QV Quarterly Crier - Summer 2023

At a loss for where to get the best summer snacks? We’ve got you covered with this exhaustive list you’ll want to put on the fridge

VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 2 SUMMER 2023

Online at qvna.org/queen-village-quarterly-crier

PUBLISHER

Queen Village Neighbors Association

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Eleanor Ingersoll eleanor@qvna.org

DESIGNER

Alec Meltzer meltzerdesign.net

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Erin Ditmar

Mariska Koruba

Maxine Mayer

PROOFREADERS

Nicole Maley

Carol Peterson

Jake Peterson

AD SALES qvna.org/queen-village-quarterly-crier eleanor@qvna.org

QVNA provides community stewardship, advocacy and service to help improve quality of life for Queen Village residents.

Gregory j. Damis, CNHS

TEAM DAMIS

BERKSHIRE Fox & Roach, HATHAWAY REALTORS' HomeServices

• Experience

• Commitment

• Hard Work

• Enthusiasm

• Integrity

• Qyeen Village Resident

Serving Qyeen Village for 38 Years!

Our commitment to your happiness is the foundation from which a solid business relationship is built. Simply put, your satisfaction is our greatest reword. Our business hos been built on solid and unwavering foundations, and we look forward to putting our expertise to work for you.

Success Doesn't Happen by Accident!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2023–2024 TERM)

OFFICERS:

Cait Allen – PRESIDENT

Chris Mullen – VICE PRESIDENT

Matt Atkins – SECRETARY

Philip Holzhauer – TREASURER

DIRECTORS:

Dan Doyle

Don Finley

Mae Johnson

Mike McPhilmy

Craig Morton

Daniel Orr

Noah Swistak

Christine Larash Torcivia

EMERITUS DIRECTORS (BOARD SERVICE):

Kathy Conway (1983 - 2003)

Inez Green

Michael Hauptman

Marian Buczek (1991 - 2003)

OFFICE: 709 S. 5th Street

EMAIL QVNA: info@QVNA.org

CALL: 215.339.0975

© Copyright 2023. Queen Village Neighbors Association. All rights reserved.

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.

Erin Ditmar has lived in the area since 2018 and enjoys walking around Queen Village taking photos of the neighborhood and all of the fun events.

Patricia A.L. Ehrensal, Ed.D. is a photographer whose work is mostly abstract architectural. She is an artist member of 3rd Street Gallery and is in her third term as Director of the Gallery.

Shelby Fisk is a writer and a 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 & MFA in Creative Writing.

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 – snack 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 the 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 QV neighbor since 2004. After retiring from a fulfilling nursing career, Maxine pursued her love of photography volunteering for the Southeastern PA Red Cross and QV Crier. Follow Maxine’s instagram @maxine.mayer

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.

Hilary Young is a Queen Village mom and owner of Hilary Young Creative, a brand strategy and marketing consultancy. ■

Working Together for the best version of Queen Village

By Cait Allen, QVNA President

Why Be a QVNA Member?

Because

Hello Neighbors, Every time it starts to get warm, I’m reminded of the beginning of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”

Summers in the Village means roof deck dinners, block parties, and movies in the park. Unfortunately, the rising temperatures also bring challenges that are usually on reprieve during the colder months.

A dedicated coalition composed of members from the surrounding neighborhood associations, our business improvement district, and the South Street MiniStation have been working diligently for months to prepare and get ahead of would-be pressure points.

What have we been doing?

• Courting resident-friendly businesses to open on South Street. If you haven’t already, check out some new friends like Sam Shaw’s Treatery, Brazas Peruvian Chicken, and Yowie Boutique Hotel.

• Supporting community policing. Lt. Steve Ricci, new commanding officer of the South Street MiniStation, has made this his mission.

• Creating community programming. Instead of heading down the shore, stay in town and enjoy some Village fun: movie nights, the Tour d’Art, and more!

• Enforcement. Coordinating with City Hall to enforce the laws already on the books.

We know Queen Village is the best neighborhood in Philly. That comes from having an active community. Thank you for everything you do and looking forward to seeing you around the Village this summer!

Cait Allen

An Officer and a Gentleman

By Cait Allen

Meet Lieutenant Steve Ricci, a 10year Philadelphia Police Department veteran and new commanding officer of the South Street MiniStation. Though this is his first appointment to the Third Police District, he’s hardly new to the neighborhood, visiting South Street throughout his youth. QVNA president, Cait Allen, sat down with Lt. Ricci to learn more about him and his hopes for the Village.

Cait Allen: This is your first appointment to the MiniStation?

Lt Steve Ricci: Yes. I spent time down here as an officer, but I actually grew up coming to South Street. I used to skateboard down here and would go to the tattoo parlors on Fourth Street.

CA: What’s it like now that you’re coming back to run the MiniStation?

SR: It’s a little surreal, to be honest. Working in a place where I used to come as a kid. But South Street has such an amazing history, I’m grateful to get to be a part of it.

CA: What made you want to be a police officer?

SR: I really liked action movies when I was a kid. Especially “buddy cop” movies like Bad Boys. They were so much fun. But then I grew up and learned more about what being a police officer is really like and how they help people. And that’s what I wanted to do.

CA: What are your hopes for the neighborhood?

