci’s genuinely content with life. He works hard during the week, supports his family and likes to let loose and play guitar on the weekends (a hobby he’s maintained for more than four decades).

“I’ve been lucky and blessed to have had the opportunity to play with some very talented people over the years,” he says.

Martellacci’s musical career stretches back to the ‘70s when he first picked up the guitar while

Senior School:

2500 S. 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145

still attending Bishop Neumann High School.

He played professionally throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s in a number of hard rock bands during the peak of the ‘hair metal’ explosion. Back in the day, his favorite Philly clubs to play were Genes on the Boulevard, The Empire Rock Room and The Velvet Lounge. They’re all gone now. Eventually he moved out to the suburbs, settled down, started a family and jumped into a steadier career, but like all musicians, he could never give up his passion completely.

In fact, there was still something musically that he was itching to try: “I was a choir kid growing up, but was never lead singer for any of the bands I played in, so it was a way to challenge myself.”

So, about five years ago, Martellacci purchased himself a PA system, put together some songs and started booking himself at the local bars. His set lists contain a medley of tried and true classics: Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty, The Who, Pink Floyd, along with a few contemporary crowd pleasers such as Matchbox 20 and the Goo Goo Dolls.

Tucker keeps a busy gigging schedule, playing around 35-40 gigs a year, so the next time you grab a cold one in the Reading area, you can easily catch one of his shows. Or catch him at Tollman Joe’s in South Philly on July 28th. He posts his schedule on his Facebook page, Tucker Michaels Acoustic. PRH

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PRHBUSINESS

Business Spotlight

MICHAEL DIGIACOMO TAT215IVE

F

by Dominique Verrecchio @tat215ive or Michael DiGiacomo, tattoos are part of who he is. Not just professionally or physically, but also personally. He has always been inspired by art and loved comic books and cartoons as a kid. “My uncle, Michael, is a painter, also, so seeing his artwork around my shore house inspired me. As far as becoming a tattoo artist, there is no other art form like it. Being able to create my art not just on canvas or paper, but on skin, is something I saw as a special ability.”

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

At 16, DiGiacomo’s parents allowed him to get his first tattoo in memory of his grandmother; his grandfather took him to book an appointment.

He went to Dan Craft, a tattoo artist at Jersey Devil Tattooing, who was popular in the city. Unfortunately, Dan was booked three months out and before the appointment date arrived, Michael’s grandfather passed and he never got to see the finished product.

“I always felt he was with me throughout my career.

After getting that first tattoo, I was amazed by the procedure and the overall outcome on the skin.

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| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

Five years later, I started making appointments with Dan to start a sleeve. During these sessions I would ask Dan about becoming a tattoo artist and seek advice. With each session I had for my sleeve, I brought him artwork, created a portfolio, studied tattoo history, followed the best artists, and would show Dan my will to become a professional tattoo artist one day.”

DiGiacomo contacted shops in Philly and Jersey for an apprenticeship, but no one was hiring. He continued his artwork while he was enrolled in Art & Design at the Community College of Philadelphia and began considering a career in graphic design.

That’s when everything came

gohomephilly.com

Philly

full circle. “One night when I was bartending, my buddy showed me his new tattoo he got done by Dan. Nick mentioned Dan wanted to speak with me. I thought nothing of it and took a trip to the shop a couple days later. I told Dan I wanted to book an appointment, but he asked if I was still interested in the apprenticeship. I was surprised but immediately said yes,” he says. “I’ll always remember the Tuesday I started was exactly one year after the passing of my other grandfather. I realized that I was being guided in the right direction.”

Ten years after getting his first tattoo at Jersey Devil Tattooing, DiGiacomo was working as a professional tattoo artist there, taught by Dan. The room where he got his first tattoo also turned out to be his new work-station.

DiGiacomo now owns Tat215ive, located on 4th Street between Catharine and Queen in Queen Village. “Owning my own business was always a dream of mine. I’ve learned patience is important and you have to work even harder when you own a business.”

The shop offers detailed custom tattoos along with a full art gallery of local Philly artists. He is also hopeful about upcoming tattoo seminars he may do for pro artists and small art seminars for both adults and children.

Although he is solo at the moment, there are two floors of space, so Tat215ive may eventually hire another artist or invite traveling artists from around the world to guest spot there.

DiGiacomo’s favorite tattoo style right now is realism. “I was taught to be a diverse

artist so I usually accept any style tattoo that walks through the door. Black and grey infused with color is what I’ve been doing most of. Portraits of any kind are my favorite pieces to do.” After the Eagles won the Super Bowl, DiGiacomo tattooed a color portrait of Brian Dawkins on a friend. It is one of his favorite pieces that he’s created so far.

“Being an artist means I can express myself in my artwork and evoke different emotions through my art,” he says. “Tattoos offer such a different experience because my artwork is on them forever. Rather than having a painting or drawing hang somewhere only few people see, my clients become a walking canvas for the world to see wherever they travel to. One of the first memorial tattoos I ever did, my client looked in the mirror at the tattoo and cried. After that, I truly understood the importance of what I do.”

DiGiacomo’s message to the world is that the human mind is the most powerful in the universe. “When you use your mind to envision something you want and believe it will be true, then anything is possible. Also, be a good person because the energy you put into the world will come back to you. I guess that’s called karma.”

Check out his creations and book an appointment at Tat215ive, or see Mike at the Wildwood Tattoo Convention from August 9th to the 11th. PRH Michael DiGiacomo / Tat215ive / is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome Magazine (PRH) Business Network.

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PRHBUSINESS

Beauty HER and

BATTLE

I

by Dominique Verrecchio t doesn’t matter if it’s a personal battle, a professional battle or a battle of style, Bridgett Battles always comes out on top.

