Queen Village Crier May 2020 Special Issue by Queen Village Neighbors Association

spring 2020

#FreeFlowersR4U #QueenVillageCares Meet the candidates for State House and Senate in our virtual meetings

Your map to whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open for business and where they are

Where to find free flowers to plant at your home

Apply for a QVNA Community Grant by May 13th

Contents 1

President’s Letter

Timely and Useful

Above and cover photos by Riley Loula

Queen Village Quarterly Crier \\ spring 2020

May 2020 Online Special Issue

Our plans to maintain the normalcy that we can in unprecedented times and SAVE THE DATES into virtual, live-streamed community meetings.

Essential services and business surround us. The key? Knowing exactly what they are and where to find them close to home.

Meet the makers who are transforming Fabric Row into a hub for high quality, slow fashion, custom gowns and runway couture. Get ready to be floored by avant garde designs worthy of the red carpet.

Out and About Some of the most delicious aspects of Queen Village are just around the corner. Have a taste for Mediterranean? Good news -- you’ll find it here.

QVNA Spotlight

Now in full swing for spring -QVNA’s Community Grants program and something fresh, new and just for you.

QVNA at 50 When suing the Feds wasn’t enough to keep it from trying (once again) to rip through the heart of Queen Village, volunteers unified and fueled a media firestorm that gained the Governor’s attention and the city’s ire. As the bicentennial beckoned, a mock funeral fanned the flames….

QV Cares

South Street Beat

Here, the Season of Giving continues.

Finding SouthSt.Art is easy -- turn east from Avenue of the Roots.

Feature: Where Fashion Designers Materialize

The Commons Learn three tender ways to make a new BFF, how to become a virtual tree hugger, what high school teens teach about storm drains, and why a new ground cover goes to the dogs.

Recycle/Upcycle Have a barrel of fun watching this great eco-friendly how-to. And wait! Don’t toss out those cardboard toilet paper rolls -- plant them!

How It Works Get ready to meet the candidates for three seats in our State General Assembly. Join us as QVNA enters the era of virtual community meetings, streamed on Facebook Live. And are you ready to file an appeal on your 2021 property tax assessment?

QV Life The world is changing so fast it feels like yesterday was two weeks ago Thursday. At the very least let us help remind you of dates for our Meet the Candidate events, student meal pick-ups, and when to set out recycling with your trash.

President's letter

Now More Than Ever, Continuing to Work Together by Eleanor Ingersoll, QVNA President

Hello Neighbors, hope this letter finds you, your family, your friends and neighbors well. As we heed Mayor Kenney's Stay at Home Order, it’s important to add to that, an extra dose of patience. Whether you’re making an essential trip or exercising outside for a dose of vitamin D, some may act less concerned and less careful than you would like. Likewise, your actions may make others more anxious. Since we are all, understandably, experiencing and judging current conditions through the lens of personal expectations, try to grant yourself and others patience. During this time of flux, QVNA is working to provide the normalcy that we can; to respect social distancing, we’ll put the Summer edition of our magazine, Queen Village Quarterly Crier, completely on-line in June. We have opened up our Spring Grant Cycle at www.QVNA.org/grants (closes May 13th), and look forward to seeing what new and innovative projects are submitted for consideration. We have also begun planning a scaled-down Summer at Courtyard 2020 enrichment program, so that if social distancing orders are lifted in July, there will be a safe and free opportunity for neighborhood kids

to have summer structure. Engagement from neighbors makes this community the special place that it is, so as you are contemplating what will be your anchor during this pandemic, consider sweeping your stoop or front sidewalk, check in on a neighbor, plant some seeds or bulbs, or fill out your census form (www.2020Census.gov), but please—refrain from supporting the local rat population; short dumping—where people put their household trash by public trash cans—is on the rise. This not only provides a steady meal for rats and an eyesore of strewn trash, but also encourages the rats to set up house and breed. Public cans are not an alternative for the city’s weekly pick up of household trash. In order not to lose those trash cans, please - no short dumping of household trash. In striving for normalcy, QVNA will still provide access to candidates for state office in our first-ever virtual Meet the Candidates Event Series, (originally scheduled for April 21st). In partnership with Bella Vista Neighbors Association and moderated by Patrick Christmas, Policy Director for the Committee of Seventy, we’ll provide neighbors with a virtual opportunity to hear from candidates in three PA General Assembly races over three evenings in

May. You’ll see and hear from candidates for the State Representatives races for Districts 175 and 182, as well as the 1st Senatorial District. You’ll find out more, submit a candidate question, and even get a link to register to vote by mail at www.QVNA.org/Meet-the-Candidates. Meanwhile, QVNA is maintaining our weekly sweeping program as well as our weekly newsletter, which has facts, resources and ideas for life in our currently sheltered-in community; like checking in on neighbors or donating groceries to local food drives for neighbors in need. There are also plans in the works between local gardeners to provide bulbs for planting in home or public gardens and open parks. Do other neighbors want to get in on the bulb and seed sharing network? Let us know! QVNA welcomes your ideas and suggestions, so please don’t hesitate to contact us at WeCare@QVNA.org Wishing you health, wellness and patience.

Queen Village Quarterly Crier // PAGE 1

Contributors

VNA sincerely appreciates the time and talent of the volunteers who helped create this issue of the Crier. Cait and Michael Allen joined the Queen Village community in March 2019. Cait is Director of Engagement of 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 last 37 years. Suzanne Dreitlein is a Row House Living blogger and Queen Village resident since 2007. She enjoys living in a 19th Century row cottage, wearing 18th Century clothing, and writing about the great things going on in QV! Dan Gibbon is a lawyer living in Queen Village who thinks pruning trees on a sunny Saturday afternoon is about as good as life gets. Taryn Goldsmith is a neighbor and the cousin of Black Thought, lead rapper in the Roots. She leads Hood Savior Inc, (HoodSaviorInc.com) a Queen Village organization that guides youth toward positive lifestyle choices, acquire new skills, greater confidence and motivation to succeed. Amanda Hall has photographed her beloved Philadelphia, and Queen Village, for more than 15 years. See more of her portrait and urban landscape work at AmandaHallStudios.com. Jim Hunt is a nationally recognized cartoonist (www.acartoonist.com) whose clients include Google, MLB on FOX, Hersheys, MAD Magazine, NASCAR, and Bank

Queen Village Quarterly Crier \\ spring 2020

of America. He and his wife Fuller live in Queen Village. Riley Loula is a self-employed creative director who specializes in videography and photography. While he collaborates primarily with corporate, wedding and non-profit clientele (RileyLoula.com), Riley’s true passion is exploring and documenting nature with his wife, Morgan and dog, Piper. Martha Morowitz is a writer who moved to Queen Village in 2016 with her husband, Cory and their poodle, Gus. Her creative endeavors include cooking and baking, graphic and paper arts and the occasional acting gig. Holly Russel is a copywriter, editor, and occasional editorial features writer who lives in Queen Village with her two rescued pit bulls. Alex & Marge Schernecke have lived in Queen Village for more than 50 years, (and Marge since birth). They are lifelong community activists and have both served terms as President of QVNA. They remain actively involved in the Association today. Marissa Stern is a writer, a Philadelphia native and still the worst person to ask for directions. She has called Queen Village home for two years. Noah Swistak serves on QVNA’s Board of Directors and Zoning Committee. As Membership Manager of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, Noah helps lead institutional campus sustainability work across North America. ■ All opinions are of individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Queen Village Neighbors Association.

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Timely and useful

Where to Find What You Need Most Free food resources and other important information at your fingertips

Free Food Resources For Households: Every Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Residents can pick up one box of food per household (you do not need to present an ID or proof of income for eligibility). Forty food sites are open. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families. Closest locations are: • Christ Church South Philly, 229 Moore St. • East Passyunk Community Rec Center, 1025 Mifflin St. • SEAMAAC,1711 S Broad St.