SR: It’s really important to me for South Street to be a thriving commercial corridor. But that can only happen if people feel safe to come down here. That means a couple different things. First, is obvious-

ly addressing the crime and holding the people who break the law accountable.

But just as is important is for me and my officers to be seen as part of the community. Getting to know the nearby neighbors and business owners. Trying to get the same officers down here so people know them and we know the people coming to enjoy the Street.

We’re also trying to come to community events whenever we can.

CA: Tell me more about that.

SR: Some of us were fortunate enough to participate in the Courtyard Mentor Network — a program that mentors young men in the neighborhood. We did one workshop to explain more about what being a police officer is like and to hopefully encourage them to want a career in law enforcement. We’re hoping to make it a regular thing and already have some events planned this summer.

CA: What do you foresee as your biggest challenges?

SR: I wish our staffing levels were higher. I know people get frustrated when we can’t get there quickly. Please know that we’re frustrated too. And we wish we could respond to every call right away. But it’s important to keep calling 911 so we have a record of what’s going on.

CA: When should people call 911?

SR: Any time you’re in a situation when you feel like you need an officercall 911. If you feel unsafe or witness a crime, call. Every call will eventually be answered, and we will respond as soon as we can. But if you don’t call, we have no way to really keep track of what’s going on in an area. ■

For dates of Lt. Ricci’s Question & Answer sessions with QVNA, subscribe to the weekly eNews at qvna.org/enews-signup

Lieutenant Steve Ricci of the South Street MiniStation.

Growing Tiny Minds

By Hilary Young

If you’ve passed by the corner of East Passyunk Avenue and Fitzwater Street, then you’ve probably noticed the large planter boxes sitting outside of the Beanstalk School. The school, which opened its doors eight years ago, doesn’t limit lessons to the confines of the classroom. Instead, the goal is to integrate horticulture education with action – both at home and in the community.

“We believe that children learn by discovering and enjoying experiences both inside and outside of the classroom,” says Marjori Carroll, Head of School for Beanstalk.

That philosophy helped school leaders redirect engagement when the pandemic hit, by creating a participation module around gardening that kids could work on at home.

“We follow a curriculum, but it’s all hands-on project-based learning that’s really child-initiated and teacherfacilitated,”explains Monique Roye, Assistant Director. “We do this by creating a learning environment that connects to real-life interactions”

Plant management provided the perfect real-life interactions, when pandemic constraints limited in-person learning. Thus, the school-wide horticultural initiative was born. It began with Beanstalk leaders dropping off small planter boxes at each family’s home. “The kids could decorate and make it their own,” explains Roye. “Each family got a different type of crop to grow – it was a big hit!”

After returning to the classroom, Carroll’s husband aided in building

larger planters outside the school for the kids to continue their green thumb lessons.

The horticulture experiment was integrated into the curriculum and has continued to grow (no pun intended) over the past few years. Now, after planting and growing their crops, each class replants their vegetables in a bed outside of the school. Eventually, the kids harvest their crops, cook a meal with their bounty, and invite the Beanstalk families to join in the fun.

“We’re an urban community, so no one really has a lot of space at home or enough dirt to grow their own fruits and vegetables,” says Roye. “It’s been amazing to see how excited the kids have been with the whole experience.”

“And the learning is all connected to a real experience,” Carroll says. “We stream through horticulture; from language to science, cooking to environmental awareness; the kids are getting more out of it than just gardening.”

In an effort to take the enthusiasm for horticulture into the wider Queen Village community, the school has engaged local businesses to participate in a composting project.

“It all ties back into the community and creating a sense of responsibility for others,” says Carroll. “We want to develop character in addition to laying the foundation of education.” ■

For more information about the Beanstalk School visit their website at https://www.beanstalkschool.com

Little minds are growing big ideas at the Beanstalk school.

Photos by Maxine Mayer

Celebrating 45 Years of Art and Community at 3rd Street Gallery

By Patricia A.L. Ehrensal

Queen Village has long been the epicenter for the creative and unique, so it’s a natural fit to add art galleries amongst the ranks of funky boutiques and nationally recognized restaurants. 3rd Street Gallery is honored to find its home here, and what a warm welcome it’s been over the last four years! But the history of 3rd Street Gallery stretches beyond these years- and its current location.

Passersby of the gallery on 3rd Street (between Bainbridge and South streets) may not realize that on June 15, 3rd Street Gallery will turn 45, making it one of the oldest artist cooperatives in Philadelphia. That’s because the gallery was originally incorporated in 1978 as a women’s cooperative, at the corner of 3rd and Bainbridge Streets, (currently the Queen Village Dental Center), hence the name. In 1995, the cooperative was re-incorporated, expanding the membership to include men. But the gallery would take a little tour of area neighborhoods before settling into its current home.

A Little History of a Long Time

In the early 1990’s, 3rd Street Gallery moved to North 2nd Street to become part of the burgeoning gallery district being established. There, it operated under the name “3rd Street Gallery on 2nd” first at 58 N 2nd, then at 45 N 2nd from 2014-2018. The purpose of the gallery, then and now, is to offer a community and exhibition space for area artists at all stages of their careers.

Fast forward to 2019, 3rd Street Gallery recognized that South Street and its surrounding neighborhoods had the location and the vibe to help the collective welcome even more patrons appreciative of our art. On June 7th that year, we “returned home” taking up residence at 610 S 3rd Street with our first show aptly titled, “Back on 3rd Street.”

