QV Crier: Fall 2023

FALL 2023

FALL STROLL THROUGH HISTORY A Walking History Lesson

QVNA Elections Primer

Winterize Your Outdoor Plants Now

Great Farmer Finds On Passyunk

Contents 3 4 5

President’s Letter A new take on curbing package theft

QV Life The Jewish High Holidays this fall

QVNA Spotlight Meet the new Executive Director

FALL 2023

6

How it Works

8

It Takes a Village

9

Out and About

The Queen Village zoning overlay and smoking lounge ban

How you can run for the QVNA Board

The path to victory for Redcrest Kitchen

Above Patriot, brigadier general, and patron of St. Peter’s Church, John Cadwalader (1742–1786)

Photo courtesy of Temple University Special Collections Research Center Feature, rght One of the many information placards at St. Peter’s Churchyard, explaining the history of those buried there.

Photo by Austin Bening

On the cover Entrance into St. Peter’s Churchyard, 4th Street between Lombard and Pine Streets

Photo by Austin Bening

10 14 16 18 20

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Feature: QV History Freemason history in your backyard

South Street Beat Home decor with a Gothic twist

13

In Search of…

Fresh eats in the neighborhood

Outside the Box Growing fresh food for the greater good

The Commons Get a jump start and winterize your outdoor planters now

22 24

QV Art Scene Celebrating local art with the second annual gallery crawl

The Common Good Another successful National Night Out

The Final Note Meet your police captain

VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 3 FALL 2023

Direct: 267-225-3678 Office: 215-627-3500 deidre@deidrequinn.com deidrequinn.com

PUBLISHER Queen Village Neighbors Association EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eleanor Ingersoll eleanor@qvna.org DESIGNER Alec Meltzer meltzerdesign.net

1619 Walnut St, 4th FL Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHOTOGRAPHERS Mariska Koruba Maxine Mayer PROOFREADERS Nicole Maley Carol Peterson Jake Peterson AD SALES qvna.org/advertising eleanor@qvna.org QVNA provides community stewardship, advocacy and service to help improve quality of life for Queen Village residents.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2023–2024 TERM) OFFICERS Cait Allen – PRESIDENT Chris Mullen – VICE PRESIDENT Matt Atkins – SECRETARY Philip Holzhauer – TREASURER

Knowledge and Experience Combined with Your Best Interests in Mind

"Best experience ever. Seamless professional and amazing! I have purchased 5 homes and she is 100% the best realtor! Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!! Definitely use her if you want an easy process!"

QVNA Parking Lot

Immediate availability with below-market rates Stop driving around looking for parking. Sign up today to park in the QVNA lot.

DIRECTORS Dan Doyle Don Finley Mae Johnson Mike McPhilmy

Craig Morton Thom Norfleet Daniel Orr Noah Swistak Kim Vo

EMERITUS DIRECTORS (BOARD SERVICE) Kathy Conway Michael Hauptman (1983 - 2003) Marian Buczek Inez Green (1991 - 2003) OFFICE: 709 S. 5th Street EMAIL QVNA: info@QVNA.org PHONE: 215.339.0975 © Copyright 2023. Queen Village Neighbors Association.

All rights reserved.

QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 1

QVNA Parking Lot

Im

Meet Your Neighbor Contributors Michael Allen moved to Queen Village in 2019 and is Chief Operating Officer of Wills Eye Hospital, when not exploring and reviewing the neighborhood dining scene.

Austin Bening is a producer and video editor. He moved to Queen Village in 2021 and now explores the neighborhood by writing for the magazine. He enjoys debates about ranking neighborhood coffee shops and avoids conversations about parking at all costs.

Suzanne Dreitlein has called Queen Village home for 16 years and is passionate about historic row houses, antiques, and creepy things. A long-time web manager and Outreach Director for the Project Management Institute Delaware Valley Chapter, Suzanne also has several hobbies. So, if you happen to see someone walking around the neighborhood in 18th century garb, there’s a very good chance it’s her.

Shelby Fisk is a writer and mom who has lived in Queen Village since 2016.

She loves listening to music in our parks and dining at neighborhood restaurants.

Shelby holds an MA and MFA in Creative Writing.

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Rabbi Yochonon Goldman has led Historic Congregation B’nai Abraham Chabad near 6th and Lombard Streets since 2000. Over the last 20 years, he and his wife, Leah, have raised their seven children in Queen Village. They both appreciate its rich history and friendly neighbors who contribute to making it such a wonderful place to call home.

Gabe Halperin-Goldstein, a Queen Village resident since summer 2022, can be found playing tennis at Weccacoe Playground and eating at New Wave Cafe in his free time. Gabe works as a social worker for Jewish Family and Children’s Services freelance writer on the side.

Neil Izenberg is a long-time resident of Queen Village. His career path has included being a pediatrician, founding editor of KidsHealth.org, and—most relevant to this quarter’s Crier—nack savant.

Neil appreciates the hometown feel of QV, its varied architecture, and friendly, diverse people.

Mariska Koruba was born and raised in Queen Village. Entering her senior year as a Central High School student, Mariska looks forward to being the managing photographer of Central’s yearbook and pursuing a degree in film.

Nicole Maley moved here in early 2022, so is relatively new to Queen Village, but already considers it home. By day, she works as a director of media for an NYC marketing agency; by night and on the weekends, she’s an avid walker, amateur historian, and diehard 76ers fan.

Maxine Mayer has been a Queen Village neighbor since 2004. After retiring from a fulfilling nursing career, Maxine pursued her loe of photography volunteering for the Southeastern PA Red Cross and QV Crier. Follow Maxine’s Instagram @maxine.mayer.

Tania Nikolic has lived in Queen Village since 2005 and served on the QVNA zoning committee since 2018. A professional city planner, she works for the Department of the Navy as a Community Plans & Liaison Officer. A favorite pastime is wandering the city streets with her husband and son, which inevitably results in a lively discussion about building cornice lines, historic chimneys, and brick detailing.

Maureen Brady Weir has been a Queen Village neighbor since 2000 and a member of The Friends of Moyamensing Point since 2008. A communications director by trade, she is also a certified Pennsylvania Master Naturalist. ■

What’s Up In Queen Village?