For Adults 60+: Call (215) 717-1971 to reserve a box of frozen food containing 7 frozen meals, 7 milks, 7 fruits, and 7 pieces of bread. The day of your food box pickup (or home delivery, if needed) will be determined when your reservation is confirmed. Generally food box pickup is Monday and Thursday, from 11 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Marconi Older Adult Center, 2433 S. 15th Street. https://bit.ly/Phila-Meals4Seniors

Pregnancy, Baby, and Toddler Support Are you pregnant or caring for an infant or toddler? The Philadelphia Department of Public Health provides a list of resources and free supplies, including food and diapers, for you and your family during COVID-19. See https://bit.ly/ PHL-FreeSupport4PregnancyBabies. Neighborhood To-Go Sack Meals The closest food pantry is Old Pine Community Center at 4th and Lombard streets, currently providing to-go sack meals Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

For Students: Every Thursday, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m, a box of five breakfast meals, five lunch meals and a ½ gallon of milk for each student in your family. Please wear masks and gloves and practice social distancing when you arrive for pickup. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families. Closest locations are: • Creative and Performing Arts, 901 S. Broad St. • Horace Furness High School, 1900 S. 3rd St. • South Philadelphia HIgh School, 2101 S. Broad St.

Queen Village Quarterly Crier // PAGE 3

In Service to Our Community Essential Information and Support City of Philadelphia • Covid-19 updates: https://bit.ly/ PHL-CoronaUpdates • For text updates from the City about COVID-19, text COVIDPHL to 888-777. • Low-cost phone and internet service: https://bit.ly/PHL-LowCostInternet • Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7): 866-723-3014 Mental Health 24/7 Philadelphia Mental Health Crisis Hotline: (215) 685-6440. Free mental health resources are available, regardless of your ability to pay: • If you are a Philadelphian that is uninsured or underinsured call 215-685-5400. • If you are Medicaid eligible call 888-545-2600. Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities The Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging works to help improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians and those with disabilities and to assist them in achieving the greatest possible levels of health, independence and productivity. Services include: • PCA’s 24/7 Helpline: 215-765-9040, or 215-765-9041 (for hearing impaired). • Resources: https://bit.ly/PHL-Corp4theAgingResources

Queen Village Quarterly Crier \\ spring 2020

More than 80 neighborhood businesses are open to serve you

f the many reasons we love living in Queen Village is the number and variety of businesses within a convenient walk from home. Today, our local restaurants, eateries, coffee shops, markets, stores and service providers have never been so essential in helping us stay close to home and maintain as much normalcy in our lives as possible. Likewise, our local business owners have never needed your support more. Every local purchase you make

helps feed their families, support their employees, and helps sustain their livelihoods in this unprecedented time. Our community is made healthier and stronger when businesses and residents provide mutual support to one another. To our neighbors who are open for business and to our neighbors who support those businesses, thank you. To find our essential businesses, see https://bit.ly/Open-4-Business-Map. ■

Background Checked Trained & Insured

Volume 2 | Issue 1.5 May 2020 Online Special Issue Online at QVNA.org/crier

Publisher Queen Village Neighbors Association Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Ingersoll president@qvna.org Managing Editor Lucy Erdelac editor@qvna.org PROOFREADER Jamie Bischoff Designer Alec Meltzer meltzerdesign.net Ad Sales advertising@qvna.org 215.339.0975 qvna.org/advertise

QVNA provides community stewardship, advocacy and service to help improve quality of life for Queen Village residents. BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS: Eleanor Ingersoll PRESIDENT Inez Green VICE PRESIDENT Meredith Piotrowski SECRETARY Tom Bonney TREASURER DIRECTORS: Caroline Allen Joseph G. Brin Anita Dupree Mark Grabarits Rosamond Howard Mike McPhilmy Mike Seidenberg Noah Swistak EMERITUS DIRECTORS: Kathy Conway Michael Hauptman QVNA Office 417 South Street Philadelphia, PA 19147 info@qvna.org 215.339.0975

Care for Everyone Our supportive caregivers offer help at home, when you need it most.

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St. Philip Neri Parish Community The Church of St. Philip Neri thanks our loyal and faithful congregation for their continued support during this difficult time. Please go to our website:

www.queenvillagecatholic.com

for the church bulletin indicating the time our church is open for personal prayer. Let us all continue to pray for all those who are suffering or anxious at this time.

Queen Village Quarterly Crier // PAGE 5

Out and About

The Shores of the Mediterranean in Queen Village Featuring Alyan’s Restaurant (Israel) and O Sole Mio (Italy) by Cait and Michael Allen

[The Phoenicians], who had formerly dwelt on the shores of the Red Sea, having migrated to the Mediterranean and settled in the parts which they now inhabit, began at once, they say, to adventure on long voyages, freighting their vessels with the wares of Egypt and Assyria…. — Herodotus, The History, I.1., 4th Century B.C.

s the ships of the Phoenicians crisscrossed the waters of the Mediterranean, centers of commerce, such as Neápolis (Naples) in Italy and Jerusalem in Israel, became melting pots of language, art, and cuisine. Now, as spring arrives in Queen Village, come to the shores of the Mediterranean and meet the proprietors of Alyan’s Restaurant (603 S 4th Street) and O Sole Mio (250 Catharine Street) as each shares the experiences and tastes of his childhood home.

Queen Village Quarterly Crier \\ spring 2020

Dine in the Hills between Jerusalem and Bethlehem at Alyan’s Chef-owner Mohammed Alyan grew up in the village of Beit Safafa just south of Jerusalem. In his youth, he learned the rigors of cooking when he worked at a bakery and a hotel kitchen. He reminisces about the wonderful landscape of traditional ingredients and flavors in the region, such as the artichoke-like blossoms of Akoub that his family gathered in the mountains. He has operated at his 4th Street location since 1986 and lives in

Photo by Michael Allen

Queen Village. “When you cook food the way it should be cooked, it takes all of your time,” he told us. He described soaking chickpeas for falafel a day in advance and the additional four hours of postsoaking boiling time in order to make hummus. “The meat is trimmed lean by hand,” he said, “and once it is marinated overnight, you must use it the next day.” While our kabobs sizzled on the grill nearby, our table was filled with Baba Ghannouj and the Middle Eastern Combo, which included marinated carrots, mushrooms, eggplant and turnips. At first taste,

we were transported! The Baba Gannouj was creamy and so delicate with small bursts of garlic and olive oil. We imagined ourselves having lunch in the foothills under the quiet branches of an olive tree. And every carrot on earth should taste like Mohammed’s creation, incredibly juicy with hints of exotic spice and lemon. We won’t even mention the turnip soaked in beet juice with its salt-of-the-Earth flavor. Alyan’s Mixed Grill and the Falafel platter joined the feast. Just cutting into the lamb filled the air with the delicious aroma of meat smoke. Every piece

of chicken, every cut of beef, seemed to have been plucked from the fire at the precise right moment. And confession: we are not the biggest fans of zucchini. (It is so often used as a filler.) But at one bite of Mohammed’s grilled zucchini, we wanted to spin in the middle of a zucchini field like Maria in The Sound of Music. Drenched for a moment in oil to keep it from sticking to the grill, the flesh was seared, tender, seasoned, and bursting with juice. We were converted. Lastly, we cleared our minds to enjoy the falafel that takes so much experience and time to create. “We don’t use flour,” Mohammed said. “Most people don’t know that. It is gluten-free. When you know how to make it, the chickpeas alone hold it together.” We noticed sesame seeds mixed into the crisp crust, and within, the soft interior was Cilantro-green and delicate. It paired scrumptiously with the tahini sauce and dips of elegantly smooth hummus. Sipping our yogurt drink and hot mint tea, we enjoyed learning about Mohammed’s family and children and promised that we would most certainly be back to visit him soon.