Back Home in Queen Village

Since returning, we’ve been warmly welcomed by neighbors; from the South Street Headhouse (SSHD) business district and Queen Village Neighbors Association (QVNA), to locals near and far. It’s been a thrill participating in SSHD events such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Trick-orTreat, Shambles Markets, and the South Street Festival. QVNA has been especially welcoming by including 3rd Street

Gallery in the 2022 and 2023 Tour d’Art experiences.

We knew it was special to be back in Queen Village, but never expected the good vibes here to extend to filmmaking. When a Temple University student approached with her idea for a dark comedy about a gallery owner who takes extreme measures for a good review, we jumped at the chance to offer the space for the setting of “The Appraisal.” The short independent film, written and directed by Theresa Hamilton, premiered at our location in February. We’re looking forward to being highlighted in another project, “Hazy, Hot and Stupid,” an independent film by Michael Macera and Tony McCall, set for filing in June.

Today, artists of our collective include both women and men, ranging in age from late 20’s to octogenarians, with two members of the original womens’ cooperative.

3rd Street Gallery at 610 S. 3rd Street

Photo courtesy of 3rd Street Gallery

It’s difficult to sum up the type of art you’ll find at any given moment here, because the mediums range from traditional landscapes, still lifes, and portraits; to abstracts and the avant-garde. Exhibited pieces include two- and three-dimensional works, as well as a range of media: oils, pastels, photography, mixed-media, and ceramics.

Time to Celebrate

There are many events planned to mark our historic 45 years. In June, come peruse the exhibits of three of our longest standing members: Kristine Flannery, Carol Albrecty and Conny Parsons. And we are thrilled that the QVNA Tour d’Art is scheduled to be held during our Birthday Week! We will also be hosting a Birthday Party for the Gallery in June and come August, we’ll present a “Past and Present”

show, with past members invited to exhibit work alongside current artists.

The gallery is set up in such a way to allow us to showcase individual member artists when you first enter, but also ongoing group exhibits as you make your way through the space. Mark your calendar for the First Friday of each month to see new shows. If Sundays work better for you, plan on visiting the Opening Receptions on the first Sunday of each month. If a particular artist resonates with you, you’re invited to attend any of our Artist Talks and receptions (recorded Artist talks can be found on our website). This guarantees you’ll always find something new to see, so visit often.

The theme of the 3rd Street Gallery is community art; the community artists can create amongst themselves and the community they can weave beyond

themselves. It’s an artist-owned and run organization with no paid employees; so for anyone who stops by the gallery, it is an artist who will be answering any questions. When a show needs to be put up or taken down, we roll up our sleeves to get the work done. It’s easy to do these things when you’re operating on the firm belief that art is for everyone. That is why we strive to make art that is accessible physically and financially. The end goal? A place for artists and visitors to engage in the conversations that art can inspire. ■

3rd Street Gallery is located at 610 S 3rd Street. Hours: Fridays 4-7:30 pm, Saturdays 1-5:00 pm, Sundays 12-4 p.m. Join the celebrations of 45 years making art and community! See events at www.3rdstreetgallery.com

Rain, Recycling and Robust Community Support for QVNA’s Bi-annual Event

Photos by Mariska Koruba

The rainy weather could not dampen neighbors' enthusiasm to do something more to mark the end of Earth Month on Saturday April 29th. Many thanks to Rep. Mary Isaacson and Councilman Mark Squilla for sponsoring the shredding and eCycling event on Car-

penter's Walk. And thanks to the innovative niche recycling organizations in our fair city that came out to represent all that can be: TerraCycle, Bottle Underground and Bennett Compost. We are better for your efforts, and the community responded! Here are some highlights. ■

Rep. Mary Isaacson and Councilman Mark Squilla with QVNA’s President Cait Allen and Executive Director Kate Micklow Harwan plus representatives from TerraCycle, Bennett Compost and Bottle Underground

After the fire

Almost a year after a devastating fire on South Street, two corridor anchors will rise, like phoenixes from the ashes

Words and photos by Austin Bening

Cheese Steaks are forged on hot griddles. Ceramics and glass are baked and blown in kilns.

A Phoenix rises from its own ashes. Fire can be a force for new beginnings. It’s hard to remember that when two South Street favorites go up in smoke.

Jim’s Steaks and the Eye's Gallery are Philadelphia institutions that provided a unique combo of sensory satiation on

the corner of 4th and South for decades. Sweet smells of chopped steak wafted down the block like olfactory sirens. Lines of the hungry and the feasting would file like a well oiled machine inside and out of Jim’s stainless steel doors. Meanwhile, those on a more artistic pilgrimage could follow the mosaics from the Magic Garden east to the Eye's Gallery to enjoy Julia Zagar’s curated collection of mustachioed

masks, luchador adornments, specialty clothes, and other unique folk art features. Together they stood as a fitting odd couple, one chrome and one monochrome; a Cheesesteak Mecca with art deco minimalism, the other an explosion of color, light, and artistic curiosities. But it took disaster to bring them even closer.

On July 29th, 2022 an electrical fire crawled up the walls of Jim’s and smoke

A view from inside Jim's Steaks with owner Ken Silver in the doorway

seeped into both buildings. The fire department put out the fire, but also covered walls and filled basements with water. Mold quickly followed. Thus, the day came where it was too much, and Julia Zagar called Ken Silver, wondering if he’d like to buy Eye’s.