Find out this week in QVNA’s eNews.

Get news, facts, links and more.

bit.ly/Subscribe2eNews Another public service from QVNA.

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PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Why Be a QVNA Member?

Because everything we do depends on neighbors like you!

A New Take on Curbing Package Theft

By Cait Allen, QVNA President

Your annual membership provides: Your Donation $40

What It Supports 50 leaf bags

$60

1 month of QVNA eNews

$120

2 truckloads of tree mulch

$250

1 month of graffiti removal

$500

50 blocks of litter removal

$1,000

1 modest community grant

Make your tax-deductible membership donation at QVNA/join

M

y fellow Villagers, Let’s talk about package theft. You can’t open up NextDoor without seeing at least one post with a photo of an empty Amazon box.

Yes, there are mitigation tactics like having your packages shipped to a locker or your workplace.

However, there is only one surefire way to eliminate package THEFT—eliminate the PACKAGES and shop local.

QVNA teamed up with Society Hill Civic Association and Bella Vista Neighbors Association to survey our respective neighborhoods about our online shopping habits. We will use those results to

recruit retailers to open up shop on our commercial corridors.

Then we need you, the community, to support these stores and keep our business district vibrant. Yes, you may need to change out of your pajamas to shop, but you’ll be helping to maintain the Village’s energy. And isn’t that energy one of the reasons you moved here in the first place?

In the meantime, patron all the great businesses that we already have.

Looking forward to seeing you around!

Cait

709 S. 5th Street ■ 215.339.0975 QVNA.org/join ■ QVNA.org/volunteer Subscribe to eNews: bit.ly/Subscribe2eNews Community meetings: YouTube.com/queenvillage

QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 3

QV LIFE

B”H The Jewish High Holiday Season

By Rabbi Yochonon Goldman, B’nai Abraham Chabad

D

id you know that our beloved neighborhood of Queen Village was in the heart of the Jewish Quarter a century ago? Thousands of immigrants fled persecution in Eastern Europe, settled in the area, and started their lives in the new world where freedom of religion is a given. Our historic synagogue on Sixth and Lombard Streets was only one of the dozens of Jewish houses of worship in the neighborhood at the time.

B'nai Abraham Chabad, 527 Lombard Street

I was asked to describe how we celebrate our Jewish holiday season, which according to our tradition, dates back to not just a century ago, but has been practiced

by Jews for more than three millennia.

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The Jewish calendar is a combination of lunar and solar cycles, which means that while months are calculated based on the moon’s cycle, we also ensure that holidays are celebrated in certain seasons, consistent with the sun’s rotation. The fall holiday season marks the Jewish New Year which happens to be in alignment with the beginning of the school year.

Prior to the holiday season, we have an entire month called Elul, a time of introspection, repentance, and reflection on the past year. This is the season of spiritual stocktaking when we take inventory of our most personal, intimate moments. We reflect on the year gone by, our successes, and our shortcomings. We consider and reconsider our relationships with G-d* and with other people. We try to pinpoint our failings so that we may correct them for an improved year to come.

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and marks the anniversary of the creation of the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. It’s the “Day of Judgement” when we recommit ourselves to the purpose for which we were created and the Creator reaffirms His investment in His creation.

We sound the shofar, a ram’s horn, to coronate G-d as our king for another year.

Ten days later is Yom Kippur, the most solemn day of the year and our “Day of Atonement.” For close to 26 hours, we abstain from food and drink and spend

the day fasting and praying, confessing our sins, and asking for forgiveness.

Following the days of awe, the mood switches from solemn to happy. Five days later comes Sukkot, which is celebrated with seven days of joy. We eat outdoors in a makeshift hut called a Sukkah, its roof covered with branches.

This reminds us of our ancestors’ experience of 40 years in the desert. They were protected and sheltered by Divine love and care. We are at the mercy of the elements, demonstrating our trust in G-d’s providence and protection.

Immediately after Sukkot comes Shemini Atzeret. We pray for rain, officially commemorating the start of the rainy season. The climax of the holiday season is the final festival called Simchat Torah. It’s the day when we conclude the annual Torah reading cycle and herald a new beginning with joyous celebrations.

This “High Holiday season” inspires us to bring purpose and significance to the ordinary days that follow. We extend our warmest wishes to our neighbors of all faiths for a happy, healthy, peaceful, prosperous, safe, secure, and spiritually enriching new year. ■ *The name of G-d is spelled with a hyphen instead of an ‘o’ out of respect for its sacredness. This is done in case of any unintentional defacing or irreverent treatment of this page.

QVNA SPOTLIGHT

Meet the New Executive Director

By Kate Micklow Harwan

H

ello, Queen Village!

I’m Kate Micklow Harwan, the new Executive Director of Queen Village Neighbors Association. I joined the organization in March 2023, and it’s been a whirlwind of activity since then! I’d like to thank our previous ED, Lucy Erdelac, for her service to the neighborhood, and for all that she has done for QVNA. Fun fact: I don’t actually live in Queen Village—but please, don’t hold that against me!

Prior to joining the QVNA staff, my professional experience has been in financial operations and management, both in the corporate area, as well as in higher education. My civic engagement began in 2011 with service in the Fishtown Neighbors Association, starting with community cleanups, serving as fundraising/events chair, then Treasurer, and then finally serving as President. I also met my husband, Pete, while volunteering in Fishtown, and we’ve lived there now for 15 years. My FNA presidency ended with the birth of my son, Gabriel, who is the joy of my husband’s and my life.

So, what am I doing in Queen Village?

Well, I love learning about the different neighborhoods in Philadelphia, and I hope to help QVNA and the neighborhood continue to be such a vibrant and special place to live.

And? In doing some genealogical research, I’ve discovered that my grandfather and great-grandfather lived in Queen Village at the beginning of the last century, on the 700 block of S. 2nd Street, and the 800 block of S. Leithgow Street.

So, I think I can claim myself as a Villagerby-proxy as well!

Please stop by the office at 709 S. 5th Street and say hello! ■

QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 5

HOW IT WORKS

QV Historic Overlay

By Tania Nikolic

Q

ueen Village, like a number of Philadelphia’s historic neighborhoods, has an eclectic mix of building types that span from the founding of the city through present day. Throughout our community, you can find a diverse blend of housing types: brick structures dating to the 1760s, houses with original wood siding from the early 1800s, as well as modern additions with period details. The neighborhood has successfully retained its unique character and charm, in large part due to conservation conversations that began almost 20 years ago.