This stylist turned author became a commander in fashion with her book, Beauty and Her Battle, and gives her readers tools and strategies to live their best life. Originally from North Carolina, Battles relocated to Philadelphia 15 years ago. She says fashion has been a hobby for as long as she could remember.

“I hit 9th grade on the first day with a big brooch and matching

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

earrings. I had turquoise pants and the matching turquoise shoes. I went to school with a briefcase. In my mind, I was already somebody important in fashion and I was treating school like it was a client that was paying me for a service.

When I think about that now, it just cracks me up.”

For Battles, fashion has always been about taking a risk. She began giving fashion advice on social media, which snowballed into a book deal. “I started doing photographs every day and posting on social media. A publisher saw my posts and approached me about writing a book. I had no idea about even writing a book, no thought process behind it or anything. So I took my social media posts and turned it into a 30 day journal. That really helped me catapult into the fashion world.”

Battles started writing Beauty

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and Her Battle during a difficult time in her life. Her father was dying of cancer and she dealt with his diagnosis by writing. “Writing became my therapy. I took what I was going through in my own personal life, and because I am so attached to fashion, I transformed it into a 30 day style guide,” she explains. “I’m giving strategies and tools on how to live your best life. So my ultimate goal is to show people that I have overcome internal battles and I’ve used fashion to do it. I’ve created a life that serves me and I want to show you how to create the same life that can serve you.”

Battles believes that we have a strategic plan for our careers and our personal lives but we don’t have one for our image. “I talk about how to get you to that place where you can be your best, do your best and dress the part. A camera phone and a social media platform is great but you need more than that if you want people to take you seriously.

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

Invest in you and your brand.”

She is relaunching her brand, The BB Experience. As she meets more women who have ideas but do not know how to execute those ideas, or who have ideas but are fearful, Battles plans to give them strategic tools to help them navigate their way. “I knew that one of my responsibilities was not only to share my resources but I had to be a person that could help birth out other leaders.”

Battles also believes in paying it forward. “Often times, you see success stories and we hear a lot about how people have made it and how they started from nothing, but nobody ever tells you the process. They never tell you how many times they were told no; to go back to the drawing board; to figure out financial resources; how to get trademarked; how to reach a target market. My goal is to give you a blueprint to do this. Part of the blueprint is the fashion aspect.

You have to make sure you always look like the person that you desire other people to address you as.”

The BB Experience is launching a webinar series this year. Battles also is thinking about starting a signature line of accessories. She has a lot of speaking events coming up, as well. Just this year, Battles

has modified panels at the African American Chamber of Commerce and Facebook Headquarters. “The next few months will be all about transforming lives,” she says.

Personally, her greatest accomplishment is finally being at a place where she can not only sit down and smell the roses, but she can also touch the roses. “I appreciate where I am now and I think that the most important thing is to get to this place of where I am in my life.”

Battles’ favorite fashion trend is the “Boho” look and oversized purses, bags, jewelry and bangles.

Her favorite look is business professional with a punch. Instead of wearing a black suit, wear a red suit!

Don’t get the little black dress, get a little blue dress. She was recently featured in Mainline Magazine for her luxury closet. She also describes herself as having a shoe addiction.

Her role model is her business coach, Darnyelle Jervey Harmon, because she was the first person who told her that she could have it all and you can do it on your terms.

In five years, Battles hopes to be bicoastal with an office in LA and a full lifestyles brand.

“Always feed your faith and never compromise your belief in yourself,” she says. PRH gohomephilly.com

The Birthplace of Freedom

Still Has a King.

9th & Passyunk Avenue

PRHBUSINESS

’ Galdo s Catering & Entertainment

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

by Larry Gallone photo by Andrew Andreozzi

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G

aldo is the owner of Galdo’s Catering & Entertainment, a third-generation family-owned business located on 20th Street and Moyamensing Avenue. The landmark catering establishment celebrates 20 years this year and Galdo says it’s a legacy he’s proud to share with more than two decades of loyal clients.

Lou Galdo, however, traces his food service legacy back more than 40 years to 1976 when he and his father

Joseph first opened Oregon Steaks on Broad & Oregon. Their steak shop earned them a Best of Philly Award in 1992 and led to the opening of the Waterfront Café at Delaware and Washington Avenue, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. When the opportunity to expand presented itself, he took over the former Deli Max space and established The Waterfront Catering where he began catering private parties and events.

“In 1996, I bought the ground where I am now,” Lou remembers, pointing to the area

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

“I love what I’m doing because I’m always around people,” Lou Galdo says. “I can do this for a long time.”

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

where Galdo‘s Caterers now stands.

Many South Philly neighbors will remember the spot as the home for Gino’s Hamburgers and Roy Rogers back in the day. While the current facility was under construction decades ago, Galdo said he ran his catering business out of the Edward O’Malley Club at Front and Moore Streets.

“When I started doing the catering, that’s when I realized it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

Since its opening in 1999, Galdo’s Catering has built its reputation with a wide-ranging menu of homemade specialties including the popular Seafood Galdo - a mouthwatering blend of shrimp, clams, mussels,

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“With the absence of Palumbo’s, South Philly was lacking a premier entertainment venue.

I built Galdo’s and branded it to fill that void,” Lou explained Michael Anthony De Fino

Vincent Anthony De Fino

Nicholas J. Starinieri

Nicholas L. Palazzo

Attorney at Law Attorney at Law

peas and rice in marinara. Galdo’s hosts a variety of full-service events including Weddings, Christenings, Birthdays, Showers and Funeral Luncheons. His is also the hub for many Fundraising Events, Sports Banquets and Business Dinners.

In addition to the parties he caters, Galdo said he wanted to offer customers an exciting entertainment venue where they could enjoy dinner and cocktails with friends along with a great show.

“That is my favorite part,” Lou says. He says he took his cue from Palumbo’s, an iconic catering venue that provided first-class food in a top-notch atmosphere that attracted world known entertainers to Philadelphia for more than 100 years. It was destroyed by a fire in 1994.