Photo by Michael Allen

Queen Village Quarterly Crier // PAGE 7

Out and About Naples-style Pizza and Recollections of a Fishing Heritage at O Sole Mio When Sal Virgi was 11 years old, he worked at a restaurant in his hometown of Naples, Italy. One short-handed day, the owner pulled him from his dishwashing duties and put him to work adding pizza toppings. He dropped the first pizza he ever retrieved from the wood-fired, brick oven. The future chef-owner learned that day to never drop a pizza again! Naples was not a wealthy town, and pizza was affordable. In a household brimming with seven brothers, this hometown treat became a weekend comfort food. During springtime, before the growing season, seafood dominated. Sal remembers his father, a fisherman, carrying in just-caught mussels and clams. He still smiles when he talks about the dishes his mother prepared with all the wonders his father brought home.

Traditional Naples margarita pizza fresh from the brick oven.

Photo by Michael Allen

Shrimp, calamari, octopus, scallops on bed of fresh greens.

The seafood salad is one of the creations where Sal pays homage to his roots. The dish—full of shrimp, calamari, octopus, scallops, and luscious greens— is topped with a lemon vinaigrette light enough not to quiet the sounds of the crashing sea. The scallops were especially miraculous, still warm and tender from Sal’s sizzling skillet. Next, we (not so) patiently watched the traditional Naples margarita pizza slide into the brick oven assembled from materials brought over from Italy. The fire glowed hot, allowing the baking perfection to happen in merely 60 seconds. The crust steamed with home-baked goodness slightly blackened where it touched the hot stone. And oh, the sauce—so fresh, as if Sal’s hands were stained vinegreen from picking the tomatoes. For our

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Photo by Michael Allen

entrée, we got to live one of Sal’s fondest memories—yes, those mussels and clams piled around the Linguine Pescatore. We could almost hear those seven brothers running for the kitchen. Lastly, with barely any room left, we took Sal’s advice and spooned rich chocolate, pistachio, and cherry layers through his imported Spumoni Gelato. Magnifico! Visit Sal on May 26th when he celebrates the second anniversary of O Sole Mio. “There is so much potential here,” he says about his choice of Queen Village. “There are so many young families here, and that’s what I love. The family atmosphere.” He is dedicated to the oldfashioned ways. “It’s important to create things and do it right,” he says. “It’s a lot more work, but it makes me happy.” It makes all of us happy too! ■

The Ins and Outs of Shopping Local Is waiting in (long) lines to get into larger stores worth the aggravation?

ecently a neighbor lamented on Nextdoor that she couldn’t bake bread because every grocery store she went to was out of yeast. A helpful baker responded that she had purchased yeast earlier the same day at one of Queen Village’s local markets. Fortunately our neighborhood has a variety of stores selling food and household goods, socially distanced (and neighborly) shoppers, and a wide range of products. Neighbors tell QVNA that they often find the products they’re looking for locally. Store owners tell QVNA that by shopping locally neighbors are helping them stay in business. That’s two more good reasons to shop local first.

Markets • 7-11, 2nd & Christian streets • Essene Market, 4th & Monroe streets • Palm Tree Market, 2nd & Christian streets • Queen Village Market, 4th & Bainbridge streets • Wiccacoe Market, 4th & Catharine streets

Hardware • Cohen’s Hardware, 615 E. Passyunk Avenue

Pet Food • DoggieStyle, 715 S. 2nd Street

Pharmacy • CVS, 2nd & Lombard streets (Restocks overnight on Tuesday) • Rite Aid, 5th & Fitzwater streets (Restocks overnight on Wednesday)

Find a map of these stores and more at https://bit.ly/Open-4-Business-Map Queen Village Quarterly Crier // PAGE 9

Q V NA S P O TLI G H T

QVNA’s Spring Grant Cycle Ends May 13th The program is designed to help fund projects and programs that help improve quality of life in the Queen Village community

rant requests are being accepted until May 13, 2020 to help fund community projects and programs, such as enhancing parks, gardens, playgrounds, clean & green projects, block beautification, and historic preservation. We also accept grant applications for inschool, after-school, and summer academic and/or learning enrichment programs. QVNA’s Community Grant Program is intended for groups of neighbors who are planning a project to improve the neighborhood and are committed to completing it; “Friends of” groups; community gardens; schools; facilities and organizations that impact Queen Village and its residents. Grant recipients have one year in which to use their grant funds. Community Grants are made available only when monies can be allocated by the Board of Directors within the association’s annual budget. QVNA has awarded community grant funding for decades. Fall 2019 Community Grant recipients were:

Complete information about QVNA’s Community Grant Program and the application are available at www.QVNA.com/grants. Grant recipients will be announced in June.

• Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation (HGDPC), a volunteerdriven nonprofit. Grant funds will be used to help fund a major capital project to repair and paint the exterior wooden surfaces on the sanctuary, parish hall, and sexton house, as well as the first floor interior of the sanctuary.

• Friends of Mario Lanza Park, a volunteer group of Queen Village neighbors. Grant funds will be used to help save the life of a 200-year old tree located in Mario Lanza Dog Park. • The Parent Teachers Association of Nebinger School. Their grant funding will be used to purchase risers for the school auditorium.

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Free Flowering Plant Giveaway in May With so many Queen Villagers longing to plant flowers in front of their homes or beautify back gardens, QVNA’s community partnership makes it easy to stay at home and nurture nature

new QVNA partnership with the Southwark/Queen Village Community Garden and Cohen’s Hardware will make free, organic flowering bulb plants available for Queen Villagers while supplies last. Approximately 250 bulb plants will be

made available until late May several dozen at a time. Their availability will be based on the rate at which the plants are removed from the community garden each week. The majority of plants are expected to be daylilies, orchids and daffodils. The bulbs will be for free—on the honor system—and we ask that you limit yourself to six bulbs so that as many neighbors as possible can take advantage of these perennial plants. You’ll find the bulbs outside of Cohen’s Hardware at 615 E. Passyunk Avenue. Please bring your own bag to carry them home. ■

Daylilies are easy-to-grow, long-lived, and tolerant of

Thank you members of the Southwark/Queen Village

Daffodils are springtime bulbs. They are long-lived;

neglect. They tolerate light shade; but flower best in full

Community Garden for sharing your love of flowers

bloom for weeks on end; thrive both in the garden

sun. The majority of daylilies bloom mid-spring to early

with all of us. Your generosity uplifts our spirits today,

and in pots; are easy to plant, grow and care for. See

fall. See www.gardendesign.com/flowers/daylilies.

and will touch our lives with beauty for years to come.

www.gardendesign.com/flowers/daffodils.

Queen Village Quarterly Crier \\ spring 2020

Irises come in many colors and sizes. They need full sun at least half the day. The majority of irises bloom in spring or summer. See www.gardendesign.com/flowers/iris.

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ith the demise of the Crosstown Expressway, neighbors breathed a sigh of relief, but not for long. Ellen Lariviere, a long time member of the QVNA Board, read a small article in the Inquirer about a design for on/ off ramps connecting I-95 to the South Street-Bainbridge Street Corridor. Losing no time, Ellen made her way to the City Planning Commission to inspect the ramp design and report back to the community. Sure enough, the Inquirer article was accurate.

Queen Village Quarterly Crier \\ spring 2020

The proposed on/off ramp interchange at South-Bainbridge would be the major intersection between I-95 and the river wards from the Ben Franklin to the Walt Whitman Bridges. Eight ramps were to be part of the interchange. The threat of many more homes being demolished strengthened the bond and energy between the older and newer residents who fought the Crosstown. The neighborhoods were now galvanized around a single goal, “Stopping the I-95 Ramps”. We knew we would be in a legal war with the