Neighborhood conservation overlay districts Rewind back to the early 2000s. While many cities began feeling the pressure of increased development, many residents began searching for ways to protect neighborhoods of historic merit. It was up to local governments to find a middle ground. In 2004, Philadelphia City Council did just that by passing Bill No. 200576, which authorizes the creation of Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts (NCOs) and provides an additional layer of building controls.

In 2004, Queen Village Neighborhood Association (QNVA), applied for consideration, and residents and the Planning Commission began the rigorous process to designate this section of the city as the first NCO District. The legislation allows for design guidelines beyond the zoning code in order to preserve a neighborhood’s architectural character. As the

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first to apply, Queen Village became the testing ground for how future NCO designations would be administered by the Planning Commission.

The road to establishing Queen Village as the first NCO The City required a robust public engagement process with QV residents lasting four years. In talking with Mike Hauptman, who chaired the QVNA Zoning Committee through this process, he recalls outreach efforts and discussions regarding the design guidelines. “It wasn’t about style, since the neighborhood has a mix of building types from different periods,” he says.“ It became clear we were looking to create parameters to reduce the potential for developments that could negatively impact the streetscape and public realm.

The challenge was to identify the specific characteristics of the neighborhood that we wanted to conserve.” Hauptman re-

"The challenge was to identify the specific characteristics of the neighborhood that we wanted to conserve.” members focusing the public discussion around specific building elements. “We realized we were looking to create guidelines that addressed building materials, scale, massing, roof decks, and front garages,” he specifies. These were the items that were having the greatest negative impact on the neighborhood’s appealing qualities.

The NCO becomes official zoning code With community endorsement of the final design guidelines, the process wrapped in 2008, and City Council

HOW IT WORKS

No Ifs, Ands, or Butts: Smoking Lounges Now Prohibited on South Street

T

hanks to a joint effort led by QVNA—in partnership with surrounding registered community organizations (RCOs) Society Hill Civic Association (SHCA), Bella Vista Neighbors Association (BVNA), South Street Headhouse District (SSHD), and Councilman Squilla’s office—smoking lounges are now prohibited in the South Street District. The SSHD footprint spans Front Street to 11th Street, with a presence in all the aforementioned neighborhoods, the bulk of which is in Queen Village.

What does this mean?

The zoning overlay outlines what uses (business types) are permitted by right

unanimously approved the designation of Queen Village as the City’s first NCO District. This designation established controls for alterations to existing buildings or new construction, specifically those addressing roof deck setbacks, massing of new upper floor additions, and restrictions related to front garages. Seven additional neighborhoods now carry the designation: Powelton Village, Overbrook Farms, Wissahickon, Ridge Park, Roxborough, Central Roxborough and, most recently, Strawberry Mansion in 2020. The Queen Village NCO has illustrated that new development can be done within a set of design guidelines that encourage the preservation, enhancement, and maintenance of neighborhood character. ■ For more information regarding the Queen Village zoning overlay, visit the QVNA website zoning page: https://www.qvna.org/zoning/

throughout the District. Since smoking lounges are now prohibited, anyone seeking to open such an establishment must obtain a variance.

A variance is a request for permission to do something outside of zoning guidelines. The variance request will trigger a zoning meeting with the affected RCOs for the applicant to present their proposal to the community. The RCOs will then make a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) which serves as the final arbiter. The ZBA weighs these recommendations when making their final decision.

This change to the zoning code, like any other, only applies to new businesses and does not affect any currently in operation.

Observers & Makers & Explorers.

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Grades PreK & K Saturday, Oct. 7, 9:30 a.m.

Grades PreK–12 The Only Pre-K to 12 Quaker School in Center City.

QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 7

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Nominations for 2024 are Open Interested in Running for the QVNA Board? Here’s what to know.

Board positions on the ballot Our November election will have six positions on the ballot: • Treasurer • Secretary • Directors (4 positions) The elected board members will serve a two-year term: January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025.

Candidate eligibility Board candidates must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of Queen Village.1 They must have also attended at least two QVNA-sponsored meetings (e.g., community, safety, zoning) between January 1 and October 18, 2023.2 Candidate eligibility is verified by our Nominating Committee before the ballot is announced on November 1.

Interested in running for the board?

To learn about the expectations and commitments necessary for being elected a leader of the Queen Village community, please reach out to info@qvna.org to be connected with a member of the Nominating Committee.

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QVNA board members’ role and responsibilities

This November, cast your vote for Queen Village’s Leadership

The QVNA Board of Directors establishes the association’s strategic direction and budget and determines our key priorities, programs, and services. Board members are also strongly encouraged to serve on a QVNA committee or represent QVNA within partnership organizations.

Board members work collaboratively to address issues and concerns of all Queen Village residents; each is an atlarge community leader representing the whole of our community.

Board members are volunteers who contribute their skills and experience to fulfill our mission of community stewardship, advocacy, and service to help improve the quality of life in Queen Village.

Since QVNA’s founding in 1969, hundreds of Villagers have stepped up to this important community leadership role.

Their volunteer commitment resulted in a solid foundation that today’s Board of Directors proudly builds upon.

Please contact us for a detailed summary of board member responsibilities and time commitment at info@qvna.org .

All Queen Village residents age 18 years or older are eligible to vote in our board election. In accordance with association bylaws, votes must be cast in person, and voters must show proof of residency (i.e., a government-issued ID or recent utility bill if you are new to the Village).

Subscribe to QVNA's weekly eNews to receive up-to-date election information by visiting qvna.org.

■ 1 Queen Village boundaries are from the south side of Lombard Street to the north side of Washington Avenue; from the east side of 6th Street to the Delaware River, including the docks.