“With the absence of Palumbo’s, South Philly was lacking a premier entertainment venue. I built Galdo’s and branded it to fill that void,” Lou explained.

To date, Galdo’s Catering & Entertainment has hosted 10 sold-out shows with comedian Vic Dibitetto, as well as sold-out nights with the Trammps, The Duprees and many other acts including Sinatra-style singers.

Galdo’s Catering doesn’t end at the facility on 20th Street. Lou said he offers offsite catering throughout the Delaware Valley. He is also very active in the community as the current President of the South Philadelphia Business Association and Chairman for the Columbus Day Parade Festival. He is also active in the local Vendemmia Festival.

Lou Galdo grew up and still lives in Packer Park, a neighborhood that is first in mind when it comes to giving back. He is involved in fundraisers and charities throughout the city and has hosted The Rose Ball for the past several years. The Ball, for special needs children and adults, is a night filled with dining, dancing, prizes and surprise guests. The entire community supports this wonderful event.

In addition to the catering, Lou has other loves in his life. He and his wife Irene, a Philadelphia school teacher, have been married for 38 years. They have three sons -Joseph, Lou Jr. (who works full time in the business) and Justin.

Starting a business with his father, and now sharing it with his own son, Lou is proud of his family’s three generations that represent the local business landscape. Now, Lou and the Galdo family are grooming the next generation with granddaughters Livia, Vida and Lucianna.

When not at the catering hall, Lou spends time in Margate relaxing at the shore. He is a selfproclaimed bocce fanatic and his team won the 2019 championship in the very competitive Marconi Bocce League. They play their games, ironically, at Broad and Oregon...across the street from where Oregon Steaks first opened.

E mail: lougaldo@ galdocaters.com PRH Galdo’s Catering & Entertainment is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network

Attorney at Law

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Attorney at Law

Attorney at Law

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PRH

SPORTS

PLAY GLORIA! Philly Fans sing the Blues

B

by Anthony Panvini photos courtesy of Mike Montecalvo

y now, you’re probably familiar with the St. Louis Blues and “Gloria,” the hit song by Laura Branigan that has become the hockey team’s celebration anthem. If not, here’s the rundown.

On January 6, 2019, the Philadelphia Eagles were playing the Chicago Bears in the NFC Wild Card round. The next night, the Philadelphia Flyers were hosting the St. Louis Blues at the Wells Fargo Center. Five players from the Blues (Joel Edmundson, Robby Fabbri, Robert Bortuzzo, Jaden Schwartz

S P O RT S

and Alexander Steen) were looking for a low-key spot to watch the Eagles game and caught an invite to the Jacks NYB through Larry “Flowers” Yadan, a wellknown jeweler around the NHL and good friends with Justin Postiglione who is one of the 43 members of the Jacks.

What you may not be familiar with is how two members of the Jacks NYB scored a trip to St. Louis for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. As the team adopted the song and started to make a run in the playoffs, more St. Louis fans started finding their way to the Jacks to watch games. One fan that flew in had friends at Scotsman Coin and Jewelry, a company in St. Louis that was paying attention to the videos online and the common theme that was emerging of fans commenting that the Jacks had to get out there for a game. Scotsman Coin and Jewelry did just that by flying club co-founders Mike Montecalvo and Jerry Foschini to St. Louis and buying their tickets for the game.

In addition to the trips to St. Louis being enjoyable, the amount of support

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and love the Jacks have witnessed at the club itself is unimaginable.

“Where it first kicked off for us was when the Associated Press writer Stephen Whyno wrote an article. Once that came out, it’s been a whirlwind every day,” Montecalvo says. “Contacts from all over the country - ESPN, USA Today, Good Day Philadelphia, NBC Sports, local channels, newspapers, South Philly Review.

Then it goes into St. Louis locally so we had all the St. Louis reporters flying in one-by-one every single game.”

What started out with roughly 10-20 Jacks’ members and a few St. Louis fans watching a game together quickly escalated into something much bigger. A recent game attracted close to 200 people to The Jacks’ South Philly clubhouse with about 150 being from or around St. Louis. When the St. Louis Blues went on to win the Stanley Cup, Montecalvo describes his feelings watching at the Jacks NYB as “pure elation.”

“I just stood on the sides and watched the 400-500 people both inside and outside. Watching the

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

hugs, kisses and tears,” he says. “They actually went from last place in the NHL all the way to winning the Stanley Cup. It all began right here at TheJacksNYB on January 6th!”

Bud Light was waiting on the outskirts of Moyamensing Avenue with a trailer of 60 cases of beer with custom bottles that read “Gloria Gloria.” Montecalvo says the experience felt like the scene at their clubhouse on New Year’s Day when parade officials announced their first-place win with the Mummers.

“The Jacks are getting used to this whole ‘first place’ thing,” he laughs.

Montecalvo traveled with 25 members of the Jacks Brigade to St. Louis for the team’s victory parade. “We paid our way, left our families, but I know we won’t regret it,” he says. “I was lucky enough to be flown out for Game 4 by a private company and I was treated like a celebrity.

I wanted my guys to enjoy that, also!”

From the moment they arrived at the airport, fans were screaming, “There they are, the Jacks!” and asking for pictures. “The STL Fans treated us like royalty in every sense of the word,” Montecalvo says. “They wouldn’t let us pay for anything. We were escorted to various VIP areas, skipping lines and taking more and more pictures!”

The Jacks flew to St. Louis on a whim, no real plans. They just wanted to be together and enjoy their end of a sixmonth journey with Blues fans. “...And gohomephilly.com

Philly

then Friday afternoon came,” Montecalvo says. “One of the players who was with us on that night in January, Joel Edmunson, inboxed me on Instagram and said ‘I see you guys are here in TheLou, come to The Wheelhouse.’”