City, PennDot, and Federal Department of Transportation, and we needed an army to fight that war. The Neighborhood Preservation Coalition (NPC) was that army. Instead of neighborhoods acting hiladelp hia, Pen ns y lv an ia) · 29 individually Jto an 19“Stop 74, Tue the I-95 Ramps”, · Page 3 Downloa ded on twenty-three neighborhoods, from river Feb 27, 2020 to river, joined together to form the NPC to leverage the resources of the member organizations. QVNA, Society Hill Civic Association (SHCA), and the South Street Renaissance (SSR) were NPC founding , Sun · Page 38 members. Queen Village residents Bill Krebs and Rick Snyderman served as NPC co-chairs, who then brought in Queen Village attorney John Hunt as the NPC’s legal counsel. Hunt’s Harvard thesis focused on urban transportation and the law, and when the NPC formed, he taught at Temple University Law School on the same topic. The NPC sued the City, State and Feds to “Stop the Ramps”, and raised money for legal fees by holding block parties, festivals and parades, and selling bumper stickers, buttons, and tee shirts with the logo “Stop the I-95 Ramps”. The South Street Renaissance collective had taught everyone how to use the media and demonstrate effectively to get our message out to politicians and the public. This included a very successful mock funeral around City Hall. Covered by the press, it was a demonstration of the eventual death to our neighborhoods if the Ramps went through. The collective of civic groups and their constituents in the NPC provided the necessary political clout, to oppose such a high profile government project. When then State Senator Henry “Buddy” Cianfrani and State Representative Sam Rappaport joined the NPC lawsuit as co-plaintiffs, the NPC grew in legitimacy, recognition, and political clout. After that, the Federal Department of Transportation, PennDot, and the City of Philadelphia began to ne-

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ded on Feb 20, 2020

gotiate with alternate proposals for the Ramps. A final design resulted in a Consent Degree approved by the NPC and government agencies calling for construction of only two ramps from I-95 onto Delaware Avenue — with no homes bulldozed. The Consent Decree also mandated a major role for the communities in the future maintenance of I-95, through the formation of Interstate Land Management Corp (ILMC); a partnership between the riverward communities and the beforementioned government groups.

Today, ILMC is responsible for the land abutting either side of I-95, from bridge to bridge. In Queen Village, examples of this include landscaping on the east side Front Street and maintenance of the South Street walking bridge. ILMC also leases out parking lots such as the sleeve parking areas on the east side of Front Street, from Fitzwater to South. All told, it’s the story of how committed volunteers and communities turned a potentially disastrous highway project into a public asset. ■

Queen Village Quarterly Crier // PAGE 15

QV Cares

Community Caring

arlier this year, Queen Village neighbors generously donated warm clothing and non-perishable food to the Old Pine Community Center at 4th and Lombard streets. These days, OPCC is providing free meal bags containing one breakfast and one lunch to any neighbor in need. Find out more on page 3. ■

QVNA volunteer Beverly Rears readied more than a dozen sweaters, ten coats, six wool hats, and pairs of pants for donation to Old Pine Community Center for its homeless community outreach program.

OPCC’s Executive Director April Thomas-Jones and Coordinator Jared de Uriarte accepted the donation. Old Pine

Photos by Lucy Erdelac

Community Center is a secular, nonprofit community center located at 4th and Lombard streets.

EMC Educational Services Tutoring. Academic Coaching. Individualized Guidance. Writing Development.

Elizabeth Cooper is committed to educating the whole child. She has twelve years of teaching experience and looks forward to specializing her instruction to fit your student’s needs. She works with children of all ages (6-18). She welcomes the opportunity for virtual instruction. University of Pennsylvania, B.A. • Temple University, M. Ed. elizabeth.m.cooper@gmail.com

Queen Village Quarterly Crier \\ spring 2020

Pragmatic)Counsel.))Diligent)Advocacy.) !

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We r ou s r e e t n u l o V !!! 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 officeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;whether regularly or for an hour here and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;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

Queen Village Quarterly Crier // PAGE 17

So u t h S t r e e t B e a t

Art on the Street A new initiative transforms the hippest street in town into a canvas for local artists

Doggy Treats (at Starbucks), a whimsical piece by local illustrator and teacher at the University of the Arts Tara

Reported by Nancy Brokaw with photos by Riley Loula

hanks to a new project called South St.Art, the work of six local artists will be housed in empty storefront windows along the street’s 300 block—windows that provide the perfect canvas for inspiring local artists and revitalizing the streetscape. The project is a collaborative effort of the South Street Headhouse District (SSHD) and Vision Urban Renewal & Transformation (V.U.R.T.), a Fishtown nonprofit founded and supported by local artists and advocates to inspire, unify, and renew urban communities through public art. Last year, SSHD Executive Director Mike Harris and his board began brainstorming ideas about ways to activate the street’s unused spaces and celebrate local talent. Their

idea? Recruit Philly artists to create work for display in vacant storefront windows. Richard Perry, a SSHD board member and proprietor of Tattooed Mom, who knows a thing or two about street art, suggested V.U.R.T. for the project. (A mecca for artists, Tattooed Mom’s second floor features an ever-changing gallery of graffiti, wheat paste, and other street art.) V.U.R.T.’s creative director, Evan Lovett, describes the collective, rather modestly, as “a group of artists, activists, and community members who are just trying to make things look better.” In fact, the group has strong public art cred—it created some 30 rolldown gates along Frankford Avenue’s commercial corridor—and was a natural to spearhead the project.

Kristin Scholes—her artist’s moniker is Sea of Doom—is showing Moth Bat, which riffs on the bat motif that’s garnered her a coast-to-coast following. Split between two windows of the old Indulgence Boutique, this piece depicts bat ears that seemingly morph into moth wings.

Queen Village Quarterly Crier \\ spring 2020

Jacoby, depicts three dogs, each dreaming of a particular food that bears an uncanny resemblance to them.

With SSHD funding and a grant from the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, the artists created a series of murals and printed them on large-scale vinyl banners for hanging in three empty storefronts on South Street: 325, which housed Indulgence Boutique; 328, site for the former Boyler Room; and 347, where Starbucks caffeinated Queen Villagers until December, 2018. “And when a property is rented out,” Lovett explains, “the work can be easily transferred to another space.” South St.Art isn’t the District’s first foray into art patronage—nor will it be its last. SSHD commissioned its first public art back in 2016, with a call for artists to transform the utility boxes that dot the street, explains SSHC Executive Director Mike Harris. “Then, in 2018, we did the Eyes mural over Johnny Rockets.” “Every empty wall, every vacant window is a canvas for us,” says Dana Feinberg, who serves as project coordinator for the District. “We’re building on a strong artistic heritage, and we want these projects to reflect our diverse, art-centric community.” As for South St.Art, “we’re at the beginning stages of identifying the next set of South Street locations to activate and the next set of artists to feature,” says Harris. “Robert [Perry of Tattooed Mom] is going to be putting more art in more windows and talking about expanding to other mediums—lighting, sculptural work, and video projections.” ■

Photo by Mark Henninger of Imagic Digital for WHYY’s Billy Penn (www.BillyPenn.com)

South Street Meets Avenue of The Roots by Taryn Goldsmith

hilly’s Streets Department took the world by surprise when it installed the Avenue of The Roots street signs at South Street and Passyunk Avenue three months early. Even The Roots. Beautifully surprised, describes Roots frontman Questlove’s tweeted reaction upon learning of the new co-naming of the intersection. “...does this mean WHAT I THINK IT MEANS!!!???!!!??? Hell of a way to find out!!!! WOW!!!!! @ South Street in Philly baby!!” Widely known not only as the House Band onThe Tonight Show but also from their international concerts and fanbase, few people know that The Roots actually got their start performing on the sidewalks of South Street. Tariq Trotter and Ahmir Thompson met in high school at CAPA, the Creative and Performing High School on Broad and Christian Streets, and went on to form a band that would receive critical acclaim for its role in redefining hip hop. The Philadelphia natives have certainly done their city proud, representing Philly everywhere that they go with unmatched sophistication. The street renaming is a

Repairs & Renovations 1/2 & full day Handyman Carpentry Plumbing Electrical Tile HVAC Systems Power Washing Property & Construction Mngmt.

