SUMMER 2021
Savoring Summer A mentoring program for local youth
A winning design for Bethel Burying Ground
Pocket parks feel the love of friends
What you need to know about roof decks
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER \\ SUMMER 2021
SAVE THE DATES. SAVOR THE EXPERIENCE. FROM 4-8PM*
JULY 23RD AUGUST 27TH SEPTEMBER 24TH *4-8pm is approximate. Business hours may vary.
Every 4th Friday of the month, dozens of businesses on Fabric Row keep their doors open for this after-hours shop & dine event! Kick off your weekend with everything Fabric Row has to offer, including late night shopping and sales, free cocktails, gallery events, live music, & so much more!
FOLLOW THE SOUTH STREET HEADHOUSE DISTRICT ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER FOR MORE COMMUNITY EVENTS!
@FABRIC_ROW
@FABRIC_ROW
/FABRICROW
#FABRICROW
Contents 5
President’s Letter
6
Out and About
12
Another Queen Village Open House. On the cover Mike Durst, and daughters Brynn (left) and Maya settle in for brunch at Fitz and Starts (743 S. 4th St.). Also on the scene (left to right in the background) are Ted Mader and Ben and Elizabeth Bond.
Cover and above photo by Nancy Brokaw.
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER \\ SUMMER 2021
8
Our restaurant reviewers vist two Passyunk eateries that hit all the right notes.
QVNA Spotlight QVNA collaborates on a new mentoring program for local youth, the community grants program makes two awards, and The Crier celebrates some stellar volunteers.
Feature The winning design for the Bethel Burying Ground Memorial is announced, and the project moves on to its next phase.
14
The Common Good
16
QV Life
18
Then and Now
Above
SUMMER 2021
To keep electronics out of the landfill, neighbors recycled electronics at a QVNA-organized Earth Day event.
A neighbor wins big on the dog show circuit. Plus, Independence Seaport Museum relaunches on-the-water programming.
Queen Villager Jim Murphy gets to the point with his book about Philadelphia history, and The Crier look backs at the era of horse-drawn street cars.
22
It Takes a Village
24
The Commons
26
How It Works
28
Ask QVNA
Queen Village’s beloved pocket parks get some TLC from a hardy band of volunteers.
With the return of the 17-year cicada and the Spotted Lanternfly, everyone is going buggy this summer.
Adding a roof deck to your Queen Village property? Here’s what you need to know before you get started.
Have questions about life in Queen Village? The Crier has compiled a handy guide to where to go to get answers.
VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 SUMMER 2021
Helping improve the quality of life in Queen Village is our mission. Ready to make it your mission, too?
Online at QVNA.org/crier
PUBLISHER Queen Village Neighbors Association EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eleanor Ingersoll president@qvna.org
Run for the QVNA Board.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lucy Erdelac wecare@qvna.org MANAGING EDITOR Nancy Brokaw editor@qvna.org PROOFREADER Jamie Bischoff DESIGNER Alec Meltzer meltzerdesign.net AD SALES advertising@qvna.org 215.339.0975 qvna.org/advertise
On Wednesday, November 17th, board members will be elected for the January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023 term. Candidate nominations will be accepted through Friday, October 15th, for the following six positions: ■ Secretary ■ Treasurer ■ Directors (4) Qualifications for Candidacy: ■ Queen Village resident 18+ ■ Attendee of 2 QVNA meetings between January 1 and October 22, 2021. Current QVNA volunteers are encouraged to consider Board service.
QVNA provides community stewardship, advocacy and service to help improve quality of life for Queen Village residents. BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS: Eleanor Ingersoll—PRESIDENT Justin Fishman—VICE PRESIDENT Meredith Piotrowski—SECRETARY Mike McPhilmy—TREASURER
Interested? We’d love to meet with you. Please call/ text 215.339.0975 or email info@qvna.org. Find more information at: www.QVNA.org/BoD-Candidates
DIRECTORS: Cait Allen Caroline Allen Matt Atkins Joseph G. Brin
Mark Grabarits Michelle Grimley Rosamond Howard Noah Swistak
EMERITUS DIRECTORS: Kathy Conway Inez Green Michael Hauptman QVNA OFFICE 744 S 4th Street Philadelphia, PA 19147 info@qvna.org 215.339.0975 © Copyright 2021. Queen Village Neighbors Association. All rights reserved.