2 Although prior volunteer experience with QVNA or another nonprofit organization is helpful, it is not required.

OUT AND ABOUT

The Sweet Taste of Victory at Redcrest Kitchen

By Michael Allen

M

urphy’s Law was in full effect for owner and chef Adam Volk, as he tried for three years to open Redcrest Kitchen, (625 S. 6th Street), at the corner of 6th and Bainbridge Streets. It’s a South Philly homecoming of sorts, as the Germantown native spent his youth visiting South Street to shop and see shows in the 1980s and ‘90s. Also spending each New Year’s Day with his grandmother watching the Mummers strut on Broad Street. Even his future wife grew up in Pennsport! But South Philly wasn’t going to make it easy.

Before this homecoming, Volk was a chef in New York, where he opened his first Redcrest Kitchen, but it was his time in the deep south of Florida and Atlanta that made the biggest impression. “There,” Volk says, “I experienced southern cooking for real. Fried chicken was comfort food. I still have my grandmother’s iron skillet.”

During the COVID lockdown, Volk and his Brooklyn Redcrest team pitched in by preparing 600 meals a day for frontline hospital workers. As the pandemic restrictions began to wane, it was time to focus on the anticipated opening of the new Queen Village restaurant. Then, disaster.

You may remember when the intersection at 6th and Bainbridge Streets sported a crater worthy of a meteorite strike thanks to a disastrous water main break at the front door of Redcrest Kitchen. Opening day had already been

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

elusive as Volk and his team worked to resolve building issues, permitting issues, and pandemic issues, why not add a little water to the mix? The Redcrest team buckled down, yet again.

With all of that history now behind us, you can settle in, pull up a chair, and experience Volk’s victory for yourself. He has created a welcoming, casual vibe just as comfortable for professionals as it is for families. “I am committed to delivering a well-built cocktail at a reasonable price,” he says. Try the Fools Gold, a complex margarita that is Tijuana taxi meets the Mediterranean coast. My Heart Goes Dancing is a 1920s foxtrot of cucumber and citrus; it’s assertive and refreshing and, like the era, it’s not a shy drink. Finally, you’ll need some Penicillin. This Scotch drink blows smoke, ginger, then smoke again. You’ll be convinced that it cures whatever may ail you.

Now that we have our drinks, let’s talk food, shall we? Grownups will appreciate the sturdy wings. They are complete, plump, and not to be toyed with.

Enjoy those as you await your amazingly crisp, flavorful, and moist buttermilk fried chicken. (Thank you, Grandma’s skillet!)

Pair it with collard greens steeped with bacon, tomato, and a good hearty kick of heat. You also can’t go wrong with the SmashBurger. Melted cheese drips from the home-style patty along with a delicious dose of garlic aioli.

Cocktails Fools Gold and My Heart Goes Dancing

Come by for the comfort, cocktails, and cool kids. Look for future theme nights, like bring-your-own-vinyl records to play at the bar. It’s been a couple of hard years, and we’ve all earned it! ■

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FEATURE: QV HISTORY

Masonic Temple, 1 North Broad Street

Freemasonry in a Neighborhood Near You

By Nicole Maley

C

elebrating its 150th anniversary this year, the Masonic Temple at One North Broad Street is a true architectural gem of Philadelphia. However, many who may walk by this ornate building are unaware of its fascinating history and origin.

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“At first glance, many people think this is a church,” says Mike Comfort, Director of the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania. Certainly, the stately Norman exterior of the Temple looks more like a cathedral than a meeting house.

What are freemasons?

The word freemason may conjure up thoughts of the Illuminati or bizarre religious cults. In reality, freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it associated with any specific religion. It’s one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the world,

“This is considered the greatest masonic temple in the world." tracing their origins to medieval stonemasons. For hundreds of years, men have become freemasons for a variety of reasons: to make lifelong friendships, to be a part of a brotherhood of like-minded individuals, to find important business connections, to make valuable charitable contributions to their community, etc.

Benjamin Franklin and George Washington were known to be freemasons, along with other prominent Philadelphians like Stephen Girard, John Wanamaker, and even former Philly mayor and Pennsylvania governor, Ed Rendell.

What about the mysterious rituals, rites, and traditions of the freemasons?

Actually, they’re not so secret. "The biggest secret about freemasons is that

Egyption Hall, Masonic Temple

there are no secrets," Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying.

“This temple has been open to the public since the building was dedicated in 1873,” adds Mike, in support of fellow freemason Mr. Franklin. It has even become a popular location for corporate events, parties, and weddings.

Inside the hallowed halls on Broad Street The Masonic Temple serves as the active headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Penn-

sylvania and the meeting place for 28 other city lodges—but a temple tour is well worth the time for tourists and locals alike. A masonic guide takes visitors to seven grand halls where the various lodges meet, all with their own ornate historical theme ranging from Gothic to Renaissance to Egyptian. Egyptian Hall, with its grand columns and walls covered in detailed hieroglyphics, geometrical symbols, and Egyptian gods, remains a crowd favorite.

The tour ends in an airy, elegant banquet hall containing a large bronze

SEAS the chance to DISCOVER!

Open Daily, 10 am – 5 pm | phillyseaport.org QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 11

FEATURE: QV HISTORY

Corinthian Hall, Masonic Temple

statue of Benjamin Franklin and beautiful stained glass paintings of four U.S. masonpresidents: George Washington, Harry S. Truman, Andrew Jackson, and Theodore Roosevelt. (Fourteen presidents, in total, have been freemasons.)

“This is considered the greatest masonic temple in the world,” asserts Mike.

“The temples in London and Stockholm are up there, but we’ve had visitors come in from those places and say those buildings don’t even come close to the elaborateness of this place.”

Where you can visit historic freemasons While the temple may not have the scandalous secrets amateur conspiracy theorists hoped for, freemasons are deeply rooted in the long history of Philadelphia, including intriguing connections to landmarks residents of Queen Village know quite well.

The tranquil graveyard of St. Peter’s Church (313 Pine Street) is the burial ground of Revolutionary War patriots, military leaders, and, no surprise, multiple prominent Philadelphia freemasons.

George Mifflin Dallas (1796–1864), laid to

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rest in the northeast corner of the churchyard, was a gifted politician who served as mayor of Philadelphia (1828) and vice president to James K. Polk (1845–1849).

The city of Dallas likely bears his namesake for his efforts to get Texas admitted into the Union. Mifflin Dallas was a highly active member of the masons in Philadelphia, serving as Grand Master in 1835.