Queen Village Builders

wonderful way for the city to share their appreciation for arguably one of the most talented hip-hop/musical acts to come from Philly. The man behind the mission to initiate the block’s co-naming, LeRoy McCarthy, is a Cheyney University grad who is currently residing in NYC. His firm, Heterodoxx Inc., is also behind the creation of several street renaming efforts throughout the country. “I have reached out to mayors in different cities coast to coast,” says McCarthy. “Honoring hip-hop would show the communities where hip hop historically comes from, that the city, government, and law enforcement has respect for their art and culture.” Queen Village Neighborhood Association played an instrumental role in lobbying support for the street renaming. “It is particularly rewarding to celebrate Philadelphians who are role models to our youth.” says Eleanor Ingersoll, president of the QVNA Board of Directors. An official dedication for the 600 block of E. Passyunk Avenue is slated for August. ■

267-283-8122 MFactor@QueenVillageBuilders.com Email to Printer: MFactor@HPeprint.com

Queen Village Quarterly Crier // PAGE 19

Feature: fabric row

Where Fashion Designers Materialize Some envision couture fit for the runway; others see slow fashion made for long life. Yet even designers with distinctly different styles, are likely to have one thing in common: their fabrics, feathers, rhinestones and leathers came from Fabric Row. by Martha Morowitz

hile Fabric Row, the area of 4th Street from Bainbridge to Catharine streets, has seen a good many of its textile storefronts replaced by other ventures, it still remains a destination in the city and beyond. Here on the Row, neighbors meet for coffee or a meal, run errands, and pick up groceries. Recently named “Best City Shopping Destination” by Philadelphia Magazine, the street is evolving, with intriguing new businesses popping up while older stores just seem to get better. Let’s take a peek at a few of the fashion centered establishments that have staked their claim on the street in the last ten years. Their presence has added to the small town feel of Queen Village, while pumping up the fun factor with some very alluring fashion and fabric! One of the unique offerings along the street is Steel Pony, a beautifully appointed boutique featuring women’s clothing, handbags and accessories. All the store’s clothing is “individually created and dyed by hand,” onsite by the husband and wife team of Joanne Litz and Dennis Wolk. They have been committed to sustainability since the business started in 1992, producing high quality,

Queen Village Quarterly Crier \\ spring 2020

Steel Pony, 758 S. 4th Street, Queen Village.

slow fashion [the movement of designing and creating garments for quality and longevity; encouraging slower production schedules, fair wages and (ideally) zero waste], with pieces that are meant to be enjoyed for years. This fashion design duo have “30-year customers, including many from Europe, who still wear clothes they bought long ago,” says Wolk. Litz is the artist behind the clothing designs. Her work has a distinctive flair with its detailed construction, the sumptuous

Photo by Riley Loula

drape of the natural fabrics, and lush shibori dye [Shibori is a Japanese dyeing technique involving folding, twisting or bunching cloth and binding it, before the dyeing process.] One of the hallmarks of the apparel line is that everything can be dressed up or down, looking equally fabulous whether worn with stilettos or sandals. Not to be missed is the collection of alternative wedding wear that Litz made for a show at Dilworth Plaza not long ago. The elegant dresses are subtly embellished, ren-

dered in luminous hues of off white. Even the specially made labels are tiny treasures. The gorgeous clothing is complimented by luxe, unique handbags, designed and expertly crafted by Wolk. Hand sewn in a variety of leathers, some are done in buttery, plush deer skin, others accented with snake skin or highly textured, nubby ostrich. The purses are artfully displayed on individual shelves, and bathed in pools of soft lighting. It is an exhibit worthy of a high-end gallery, and a reminder that the handbags and clothing created at Steel Pony are truly wearable art. When asked about the store’s name, Wolk explained that it is an homage to the invention of the sewing machine, dubbed steel ponies because they are the workhorses of the garment trade. Though not intentional, it is ironic that Steel Pony would wind up on Fabric Row. When you see the window at Oxymoron Fashion House, it is immediately apparent that this design house is something special. The little jewel box store always has a clever, engaging display. One recent vignette featured the mannequins styling each other’s hair, another had the mannequins wearing animal heads! No matter the beguiling theme of the showcase, the forms are always clothed in beautifully tailored, original designs. A Philly native, proprietor Monica Monique is the witty, ingenious force behind

Fleishman Fabric & Supplies, 737 S. 4th Street, Queen Village.

Oxymoron. After getting her Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion at the Art Institute of Philadelphia, she worked for a clothing manufacturer in New York City, then, returning to her roots, worked with a premier vintage clothing store in Rittenhouse Square. After gaining valuable experience, she knew it was time to open her own shop. Monique’s vision is to create gowns for special occasions. Brides and prom bound young women flock to the atelier for her one-of-a-kind, glamorous frocks. Custom bridal orders may start a year out, and prom requests start to come in January. Clients arrive at Oxymoron, where Monique takes measurements and discusses design. The next step is to peruse fabric and trim in the neighboring shops, and once the dress has been

Photo by Riley Loula

sewn, there will be two fittings (possibly three for a bridal gown). Demand for creations from Oxymoron is strong, and for busy prom and bridal season, Monique employs high school and college level interns. She finds it rewarding to mentor young people, noting that “for a lot of these kids, it is their first time actually working in their field of study - fashion design.” There is something for everyone at Oxymoron. Not planning a wedding, or your prom days are over? You can find plenty of exquisite ready-to-wear cocktail dresses, funky denim, and highly original outfits to wear this weekend. “Oxymoron is the perfect last-minute stop to get a vibrant look for any special event!” Monique says. Fleishman Fabrics is a beehive of activity, the many customers perusing over 5,000 bolts of fabric on display. Third generation owner, Joshua Fleishman, attributes the hustle and bustle to a confluence of factors: The enthusiasm of makers and crafters; the fact that Philadelphia has the largest concentration of fashion design degree programs in the country (Drexel, Moore College of Art, the Fashion Institute of Philadelphia, Jefferson Textile Design to name a few); the city’s robust drag queen and burlesque culture; even Continued next page

Oxymoron Fashion House 751 S. 4th Street, Queen Village.

Photo by Riley Loula

Queen Village Quarterly Crier // PAGE 21

Feature: fabric row Continued from previous page

the Mummers. Add to this mix serious designers shopping for fabric and trim to make bridal, prom, and formal gowns headed for red carpet events (The Met Gala! The Oscars!), and you’ve got a devoted following for your business. The frenzy is fed by the ubiquitous presence of social media. In a bit of circuitous logic, Instagram accounts promote the pageantry of Prom Season (apparently there is a scholarship awarded for the best “Promposal” - ask your kids, if you need an explanation), which pretty much echoes the Instagram accounts touting who wore what during the previous Award Season. Between the two annual fêtes, customers bring photos on their phones, trying to duplicate what celebrities have worn. This makes for some lively commerce in what is known as the Glitz and Glam room—where broad counters are surrounded by bolts of sequined, rhinestoned and feathered fabrics, some costing from $100 to $200 a yard. Surveying the scene, Joshua says he and his father, Stanley, often wonder what founders Harry and Sylvia Fleishman would think of this modern iteration of their dry goods business (in the early 1930’s, the couple sold staid, woolen suiting from the trunk of their car). Stanley thinks they would be proud of the new store, and probably amazed at the Glitz and Glam room with its fancy, bright and sparkly goods. But Joshua? He’s not so sure. The customers, though – they know what they want, and they clearly love what Fleishman’s is selling! Fabric Row has become an official shopping destination by sticking to its roots while welcoming newcomers to the scene. This winning combination is one of the many reasons Queen Village continues to be a marvelous place to call home. ■

Seamless Fashion Connections For a Manayunk designer, Fabric Row is a perfect fit by Martha Morowitz

renda O’Livis studied fashion design at the Maryland Institute College of Art, briefly leaving needle and thread behind to work in fashion retail before returning to her true calling: designing fashion. O’Livis has cultivated deep, trusting relationships with Fabric Row merchants, relying on them to source unusual textiles and trim from across the globe for her couture designs, custom wedding gowns, and the materials required for the reverse-engineering she does for other designers (precision in design sample work is required to successfully create a line of factory-manufactured clothing). Philadelphia Fashion Week is also close to her heart. Last September,

Photo by Brenda O'Livis

Queen Village Quarterly Crier \\ spring 2020

Photo by Brenda O'Livis

O’Livis curated a selection of stunning gowns and dresses, believing that Philly is uniquely positioned to grow this unique clothing sector: a concentration of schools with fashion degree programs; a strong culture of makers and designers; and the covey of world-class suppliers of fabric, trim and notions – right here on Fabric Row. O’Livis’ Spring collection includes a line of evening wraps featured in area boutiques and bridal stores. You’ll find them in Queen Village at The Wedding Factor at 125 South Street. Philadelphia Sewing Company, 6109 Ridge Avenue, rear. ■

Feature: fabric row

Competing at the Cutting Edge

ongratulations to Francesca Rivetti, owner of Follicle Studio, whose hair design collection made the final cut in the Avant Garde category at North American Hairstyling Awards in Los Angeles—the “Academy Awards” of the beauty industry. The heady designs were conceived

and styled by Francesca who credits her “amazing team that deconstructed dozens of commercial mops” to obtain the varying lengths of fibers needed.“ This was one of my favorite collaborations.” The collection’s three wigs are currently featured in Follicle Studio’s window at 4th and Fitzwater streets. ■

Francesca Rivetti, owner of Follicle Studio, walked the red carpet in Los Angeles at January’s NAHA competition.