“It took me several months, about three months, to realize that that building was gone. I was so sad. It was just gone. The smell was awful,” said Julia Zagar. But she looks around and smiles at their new gallery. “It’s kind of exciting, too. It’s like doing a theater set. We had a theater set at 402 South Street. It came down. The piece was over. And it took me a while to get over that. And we started a whole new theater,” just down the block at 327 South Street.

Eye’s was the Zagars gallery and shop, but was also the home to their children. It was the lab for their earliest creative work and has been an artist’s hub for over 50 years. But Julia embraces the freedom that comes with shrugging off years of previous work and expectations of a place that held so much history. At 327 South Street, there are recognizable motifs in the set design of this new performance; the curved banister of Eye’s old stairwell is stationed behind the familiar counter and register, but now there are white walls, giving the collection a new pop. Isaiah has even fashioned a new walkway to bring a touch of the old approach. While there’s less space, Julia

appreciates that it’s open - everything is on display at once. And for an octogenarian artist and gallery owner, it feels like a new beginning that’s as manageable as it is earned, surrounded by all of us cheering for its success. Being less than a block away from the old spot doesn’t hurt either, but that’s under new management.

Eyes on the Jim’s Steaks and the Future

Back on 4th and South, Ken Silver takes in the now disemboweled Jim’s Steaks from behind reflective aviators. “We’d be more than full right now,” says Silver. The emptiness is resounding to the neighbors. The owner of Alyan’s, across 4th, asks when he’d see people crawling all over the street again. A nearby jewelry store owner cautiously inquires how everything’s going. They’re all anxious. Jim’s is responsible for bringing one million customers annually to South Streethungry people willing to line up and pay cash-only for Philadelphia’s premiere cu-

linary attraction. Everyone feels the pain in their pocket books and store fronts.

But Silver and his team have big plans, starting with the addition of the former Eye’s Gallery as a part of their restaurant. Two buildings will become one, a merging of black, white, and infinite color. Ken is quick to point out the history: these buildings were a single warehouse at one point, later subdivided into six different units, redefined back into two and now, finally, back to one. The acquisition of Eye’s feels just as fortuitous, having been neighbors now for decades. As kids, Silver’s brother and the Zagar’s son had played together between the buildings. Ken had even said to Julia and Isaiah, years prior, something to the effect of “when you’re ready to retire, make us your first call.”

But no one’s retiring here. As we walk into the skeleton of Jim’s, the road ahead will require a lot of hard work, but Silver looks up, excited for the future. The unified buildings give him the opportunity to make the entire back room and basement

“It took me several months, about three months, to realize that that building was gone. I was so sad."

Silver inside the emptied Eyes Gallery

a prep area. No longer will someone have to leave the storefront on South to enter the store room on 4th. Bearing beams will be replaced. Even the old grill will have a second life as a dining table. It will most certainly be a more efficient operation, all with the same aesthetic and service people have come to expect. Would he change this future for what they had if he’d been given the choice? Not in a million years. But he’s making lemonade.

Then comes the part that I’m most excited for: the walk through the old Eye’s Gallery. As he unlocks the door, Silver describes the plans to make the old storefront windows into little dining spots looking out onto south street. He points to all the things that are staying; works that will be farmed by the Magic Garden team to put back on display at that site. His reverence for the Zagars is clear as he shows off a back room walled with Isaiah’s early works. What’s changing? Well, there will be a door between the two spaces. The second story windows will be replaced to match Jim’s with chrome detail between the doors to unify the spaces. In many ways Silver has donned the mantle of this building’s former occupant, picking up the pieces and putting them back together to make something entirely new while maintaining much of what was.

But as much as I’d like to project, Silver’s pretty clear about what he’s most excited about: slinging sandwiches. There’s definitely money to be made, but it’s also about all that comes with the money. South Street is a complex ecosystem where people respect the cohesive tapestry of the offerings. Jim’s plays a definitive role, one that promises lines around the corner and intoxicating smells that go even further. It feels like everyone on the block is excited for the cheesesteaks to return, too. Silver’s hoping for later this year. We’re all keeping our fingers crossed.

Ken Silver with Isaiah Zagar and Julia Zagar (far left) in the new Eyes Galler location

Ken Silver explains renovation plans for connecting the two buildings

The Anchors Remain

As the year mark nears, new beginnings approach. Two of South Street’s mainstays are getting another act. For Zagar and the Eye’s team, it is an unexpected encore. For Silver, it is Cheesesteak Mecca Mosaic, an addition that was always hoped for, but came quite unexpectedly. For all of us out on the sidewalk, it is a chance to have our cake and eat it too; we can mosey from Magic Gardens, grab a cheesesteak at Jim’s, and continue to the new Eye’s Gallery - a tour de force of sensory maximalism. The Zagars and Silver all want you to know that they’re not going anywhere - be patient and they’ll get there.

In this gritty city, disastrous moments lead to silver linings. You can get burned, but there’s often a neighbor to help pick up the pieces. And these broken pieces? With a little cement they become a mosaic, full of broken mirrors, defunct griddles, and an old street. South Street’s resiliency is more defined by its ability to recover than to withstand, to find new positions for old things. It’s a place whose coffers are rich with its own history rather than the ledgers of pure profit and loss. It’s a place where commerce and community align because of necessity and symbiotic simplicity. And now we all get to be part of the next chapter -I’ll have mine “wizwit”. ■

South Street is a complex ecosystem where people respect the cohesive tapestry of the offerings.