Philadelphia patriot and brigadier general John Cadwalader (1742–1786) was a patron of St. Peter’s Church, as well as being a prominent freemason. Cadwalader fought with honor at the battles of Trenton, Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth and was a close friend of George Washington (another freemason who frequented St. Peter’s when he lived in Philadelphia).

Much of Cadwalader’s family is buried in the southeast corner of the churchyard.

After Peale’s death, his son rented out the original Masonic Temple on Chestnut Street, between 7th and 8th Streets. When his rent fell behind, the Grand Masonic Lodge of Pennsylvania took possession of Peale’s artwork and prized possessions and sold it, mostly to P.T. Barnum for his American Museum in New York. The artist’s famous mastodon, a fossilized skeleton of a large prehistoric North American mammal Peale purchased in 1801, ended up in a German museum because of the freemasons.

Today, freemasonry attracts members of all colors and creeds; though, that was not always the case. African Americans had their own separate lodges, including the Prince Hall lodge, one of the first Black freemasonry organizations in the U.S. The first Grandmaster of Philadelphia Prince Hall was clergyman Dr. Absalom Jones, leader of the Free African Society and one of the founders of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (419 S. 6th Street).

The Long History of Freemasons in Philadelphia

Early freemason intrigue and diversity The remains of multi-hyphenate painter, patriot, scientist, and naturalist Charles Wilson Peale (1741–1827) can also be found in the St. Peter’s churchyard. While Peale’s freemasonry membership is unknown, he has two known amusing connections to the masons. In the early 1800s, Peale’s museum and studio was housed on the first floor of Independence Hall with the masons meeting on the second floor, as the temple had yet to be built. Peale did not enjoy sharing the same space as the raucous freemasons, complaining to the city that after meetings they were too “rowdy and boisterous.”

Learning about freemasonry in Philadelphia is like tracking the history of Philadelphia itself. You can become versed in it by merely strolling around the neighborhoods of Society Hill and Queen Village, but finishing a course in Philadelphia history wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Masonic Temple.

“I’ve heard people come into the temple say ‘Gee, I’ve walked by this building for 40–50 years, and I’ve never known what it was,’” says Mike, referring to many visitors of One North Broad Street. “Then they leave saying, ‘I don’t know if there’s another building in Philadelphia like this.’” ■ For information about guided or self guided tours at St. Peter’s, visit stpetersphila.org.

For information about Phialdelphia’s Masonic Temple, visit pamasonictemple.org.

QV ART SCENE

A Walking Work of Art People came to walk Queen Village for the only art gallery-themed pub crawl in Philly

by Cait Allen

A snapshot of the many that enjoyed the Second Annual Tour d’Art, in Eyes Gallery

O

n Saturday, June 10, the Tour d’Art paid homage to Queen Village’s artistic roots by providing participants an all-you-can-eat-and-imbibe experience furnished by local restaurants: Bridget Foy’s, Gnocchi, Square Pie, and Farina Di Vita.

Four neighborhood galleries hosted art and eats enthusiasts: 3rd Street Gallery, Brooke Lanier Fine Art, Dupree Gallery, and Eye’s Gallery.

The “tourists” enjoyed an exclusive

behind-the-scenes look at each gallery’s exhibits, as well as an opportunity to speak one-on-one with the artists.

This year, the Tour took place during 3rd Street Gallery’s 45th anniversary. So, as a nod to the the #1 song playing on the radio when the gallery opened in 1978, participants enjoyed a custom cocktail to celebrate: You’re the Want that I Want.

Can you name that movie? A great time was had by all. Don’t miss next year’s third annual Tour d’Art! ■

Tour d’Art organizers: QVNA President, Cait Allen, and QVNA Vice President, Chris Mullen

QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 13

SOUTH STREET BEAT

Vintage Home Decor with a Gothic Flair

By Suzanne Dreitlein

I

ncreasingly, the Gothic subculture has become a more ubiquitous member of the overall patchwork of global culture.

Musicians in the United Kingdom, such as Siouxsie Sioux and The Banshees, Joy Division, and The Cure, developed a more dark and macabre offshoot of the 1970s punk scene there. By the early 1980s, the Goth music scene had appeared in the U.S. and throughout Europe, steadily growing in influence ever since.

Along with the music, Goth aesthetics have always played a pivotal role, not only in performance but also in how those who identify with the culture present themselves. What was once just a look for divergent outsiders has been slowly creeping into mainstream culture, albeit just on the fringes. Whether it’s the Goth kids, who make regular appearances on South Park or in The Addams Family movies, creepy folks are stepping out from behind the shadows. The recent popularity of shows like Wednesday and What We Do in the Shadows (now in its fifth season), demonstrate that Goth is here to stay and is not just a phase for angsty teenagers.

Attend a Goth concert or club event and you will see a span of ages from teenage baby bats to those who’ve been going out since the very beginning.

Originally, Goths took their aesthetic cues from the melodramatic films of the 1920s with pale skin and black hair and moody eyeliner, following the trends set by the early performers. In 1977, Karl

QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER \\ FALL 2023

Goth Oddities and collectables at DreamErie

The DreamEerie store owner, Daryll Jones

Lagerfeld might have summed it up best as “black tragic dress.”

In some ways, the Gothic look hasn’t changed, but during the last 50 years, the style has grown to include neo-Victorian, neo-Elizabethan, cottagecore, dark mori, dark academic, synthpunk, cyberpunk, industrial, and many other sub-genres.

However, as more styles emerge, the core influences remain relevant. Goths could literally have worn the same thing for the past 50 years and still be considered “stylish” today.

At its core, the Gothic culture is about embracing things that most people find disturbing. Referring to the dark romance of the Gothic literary movement in the 19th century, modern Goths embrace themes of death, darkness, insanity, human frailty, supernatural, mythology, and horror. Besides music, literature, and fashion, this extends into the domestic environment.

Gothic could be considered the antithesis of contemporary conforming design, illustrated in such styles as modern farmhouse and wine o’clock. Goths have always

fluffed their nests with gloom, gathering well-loved pieces from estate sales or the curb, and applying a generous DIY attitude. But now, you can enjoy an in-person neighborhood shopping experience.