Photo provided by Follicle Studio.

Hair and Concept: Francesca Rivetti, owner of Follicle Studio Photographer: Jason Chen, co-owner of Paradigm Gallery Make-up Artist: Linda Charles Model: Terri Lisa Designer/Stylist: Kylie Stetler Shoes: Bus Stop Boutique Photography Location: Moon + Arrow (rareCo) NAHA Avant Garde finalists reflect “good taste and aesthetically pleasing images, displaying fashion forward, unique and edgy styles.” Watch the video of Avant Garde finalists at http://bit.ly/FollicleStudio.

Queen Village Quarterly Crier // PAGE 23

T H e co m m o n s

Outside and Waiting: Your New BFF Queen Village’s canopy includes many Accolade

Three easy steps to becoming Best Friends Forever with your tree.

Flowering Cherry trees. The species is one of the most adaptable trees to urban environments, and horticulturalists consider it a top choice for curbside planting.

Photo by Dan Gibbon

s you and your tree come out of winter’s hibernation, it’s time to think about what you might do to ensure that you and your tree become or remain BFFs.

From Compacted Hibernation to Exposed Flares Take a good look at the pit your tree lives in. The soil is likely compacted, so it’s time to un-compact it—like shedding the layers of winter sweaters. Minding the roots, so as not to damage them, carefully work a shovel, trowel or soil knife in between large, woody roots. While you’re loosening up the soil, work on exposing the root flare—the place where the tree’s roots meet the trunk. Buried root flares restrict the carbon dioxide/oxygen exchange that is critical to the health of your tree. Gloved hands are the best tool for uncovering the root flare. If you

By Dan Gibbon

want some help with this, I and other members of Queen Village Tree Tenders would be happy to lend a hand.

Mulch Moat vs Mulch Volcano When the soil in the pit has been loosened up and the root flare exposed, it’s time to add mulch. Be careful to keep the mulch away from the trunk of the tree and the exposed root flare, and lay down about three inches of mulch in the pit. Think in terms of a ‘mulch moat’ as opposed to a ‘mulch volcano,’ where mulch is piled up against the trunk. Your friendly tree tender will be happy to provide you with mulch.

Two Buckets are Better than One Last, but certainly not least, your BFF needs water to survive. For the first two years after planting, a tree needs about twenty gallons of water a week during the warm and hot months of April-Sep-

tember. That’s equivalent to one of those green gator bags full of water. While Queen Village Tree Tenders has a limited supply of gator bags, Home Depot has an unlimited supply of utility buckets. Here’s a great life hack for watering your BFF: buy two Home Depot buckets and put a dime size hole near the bottom of one. Put the bucket with the hole in the pit next to the trunk of the tree and fill it four times a week with the other bucket. The water will slowly trickle out, fully saturating the roots Queen Village Tree Tenders believe every tree, especially new ones, needs a BFF. So claim one in front of your house or on your block. You can get those utility buckets for $3.25 a pop, or go in on a 20 pack ($55) with neighbors and share the love of watering! It’s a great block project, and your BFF will be singing your praises forever. Have a tree question? Let us know at TreeTenders@QVNA.org. ■

Philadelphia Gardens, Inc. URBAN GARDEN DESIGN + INSTALLATION CONTAINER GARDENS TONI ANN FLANIGAN 215.951.9193 WWW.PHILADELPHIAGARDENS.COM Queen Village Quarterly Crier \\ spring 2020

Apply Today to Hug A Tree This Fall Property owners can request a free tree planted by QV Tree Tenders in November

f you’ve always wanted a beautiful curbside tree in front of your home or business, you have until Sunday, May 17th to apply for one -- provided you are the owner of the home or business. Curbside trees are free. Tree planting is free. If your sidewalk needs to be cut or if an old free root needs to be removed in order to plant the tree, that’s free, too. So you may be thinking, “if the tree, preparing a new tree pit, and planting it is free, then what’s left for me to do?” Great news! You’ll have the most fun and important role of all. You’ll be the one to love your tree, (even hug it -- but very gently at first), and take good care of it. How? Read the article on page 24 and your tree can become your Best Friend Forever. As you’ve probably noticed, Queen Village’s curbside trees are bloomin’ beautiful. That’s because tree species are specially selected and grown by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society for city living and curbside planting. Queen Village’s Tree Tenders are specially trained and have the treecare knowledge and connections needed to do everything needed to help increase the number of curbside trees in Queen Village.

In the past five years, Queen Village Tree Tenders have increased our tree canopy by more than 400 trees. Want yours to be next? You’ll find our Fall 2020 curbside tree application on the homepage of www. QVNA.org. Just complete the form and submit it to TreeTenders@QVNA.org by May 17th. ■

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. 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.

Cartoon: Jim Hunt

215.886.6111 (Glenside, PA) 215.725.3637 (Philadelphia, PA) 215.572.6937 (Fax) www.libertytreecare.com MIKE DUFFY Certified Arborist PD-1766A

Queen Village Quarterly Crier // PAGE 25

T H e co m m o n s

Eco-conscious Reminders Are Afoot Students help connect stormwater and the river to your faucet

by Marissa Stern

ver wonder who placed those blue storm drain labels on Queen Village street corners and why? Meet the River Ambassadors from the Independence Seaport Museum. An environmental education program for high school students, River Ambassadors provides intensive, hands-on science learning experiences about Philadelphia’s waterways -- and why and how to protect them. Last summer, using materials provided by the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary and the Philadelphia Water Department, River Ambassadors labeled storm drains in Queen Village and other neighborhoods to remind neighbors that any trash, chemicals or water runoff in those storm drains will end up in the Delaware River. In the process, the students learned why it’s important to keep our storm drains clean -- because the Dela-

Supervised River Ambassadors label corner storm drains, reminding us that keeping them clean helps keep the river clean.

Photo provided by the Independence Seaport Museum

Queen Village Quarterly Crier \\ spring 2020

ware River provides drinking water for 15 million people. “Storm drain labeling is important,” said Mara, 15, a 2019 River Ambassador, “because it encourages and reminds the public that storm drains are not for trash, but to collect water to prevent flooding.” According to the Philadelphia Water Department, about 75,000 inlets throughout the city collect stormwater runoff, which is known to be the number one cause of pollution to rivers and streams, the source of our drinking water. In addition to its storm drain labeling program, River Ambassadors participate in on-water activities, conduct daily water testing in the Delaware River’s boat basin and care for its floating wetlands, thus demonstrating that anyone can take small steps to care for our environment. To find out more, visit www.phillyseaport.org/ riverambassadors. ■

t h e co m m o n s

Dog Run Improvements in the Works QVK9 rolls out short- and long-term resurfacing plans by Holly Russel current surface, which has seen countless pawprints and potholes over the years, will be replaced by clean, pet-safe gravel. Resurfacing is slated for summer. “Phase Two” is QVK9’s plan to install K9Grass in the run, which is a more sustainable surface than gravel, providing better drainage and antimicrobial protection. The cost to purchase and install K9Grass is $40,000, and QVK9 hopes all dog lovers will donate funds for this project at www.QVK9.org. ■