In a Famiglia Way

The next generation takes the lead for a South Street culinary legacy

Words & photos by Michael Allen

Anew energy is emerging on South Street fueled by the entrepreneurial spirit of a new generation. Giana Frusone, Manager of La Nonna (214 South Street), and third generation of a local restaurant family, is one who embodies that sense of rebirth and the

blending of new ideas with tradition.

To understand La Nonna today, you must first travel back to the Frosinone countryside outside of Rome. There, two brothers grew up under the watchful eye of their mother, Clelia. Younger brother Giancarlo Frusone would be -

come a professional ballroom dancer, while Sandro Frusone embraced a love of cooking. When they came to the United States and settled in Philadelphia, Giancarlo helped his brother Sandro realize his dream by opening San Carlo’s, which long-time Queen Villagers will no doubt remember. Clelia joined them and reinforced the old-world expectations of handmade pasta and hearty cooking. “My grandmother used to scoff at fancy food assembled with tweezers,” Giana says. “She’d say ‘if you want that, go to a museum. If you want good food, come here.’”

“All the recipes live in my uncle’s head,” Giana says, “but one by one, he is showing them to me. Of course, nothing is measured!” The Roman cuisine harkens back to favorite childhood dishes. “Nonna always enjoys vegetables, and that’s why we serve green beans and carrots with the bread.” The crunch and tang rouse you into a state of keen anticipation for the dishes to come.

“The Caesar dressing is a special family recipe,” Giana says. It arrives creamy and rich with anchovy. We think of salt air in the hills overlooking the sea as fishermen, down below, are mending nets and looking out to sea. “The artichokes are a Roman tradition,” Giana says. We love the lemon and the red splash of cherry tomatoes. The appetizer is light but feels wonderfully decadent.

The entrees are cleared and although Giana warned that the Beef Bolognese from Rome is not the usual approach to the dish, we were surprised and captivated. The meat sauce is creamy, gravy-like, and full of beef flavor, like the Italian answer to beef stroganoff. Next, the signature gnocchi are as large as clouds against a sky of buttery blush sauce. We understand why Sandro’s recipes transcend a measuring cup!

Giana will reminisce about her nonna making gnocchi in the back of the restaurant with her long white hair and big wool shirt. Then, Giana is six years old, running around and bothering her. Nonna yells, exasperated, but follows up the reprimand with sugar-covered strawberries. Yet, despite the presence of so many memories here, you can already sense Giana’s touch all around you. South Street is passing to very capable hands. Come visit Giana and the many others who are writing the next story of South Street! ■

Fettuccini Bolognese (foreground) and Nonna’s Gnocchi (background)

All Hands on Deck

Neighbors come together to to give some Earth Day TLC to Bainbridge Green

The Friends of Bainbridge Green marked the official Earth Day with an all-hands-on-deck cleaning event, kids included! It’s impressive to see what a group of like-minded neighbors can accomplish. QVNA thanks these dedi-

cated volunteers for their time and sweat equity invested in the neighborhood. Stop by to admire the well maintained Bainbridge Green and be sure to thank these dedicated volunteers when you next happen upon them on the ‘Green. ■

A New Little Library Knit Into Our Community

How Erika Flory and the Little Free Fiber Library share a passion in Queen Village

By Shelby Fisk

The next time you are walking on the 200 block of Fitzwater Street, keep your eye tracked to the south side and you’ll be sure to find italong a wrought iron fence and above a beige brick wall sits the “Little Free Fiber Library.” Curious kids might find it first, as the tan box with a clear door can be packed with colorful yarn, knitting supplies, and tutorials for knitters of any level. Either way, Erika Flory hopes you’ll stop and take in this new community concept.

At first glance, it may look familiar, as it’smodeledafter LittleFreeLibraries;community boxes scattered throughout the city’s parks and public places akin to big bird houses. They invite people to take a book or leave a book for any reading level, toddlers to adults. Surrounding Queen Village, you can find a Little Free Library at George W. Nebinger School, Cianfrani Park, and Staar Garden Playground. The Little Free Fiber Library, however, is the first of its kind in our area.

The idea for opening a Fiber Library in Queen Village came to Flory after she and her husband Michael Hauptman, (Emeritus Director of QVNA), visited the yarn shop Wild Hand, in Mt. Airy. Seeing a Fiber Library outside the store’s entrance caught Flory’s eye.

“I thought it would be nice for people in Queen Village to have their own place to share yarn, tools, and instructional books. Many fiber-oriented people tend to collect yarn and this is a good way to share the excess, especially if you’re talking about just one or two skeins,” said Flory.

Flory is obviously passionate about fiber. She’s the CFO (chief fiber officer) of Liverpool Yarns, a company she created that specializes in 100% Shetland yarn which is ethically sourced and locally spun. She also sells her own knitting patterns on Ravelry, a community social networking site for knitters.

“I’ve been knitting pretty much all my life, having been taught by my grand-

mother when I was maybe seven or eight years old. Once I mastered the basics, I haven’t stopped,” Flory explained.