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 3
Contributors
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ait and Michael Allen joined the Queen Village community in March 2019. Cait is the director of engagement at the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, and Michael is chief operating officer of Wills Eye Hospital. Jamie Bischoff is an editor and a recently retired copyright and trademark lawyer, who has lived in Queen Village for the past 37 years. Richard De Wyngaert is an avid reader and proprietor of Head House Books, the independent bookstore that has been a mainstay of Queen Village’s literary life since opening in 2005. Mona Liss, who retired as the PR director of IKEA US, is a 40-year QV resident. While she continues to enjoy media project work, her passions are collecting art with her husband, Jonathan, flower arranging, volunteering for Mighty Writers, and taking the family dogs, Taj and Trevi, on nature walks. Len Sedney, a Queen Village resident since 2017 and member of the Queen Village Zoning Committee, holds a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Pittsburgh. The recently retired director of environmental services of the New York Housing Finance Agency, he
has worked in the fields of zoning, planning, and environmental regulation for 40 years. Duncan Spencer, who studied archaeology at the University of Pennsylvania, moved across the street from Weccacoe Playground in 1992. Gardening led him to become a founding member of the Friends of Weccacoe Playground, where he currently serves as chair. Joel Spivak has been a resident of Queen Village and Bella Vista since 1969. His passion for neighborhood history has made him a partner in many supportive and revitalizing projects in the area. The architect, artist, and author is also the director of National Hot Dog Month in Philadelphia. Karyl Weber has had a varied career, most recently in paralegal work and tutoring. Over the past several years, she has volunteered at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, combating invasive plants, and she cheerfully runs the composting operations at SWQV Community Garden. Having grown up next to a 600-acre woodland in Rockland County, New York, she has been an amateur naturalist by inclination since childhood. ■
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Volunteers Sign up @ QVNA.org/Volunteer
Photo: Jenny Lynn
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER \\ SUMMER 2021
PRESIDENT'S LETTER
Advocating for Our Neighborhood By Eleanor Ingersoll, QVNA President
Dear Neighbors, s we usher in the summer season, many welcome the city’s relaxed restrictions, due to the drop in reported COVID-19 cases. The mask mandate no longer applies to fully vaccinated persons, and that means many are taking pleasure in recognizing neighbors on the street without playing “who’s behind that mask?” Once again, seasonal temperatures bring visitors and tourists to the South Street Headhouse District. It is a welcome sight to see businesses and restaurants thriving after the grueling “safer at home” mandate, but the noise pollution and safety issues around throngs of ATVs, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and slingshots require constant vigilance. In May, QVNA was proud to sponsor a citywide emergency Zoom Town Hall with city leaders to demonstrate the need for vigilance and action. Shortly after, Councilman Allan Domb sponsored legislation, supported by Councilman Mark Squilla and Councilman Derek Green, tightening city code to designate dirt bikes as illegal as ATVs on city streets. On June 9, a follow-up Town Hall kept the pressure on city leaders. Since then, the legislation has been passed, effective immediately, and illegal wheels details have
A
been upped. Meanwhile, QVNA continues to advocate for neighbors by providing the nuisance reporting tool for alcohol-licensed businesses. It has been a very effective tool in keeping police, politicians, Liquor Control Enforcement, and License and Inspections abreast of neighborhood problems—simultaneously. We have also been holding meetings to give neighbors the opportunity to participate in the process when renewing licenses for various businesses in the commercial district. Balancing out the advocacy for quality-of-life issues, QVNA continues to support the neighbors dedicated to our pocket-park network and, this spring, organized a hugely successful electronic recycling event at Weccacoe Playground for Earth Day. The spring grant cycle awarded two grants—one to the Friends of Mario Lanza Park, which saw a lot of love during the pandemic restrictions in the form of increased foot traffic and safedistance activities. The Friends there plan to rehabilitate the much-used north and south lawns. The second grant went to South Philly Acoustic Jam (SPAJ) to help fund indoor space for neighborhood musicians to practice, reconnect, and, of course, jam. SPAJ holds free concerts and jazz sessions at Gloria Dei several times a year as
well. Look for announcements so you can enjoy the music or jump in on the jam. In the fall, QVNA will continue holding Community Meetings (third Wednesday of each month). The success of sharing information and taking feedback via Zoom has been one of the silver linings of pandemic adaptation. If you are interested in Board service, the annual QVNA elections take place in November. To find out more about Board service, contact info@qvna.org. Lastly, a goal for this winter will be to resume the QVNA Neighbors Celebrating Neighbors Holiday Party. It will be our first in-person community gathering since December 2019. We will be scouting a spot for neighbors to mingle safely, so we can all enjoy each other’s good company again. As we all develop a new normal during these warm months, keep an eye out for the newsletter to find out what new developments, gatherings, and fun is unfolding in the neighborhood. Be well,
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 5
OUT AND ABOUT
Passion on Passyunk Two neighborhood eateries hit all the right notes. By Michael and Cait Allen
Gnocchi, 613 E. Passyunk St.
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Top: Chef-owner Missoum Khemici with a memento of Mama Frusone. Above: An Italian classic, mussels in red sauce.
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER \\ SUMMER 2021
hef-owner Missoum Khemici taught music in his home country before coming to the United States. He landed his first job at the legendary Ristorante San Carlo under the watchful eye of Mama Frusone. “I cleaned the pots,” Missoum says, “and the next day, people thought someone bought new ones! She was very impressed.” Because of her, he learned Italian along with English. Mama Frusone would come in early and make Gnocchi’s namesake dish. the pasta by hand. She liked when Missoum helped. Soon, the family invited him to work the dining room. “At first, I was terrified,” he says. “I was so shy and nervous, I stood in the corner.” But after taking the leap, he learned he loved his relationship with customers. “I want to know what makes you happy,” he says. “I want you to feel comfortable, like you are at a good friend’s house."
We ask for the chef’s tasting menu, which begins with a tart and lemony Caesar salad. It’s clean-plate addictive. Next, there are waves of primi courses: burrata, meatballs, mussels in red sauce, gnocchi in three styles. As we reflect on their perfect balance, Missoum compares music and cooking. “Food is delicate. One wrong note can ruin a composition, and one wrong flavor can ruin a dish.” True. With the meatballs, the seasoned meat and sauce do-si-do and bow to their partner. One never upstages the other. It’s a lot to ask of a meatball, but, son, it delivers! A 96-year-old Italian matriarch sits at a nearby table. Missoum tells us with a huge smile, “She just declared that my food is better than hers! I was wondering what she would think.” It feels like the finale of a symphony, and we are on our feet. Bravo, Missoum! No, bravissimo!
OUT AND ABOUT Chef Sharon Shvarzman with a trayful of borekas.
Keshet Kitchen, 705 E. Passyunk St. Upon entering Keshet (which means “rainbow” in Hebrew), we meet manager Abraham Bloom, who is fielding an avalanche of calls. He co-owns this little promised land with Chef Sharon Shvarzman and Sharon’s longtime friend, Morissa Schwartz. At close of business, we get some quiet time with them, and we ask Sharon about his culinary inspiration. He tells us about his restaurant family and master-chef grandfather, who brought authentic Israeli comfort food to Brooklyn. “Pots and pans were my first toys!” Sharon says. But when his grandfather became ill and passed away, his family drifted apart. Turning bittersweet, Sharon admits that the relationship with his grandfather was a difficult one. “I embraced cooking,” he says, “as a way to reconnect with him and get back lost time.” After developing his own style, he gathered his family back together. “They compared my food to my grandfather’s,” he says smiling, “and I knew I was on the right path!” The rose water vanilla pudding, garnished with roasted pistachios.