Queen Village has long hosted stores that provide a variety of home décor and objects d’art for those who are among the strange and unusual. On May 6 during this past South Street Festival, The DreamEerie (623 South Street) opened, joining Anastacia’s Antiques and Eye's Gallery, as a go-to place for framed art, blankets, glassware, jewelry, candleholders, pillows, and, of course, taxidermy, for the more dismalinclined domestic decorator.

The DreamEerie also offers a thoughtfully curated selection of vintage and antique furniture and lamps, perfect for decorating a 19th-century row house, of which there are a lot in Queen Village.

Store manager Jess Cyphers adds that they are able to repair, refurbish, and reupholster items by special request.

2023 has been a prolific year for dark music concerts in Philadelphia, with the lesser known Ministry and Sisters of Mercy, to The Cure, (whose frontman, Robert Smith, made national news headlines by taking on exploitive ticket pricing practices). Cyphers says optimistically that “it absolutely affects business and is a primary reason we opened on South Street.” They add that “South Street has excellent walk-by traffic and has a positive history within Gothic culture [from] previous similar establishments.” The DreamEerie joins Digital Underground, Crash Bang Boom, and an ever-increasing variety of edgy boutiques and cozy restaurants along South Street, continuing the District’s long history of being a destination for the dark tourist.

The DreamEerie looks forward to becoming a vibrant part of the South Street landscape. “We are already collaborat-

Instagram-ready standing coffin at The DreamErie

ing with multiple businesses, both on and near South Street, and several other similar businesses around Philly,” Cyphers says, welcoming people to stop in and find out what’s going on.

With several regular monthly events throughout Philadelphia to choose from, as well as the long-standing Dracula’s Ball, the Goth subculture is quite undead and doing well. Cyphers says, “We have plans to be involved in the [Goth] community continuously during our existence as a business.” Their hope is to host quarterly events related to dark themes for both those familiar with the community and those whose curiosity has been sparked. “That is one of the driving reasons the store was established, to connect interested individuals to the musical events going on in the city, and to provide a sympathetic place for the culture to congregate,” Cyphers adds. ■ Look for The Dreameerie on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.

QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 15

I N S E A RC H O F. . .

In Search of Fresh Eats

By Neil Izenberg with photos by Ben Bergman

I

t’s Thursday afternoon and maybe you’re thinking about dinner. How about some artisanal pasta and sauce, just-baked crusty bread, and a salad of ripe heirloom tomatoes, crisp snap peas, roasted beets, and fresh lettuce? Accompanied by a chilled local cider, wine, or malted beverage, you’ll find all these dinner makings and more at the Thursday afternoon farmers market at South Street and Passyunk Avenue, near 5th Street.

Even beyond the profusion of edible choices, half the fun of shopping there are the vendors’ stories. A surprising number of them didn’t originally plan to be farmers, brewers, or beekeepers.

Somewhere along the line—often in the midst of typical careers—many of them fell in love with working the land and raising animals sustainably and developing tasty new foods and drinks.

Patronizing the farmers market assures a greater percentage of sales will go to the growers and product makers.

Likely too, the produce will be fresher, less processed, and picked closer to being ripe than supermarket chain food.

Here are some vendors you’ll see at the Passyunk & South Farmers Market.

Beechwood Orchards. At this fifthgeneration, 100 year family-owned farm, you'll have your choice of various locallygrown apples, plums, grapes, apricots, berries, and juices, depending on how nature is cooperating.

Lost Bread Company. Who doesn’t love good bread? This local bakery and mill provides a wide choice of your heart’s desire: pretzel shortbreads, oat bars, seedy granola, and a range of breads, in-

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cluding multigrain, spelt honey oat, olive focaccia, and buckwheat cherry.

New-Bee Ranch. Farmer and apiarist Rachel Newby (New-Bee—Newby... get it?) was fated to sell honey and bee’s wax products. Other specialties include seasonal foods in jars, such as low-sugar jam, pickles and relishes, and fresh ferments.

Lemon dill kraut, anyone? Also offered is compound butter, spicy lemon and garlic or honey and sage.

Solidago Farm. From a few, lovingly-tended, organically-fertilized acres comes a bounty of seasonal vegetables, ducks and chickens (each with their own

eggs), and other earthly delights. Speaking of love, get Jessy to tell you how the owners/farmers met and became engaged. I smell a Hallmark rom-com in the making!

Rineer Family Farms. Lancasterbased, their farm has fruit orchards, vegetable and berry acreage, and sustainablyraised poultry, beef, and pork. They also have canned goods (actually, in jars) from their farm pickings.

Unruly Nature Granola. The owner/ maker is a former teacher who decided to work full time on her passion of crafting a range of small batch, creatively-flavored

granola. Tuscan Orange makes a fine topping for yogurt and berries in case you’re thinking of tomorrow’s breakfast.

I always am.

Deer Creek Malthouse. Familyowned, this is a company committed to Pennsylvania malting. Malting is an age-old way of processing grain that brings out a special rich flavor in beverages and foods. Malt is used in such products as granola, bread, and pancake mixes. If you’re old enough, you’ll remember malted milk. While they don’t have that, they do sell ales, beers, flavored teas, and sodas enhanced with malted grains.

Settantatre Pasta Company. Chef Matt, who has worked in some of Philadelphia’s most famous kitchens, developed his artisanal pastas, many of which are gluten-free, so that his wife, Genna (who has celiac disease), and he could better enjoy their mutual Italian taste in food. Not all his pastas are gluten-free, but all of them—and his many sauces— are bellissima!

Aaji’s. Family-made lonsa (loan-sah) is a flavorful tomato-based spread native to the Indian state of Maharashtra that celebrates the mix of sweet, tart, spicy, and umami tastes. Aaji (which means grandmother whose home-cooking they honor) comes in different varieties. They say

it pairs well with chicken, eggs, fish, and veggies, or spread on crackers or sandwiches.

So, now that I’ve been to the market, what did I plan for dinner? A duck egg omelet with sauteed fresh mushrooms and topped with lonsa spread, a side salad with peas, pickled onions, and tomatoes, and a refreshing, cold lemon-honey

malted tea. Since I’ll probably have a little room left, on my way home I’ll stroll one block from the market to Cuzzy’s Ice Cream Parlor and get a cup of Venetian vanilla ice cream to go. Oh, yeah! ■ The Passyunk & South Farmers Market runs Thursday afternoons from 3–7pm through October.