Thankfully, a passion for creating things is a shared interest for Flory and her architect husband. “We walked through Cianfrani Park, where there’s a Little Library, and Micheal looked at and said ‘I can do that.’” So in their basement workshop, Hauptman did just that – designing and building the box after taking in local examples. Flory is elated with her husband’s work of art, and together, they made the Little Free Fiber Library a reality.

The plywood box, with a picture frame for a door, opened and became ready for sharing in the Fall of 2022 and it’s been a success ever since.

“It was really exciting the first time I

came out and it was empty…in a day!” For people to refill the library, “it took maybe a week,” said Flory.

While most donations are anonymous, Flory enjoys the occasional conversations amongst fellow knitters as they donate or peruse the current offerings of yarn. But visit often because any offerings are “here today, and gone tomorrow!”

Flory and Hauptman hope the box and concept of facilitating a common interest for knitting neighbors will continue to be an asset, bringing something unique and wonderful to a neighborhood their family has loved for over 35 years.

“Making things with yarn is an integral part of my life and brings me joy, and I’m pleased that the Little Free Fiber Library is getting good use,” said Flory.

Remember, leave what you can’t use, take what you need, and enjoy creating with The Little Free Fiber Library! ■

Want to start a Little Free Library of your own?

https://littlefreelibrary.org/ has information on how to start a library plus locations of existing ones. If you’d like to create a passion project of your own, visit Flory’s library to get inspired!

Connect with Erika Flory on Instagram @erikanits

Learn more about the Little Fiber Library by contacting littlefiberlibrary@ gmail.com

Erika Flory and the Little Fiber Library she and her husband created

Photo by Maxine Mayer

Growing Community in Jefferson Square Park

By Maureen Brady Weir

It often begins with just a small seed of an idea but once planted, that seed grows roots and eventually sprouts into something much bigger.

That is the case at Jefferson Square Park, where the seeds of community stewardship have started to take hold in a place that has been a part of our local landscape for well over a century. Thanks to the commitment of a small group of neighbors known as the Friends of Jefferson Square Park, it is now progressing

towards a new chapter in its long history, firmly establishing itself as a favorite neighborhood gathering spot.

History Right in Your Backyard

Queen Village resident Nicole Michaud is one of those neighbors who sees the beauty in caring for this storied green space. Active with the Friends of Jefferson Square Park for close to six years, she volunteers her time as the go-to person for the park’s beautification programs, meaning

she tends to all that grows including trees, shrubs, flowers, and even grass! Originally a native of rural New Hampshire, she grew up with a love for gardening and getting her hands in the dirt. After various moves throughout the country, she eventually put down roots here in Philadelphia where she works as an artist and lives with her husband and daughter. When asked why she became involved with Jefferson Square Park, her answer is simple: it gives her an opportunity to connect with the land.

Friends of Jefferson Square Park (from left to right) Jeb Wood, Bill Arrowood, Katherine Kelton, Devyn Caldwell and Nicole Michaud

Photo by Erin Ditmar

Located just steps away from Queen Village, Jefferson Square Park is the size of a city block and sits between Washington Ave. and Federal St. and Third and Fourth Streets. Originally constructed in the 19 th century, it has gone through several transformations over the centuries, including a period during the Civil War when it served as a busy soldier encampment. It’s undeniable that the park has been through its share of good and bad days, but there is no doubt that it’s on an upswing thanks to this core group of volunteers.

It Does Take a Village

Contrary to common belief, the city is not responsible for taking care of the park. While some basic services like emptying park trash cans and responding to 311 requests are city-sourced, all other maintenance depends on the helping hands of neighbors. In addition to Nicole, those neighbors include Bill Arrowood, Katherine Kelton, Devyn Caldwell, Jeb Bush, Jenni Himler, and Loren Thomas. Together, these neighbors roll up their sleeves to perform the essential tasks of cleaning, planting, light pruning, replacing supplies at dog waste stations, and even changing light bulbs. The to-do list is long and, as Nicole notes emphatically, there is always room for more volunteers.

Thanks to a recent grant from QVNA, the Friends group was able to hire an arborist to give much needed attention to a few of the park’s towering trees. But for all other tasks, the help of volunteers is crucial. In addition to the city’s bi-annual Love Your Park events, neighbors are welcome to join monthly clean up days on the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 pm., March through December. Questions about pitching in with the Friends’ initiatives? You can usually find Nicole in the park

on Tuesday mornings between 8am and 10am during the spring and fall (all weather permitting).

But if soil, plants, and trees are not your thing, another mission for the volunteers is providing community programming. Since the park serves as a bridge between Pennsport and Queen Village, it’s an ideal location for bringing neighbors together. During the holidays, the Friends of Jefferson Square hosts an annual lighting celebration as well as a tree recycling event. During the warmer months, you’ll find Bocci league games, yoga classes, and folks simply enjoying a little urban nature. Expanding the park’s event offerings to include kids’ activities and live music is high on the wish list and a great volunteer opportunity for anyone interested in helping the Friends group bring these additional programs to life.

Be the Change You Want to See

For more information on Jefferson Square Park and volunteer opportunities, visit https://jeffersonsquarepark.org/. You can also submit donations to assist with various costs such as compost, lighting, grass seed, dog waste bags, leaf bags, trash bags, equipment, fencing and event costs. The group is also working towards purchasing a message board and additional benches. It’s a great way to support the work these volunteers do to keep the park a destination for us all.