Sharon won Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race. As clips play overhead, Abraham declares, “Sharon is the sauce boss.” We quickly learn how true that is. No joke, there are seven of them—all unique masterpieces. Why so many sauces, you ask? Well, let’s start with the chicken wings. “We brine them for days,” Sharon says. “Taste them first with no sauce!” We do, and we are shocked at the rich flavor. “Now try the sauces! Try the habanero apricot! Now try the honey garlic!” Sharon is having a blast—he’s radiating glee. “I love people's reactions,” he says. “That's why I do it. I love making people happy!”
The signature chicken tenders follow. More sauces. Then the braised short rib, the heart-warming pot roast, and the special mac and cheese. Everything has intriguing touches of flavors from across the Mediterranean. When the desserts come, we need to sit down. There is a rice pudding with rose water and date chutney. If cooking truly is music, this dessert is a Mozart melody. Next, the famous saffron, pistachio, almond, cardamom, and mango cheesecake. No words. “We want to deliver five-star restaurant food without the price,” Sharon says. Honestly, there aren’t enough stars to give Sharon! ■
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 7
QVNA SPOTLIGHT
“How Do I Get from Here to There?” QVNA collaborates on a new mentoring program designed to help youth explore—and navigate—career paths. Percy Jones conducts a healthy relationship activity. Jones, from Norristown Men of Excellence, wrapped up each day with sessions on life skills.
I
t’s been a long time without any inperson activities—during or after school—for many of Philadelphia’s students. But after months of planning, QVNA has proudly launched our co-partnership of the Courtyard Mentor Network (CMN)’s eight-week pilot program. The CMN introduces career options to young men, ages 11 to 15, from Queen Village’s Courtyard Apartments development. In addition, it provides complimentary instruction for developing healthy relationship skills--essential tools for navigating a career.
Dr. Tom Kramer shows Faheem Moultrie (left) and Christin White how to make a splint.
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER \\ SUMMER 2021
By Eleanor Ingersoll The Pilot On Tuesday afternoons in June and July at Courtyard Apartments (1021 S. 4th St.) local professionals from an array of careers have been taking the group through a practical exercise of their specialty. These visitors include an EMT, a chef, a barber, an ER doctor, a Navy lieutenant, an architect, and a financial advisor. Throughout, there have been plenty of questions and answers about the education and training required for each craft. Participants fill out a reflection sheet to remind themselves about their personal pros and cons for each profession— and the mentor’s contact information. Kept in a personal binder, these sheets will end up serving as a resource book, always with the option to contact a mentor for advice or direction on a particular career path. Through this organic process, common interests will drive connections, facilitated and monitored by CMN. After the practical demonstration and a food break, Kirk Berry and instructors Hakim Jones and Percy Jones of the Norristown Men of Excellence lead the second half. Their program, Real Essentials Advance, is a social-emotional component to help direct students toward
Chef Nicholas Selmi, of Laurel and the Landing Kitchen, gives a cooking demo of homemade orecchiette and cavatelli pasta.
Ta Nguyen, of the Barber’s Den, makes the cut with (left to right) Oreace Torrence (in back), Malachi Jackson, Zyaire Williams, and Shaun Hargrove.
QVNA SPOTLIGHT positive decision-making and healthy relationships. What makes for a healthy relationship? Effective communication, navigating conflict, and sustaining a vision for success. The brainchild of QVNA Vice President Justin Fishman, with support from his wife, Rachel, CMN is a collaboration and partnership between Queen Village Neighbors Association, Courtyard Residents Council, the Norristown Men of Excellence, The Michaels Organization, and Better Tomorrows. Now a fiscally sponsored group of QVNA, the CMN is looking toward full programming for the 2021–2022 academic school year. ■
Nick Keenan, a project manager, gave an overview of how he worked his way up from swinging a ham-
Jason Showmaker gives a demonstration of CPR. An EMT and volunteer firefighter, he also taught fire safety, stroke awareness, and treatment for a choking adult or child.
Please consider making a donation to help support this volunteer-driven effort. QVNA is collecting donations at https://bit.ly/ CourtyardMentorNetwork.
mer to managing some of the largest projects in Philadelphia. Donning ear plugs, gloves, and safety goggles, participants team up to build a frame, with each getting a turn on the power drill.
17 Summers of
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QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 9
QVNA SPOTLIGHT
A Virtuoso Volunteer In a hundred different ways, he made it look as easy as child’s play.
W
ithin our cadre of Queen Village volunteers lives an exceptional individual with a breadth and depth of skills, education, work-life experience, and genuine commitment to improving our community, not only for ourselves but for generations yet to come. His name is Duncan Spencer.
Since the dawn of the new millennium, this Renaissance man has worn the volunteer mantles of tree tender; co-founding member and later chair of Friends of Weccacoe Playground; QVNA vice president; member of QVNA’s Communication and Outreach Committee; member of QVNA Magazine’s Editorial Board; and member of the Bethel Burying Ground Historic Site Memorial Committee. In the meantime, Duncan’s handiwork skills have been plied in numerous ways.