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QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 17

OUTSIDE THE BOX

Opportunities to Grow Two places to flourish through volunteer work just outside of Queen Village

By Shelby Fisk

W

hether you find yourself on the rooftop of a newly-planted garden or nestled amongst 100-year-old trees, there are two growing community spaces beyond our neighborhood with more in common than you may imagine.

Across from Queen Village’s northern border at 4th and Lombard, you will find Old Pine Community Center. On the opposite side beyond Queen Village’s southern border at 3rd and Washington sits Jefferson Square Park.

Both spaces rely on volunteers to meet their efforts, and both are eager to welcome neighbors who are passionate about gardening, gathering, and generally giving back!

Joining the community in giving back at Old Pine Community Center When you open the doors at Old Pine Community Center, you’ll be greeted by the sounds of children, busy with after school or summer camp programming.

Maybe your nose will lead you to the smells of food cooking in the kitchen, or perhaps the sight of volunteers packing groceries in the grand gathering space will catch your eye. What is certain is you will notice the hustle and bustle of the center efforts that stretch well beyond the building’s walls.

“We are a space that is seen as a resource for people no matter what their situation is,” says Mark Atwood, Executive

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Director at Old Pine Community Center.

Old Pine Community Center provides after-school programming with pickup from Merideth, Nebinger, and McCall, as well as a summer camp. They provide plenty of free and open-to-the-public programming and opportunities to gather and play sports. Additionally, with assistance from partnering organizations, they deliver meals and groceries directly to people’s homes and community gathering places with dignity for those in need. All these efforts are growing and scaling, thanks to the help of volunteers.

“Seven days a week there are volunteer opportunities, specifically in our food programs,” said Atwood.

Those who wish to volunteer can do

so in several ways. After-school volunteers assist with tutoring, reading, and arts and crafts with children. Food program volunteers prepare over 200 meals each week and pack groceries. They also help maintain the rooftop garden which opened in the pandemic summer of 2022.

You can assist in the kitchen, whether you’re interested in preparing multi-step recipes or if making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches is more your style.

The rooftop is an especially amazing space to grow. Literally. Fresh ingredients including lettuce, onions, and scallions often make their way from the roof into meals. Atwood is eager for more produce to flourish as the garden does.

“It’s a nice project people can get behind,” shared Atwood. “We need volunteers to more regularly tend to it.”

“If you want to volunteer we have something for you, and we have tangible stuff where you can see the impact of what you’re doing very quickly because we’re making stuff, and it’s going to people.”

Whatever you’re looking for, you can likely find it at Old Pine. That is especially true for those who want to give back.

Connect with Old Pine Community Center: Website: oldpinecommunitycenter.org Instagram: @oldpinecommunitycenter, Facebook: Old Pine Community Center Donations are accepted on the website and fod donations can be made in person.

Getting squared away to volunteer at Jefferson Square Park Depending on the time of year, it’s hard not to notice blooming lilacs, roses, and daffodils, changing leaves, and glowing holiday lighting at Jefferson Square Park. Additionally, it’s hard not to spot neighbors who volunteer to care for the grounds year round, making the park a beautiful place to gather.

“There’s always something to do,” said Nicole Michaud, who is a part of the Friends of Jefferson Square Park, and was previously interviewed in the Summer 2023 issue of the Crier about all the wonderful ways she and the group’s members are busy upkeeping the space.

Michaud got involved in volunteering at Jefferson Square Park 10 years ago after attending a cleanup event. Those same volunteer opportunities remain open to the public. You can rake, plant seeds, distribute wood chips, trim bushes, and weed. The park even has childsized rakes if your children wish to come along for a cleanup.

Michaud takes great pride in bringing beauty to the grounds. “It’s kind of like you have a big public backyard.” Which is why she says community involvement is so valuable.

She’s eager to see more volunteers bring their abilities to care for the park, as

well as their ideas for park programming and outreach forward. Ideas for events should be presented to the Friends of Jefferson Square Park.

“The more volunteers we get the better,” Michaud said. ■ Connect with Jefferson Square Park: Website: jeffersonsquarepark.org Instagram: @friendsofjeffersonsquare Facebook: Friends of Jefferson Square Park Donations are accepted through PayPal on the website.

A note from the writer While researching and writing this story, I enjoyed further getting to know both of these wonderful spaces. I’d be remiss not to share that I have since helped reestablish Kids Night at Jefferson Square Park. As a parent, this type of programming matters to me.

I hope you find opportunities to grow what matters to you as well!

QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 19

THE COMMONS

Beat the First Freeze and Start Prepping Your Gardens Now for Winter

By Maureen Brady Weir

S

horter days and cooler temperatures are sure signs that winter is on its way. They’re also a sounding call to prepare our container gardens and window boxes for the months ahead. The winter season has its own distinct sense of natural beauty and with just a little planning, we can keep our windows, sidewalks and doorsteps looking great even during the colder months.

Container garden know how Start by taking stock of what’s currently in your garden. Determine what can and cannot survive the colder temperatures.

Hardy perennials like pansies, coral bells, hostas, and coneflowers have a chance of making it through the winter, but more tender plantings should be brought indoors. Some quick online research will have you ahead of the game before the first freeze hits.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, here is what you can expect when the temperatures start to plunge: • Light freeze (29°–32°F): Tender plants will die.

• Moderate freeze (25°–28°F): Semihardy plants will be heavily damaged.

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• Severe freeze (<24°F): Only the tough will survive.

Colder weather doesn’t mean you have to put away your gardening gloves.

In addition to the more robust perennials, consider planting ornamental grasses, flowering cabbage, and kale. Or embrace the winter solstice vibe with sturdy evergreens, such as pine, cypress, juniper, spruce, and fir. Just be sure to insulate their roots with mulch, straw, or burlap for an added layer of protection.

You will also want to take a good look at your pots. The best planters for winter are the sturdier ones made from stone, metal, concrete, wood, or thick plastic.

Ceramic or terracotta containers often break in the cold and therefore, should be cleaned, thoroughly dried, and stored indoors for the winter.