As our local community continues to look towards the future, Nicole’s reference to connecting to the land is as important as ever. Caring for the land provides an opportunity to connect with one another. By connecting with one another, the seeds of our community can only grow stronger. And a good place to start is right around the corner at Jefferson Square Park. ■

Spring Strut down South Street

Photos by Erin Ditmar

If you attended the Easter Promenade, sponsored by the South Street Headhouse District, you’ll know that no one celebrated the holiday fanfare quite like Queen Village. Here are some highlights:

Black History to appreciate anytime around South Street

A self-guided tour lets you appreciate Black history any and all days of the year

By Nicole Maley Photos courtesy South Street Headhouse District

South Street would not have its indelible cultural impact on Philadelphia without the influence of black creators and community members. The South Street Headhouse District has offered a way for neighbors to learn and pay tribute to this year-round with “Black History on South Street: A Self-Guided Tour.”

Begin your tour at 10th and South - the original location of Engine Company #11, Philadelphia’s all-Black fire-fighting unit segregated from 1919 – 1952. Prior to 1917, the city only employed a single black firefighter. By 1923, Engine #11 had 20 black firemen. Despite discrimination and poor treatment, the men of Company 11 distinguished themselves with their service.

As you head east on South Street, you’ll see the historical marker of Octavius V. Catto (1839 – 1871), at 812 South Street. A respected activist who lived at this location, Catto was assassinated in an 1871 riot, while urging his black neighbors to vote on Election Day. In 2017, the City erected a statue of Cato on the southwest corner of City Hall to commemorate his work.

The next stop is the wonderfully detailed mural honoring W.E.B. Du Bois at the current location of Engine Company #11 (601 South Street). “Mapping Courage,” by Willis Humphrey, artistically translates Du Bois’s groundbreaking work from 1896 - 1897, investigating

Philadelphia’s Seventh Ward. At that time, Philadelphia had the second largest Black population in the US, many of whom lived in the Seventh Ward (7th Street to the Schuylkill River between South and Spruce Streets). Du Bois’s study, commissioned by the University of Pennsylvania, meticulously examined the social conditions and challenges faced by the African American community; his findings became the celebrated book, “The Philadelphia Negro.”

During the study, Du Bois and his family lived in a one-room apartment at 617 Rodman Street. And the historical marker at this location is the next stop on your self-guided tour. Du Bois was a diligent researcher for Penn, even missing the

birth of his son to complete the investigation. In his conclusion, he praised Penn for being the first educational body to study issues faced by a Black community in a single locality. However, Du Bois also resented the University for not offering him a permanent teaching position; he ultimately left Philadelphia for a professorship at Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University).

Continue with a detour off South Street to visit the Mother Bethel African Methodist Church at 6th & Lombard streets. Founded in 1794, Mother Bethel was one of the first African American churches in the United States. Richard Allen, one of the founders, was a former slave and later became the first Bishop of an African American denomination in the US. The basement museum of the church

houses Reverend Allen’s tomb as well as intriguing artifacts such as muskets from Black troops raised during the War of 1812. Most impressively, the Mother Bethel site is the oldest piece of land in the country continuously owned by Black Americans.

Near Mother Bethel is the historical marker for the Free African Society (419 S. 6th Street), founded by Allen and Reverend Absalom Jones. James Forten, also a member of the group, is the focus of a special exhibit “Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia,” at the Museum of the American Revolution (101 S 3rd St).

Heading back to South Street (and the 21st century), snap a quick picture of the, “Avenue of the Roots.” The street sign, at the intersection of East Passyunk and South Street, was dedicated in 2020 to mark the location where the Philly hip

hop legends, (and Creative and Performing Arts High School classmates), got their start. It’s hard to believe that Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter could be found busking on this street corner; rapping and playing bucket drums for any passerby to enjoy, when they now help host the Tonight Show on nationally syndicated television.

To continue your tour, cross Passyunk to 5th and Kater Streets .On the outside of Nocturnal Skateshop, is the red-white-and blue mural of Philadelphia skateboarding legend, Roger Browne, (612 S 5th street), painted by Philly-based artist, Jim Houser.

Next, head south to a popular destination, Philly AIDS Thrift. Outside the store, (but even better viewing across the street), look up to take in the mural “All At Once.” Painted by Ali M. Williams, the mural pays tribute to seven departed members of the Black Philadelphia transgender community. The beautiful painting was created in partnership with the Morris Home - the only residential recovery program in the US to offer services specifically for trans communities. Nizah Morris, Morris Home’s namesake, is depicted in the mural.

Head to 4th and Fulton streets to find “Harmony and the Windows of Curiosities,” a mural painted by local artist Conrad Booker in 2012. Booker was inspired by 19 th century maps of Philadelphia, especially Fulton Street’s original name, “Harmony Street.” The artwork was truly a community effort as Fulton Street neighbors banded together to raise funds and approached QVNA for a grant to help finish the job. Thanks to Booker, a blank wall was transformed into a beautiful Queen Village butterfly sanctuary.