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In the mid 90s, Duncan moved to the former “Sunshine Glass” building, a sheetglass warehouse on Lawrence Street. The doorway faced a locked Weccacoe Playground, which did not allow visitors until Duncan did away with the lock. Wife Nikki joined the home in 2002, followed by their son, Duncan, in 2005 and daughter, Belle, in 2007. His hands-on experience in design and construction, while studying archaeology at the University of Pennsylvania, served Duncan well as he renovated his family’s forever home. Meanwhile, Duncan’s green thumb itched to add plants and flowers at neighborhood playgrounds, vacant lots, and pocket parks. For years thereafter, he volunteered with Queen Village’s Tree Tenders to plant curbside trees and tend to orphaned tree pits. Duncan’s penchant for getting his hands dirty in service to the community was merely a prologue to playground stewardship. In 2007, Duncan became a co-founding member of the Friends of Weccacoe Playground, a dynamic group of neighbors committed to re-imagining and revitalizing what had been a substandard, amenity-lacking playground. As plans progressed for new playground amenities and safety improvements, Duncan co-led the Friends Group’s garden initiative, which ultimately integrated a northeast corner habitat of trees and flowers with a fieldstone water-retention pond. By capturing rain and spray-pole water runoff, the initiative enhanced playground safety
while beautifying Weccacoe in an ecofriendly way. In 2012, Duncan was named chair of Friends of Weccacoe Playground and led fundraising efforts to extend and renovate the community center. A year later, when the re-discovery of Bethel Burying Ground that lay under Weccacoe altered those plans, Duncan’s training in archaeology seemed prophetic. So it’s not surprising that he said yes to the invitation from the City’s Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy to join the Bethel Burying Ground Memorial Historic Site Committee. In 2014, Duncan joined QVNA’s Communications and Outreach Committee and successfully ran for the Board of Directors, even as he continued to lead Friends of Weccacoe Playground. Twice elected to the position of QVNA Vice President, Duncan served as a board leader from 2015 through 2017, joined the Editorial Board for QVNA Magazine, and became a feature article contributor. Soon after the recent artist selection of the Bethel Burying Ground Memorial design, Duncan decided to step back from his role as chair of the Friends of Weccacoe Playground to enjoy more travel and time at his beloved family farm in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Duncan’s volunteer contributions to our community are the stuff legends are made of: no ask too big, no task too small. It’s with great admiration and appreciation that QVNA salutes Duncan for his love of community and service to Queen Village. ■
QVNA SPOTLIGHT
Two Queen Villagers Honored
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or their efforts to improve the quality of life of the community and the world around us, QVNA President Eleanor Ingersoll and Past Board President Colleen Puckett recently received PA House of Representatives Citations of Recognition. The awards were presented by State Rep. Mary Isaacson as part of her Women
State Rep. Mary Isaacson (right) presents QVNA President Eleanor Ingersoll with her Pennsylvania House of Representatives Citation of Recognition.
Leading the 175th recognition program. QVNA President Eleanor Ingersoll is a tireless advocate for residents’ interests through engagement with leaders at the state and city level. She chairs the Community Council for Interstate Management and serves on the board of directors of the Interstate Land Management Corporation and as a committee member of the city’s Historical Bethel Burying Ground Memorial site at Weccacoe Playground. She joined the Friends of Weccacoe Playground to advocate for playground amenities in 2012 and joined QVNA’s board in 2014. In 2015, she co-founded the Summer at Courtyard enrichment program, which provides reading comprehension, arts, science, music, and civic engagement to Queen Village children. Longtime civic activist Colleen Puckett has served as a VISTA volunteer, labor organizer, union official, and board member for organizations including Philadelphia Forward, Temple Beth Zion
Former QVNA President Colleen Puckett proudly displays her citation.
Beth Israel, and North Broad Community Coalition. Elected five times to the QVNA board (1995-2005), she served two terms as president. Colleen founded the Coalition of Philadelphia Neighborhood Associations, a coalition of city neighborhoods formed to fight riverboat gambling, which segued to address development and other quality-oflife issues. She was appointed to Mayor John Street’s Gaming Advisory Task Force and later to Michael Nutter’s mayoral transition team. A 2nd Ward committee person since 2018, she was elected ward leader in 2020. ■
Living Our Mission
T
he QVNA Board of Directors has awarded grants totaling $3,000 for two worthy projects: Friends of Mario Lanza Park was awarded $2,000 to rehabilitate the park’s north and south lawns. Some work will be accomplished this fall and the remainder next spring. Under the leadership of Lisa Mell, Friends of Mario Lanza Park is a
group of volunteers who work to beautify and maintain the park. South Philly Acoustic Jam was awarded $1,000 to fund the rental of classrooms for musical practice sessions and recital rooms for public events. Under the leadership of President Ed Kaminski, this volunteer-driven, grass-roots nonprofit brings together amateur musi-
cians and vocalists to provide no-charge programs for marginalized audiences and homebound seniors. The QVNA Community Grants Program is one of the many ways the association lives its mission of providing community services, advocacy, and service to improve the quality Queen Village life. Read more at QVNA.org/about-grants. ■
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 11
Bethel Burying Ground Memorial Moves to Next Phase With careful deliberation and robust community engagement, the City’s Art Commission has given the green light to Karen Olivier’s design. By Duncan Spencer
H
opefully by now, everybody knows that the design selection for the Historic Bethel Burying Ground Memorial is complete and that plans from local artist Karyn Olivier have been approved by the Philadelphia Art Commission. Along with QVNA President Eleanor Ingersoll, I had the pleasure of serving on the City’s Bethel Burying
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER \\ SUMMER 2021
Ground (BBG) Memorial Committee, which helped make the selection. The project is now in the contract stage with groundbreaking expected around September 2021. The Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy secured a $50,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for cultural programming around themes of The
Bethel Burying Ground (BBG) Memorial, with details forthcoming. For those curious about the BBG Memorial Committee’s process, this is it: We considered the anonymous scores from the public’s surveys, and we met each artist, via video, to hear their vision firsthand. Then we discussed each proposal, scored it independently, considered pros
and cons, and ultimately selected Olivier’s plans with recommendations. To answer the recommendation for enhancing the artistry to make the Memorial’s presence more powerful, Olivier made some additions. The archway and gate have been redesigned with the Ghanaian symbol of a bird, head turned backwards and feet forward, carrying a precious egg in its mouth. That symbol is associated with the Ghanaian proverb, “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.” Other additions are a granite headstone on the seat wall that identifies the site as the Bethel Burying Ground and more granite text panels. It bears remembering that one of the important aspects of the Bethel Burying Ground is that it was a burial mission to provide decent burials for Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church’s congregants and others not permitted burial in the cemeteries of the mainstream religions. Before the Bethel Burying Ground, African Americans were left to bury their dead in Potter’s fields, such as that in Washington Square Park. A huge thank you goes out to all participants, from Queen Village and beyond, for your impressive turnout and thoughtful comments and discussion. It was very meaningful for the committee to be able to reflect on this engagement in the selection process.