They jumped on their rented scooters and got to the bar. The entire team was waiting for them with open arms, hugs, laughs and drinks pouring nonstop. But, it gets even better.

“Edmunson and teammate Pat Maroon looked at us and said, ‘Every single one of you is going to drink from the Stanley Cup tonight. It’s coming here now. Get ready boys.’

“Well, we lost it when the Cup got there!

The Blues players made it a point to go out of their way to make us drink from the Cup, hoist the Cup over our heads and enjoy it with them. It was a dream and something that will never happen to any of us ever again. We are very, very thankful!”

The day of the parade, Bud Light reps pulled the Jacks into the parade. Their captain, Steve Leuzzi, was waving the Jacks’ flag held high for hours, nonstop for three miles all the way up to the Arch. “Some of the players

who were at the club, Alexander Steen and Robert Bortuzzo, saw him on the parade route and jumped out of their trucks, grab our Jacks flag and waved it proudly to the crowd! It was glorious! The perfect ending to a six-month journey came full circle.”

Montecalvo was actually a little surprised that people from the neighborhood weren’t breaking them more for openly rooting for another team. “You get the occasional comment on social media but all in all over the last few months, people have been supporting us. I can’t explain, they’re really happy for us,” Montecalvo says.

Montecalvo is also grateful for all the support the club is receiving and said that even after this big win, Blues’ fans will always be welcome at the Jacks NYB. However, he did make one thing clear. “[The club] will always be welcoming to St. Louis fans. But, we are a Flyers town and you’re talking to one of the biggest Flyers fans in the city. This is not going to be like [Big Charlie’s Saloon] – a Kansas City Chiefs bar,” he says jokingly. “People have been asking ‘Are

you a Blues fan?’ and right now, yeah, I’m all in on the Blues, but then there’s some of the members here who are like ‘I’m a Blues fan for life’ and I’m like ‘woah woah woah…’”

Montecalvo is thankful to have had the opportunity to take part in such an amazing journey. “Our club is only two-and-a-half years old,” he says. “To see the way each of the 43 members chipped in together as a team, every other day for three months during this playoff run was nothing short of a miracle. I am so proud of The Jacks NYB. Even if for just a couple weeks, we changed the National narrative of the “Philly Fan.” It was good news for a change.”

He credits that change to the way they carried themselves as a team. The setup of parties, the cleanup, the food, the drinks, showing respect to the neighbors. “If you know the story from the beginning, the St. Louis Blues walked into our club on January 6th and the first thing they heard as they opened the door was a Philly welcoming chant. It’s only fitting to end this run with that same chant... LET’S GO FLYERS!” PRH

July / August / September 2019

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PRHSPORTS

Philly

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| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

gohomephilly.com

Connor Barwin M receives City’s Magis Award S P O RT

Make the World Better rehabs parks for kids

ayor Jim Kenney presented the fourth annual Magis Award to Connor Barwin at the City’s annual Celebration of Freedom Ceremony at Independence Hall on July 4th. The Magis Award is given annually to an individual or organization demonstrating the spirit of community by going the extra step to achieve more in everyday service. The Latin word Magis means “the more universal good.”

Barwin, 32, was born in Michigan but Philadelphia became his adopted home as a former Eagles linebacker (2013-2016).

Dedicated to youth development, he established his Make The World Better (MTWB) Foundation in 2013 during his first season in Philadelphia. Through athletics, the arts and other outlets, Connor’s vision provides kids with access to safe, accessible and fun places to play and gather.

Make the World Better has worked with many organizations to revitalize community recreational sites.

MTWB was recently announced as a partner for Rebuild, Mayor Kenney’s signature initiative to make improvements to neighborhood parks, recreation centers and libraries. MTWB will lead community engagement, design and construction for South Philadelphia’s Vare Recreation Center.

“Connor is a true driver of change, who adopted our city as his chosen community by making a meaningful impact in areas that extend far beyond the football field,” Mayor Kenney said. “He has helped energize our neighborhoods citywide through his vision for rejuvenating and supporting much-needed safe spaces for recreation, education and community engagement that benefit both youth and adults. His work with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Mural Arts Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and Rebuild is inspiring and transformative.” PRH

photo by Albert Lee Office of the City Representative

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RH

Philly SPORTS

SONNY DAYS AHEAD

S

by Stephen Pagano photo by Joe Barbuto onny Conto, 23, Italian, born and raised at 9th and Porter Streets in South Philly is ready for the challenge of being a heavyweight champion.

Growing up, Conto was always into sports. “I loved wrestling, karate and playing baseball,” he says. He was a great pitcher for his college baseball team; however, his true love was always for boxing. “I idolized Muhammad Ali. He was the greatest with his speed

S P O RT

and strength, and I see a lot of him in me. I didn’t really appreciate him until he passed,” Conto says.

In Conto’s amateur career, he was a two-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion in two different weight classes. He was a silver medalist in the 2018 National Golden Gloves and a bronze medalist in the 2017 National Golden Gloves.

He trains at Mickey Rosati’s gym in South Philadelphia, located

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at 1937 Chadwick Street.

Mickey, who co-trains him says, “Sonny is the hardest hitting heavyweight I’ve ever seen. He has a combination of speed, agility and dedication. I truly believe that in two years, he’ll be a champion.”

Conto’s dad Frank, who also happens to be the head trainer, says, “Sonny has the ability and the right people behind him to take this as far he wants to go. The pieces are all there.” As far as training goes, Conto is in the gym two to

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

three times a day and six days a week. He does a lot of stretching, weightlifting, conditioning and many rounds of sparring to prepare for his upcoming opponents.

Sonny “The Bronco” Conto made his professional boxing debut on February 8th, 2019, at the 2300 Arena in South Philly against Jimmie Levins (0-4) from Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Conto was coined the nickname “The Bronco” from former USBA Cruiserweight Champion, Garret “The Ultimate Warrior” Wilson.