Give thought to where your winter containers should be placed by identifying what outdoor areas get the most sun.

Grouping them together provides a little extra warmth. Make sure they have proper drainage. But don’t forget to elevate them with pot feet so they don’t freeze to the ground!

A really important tip: Just because

iberty ree

by Thomas Paine In a chariot of light, from the regions of the day, The Goddess of Liberty came, Ten thousand celestials directed her way, And hither conducted the dame.

A fair budding branch from the gardens above, Where millions with millions agree, She brought in her hand as a pledge of her love, And the plant she named Liberty Tree.

The celestial exotic stuck deep in the ground, Like a native it flourished and bore; The fame of its fruit drew the nations around, To seek out this peaceable shore.

Unmindful of names or distinctions they came, For freemen like brothers agree; With one spirit endued, they one friendship pursued, And their temple was Liberty Tree. it’s winter doesn’t mean you stop watering. Let them have a drink whenever the soil feels dry but never when the soil is frozen. Also, skip the fertilizer during the colder months to discourage any new growth.

How window boxes survive winter The seasonal change is a good reminder to check window boxes. Make sure they are functioning and securely attached to your house. Next, remove the dead or dying plants and start planning your winter boxes.

You can continue to use live plantings but will want to switch to hardier options that will survive the colder temperatures.

Boxwoods, juniper, heather, and ferns will keep your boxes looking green, while pansies can add a splash of color on gray winter days. Before you plant anything, clean out your boxes and refill them with new, quality potting soil. Consider adding lava rock at the bottom to slow down drainage and prevent soil loss.

If you want to take a break from keep-

ing plants alive during the winter, get creative by adding magnolia and pine tree cuttings and accenting them with pinecones, branches, and bright red berries.

Have friends or family in the country? Pay them a visit and ask to cut a few greens off their trees to take home. Just be sure to cut your branches at a 45-degree angle and keep them in water before placing them in your boxes. You can also find precut greens at nearby garden stores.

Get into the fall holiday spirit by adding squashes and gourds for Thanksgiving and colorful bows and plastic ornaments for the holidays. Once the holidays are over, simply pull out your decorations and keep your greens in place for the remainder of the season.

There is a saying that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices. The same goes for our gardens. By planning carefully and choosing wisely, our containers and window boxes will do just fine throughout the winter months and our Queen Village sidewalks will continue to look beautiful as we all wait patiently for spring to return. ■

Beneath this fair tree, like the patriarchs of old, Their bread in contentment they ate, Unvexed with the troubles of silver or gold, The cares of the grand and the great.

With timber and tar they Old England supplied, And supported her power on the sea; Her battles they fought, without getting a groat, For the honor of Liberty Tree.

But hear, O ye swains (’tis a tale most profane), How all the tyrannical powers, Kings, Commons and Lords, are uniting amain To cut down this guardian of ours.

From the East to the West blow the trumpet to arms, Thro’ the land let the sound of it flee; Let the far and the near all unite with a cheer, In defense of our Liberty Tree.

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QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 21

THE COMMON GOOD

National Night Out

A

nother successful National Night Out in Queen Village on August 1, as neighbors came together with 3rd District police officers to recognize the importance of community, partnership and a fun summer evening.

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QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER // PAGE 23

THE FINAL NOTE

Captain Robert Heinzeroth

By Gabe Halperin-Goldstein

Q

ueen Village residents who have attended recent local police Town Hall meetings may have noticed a new face leading the way for the 3rd District of the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD). As of February 2023, Captain Robert Heinzeroth is helming our District, which covers all neighborhoods south of Lombard Street and east of Broad Street.

So, what should you know about the new captain, who hails from Northeast Philadelphia? With 23 years in the police department under his belt, Captain Heinzeroth brings extensive experience and a unique criminal justice education to the job.

“This position is similar to my previous commands, because I have run several other units and detective divisions in the police department,” says Heinzeroth.

Over Heinzeroth’s career, he has served as a foot beat patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. Furthermore, he has worked in the Internal Affairs Division, Narcotics Unit, and Criminal Intelligence Unit.

Heinzeroth has also worked in several neighborhoods, including lower Northeast Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, and West Philadelphia. But he calls upon his time as Sergeant in the 9th District (Center City) as most relatable to his current command because of the type of crimes that are prevalent.

“In terms of the crime and the community’s wants and needs, the 3rd District is very similar to the time I spent in the 9th District,” says Heinzeroth. “In the 3rd Dis-

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trict, we are fortunate that we don’t have lots of violent crime compared to other places. Whenever a violent crime occurs, it is a very high priority for us, but it is not the most common occurrence in terms of frequency.”

Instead, property crime, like stolen automobiles and theft from autos, is the most common public safety issue the PPD sees in the 3rd District.

Heinzeroth has a unique education, which informs his public safety tactics.

A graduate of Philadelphia’s Central High School, Heinzeroth holds a PhD in criminology from Temple University.

Because of his education and his time in the Criminal Intelligence Unit, he is equipped to use quantitative analysis that is essential for “intelligence-led policing.”

“Intelligence-led policing is making the most efficient and effective use of the police resources we have by constantly assessing crime patterns and

looking for hotspots,” says Heinzeroth.

“It is also about focusing on the right people, looking at prolific offenders, so that when we do conduct stops, it is on those who are most likely to be engaged in crime.”

This approach to policing, driven by advanced data analysis, identifies the times and places that crimes are most likely to occur. Consequently, it can inform both police and community actions promoting public safety.

For intelligence-led policing to be most effective, it is necessary that police have open communication with the community. This allows the police to consider residents’ concerns and ideas when determining how to implement data-driven interventions.

That open communication happens regularly at the monthly (typically the fourth Tuesday) police town hall, hosted by Heinzeroth. It is here where residents of Queen Village and surrounding neighborhoods can share public safety concerns directly with the PPD. The meetings alternate between being in-person and virtual, and they are advertised on the 3rd District Twitter or X page.

While the PPD also accesses several apps like Citizen and Nextdoor to be aware of concerns, Heinzeroth points out that these apps are not regularly monitored. If residents want to discuss public safety concerns, it’s best to attend town hall meetings. And the most reliable way to reach the PPD immediately is always by calling 911. ■

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