Thank you to Kelly Lee, director of the Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, which guided the committee from its inception through this mission. You can
follow the link below for information about commemorating the site bit.ly/QVNA_BBG. For information about artist Karyn Olivier, visit bit.ly/BBG_Design. ■
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 13
THE COMMON GOOD
By the Numbers On April 17, Queen Village residents flocked to Weccacoe Playground in honor of Earth Day by responsibly recycling old electronics.
Rep. Dwight Evans, State Rep. Mary Isaacson, Councilman Mark Squilla, and QVNA Board President Eleanor Ingersoll at the e-cycling and shredding event.
O
rganized by QVNA and sponsored by State Rep. Mary Isaacson’s office, just look at the electronics that neighbors succeeded in keeping out of the landfill: • 200+ cords and wires • 100+ CDs/floppy disks/zip disks/VHS tapes • 75+ computers (laptops, desktops, monitors, towers) • 50+ laptop batteries • 35 TVs* • 35+ phones • 29 printers & scanners • 28 speakers & amps • 27 DVD/VHS players • 24 modems & routers • 16 air conditioners • 16 microwaves • 15 mice • 12 coffeemakers • 2 vacuum cleaners • 2 pencil sharpeners • 1 toaster • 1 electric saw *Because Pennsylvania prohibits televisions from the recycling stream, QVNA contracted with an out-of-state firm to accept the TVs for recycling.)
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER \\ SUMMER 2021
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 15
QV LIFE
Pick of the Litter A Queen Village resident has been winning big on the dog show circuit, and not even a global pandemic could stop him. By Mona Liss
B Hobbes, who is officially registered as Back Bay Jody’s Princeton White Tiger, with a proud Jody Applebaum.
Congratulations to the Grand Champion!
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER \\ SUMMER 2021
ack in 2017, when Jody Applebaum picked up her newest puppy—a West Highland White Terrier named Hobbes—she couldn’t have known that he would soon be taking the Westie world by storm. The Queen Village resident had a long history with Westies—18 years’ worth— with more than 150 individual titles for her dogs in sporting events. But she envisioned the show ring for Hobbes. Within a few weeks of bringing the pup home, the pair began obedience and show-handling classes, and Applebaum mastered the ins and outs of grooming. “Learning to handle a dog in the ring is not as easy as it looks,” Applebaum explains. “Simply becoming comfortable with how to hold the lead takes time and practice. And the dog has to learn how to move and stand correctly and stay focused in the face of distractions.” The hard work paid off: At his very first show, Hobbes was chosen Winners Dog, a title that earned him the first point toward championship status. In 2019, he finished his championship and began winning points for the next title—Grand Champion. Shortly after that, he took Best of Breed. Then came COVID. Like everything else, the dog show world was reeling. With so many shows canceled, Applebaum had to hunt for the ones
His new handler preps Hobbes for the big show.
that remained, and even those had such strict protocols in place, that she had to find a handler to take her place in the ring. But Hobbes was unstoppable: He earned his Grand Championship in October, and just a month later, at the National Dog Show, he took Best of Breed. Applebaum was ecstatic: “I have never felt anything close to the rush of pride I felt watching him walk out onto that blue carpet in the Terrier Group,” she says. What’s next for Hobbes? “He’ll continue to show towards his next title,” Applebaum says. “But at some point, his show career will end, and he will go back to focusing on sporting events.” But a little female arrived recently in Queen Village, all the way from Texas, and, Applebaum reports, she’s well on her way to her championship, and, with Hobbes, starting a new line of Westies. ■
QV LIFE
On the Waterfront After a land-locked year, Independence Seaport Museum relaunches programming—on land and on sea.
T
his summer, you can add programming at the Independence Seaport Museum to your list of things to do outside! Visitors are returning—in person—to this Delaware waterfront gem where they can explore Philadelphia’s maritime history, tour the Cruiser Olympia, and take to the water by kayak and paddle boat. On select weekends through September 26, you can sign on with Kayak Excursions for specially curated trips on the Delaware River. Excursions range from three to 10 miles, with beginner to advanced options, and include Three Sisters Shipwreck with Kayaking Tutorial, Graffiti Pier, Petty’s Island, and Sunset Paddles. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For even more fun, Paddle Penn’s Landing offers the opportunity to paddle your way around the Penn’s Landing basin in a kayak, rowboat, and swan or or dragon boat. Summer hours are Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to dusk, and Saturday and Sunday, noon to dusk, through September 6. Safety protocols are in place to keep visitors and staff safe. Excursions are limited to 15 participants per session, social distancing are being enforced, face masks are required on the docks, and all equipment is regularly sanitized. For more information, visit phillyseaport.org/onwater. ■
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 17
THEN AND NOW
Fascinating Philly Facts Queen Villager Jim Murphy gets to the point with his book about Philadelphia history.