Frank Conto says, “Garret came up with it when Sonny was 14 or 15 years old and it stuck.”

Conto quickly dismantled Jimmie Levins in the first round by knockout to earn his first professional victory in front of an electric and sold-out crowd. “It was a blessing to get my first win in gohomephilly.com

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accessphilly.com South Philly. I had a lot of friends and family there cheering me on so it was perfect. A lot of fighters don’t get to make their debuts in their hometown, so I was lucky.” Just a few weeks later, he stepped inside the ring again.

On March 30th, 2019, Conto fought his second career pro fight against Omar Acosta (1-5) from Mexico. The bout took place once again at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia. The results mimicked his debut as he quickly knocked out Omar Acosta in the first round. He was now 2-0 with two first round knockouts. Less than three months later, his next fight brought him out west to the desert in Sin City.

On June 15th, 2019, Conto looked for his third straight win and knockout against Daniel Infante (1-1) from Youngstown, Ohio, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. This fight was one of the many undercard fights for the main heavyweight event of Tyson Fury vs Tom Schwartz. Conto, with ease, took out Infante with a KO in round number two, bringing him to 3-0.

A few weeks prior, while working out in Las Vegas, Conto sparred with heavyweight Tyson “The Gypsy” Fury. “It’s been priceless working

with him. The experience, but aside from the boxing gym. Having breakfast, lunch and dinner with him.

Picking his brain and having him share his tools and mind with me is truly a blessing and motivating.”

Out of all of Tyson Fury’s sparring opponents, Conto was the only one who wasn’t knocked down. “Tyson Fury is the best heavyweight out.

For as big as he is, he moves like a lightweight. He’s a motivator and I definitely look up to him,” Conto says. After a successful trip to Las Vegas, he plans to fight a few more times this year as he climbs the ranks of the heavyweight division.

The future is very bright for a young Sonny Conto. At 6 foot 4 and 220 pounds, he’s bound to wreak havoc going forward. Some of his goals in boxing are to be a world heavyweight champion and hopefully one day, be in the boxing hall of fame. His advice to young and aspiring fighters is dedication and hard work. “Boxing becomes your life,” the young fighter claims.

Conto is very appreciative of his parents and all of his friends who have supported him so far. He’s currently managed by Split-T management and promoted by Top Rank. PRH

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PRHWRITERSBLOCK

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Potatoes & eggs

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by C harlie Sacchetti

M

y uncle Joe Sacchetti and his wife, my aunt Pauline, struggled like most families back in the ‘50s in an effort to raise their two sons. Uncle Joe was hardworking. He was the third eldest of his siblings, born in 1919, and lived to the age of 80. He worked for the railroad, delivered milk, butter and eggs to homes in the wee hours of the morning, worked as a longshoreman and even drove the South Philly streets as he sold fruits and vegetables as a proverbial “huckster.”

So, suffice it to say, Uncle Joe knew how to make a buck. During their 50-plus years of marriage, my aunt and uncle tried to stretch every dollar as they lived their lives in a tiny row home on the 700 block of Watkins Street.

Aunt Pauline ran the house and as a devout Catholic, would dutifully make sure the “no meat on Friday” rule was strictly enforced. What that usually meant was that whatever fish was on sale that week ended up as Friday dinner. Uncle Joe liked fish. Aunt Pauline liked it, too. Cousin Chris, a big strong kid and the oldest boy by 18 months, would eat just about anything, but Joey was a different story. He hated fish and usually lobbied his mom to make Pasta Fagioli or anything else that didn’t live in the ocean.

There was one particular Friday, when Joey was 13. As Uncle Joe gave his distinctive whistle, which served as a Neapolitan “dinner bell,” Joey sprinted home from down the street to sit down to a flounder and string bean meal. Joey said, ‘I don’t want this, Mom. Can you make me some potatoes and eggs?’ Now, my aunt had a soft heart for her youngest and started to make the special dish. Uncle Joe was not pleased at all and said, ‘What is this kid, a professor? I’m outside driving a milk truck all day and he gets treated like he’s in a restaurant.’ Aunt Pauline gave her husband a motherly smile and proceeded to make the “special order” for her baby. Uncle Joe calmed down, ate and put Joey’s untouched plate of fish and beans in the refrigerator. He

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

wasn’t going away without retribution, however.

After dinner, he announced that Joey was not permitted to go out with his buddies that night because of his skillful manipulating of his loving mom. He also was forbidden to have any additional snacks that evening. The small portion of potatoes and eggs was not nearly enough to satisfy his growing boy appetite.

Joey was still hungry and to make matters worse, he and his buddies had planned to get a pizza at their favorite spot that night.

When the Saturday morning sun peaked out after a hungry night’s sleep, Joey awoke and headed straight for the kitchen. Mom was outside talking to a neighbor and dad’s bedroom door was closed. Chris was in the shower. All that stood in front of him and his coveted bowl of Cheerios was the short walk through the tiny hallway. As he grabbed a large bowl and the box of cereal, he heard footsteps. Turning around, he saw his father standing there dressed and ready to have breakfast before going out to do some huckstering this Saturday morning.

“Hi Pop.” “Hi kid, you hungry?”

“Sure am, those potatoes and eggs didn’t fill me up.”

“Oh good, I’ve got the perfect thing for that.”

Uncle Joe went to the refrigerator, removed the plate of fish and string beans and said, ‘Mangia. Pass me the bowl and the Cheerios.’

It seems that young Joey had succeeded in the great “Potatoes and eggs” caper the night before, but he was outflanked by the General the next morning. And for some reason, the second in command, Aunt Pauline, was not around to add assistance. Her “deployment” at her neighbor’s house was a brilliant tactic. PRH Charlie Sacchetti is the author of two books: It’s All Good: Times and Events I’d Never Want to Change and Knowing He’s There: True Stories of God’s Subtle Yet Unmistakable Touch. Contact him at Worthwhilewords21@gmail.com. gohomephilly.com

PRESENTS

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Reflections

Ocean of the

I

f I had to pick my favorite place, it would be the beach.