Photo by Amanda Hall Studios

he dog run at Mario Lanza Park, located in the 200 block of Catherine and Queen streets, will soon get a facelift. This project is spearheaded by QVK9, a group of Queen Village neighbors who volunteer to maintain and improve the dog run. “Phase One” improvements include the gates, doggie fountain, and seating. But the biggest – and perhaps most exciting – project will be the resurfacing of the ground cover in the dog run. The

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Queen Village Quarterly Crier // PAGE 27

R e c y c l e / Upc y c l e

Acting Global While Staying Home

Love Organic Vegetables? Here’s fun ways to grow your own

Tips to turn pent-up energy into sustainABILITIES Reported by Noah Swistak Upcycle your Farmers Market eggs shells and carton

ven though you’re likely at home remaining socially distant, there are still a number of eco-friendly activities you can consider taking up. Here are just a few simple ways that you can show your kindness to our home planet, while maybe even learning something or having a good time along the way. Barrels of Fun - Reduce the burden on the city’s stormwater management system while also capturing some non-potable water for your backyard garden by obtaining or making a rain barrel (check out the video from Ask This Old House). If you’d prefer to wait and have a free barrel installed for you, the Philadelphia Water Department’s Rain Check program hosts workshops and provides free barrels to participants. Workshops are set to begin again when social distancing measures are relaxed. For more information, see: https://bit.ly/PHL-Rain-Barrels Stop Trashing, Start Upcycling Have a pile of old stuff in your basement, attic or backyard that you’re planning to throw out? Instead of adding to our landfills, brainstorm some ways to repurpose and upcycle all of that brica-brac. There are plenty of innovative upcyclers right here in Philly to look to for inspiration - from plastics to jewelry

to plant seeds. When they’re ready to go outside,

to building materials to just about anything else you can imagine. Think Local, Think Your Own Backyard - It’s understandable that all this time at home can lead to consuming more processed, pre-packaged foods. One can substantially reduce their carbon footprint however, by purchasing foods from local growers and producers, or better still, growing their own in their yards, porches, and flower boxes. The Headhouse Farmers Market remains open to pick up local goods, and seeds to get the greenthumbs started. The Market is open on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Sunday at 2nd and Lombard streets. ■

plant them in their shells for a mineral boost.

Suspend part of a sweet potato in water using toothpicks to start growing a new plant.

How to Build a Rain Barrel

https://youtu.be/g0y0BmEFUcs

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to make a rain barrel on a $40 budget. Make your own compostable pots for seeds and young plants.

Queen Village Quarterly Crier \\ spring 2020

Take a Minute Before You Bin It

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

What Philly can recycle depends on you by Susan Dreitlein

onder if what you put in your recycling bin actually gets recycled? Well, it depends -- here’s why: In 2019, the city signed a new contract for recycling not only to help make sure that your recyclables are actually recycled, but helps Philly save money as a result -- but there’s a catch: It’s not only what you recycle but how you recycle. The aptly named “Take a Minute Before You Bin It” campaign aims to teach everyone how to become recycling experts. Straightforward items like glass, plastic bottles, and metal cans are generally OK to recycle as long as they are rinsed clean. If items are not clean, they can’t be recycled. So, take a minute... and rinse it! Multi-material items, like light bulbs, are not recyclable. Plastic bags are not only not recyclable but they present a hazard for recycling center workers. Not sure about an item? Check out the Streets Department website: http://bit.ly/RecycleReference. ■

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SSES A CL L

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Queen Village Quarterly Crier // PAGE 29

H o w I t Wo r k s

Meet Candidates on the Ballot for State General Assembly Three online May meetings are scheduled: one for each House or Senate District seat in the June 2nd election

VNA and BVNA are sponsoring an evening series of three one-hour virtual meetings so that voters may hear from candidates on the ballot for the 175th and 182nd Districts of the State House of Representatives and the 1st District of the House Senate. For complete information and to submit your candidates questions in advance, see www.QVNA.org/meet-the-candidates.

Meeting #1: Thursday, May 14, 2020 - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m State Representative, 182nd District Incumbent: Brian Sims (D) Challenger: Marisa Shaaban (D) Challenger: Drew Murray (R)

Meeting #2: Wednesday, May 20, 2020 - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m State Representative, 175th District Incumbent: MaryLouise Isaacson (D) Challenger: Jeff Dempsey (D) Challenger: Vanessa McGrath (D) Challenger: Andre Del Valle (D)

Meeting #3: Wednesday, May 17, 2020 - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m State Senator, 1st District Incumbent: Larry Farnese (D) Challenger: Nikil Saval (D)

Meeting Moderator: Patrick Christmas, policy director for the Committee of Seventy, a nonpartisan civic leadership organization.

Queen Village Quarterly Crier \\ spring 2020

Taxing Topics by Meredith Piotrowski How To Contest Your Property Tax Assessment

he Office of Property Assessments (OPA) begins mailing 2021 tax assessments in April. Have you received your property assessment? Have you wondered how the Office of Property Assessment came to the figure stated in the notice? Have you disagreed with that figure and wondered how to contest it? QVNA is here to help. The basis is the Actual Value Initiative (AVI), implemented in 2014, intended to assure that “properties of equal value get the same assessments.” OPA considers the property’s size, age, location, condition, and use when determining its value. For more information, http://bit.ly/How-OPA-Assesses-Property. If you believe the OPA has inaccurately assessed your property, complete the the First Level Review (FLR) form included with your 2021 assessment. The due date is printed on the form. You can also request a FLR form by calling 215-686-9200. An FLR can result in your tax assessment being decreased, increased, or even staying the same.

If you requested an FLR last year and have not yet had a hearing, your request may have been transferred to the Board of Revision of Taxes (BRT) due to the high volume of FLR requests in 2019. To find the disposition of your FLR, call BRT customer service at (215) 686-9283 or (215) 686-4343.

Sign Up for the Homestead Exemption You may be eligible for the Homestead Exemption if you own a home in Philadelphia AND it is your primary residence. In effect for 2020 Real Estate Tax bills, the assessed value of the property is reduced by $45,000 when you get Homestead. You can apply online at http://bit.ly/Homestead-Exemption-Signup, by phone (215) 686-9200, or by downloading the application at http://bit.ly/Homestead-Download and mailing it in.. If approved, you

can receive this tax benefit for as long as you own and live in the property.

Consider the Longtime Owner Occupancy Program Another tax relief option that may be available to those who have lived in their homes for upwards of 10 years is the LOOP program. If your assessment has increased by 50% or more since last year, you may be eligible. In addition to those two stipulations, you must be up-to-date on your current tax bill and your income level must fall below the set value for your family size as listed at http://bit.ly/Longtime-Owner-OccupancyProgram. Unlike with the Homestead Exemption, trusts are sometimes eligible for this tax break. Also, if the Department of Revenue approves your application, you do not need to reapply every year. Consequently, it will be applied to your tax bill annually. ■

Queen Village Quarterly Crier // PAGE 31

Q V LIFE

Community Calendar THU April 30 • 9am - noon

THU May 7 • 10am - noon

THU May 14 • 6:30pm

Free Student Meal Box Pickup • Creative and Performing Arts, 901 S. Broad St. • Horace Furness High School, 1900 S. 3rd St. • South Philadelphia High School, 2101 S. Broad St. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families

Free Household Food • Christ Church South Philly, 229 Moore St. • East Passyunk Rec Center, 1025 Mifflin St. • SEAMAAC,1711 S. Broad St. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families

VIRTUAL Meet the Candidates for State Rep of the 182nd District www.QVNA.org/Meet-The-Candidates

THU April 30 • 10am - noon

THU May 7 • 11am - noon

Free Household Food Box Pickup • Christ Church South Philly, 229 Moore St. • East Passyunk Rec Center, 1025 Mifflin St. • SEAMAAC,1711 S. Broad St. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families

Free Older Adult (60+) Food Box Pickup • Must reserve in advance at (215) 717-1971 • Marconi Older Adult Center, 2433 S. 15th St. https://bit.ly/Phila-Meals4Seniors