Interviewed by Richard De Wyngaert
J
im Murphy, longtime resident of Queen Village and QVNA volunteer, has written a book on the history of Philadelphia, Real Philly History, Real Fast, published by Temple University Press. I sat down with Jim to discuss this compilation of fascinating facts and entertaining material for even the most serious students of Philadelphia history.
Richard De Wyngeart: A rather unique approach to writing history—why that title? Jim Murphy: Because everything in the book is focused on providing quick information to people. The stories all began with The Society Hill Reporter, and later I went over to the QVNA magazine.
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RD: What else about the format should people know? JM: Well, for every chapter, there’s a headline and a sub-headline that give people a really good idea about the chapter. Paragraphs are all short, with a lot of bullet copy and fast facts at the end. It’s a pretty complete picture of a person, or a site, in about 750 words. The book consists of 51 short columns that cover a broad swath of Philadelphia history—things you’d love to know but often don’t—until you’ve read the book. They’re all quick reads, but there’s a great deal of information packed into each column. The reader benefits because there are no wasted words. Every story gets right to the point. RD: Philadelphia has such a rich and storied history. How did you decide what to include in your book? JM: In 2010 when I started writing these columns, I became a real explorer of the city. If I saw something interesting, I would write about it. If I saw a sign, or a building, or a gravestone that I knew nothing about, but intrigued me, I would investigate until I understood its significance. In about 2015, I moved from The Society Hill Reporter to the QVNA Magazine and focused my columns almost
THEN AND NOW exclusively on the historical markers. I include many interesting oddities, things we’d love to know but are often left out of traditional histories. RD: What is a fact you discovered about Philadelphia that really surprised you? JW: I started wondering what it was like when William Penn first arrived. So, I investigated and learned a couple of things. Philadelphia started 58 years after New York, and 52 years after Boston. Those two cities were basically senior citizens when we hit the ground, but by 1770, we were the most important, the most populous, and the most cultured city in America. This was due to a number of things, but mostly, I believe, to our two superstars: William Penn and Ben Franklin— Penn and Ben! Penn started it all, and Ben quite simply made everything better. They were the architects of Philadelphia’s meteoric rise. I didn’t know that Penn initially wanted Philadelphia to be where the city of Chester is now located. He wanted to be as close to the ocean as he could. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get the land. He also wanted a much larger city, he wanted 10,000 acres, but he
could not find a willing seller to amass a city as expansive as he envisioned. He settled for 1,200 acres. Most of the land was purchased from the Swanson Brothers, Swedish settlers who arrived in the mid-17th century. The original footprint was river to river and Vine Street to Cedar (now South Street).
RD: Anything else that most people do not know? JW: If you wanted to do damage, for instance burn down a church, you could light a match and run south of South Street, or north of Vine Street, and it would be challenging and cumbersome to legally pursue you. Commit a crime, then cross the line. This was a real issue during the Philadelphia Nativist Riots of 1844 (the result of rising anti-Catholic sentiment from the growing numbers of Irish immigrants). The riots exposed a weakness in Philadelphia’s system of law enforcement. This led to many reforms and ultimately to the consolidation of Kensington and Southwark into Philadelphia. RD: Thank you, Jim. Your book sounds terrific and very readable, with fascinating, often overlooked facts that have contributed to Philadelphia’s rich history. Congratulations on a wonderful addition to the genre. ■ Real Philly History, Real Fast is available for order at HeadHouseBooks.com and on the bookshelves at Head House Books, 619 S. 2nd St.
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Streetcars Come to Queen Village With so many options for getting around the city, it’s tough to imagine a time when there were very few options at all. By Joel Spivak
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riginally called Southwark, Queen Village wasn’t even a part of the city of Philadelphia proper, which ran from Vine Street to South Street, river to river, until the consolidation in 1853, a change that made it easier to install utilities and create streetcar lines. The first streetcar company to get a franchise was the Frankford and Southwark Passenger Railroad Company on January 30, 1858. That company’s horsedrawn streetcars ran south down 6th St. to Morris and north up 5th St. to Berks, where it became a steam-driven line that ran up to an end destination at Frankford Ave. and Arrott St. By 1890, the 5th & 6th
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THEN AND NOW
Street Lines had 825 horses and sold 50 million fares that year alone. The company earned supporting revenue from the sale of horse manure. The next streetcar line to open was the 2nd and 3rd Line on November 29, 1858. It traveled south down 2nd St. to Ritner and north on 3rd St. to North Philadelphia, with a terminal at 3rd and Dock St. The line had 700 horses, 109 cars, and nine carbarns. This popular line sold 11 million fares in 1892 alone. A third line in South Philadelphia was the Lombard & South Street Passenger Railway Company Line. Its route went from Passyunk Avenue and Broad St. to 5th and Lombard, then over to the ferry terminals on the Delaware River. By 1876, the city had the largest streetcar system in the U.S.—a system prepared to move the 10 million visitors to the Centennial International Exhibition, the nation’s first time hosting an official World’s Fair. Less than 20 years later, in 1892, the first electric streetcar line (trolley), the Catherine & Bainbridge Street Passenger Railway Company, introduced Philadelphia to the age of modern public transit. The last horse car line was electrified in 1897. ■ Next issue: Learn how electricity and modern mass transit was essential to Philadelphia becoming the “Workshop of the World.”
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IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Spring Cleaning and Greening
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long with blooming greens and singing birds, spring brought with it the bi-annual Love Your Park Day. But truth be told, pandemic restrictions sent many outside long before it was warm for fresh-air activities and a dose of vitamin D. So thanks to Clean & Green enthusiasts who have been contributing long before the Love Your Park call to action, especially at these beloved neighborhood sites. ■
Volunteers swept and raked winter away at Beck Park.
Ed Snyder (on rake) and Steve Nolan (on broom) got an early start and were later joined by Michael Grossberg,
At Moyamensing Point, neighbors dug in for some socially distanced clean-up.