Sitting with my family around a Thanksgiving table is a close second but it only happens once a year. Winter, spring, summer or fall, I enjoy going down the shore to binge watch the ocean.

But there’s really nothing better than being on the beach during these hot summer months. And by “on the beach,” I mean exceeding the bounds of normal visitation.

I spend an exorbitant amount of time at my favorite place. Luckily, my family shares my infatuation for our sandy home away from home and I’m never alone.

Words are like the paint on an artist’s palate, often blended to express a point of view or a moment in time. Musical notes, like the motion of a dancer’s body, can be orchestrated and woven together to create a desired mood within the tapestry of a story that begs to be told. Artistic expression, whatever the vehicle, is a powerful tool to effectively and emotionally represent an experience. It can also provide a bit of insight into the artist. Is it possible that the beach is God’s form of artistic expression for us to observe, enjoy and gain insight into the Almighty Himself?

In my first ever summer submission to RowHome Magazine I wrote: It is my contention that the ocean’s enchanted lullaby has bewitched me and my family. The song is as powerful as any sorcerer’s spell, deafening in tone and even a little intoxicating when given the proper amount of time to listen. The soothing white noise of the ocean can be easily lost or ignored. It has always

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amazed me how something so huge can hide, tucked behind the scenes and the events of the day. Year after year, we are lured back as if forced against our will into its watery arms not unlike the mythological siren’s song.

Akin to a well conducted symphony, the thundering roar of the waves, screaming gulls and wild winds in harmony with the blazing glow of the summer’s setting sun burrows deep into our hearts, leaving behind a small lesion impossible to detect. While we wait for winter’s cold to pass, the wound grows larger and begins to itch.

Daydreams help to ease the pain, but the beach is the only known cure.

We sing, we dance, we write and play music to express ourselves, so isn’t it possible that God had a similar intent with the creation of the ocean? We are created in His image. Next time you’re at the beach, take a moment and reflect on how vast the ocean is compared to thousands of sunbathers sharing the day with you at the shore. It’s not hard to imagine how easy it is for God to accommodate each of us individually as we compare ourselves with the expanse of the sea. The Spanish poet Pablo Neruda wrote: When I see the sea once more, will the sea have seen or have not seen me? Why do the waves ask me the same questions I ask them? As with God, we can choose to ignore everything about the ocean or we can choose to enjoy it. The beach is my favorite place for a reason. No matter when I visit or for how long I decide to stay, the ocean has always been there, waiting for me, like a loved one. And I’m always happiest surrounded by loved ones. PRH gohomephilly.com

BARBERSHOP TALK

BARBERSHOPTALKHFD.ORG

A little Girl on a Tonsorial Mission photo courtesy of Mamaphotog

O

W R I T E R S B LO C K

n Thursday, April 4, 2019, we held our 19th Annual Barbershop Talk Human Family Day Foundation Press Conference where we honor the sacrifice of the assassination of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On that day, little Miss Neijae Graham-Henries was the recipient of our “Good Neighbor of the Year Award.” She is only eight years old and holds the crown as being the “World’s Youngest Female Barber.” Neijae has been interviewed by mainstream media and has made appearances at various venues around the country.

While at the podium with me, I asked her a few questions.

What is your ultimate dream?

“To own a barbershop,” she replied.

Where do you want that barbershop to be?

“France and New York City.”

What do you like about France?

“They speak a different language.”

I then discovered that Neijae speaks French. So, I told her about the poster we had that was part of a magazine article published in France about Michael Jackson’s visit to Woodard’s Barbershop in Philadelphia. I asked her to get the poster and she read it to us in French. After Neijae finished reading, she then explained to the audience what she had read in English. I was

by Robert L. Woodard The Wynnefield Barber never so shocked and pleasantly surprised that she was so smart and inquisitive. And in the process of developing wisdom, I learned my lesson that day – Never doubt a determined woman, even if she’s only eight years old.

The following month, her mother, Jaime Graham, brought her by my barbershop for a visit. I would never believe that so many famous people would come to my barbershop from around the world; to get a haircut and to sit in the same chair that Michael Jackson sat in.

I think about the presence of all those great people, some of whom have passed on. The spirit, however, of what they came to earth for in the first place, lives on in the minds and hearts of those blessed enough to have experienced their presence. There have been many famous people who have sat in my barber’s chair and now I can add Little Miss Neijae Graham-Henries to take her place amongst the greats as the “World’s Youngest Female Barber.”

I will forever prepare to share my elder wisdom with her. Hopefully, she will share with me how to read French. Through sharing, we all will learn to read the language of love and apply it to our daily lives.

We can never be divided if we learn to love our neighbors as we love ourselves and see ourselves as “One Human Race.” Take the “RACE Test” today for a better way at www.

BarbershopTalkHFD.org. PRH

The

Columbus Day Parade October 13th SAVE IT! Save these dates: Columbus Day Gala Dinner Thursday, October 10 Proclamation Ceremony Friday, October 11 Columbus Day Parade and Festival Sunday, October 13 Look for more information in coming months!

July / August / September 2019

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ello once again from 1736 S.10th Street!

We here at Neumann-Goretti hope you are enjoying the “lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer!” It is hard to believe one-half of 2019 is already in the books! My advice, start your Christmas shopping soon!