THU April 30 • 11am - noon

Trash Pickup NO RECYCLING*

Free Older Adult (60+) Food Box Pickup • Must reserve in advance at (215) 717-1971 • Marconi Older Adult Center, 2433 S. 15th St. https://bit.ly/Phila-Meals4Seniors

THU April 30 Extensions of City Deadlines: • Property Tax Payments • Installment Plan Application https://bit.ly/Property-Tax-Extensions

FRI May 1 Trash AND Recycling Pickup*

FRI May 8 SUN May 10 • 10am - 1pm Farmer’s Market @ The Shambles 2nd & Lombard streets

MON May 11 • 10am - noon Free Household Food • Christ Church South Philly, 229 Moore St. • East Passyunk Rec Center, 1025 Mifflin St. • SEAMAAC,1711 S. Broad St. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families

MON May 11 • 11am - noon

Farmer’s Market @ The Shambles 2nd & Lombard streets

Free Older Adult (60+) Food Box Pickup • Must reserve in advance at (215) 717-1971 • Marconi Older Adult Center, 2433 S. 15th St. https://bit.ly/Phila-Meals4Seniors

MON May 4 • 10am - noon

THU May 14 • 9am - noon

Free Household Food Box Pickup • Christ Church South Philly, 229 Moore St. • East Passyunk Rec Center, 1025 Mifflin St. • SEAMAAC,1711 S. Broad St. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families

Free Student Meals • Creative and Performing Arts, 901 S. Broad St. • Horace Furness High School, 1900 S. 3rd St. • South Philadelphia High School, 2101 S. Broad St. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families

MON May 4 • 11am - noon

THU May 14 • 10am - noon

Free Older Adult (60+) Food Box Pickup • Must reserve in advance at (215) 717-1971 • Marconi Older Adult Center, 2433 S. 15th St. https://bit.ly/Phila-Meals4Seniors

Free Household Food • Christ Church South Philly, 229 Moore St. • East Passyunk Rec Center, 1025 Mifflin St. • SEAMAAC,1711 S. Broad St. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families

SUN May 3 • 10am - 1pm

THU May 7 • 9am - noon Free Student Meals • Creative and Performing Arts, 901 S. Broad St. • Horace Furness High School, 1900 S. 3rd St. • South Philadelphia High School, 2101 S. Broad St. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families

Queen Village Quarterly Crier \\ spring 2020

THU May 14 • 11am - noon Free Older Adult (60+) Food Box Pickup • Must reserve in advance at (215) 717-1971 • Marconi Older Adult Center, 2433 S. 15th St. https://bit.ly/Phila-Meals4Seniors

FRI May 15 Trash AND Recycling Pickup*

SUN May 17 • 10am - 1pm Farmer’s Market @ The Shambles 2nd & Lombard streets

MON May 18 Last to register online to vote in the June General Primary Election http://bit.ly/Register-to-Vote-Phila

MON May 18 • 10am - noon Free Household Food • Christ Church South Philly, 229 Moore St. • East Passyunk Rec Center, 1025 Mifflin St. • SEAMAAC,1711 S. Broad St. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families

MON May 18 • 11am - noon Free Older Adult (60+) Food Box Pickup • Must reserve in advance at (215) 717-1971 • Marconi Older Adult Center, 2433 S. 15th St. https://bit.ly/Phila-Meals4Seniors

WED May 20 • 6:30pm VIRTUAL Meet the Candidates for State Rep of the 175th District www.QVNA.org/Meet-The-Candidates

THU May 21 • 9am - noon Free Student Meals • Creative and Performing Arts, 901 S. Broad St. • Horace Furness High School, 1900 S. 3rd St. • South Philadelphia High School, 2101 S. Broad St. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families

THU May 21 • 10am - noon Free Household Food • Christ Church South Philly, 229 Moore St. • East Passyunk Rec Center, 1025 Mifflin St. • SEAMAAC,1711 S. Broad St. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families

* Until May 15 or longer, recycling pick up is every other week. Please expect delays.

Q V LIFE

Community Calendar THU May 21 • 11am - noon

THU May 28 • 9am - noon

THU June 4 • 9am - noon

Free Older Adult (60+) Food Box Pickup • Must reserve in advance at (215) 717-1971 • Marconi Older Adult Center, 2433 S. 15th St. https://bit.ly/Phila-Meals4Seniors

THU May 28 • 10am - noon

Free Household Food • Christ Church South Philly, 229 Moore St. • East Passyunk Rec Center, 1025 Mifflin St. • SEAMAAC,1711 S. Broad St. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families

THU May 28 • 11am - noon

Free Older Adult (60+) Food Box Pickup • Must reserve in advance at (215) 717-1971 • Marconi Older Adult Center, 2433 S. 15th St. https://bit.ly/Phila-Meals4Seniors

SAT May 30

FRI June 5

Trash & Recycling Pickup Delayed due to Federal Holiday

Trash & Recycling Pickup (Expect delays during COVID-19)

FRI May 22 Trash AND Recycling Pickup

SUN May 24 • 10am - 1pm Farmer’s Market @ The Shambles 2nd & Lombard streets

MON May 25 Memorial Day

TUE May 26 Deadline to apply online for a mail-in election ballot www.votespa.com

TUE May 26 • 10am - noon** Free Household Food • Christ Church South Philly, 229 Moore St. • East Passyunk Rec Center, 1025 Mifflin St. • SEAMAAC,1711 S. Broad St. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families

MON May 26 • 11am - noon** Free Older Adult (60+) Food Box Pickup • Must reserve in advance at (215) 717-1971 • Marconi Older Adult Center, 2433 S. 15th St. https://bit.ly/Phila-Meals4Seniors

WED May 27 • 6:30pm VIRTUAL Meet the Candidates State Senator for 1st District www.QVNA.org/Meet-The-Candidates

The Meet the Candidates Online Virtual Event Series is presented as a public service by QVNA and BVNA so neighbors have the opportunity

SUN May 31 • 10am - 1pm Farmer’s Market @ The Shambles 2nd & Lombard streets

See www.QVNA.org/events for the most up-to-date calendar.

MON June 1 • 10am - noon Free Household Food • Christ Church South Philly, 229 Moore St. • East Passyunk Rec Center, 1025 Mifflin St. • SEAMAAC,1711 S. Broad St. https://bit.ly/FreeFood4Families

MON June 1 • 11am - noon Free Older Adult (60+) Food Box Pickup • Must reserve in advance at (215) 717-1971 • Marconi Older Adult Center, 2433 S. 15th St. https://bit.ly/Phila-Meals4Seniors

TUES June 2 • 7am General Primary Election Find your polling place at http://bit.ly/WhereToVoteQV

For more information about the 2020 Census and to respond to the questions, see www.2020census.gov.

to engage with candidates running in the General Primary election on June 2nd. We encourage all citizens to register to vote and to exercise the right to vote. ** Due to the Memorial Day Holiday, food boxes are likely to be available on Tuesday. Please check the website.

Queen Village Quarterly Crier // PAGE 33

Kathy & Patrick Conway What’s the job of a real estate agent? It’s not a job—it’s a passion! Buying or selling a home is one of the most important decisions of your life, and it has been a privilege to help so many friends and neighbors in Queen Village. Though we’ve been doing this for decades, we still treat every call like it is our first and only one. We are grateful for your business! Wishing you and your family good health during these uncertain times. We are working remotely from home to provide services to clients and neighbors. If we can be of assistance, please call us.

Warm regards, Kathy and Patrick Conway

Trust. Attention. Service.

We have built our careers on treating every client like they are the only one.

-Kathy and Patrick 215.266.1537 215.850.3842 215.627.6005 conwayteam@gmail.com

Queen Village Crier May 2020 Special Issue

Articles inside

#FreeFlowersR4U

Where to Find What You Need Most Free food resources and other important information at your fingertips

Queen Village Crier May 2020 Special Issue

Queen Village Crier May 2020 Special Issue

Now More Than Ever, Continuing to Work Together