Willa Grossberg, Dan Rosenzweig, Sara McDonough, and Rosie Rosenzweig.
A crop of QV kids tended the Rose Garden.
John Weir, chair of Friends of Moyamensing Point (above), recruited a crew for cleaning and weeding the triangle at the intersection of 2nd St. and Moya-
Later in the season, more volunteers arrived to help Maria Frizelle Roberts out at the Front Street Rose Garden.
mensing Ave. From left to right, Pat Bigley, Tom
Pictured are Juliette Kang’s daughters, Rosalie and Clarissa Kraines, and Kevin Murphy’s sons Logan and
Bonner, and Rosemary and David Gifford.
Caden Murphy.
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IT TAKES A VILLAGE Springing into action, the Friends of Mario Lanza Park joined forces to tend to the beloved park. Friends of Mario Lanza Park Chair Lisa Mell organized this spring’s planting and clean-up. Clockwise from bottom: Early arrivals James Schulte, Andrew Mell, and Lisa Mell got a surprise visit from State Rep. Mary Isaacson; handy with shears, Noah Saltzman and Katlin Winter trimmed back the ivy; busy with the broom, Amy Rivera swept up the walkway; wielding a wheelbarrow, Cathy Cassie spread mulch along the east wall; and, brandishing shovel and wheelbarrow, James Schulte and Karl Janowitz worked on the west wall.
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THE COMMONS
A cicada makes its appearance after 17 years below ground. (Steve Byland)
They’re Back! With the return of the 17-year cicada and the annual infestation of the spotted lanternfly, Queen Village is going buggy this summer. By Karyl Weber
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nsects are putting on a show for us in 2021. First to take the stage were the cicadas, but their performance was as brief as it was noisy. Longer and more concerning has been our sightings of the Spotted Lanternfly, a non-native insect that is spreading and doing harm to trees, plants, and crops.
Cicadas Nowhere in the world apart from the central and eastern United States experiences “periodical” cicadas, and in 2021 is their year to emerge in Pennsylvania. That so many billions of them reliably coordinate a 17-year breeding cycle (13 in the case of a small subgroup) is quite a trick of chronometry. The nymph phase has survived those intervening years underground, feeding from tree roots. In the target year, when spring soil temperatures reach 64 degrees, they emerge en masse at night and make a slow dash for the treetops. Along the way they shed their youthful exoskeletons, which you’ll see abandoned as light brown empty
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shells, and emerge in a new shape with wings. Males, who make the classic undulating buzzing sound, appear first but die off soon after mating. Those that remain are mostly the much quieter females laying eggs. Cicadas lack the protections that other insects use: They don’t bite or sting or have toxins or great camouflage. Big as they are, they’re an ideal meal for almost any bird or animal. (If you’re feeling adventurous, you can find a trove of recipes for dining on cicadas yourself!) Vulnerability explains the cicadas’ bizarre life cycle. Abundant after such a prolonged absence, their supply overwhelms demand by their predators, so enough of them escape to reproduce.
Spotted Lanternflies Throughout the summer, we’ll be contending with Spotted Lanternflies, and despite their interesting spots and fuchsia underwings, we must try to stamp out this invader.
The most efficient approach is to recognize and destroy the egg cases over winter, but that opportunity has passed for the time being—keep it in mind this autumn. In their youthful form in springtime, as small bugs with white polka dots on either a black or red-and-black background, they don’t move very fast. In summer, you’ll have to choose your tactics against the adults. If you’re speedy, you can step on or swat the adult. It tends to fly distances of eight to 10 feet at a time and takes a moment to prepare for a new leap. Lanternflies launch themselves forward, so an alternate trick is to hold the mouth of a container in front of one, then startle it and slap on the lid. Don’t try sticky traps: They don’t work well against these pests but do kill beneficial bugs. If you own a tree that is a favorite of lanternflies and you’re feeling crafty, you could replicate a trap that earned a girl from Harleysville a science award. It involves a narrow shield taped around the tree trunk, with just one gap that leads
SWQV Community Gardener (and beekeeper) Adam Hauptman scrapes off lanternfly egg cases high up in the garden’s magnolia tree.
upward into a mesh bag—the lanternflies become trapped and starve because they only move upward, while other bugs escape out the bottom. (See her solution at bit.ly/QVNA_lanternfly.) If you’re sitting under lanternflies, you may feel little drops like raindrops falling because they feed on sap and often excrete sprays of liquid. An odd bit of trivia
is that bees enjoy this excretion, so you may see some novelty honey sold this season that is labeled as “lanternfly flavored.” A final caution if you’re planning a long road trip this summer, check carefully when loading gear into your car, because transporting lanternflies can expand their geographic range. ■
The life cycle of a lanternfly (clockwise from top left): Egg mass; late-stage (with red patches) and earlystage nymphs (black with white spots); and adult with wings spread. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
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HOW IT WORKS
Raise High the Roof Deck Thinking about adding a roof deck to your Queen Village property? Here’s what you need to know before you pick up a hammer—or hire a contractor! By Len Sedney
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eed more living space? Thanks to COVID, more and more homeowners are considering roof decks. Quarantines, lockdowns, and stay-at-home orders have changed homeowners’ priorities. Additional square footage, both inside and out, is at a premium. When adding on space to the existing footprint is not an option, a roof deck is a natural alternative. During COVID, roof decks not only provide more space but also offer a safe alternative for socializing with friends and family.