In June, we were honored to have Archbishop Charles Chaput, the Archbishop of Philadelphia, as the presider in this year’s graduation ceremony. We graduated 96 young women and men into the alumni ranks of Saint John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School. Collectively, they were offered more than $10 million in academic scholarships to schools such as the University of Pennsylvania, Temple, Drexel, St. John and Emory. Together, they will walk in the steep tradition that is Saints Neumann-Goretti, St. Maria Goretti, Southeast Catholic, Bishop John Neumann and St. John Neumann Catholic High Schools. Remember, it is not a name or a building or a location that creates alumni but rather the life experiences, traditions and friendships we accumulate along the way. We are 29,000 strong and need to make our future as great as our past.

In last summer’s PRH column I said, “We are in-line to have the largest freshman class in 10 years” and when September came, we had just that. One year later, I can say the same thing, well almost - we are in line to have the largest freshman class in ELEVEN years and the largest overall enrollment since 2013! As such, we will add at least one additional teacher to our ranks and if things go as planned, we will add a second teacher come September. We truly are becoming

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a neighborhood school, once again – or maybe I should say, a “Rowhome” school.

This year Philadelphia RowHome Magazine will honor Coach Carl Arrigale, our boys’ basketball coach for the last 25 years, with a 2019 Blue Sapphire Award for Service to Community. Carl has been a pillar in the community for these young men over the years, making certain those that aspire to move on to a college or university have that opportunity. We also are renaming our gymnasium after Coach Arrigale and plan to tip-off the 2021 basketball season in a new gymnasium. So, if you know Carl, make certain you get your tickets early to this year’s Blue Sapphire Awards [November 6 at Vie].

As I say often, our goal is to create the finest academic institution in the city of Philadelphia; a lofty goal and a heavy lift, but we have the team in place to succeed. As good alumni and good neighbors, we hope you will join us along the way. Remember, Neumann-Goretti is the only Catholic high school south of Chestnut Street, river to river. That is a lot of square miles! It is an anchor in our community and we should all embrace its existence.

One last thing, if your child is entering 7th or 8th grade, this year, give us a call. We would love to show you and your children around.

Remember, “Local Never Goes Out of Style!”

Have a great summer and I’ll be welcoming the Class of ’23 in just a few short months!

SS John Neuman-Maria Goretti High School is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome Magazine (PRH) Business Network. gohomephilly.com

Coffee A

Anthony’s Italian Coffee House brews a blend for Dyslexia

for a Cause

nthony Anastasio of Anthony’s Italian Coffee & Chocolate House has been busy brewing a special blend of coffee to help raise awareness for children with Dyslexia, a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and how they relate to letters and words.

Anthony’s fundraising campaign, Coffee for a Cause, aims to provide children nationwide with access to Learning Ally Audio Books to assist them in school with reading. His goal is to raise awareness about the prevalence of Dyslexia in schools while enabling students the opportunity to read - via audiobooks - grade level books in their classrooms. Learning Ally is a great resource, yet many families cannot afford this service.

Last year, during his inaugural Coffee for a Cause fundraiser, Anthony and his team raised enough money to provide books to 65 children. This year,

their mission is even greater. The new goal is to support local teachers through training in Explicit Multi-Sensory Literacy Instruction & Early Literacy programs. The training will empower teachers to help more children achieve reading literacy.

Dyslexia is the #1 learning disability in our schools and impacts nearly 20 percent of students. Unfortunately, many students continue to be misdiagnosed because Dyslexia is often misunderstood. Dyslexia can be overcome when students are given the proper reading programs, correct program timing and consistent classroom accommodations. Many schools, however, lack the resources to support teachers in providing the training and programs to help all students read, especially students with learning differences.

How can you help? It’s as simple as buying some coffee or enjoying a pasta dinner!

Anthony’s Italian Coffee House will donate

$5 for every pound of their ‘Caffe di Causa’ blend that they sell throughout the year.

Stop by the shop in the Italian Market to grab a bag! Coffee for a Cause will also host its 2nd annual“Festa di Causa” fundraising event on Saturday, September 28, to coincide with National Coffee Day. The all-day celebration will feature guest baristas, kids crafts, facepainting and family fun. It ends with an old world style Pasta Dinner at the Italian Market with all proceeds donated to the cause.

Visit www.anthonysonline.com to purchase tickets to the Festa di Causa or for more information on Coffee for a Cause and Anthony’s Italian Coffee & Chocolate House.

Anthony’s Italian Coffee & Chocolate House is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome Magazine (PRH) Business Network.

Saints Neumann Goretti Catholic High School Compassion � Courage � Commitment

July / August / September 2019

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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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Gym / Fitness PHL Athletics

2017 S. Juniper St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 215.778.3259 phlathletics.com

Here for your Baseball, Softball and Fitness Training Needs!

_____________________________

Perry deMarco, Jr. Esq.

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Home Improvement

Medical

267.688.4879

2432 S. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.468.2999 www.Drdenisetdadamo.com

Novello Contracting

_____________________________ Nunzio Fortuna Roofing, Inc. Commercial & Residential

Roofing / Siding / Gutters / Downspouts 3rd generation in Business Licensed & Insured Free Estimates 215.468.8396

_____________________________ Ritner Hardware

1641 Ritner St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.334.4927

_____________________________ Rita’s Unique Painting Inc. Rita Trombetta 856.986.0252 infinity4367@yahoo.com

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Home Services CPR Restoration

Restoration & cleaning service Fire/Smoke/Water/Mold 215.704.4958 www.cprrestoration.com

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Dr. Denise D’Adamo DC

_____________________________ Pennsport Physical Therapy 2101 S. Columbus Blvd.

Philadelphia, PA 19148 215.467.4431 www.pennsportpt.com

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Music Lessons

Joe Cuglietta Guitar Lessons Washington Township, NJ

Specializing in blues, jazz, rock & roll Beginners to advance

609.504.8258

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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

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FBI Pest Control

Real Estate

info@fbipestcontrol.com Frank Fioravanti, route supervisor 2909 S Franklin St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 215.768.1804 www.termitecontrolphiladelphia.com

211 East Palmer Ave Collingswood, NJ 08108 856.264.6816 www.fettermandesigngroup.com

We rid your pests so you can rest

_____________________________ 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

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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

Fetterman Design Group, LLC.

_____________________________ Leonardo Realty

2136 S. 16th St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.389.7944 Ciampittiventure@aol.com

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Restaurants

Anthony's Italian Coffee House 903 & 905 S. 9th St. Phila., PA 19147 215.627.2586 anthony@italiancoffeehouse.com www.anthonysonline.com

_____________________________ Caffe Chicco

Voted Best of Philly 2017 / Roast Beef Sandwich

2532 S. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.334.3100

Join the PRH Business Network!

Call Carol at 215.462.9777 or info@gohomephilly.com

Stogie Joe's Tavern

1801 E. Passyunk Ave Philadelphia, PA 19148 215-463-3030 stogiejoestavern@hotmail.com www.stogiejoestavern.net

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Security Services

Allied Universal Security Services Ron Rabena 1760 Market Street, 14th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 1.866.825.5433 ron.rabena@aus.com www.allieduniversal.com

_____________________________ SPI Security Services Inc.

2440 Federal St. Philadelphia, PA 19146 215.338.0800 www.spissecurityservices.com

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Senior Services

Senior Companionship & Home Helper Carmen DeSanto 610.908.4811

Meal preparation, grocery shopping, light housekeeping. 30+ years of experience.

References available.

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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 The Beer Peddlers

1942 S, Christopher Columbus Blvd.

Philadelphia, PA 19148 215.755.2337 www.facebook.com/beerpeddlers

_____________________________ Cannuli’s Sausage

1640 Ritner St. Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.468.7997

_____________________________ 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

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Tattoo Artist

Michael DiGiacomo Tattoo One Five

Custom Tattooing & Art Gallery

815 S 4th Street 215.644.9444 www.Midigi121.wixsite.com/yojockamo Facebook.com/yojockamo

_____________________________

Travel Services At Escapes

Your boutique travel company Gina Casella / Founder & President 917.514.5566 info@atescapes.com www.atescapes.com facebook.com/AdrianaTrigianiTours

Travel with Pam Draper

Full Service Agent 856.956.3532 TravelWithPamDraper@gmail.com www.TravelWithPamDraper.com

Lifers D E S S

E R P

P RHPRESSED

ta Jackson

By Dorette Ro

I

t’s the unspoken oath. You never let your childhood friends down. They’re Lifers.

If you grew up in the same neighborhood, hung out on the same grocery store step at night, wore safety badges in the same grade school, played basketball in the same schoolyard or ate the same cherry water ice with a pretzel stick, you’re bound for life. You’re a Lifer. Whether you’re 5, 15 or 87. And since many of the friends you had as a kid are still your friends, today, we live in a pretty tight-knit neighborhood of Lifers! Which brings me to my point.

We were about 24 hours from press time when I started getting manic emails from my sister Dawn. Photos of old friends she wanted to make sure I included in the magazine. Photos that I forgot to include.

‘I promised them. Make sure they’re in there.’

I knew I had to find a way to get those pics into the magazine – deadline or not.

Old friend pics. Lifers. Can’t break the bond.

There are certain things only a Lifer can ask you to do that no one else can.

Like pick them up in the middle of the night from wherever they may be – no questions asked.

They can talk you into anything. Like taking the bus to Wildwood BEFORE you have a place to stay for the weekend.

Or sneaking into the Villa Di Rieti to

96

by DORETTE ROTA JACKSON see The Trammps even when you weren’t allowed to go.

You believe them when they tell you those clogs look great with that skirt or his friend is really hot on your way to the blind date.

You let them pierce your ears with a sewing needle and thread because it really works. ‘Just ignore the infection.’

And agree to host a private May Queen procession in your living room. She’s always the May Queen.

You let her put the star on the classroom tree after painful hours of decorating. Then she falls into the tree and crashes it to the ground!

You throw up on her shiny oxblood saddle shoes at First Friday Mass when you see St. Lucy’s eyes on the plate. And she forgives you.

You go to the Donny Osmond concert when you could have seen David Cassidy.

You remember doing the Bristol Stomp at Eddie Nixon dances & crying when he played Soldier Boy. And practice line dances to Saturday Night Fever (Stayin’ Alive) while looking into the wall-to-wall mirror behind her couch.

You think about the night you slept at her house to take care of her broken leg. You can still see her flying down a flight of stairs with cast and crutches because you were busy changing the 45s on the record player. (‘I can’t find Build Me Up Buttercup!’)

You hide their Hot Pants in your locker for

| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2019

a quick after-school change from the blue school uniform with the key on a string.

When a Lifer calls you answer.

You bring a vat of escarole soup to the BBQ because it’s Uncle Gary’s favorite and he only gets to eat it when he visits South Philly.

You’ve been around them so long you know when they start sounding like their mothers.

You know they’re allergic to peanuts, afraid of cats and talk too loud at funerals.

You still eat the ham sandwiches on Stroehmann she packs for the beach — mustard never mayo - even though they’re soggy every single time.

And whenever you’re together, you pick up right where you left off last time you saw each other. The memories, the laughs, the stories, the happy hearts and a lifetime of love.

No Hallmarks, no phone calls, no visits required. For days, for years, for however long you are apart.

If you met as adults, your paths may never have crossed. The jobs, the kids, the schedules, the chores. Life hands us a lot of hats to wear as we get older. But the bond with a Lifer is so strong, nothing can keep you apart.

Whatever roads you choose in life – whether you wear a baseball cap or a fedora, a floppy lawn hat or a raspberry beret, old friends are Lifers. Time stands still. Memories run deep. And the smiles come easy.

Life with a Lifer is a life well-lived. PRH gohomephilly.com

“Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful.”

— Sophia Loren

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