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How does a homeowner move from concept to construction? As with any other physical alteration to an existing building in Philadelphia, there are rules and regulations that govern the construction of roof decks and roof deck access structures. In general, roof decks are permitted for residential uses in all zoning districts, subject to specific requirements of the Zoning Code. Particular requirements include, but are not limited to, setbacks, height limits,
and types of materials used. If your residence is located within the Queen Village/Neighborhood Conservation Overlay (NCO) district, your roof deck will also need to comply with the Queen Village NCO requirements. In order to ensure that the roof deck will meet the requirements of the Code, it is suggested that an architect be hired. The architect or homeowner must be aware of the following important considerations: • What zoning district is your property located in? Is it located in the Queen Village/Neighborhood Conservation Overlay district? • Has your home been designated as historic by the Philadelphia Historic Commission? It will matter. In general, roof decks must be set back at least five feet from the front building line. However, properties located in the Queen Village NCO District must be set back eight feet from the front property line (as illustrated in the drawing on the facing page), or a parapet at least 42 inches high must be used to enclose the front of the deck. Roof deck access structure, or a pilot house, used to enclose the access structure must not exceed 10 feet in height above the surface of the roof deck (as illustrated in the drawing at left). The pilot house cannot exceed 125 square feet.
Roof Deck Access Structures.
Railings for roof decks may be up to 50 percent opaque and may not be constructed of unfinished wood. Once you are ready to get started, a Zoning Permit and a Building Permit from the Department of License & Inspections (L & I) are required. An application along with plans must be filed with L & I. Most architects or contractors can assist you in obtaining the proper permits. The Zoning Permit protects both the homeowner’s interests as well as the neighborhood’s. The Zoning Permit also provides proper documentation for the roof deck if the homeowner sells the property. If your project cannot meet the requirements of the Zoning Code, securing a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment is required. The above requirements have been used for illustrative purposes. Additional requirements may come into play based on the location of the property or the particular history of the property, such as
past permits or violations at the property. Issuance of the Zoning Permit is the documentation you need that your project is in compliance with the Zoning Code. Questions? Visit the Department of Licenses & Inspections at www.phila.gov/li or email permit.services@phila.gov, and you will be directed to an online form to submit your question. ■
If you see building construction of any type but do not see a building permit publicly posted, call 311 immediately to report it. By doing so, you are helping to ensure that construction plans and actual construction are inspected by the city.
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ASK QVNA
Who Should I Contact? The most frequently asked question to QVNA is “Who should I contact about . . . ?”
Philly 3-1-1
Other Contacts
From QVNA For You
In the majority of cases, it’s Philly 3-1-1. You can reach 311 from the city’s website, by phone (311) or by email (philly311@phila.gov) to report anything from potholes and illegal dumping of trash, to construction (or demolition) of buildings without a posted permit. Philly 3-1-1 identifies your report with a case number and provides it to you for tracking—so hold on to that number. This is why QVNA highly recommends that you use the Philly311 app on your mobile device. It’s a free download from the App Store and Google Play. After you open your Philly 311 account, you can send reports (and upload photos) and keep track of their progress.
Depending on the season, questions to QVNA may be on topics that should be directed to specific city departments. From summer through early fall, neighbors find these contacts most helpful:
Our website, QVNA.org, provides useful information and links for neighbors including these:
Report Homeless Encampments 24/7 Hotline: (215) 232-1984 Report Health Hazards Rat or hornet nests: (215) 685-9000 Dead animal on street: bit.ly/dead-animal Questions About Construction Do I need a building permit? bit.ly/PhilaBuildingPermitInfo Is my contractor licensed? bit.ly/PhilaLicensedContractor My home is historic; where do I start? bit. ly/PhilaHistoricalComm
Nuisance has no home here. If an ALCOHOL-LICENSED business becomes a community NUISANCE, submit your complaint at QVNA.org/nuisance. After calling 911, you can report nuisance behavior by an alcohol-licensed business on QVNA.org. Reportable nuisance behavior includes: • Alcohol from the business being brought outside • Minors consuming alcohol • Drug use • Crowd control issues
• • • •
Loud noise or music Loud and boisterous crowds Fights Trash and debris
Your submitted report notifies law enforcement and government officials of our neighborhood’s NightLife Task Force. It is not a substitute for calling 911.
Find out more information at www.qvna.org/nuisance Another public service from Queen Village Neighbors Association • WeCare@QVNA.org
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Communication eNews: bit.ly/Subscribe2eNews Magazine: QVNA.org/crier Calendar: QVNA.org/events Facebook: /queenvillage Twitter: /qvnaorg Public Meetings Community: QVNA.org/events Recordings: Youtube.com/queenvillage Zoning: QVNA.org/events Police Leadership: QVNA.org/events Services and Programs Covered Parking: QVNA.org/parking Public Space Graffiti: (610) 291-7426 Community Grants: QVNA.org/grants
We r ou s Volunteer !!! With vision and compassion for future generations, volunteers care for our our parks, playgrounds and trees. When powerful forces threatened to divide our neighborhood, volunteers unified, fought and won the battle and saved our community. Whether cleaning and greening; serving on a committee or the Board; contributing to our magazine; distributing the Crier; helping in the office—whether regularly or for an hour here and there—QVNA appreciates your volunteer service.
Thank You Queen Village Volunteers
Your Caring Enriches Our Community. Since 1969, QVNA has depended on volunteers to lead and advance our mission of community stewardship, advocacy and service to help improve quality of life for Queen Village residents. To those who have helped bring positive change to our community, and to the volunteers who sustain it today,
thank you for your service.
Community Stewardship. Advocacy. Service. Find opportunities @ QVNA.org/volunteer
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Here Comes the Sun!
Happy to Share: We have recently been inducted into BHHS Fox & Roach Highest Award Attainable “The Elite Group”
I worked with Kathy and Pat Conway to sell my house and highly recommend them! Their knowledge, experience and guidance were invaluable. They skillfully navigated the negotiations and provided great advice when needed. No one knows Queen Village real estate better than Kathy and Pat Conway. -Linda Jacobsen
Our record speaks for itself
215.266.1537 215.850.3842 215.627.6005 conwayteam@gmail.com conwayteam.com