End your walking tour with a little East Coast swing, stopping by the filming locations highlighted in the music video of Boyz II Men’s iconic 1991 “Motownphilly.” Snap a picture in the same spots where the Philly R&B quartet filmed “cooling on South Street:” driving past 3rd and South Street as well as under the Headhouse Shambles at 2nd and Lombard - where you can also buy fruits and vegetables at the SSHD weekend Farmers Market!

Take a summer afternoon break to appreciate Black History on this thoughtprovoking tour of South Street and the surrounding area. Along with walking this historic district, you can ensure Black History continues to thrive by supporting one of the many Black-owned businesses on South Street. For more tour information and a full list of Black-Owned businesses, visit https://southstreet.com/black-history-on-south-street-a-self-guided-tour ■

Searching for Grab & Go Snacks in all the right places

By Neil Izenberg

Have you ever said to yourself, “I deserve a tasty snack”?  Even without knowing you that well, I’m guessing you answered with a resounding “YES.” Snacking is among our greatest national pastimes, along with baseball, TV watching, and offering unsolicited advice.

If you love snacks, you’re not alone. According to a 2022 study from the  International Food Information Council, about three out of four Americans snack every single day. That’s hard to believe. Only three out of four? Personally, I’m a nonstop snacker. My Ancestry DNA reveals me to be 72% Eastern European, 21% Neanderthal, and 7% chocolate cookie.

If you’re thinking about a snack right now, you’ve come to the right place. Queen Village is full of places to indulge just about any gustatory hankering, including vegan. Below is a list of some great spots, with a focus on locally made or grown grab & go treats – and a few deserving of special highlighting.

Must Visit Recommendations: Special Snacking Spotlight

Aurora Grace Chocolates, 517 S. 5th Street

A delicious collection of chocolate-cherry scones, macarons, chocolate bark, deep chocolate cookies, and bonbons with flavors galore. Aurora also makes a glutenfree sorbet and a spectacular granola.

Bloomsday Café, 414 S. 2nd Street

Get thee to the take-out window at

Bloomsday Café on weekends. Their baskets overflow with housemade croissants and a variety of flaky, beautiful pastries

One produced only on Sundays is Xuixo, a deep-fried Catalan pastry filled with orange cardamom cream

Cuzzy’s Ice Cream Parlor, 618 S. 5th Street

Cuzzy’s secrets? Extra richness with almost twice the butterfat content of most ice creams made with locally sourced cream from grass-fed cows, real mint, strawberries, and other seasonal flavors. Favorites include brown butter with sugared pecans, chocolate-chocolate cake, and vegan blood orange sorbet.

Sprinkled Sweetness, 510 South 5th Street

Philadelphia-trained baker/owner Tatiana Wingate creates a range of tempting cupcakes and mini cakes – as well as custom cakes for weddings, bar mitzvahs, birthdays, baby showers, and whatever calls for a celebration. Popular picks include delightfully decorated cupcakes in many flavors and (her mom’s favorite) mini cheesecakes. They also have gluten-free brownies.

Sweet Life, 740 South Street

If you’re yearning for banana pudding or pineapple upside down cake, you’re in luck. They’re specialties of Megan and Tony Kennedy, the wife and husband team at the goodie-laden shop where they’ve been

baking for 8 years. Check out their array of freshly made small pies (the sweet potato/pecan pie is a prize-winner), mini cupcakes, and many versions of their crowd-pleasing puddings.

Feed Your Sweet Tooth: Pastry Makers And Vendors

Creme Brulee Cafe, 618 S. 2nd Street (French-inspired pastries)

Dotties Donuts, 509 S. 6th Street. (everything is vegan)

Famous 4th Street Deli, 700 S. 4th Street (cookies and humongous pastries)

Federal Donuts, 540 South Street

Greenlight Café, 518. S. 4th Street

Ox Coffee, 616 S. 3rd Street

Philadelphia Java Company, 852 S. Second Street (with touches of the Middle East)

Rally Coffee, 701 S.7th Street (Okie Dokie Donuts and pastries for food sensitivities)

Red Hook Coffee and Tea, 765 S. 4th Street (vegan and gluten-free choices with a hippy vibe)

Sam Shaw’s Treatery, 306 South Street (store-baked Koffmeyer’s Old Fashioned Cookies)

Shot Tower Coffee, 542 Christian Street (a beautiful hangout)

Three Graces, 719 E. Passyunk Avenue (shipped in daily from NY)

Your Breakfast Or Anytime Fix: Bagels (And What Goes On Them)

Philly Bagels, 615 South 3rd Street (the largest variety)

Spread, 443 South Street (Montreal-style with classic fixings and then some)

The Bagel Place, 404 Queen Street (Roast pork kimchi on a bagel? Hmmm.)

Cool Off When It Gets Warm: Ice Cream And Water Ices

Frozen Rolled Ice Cream, 511 South Street

Häagen Dazs 242 South Street

Jaslyn Gourmet Ice Cream, 347 South Street (Thai-style)

John’s Water Ice, 701 Christian Street (since 1945, open April to October)

Rita’s Italian Ices, 239 South Street (a Philly classic)

Scoop Deville, 538 South Street (hardpack, soft-serve, and vegan)

Peruse The Varied Snack Options: The Farmers’ Market

At Headhouse Square Shambles, (2nd & Pine Streets) Sundays: 10am-2pm Beechwood Farms (apples “that taste like sunshine,” plus berries, grapes, and more)

Hayday Farms (shortbreads, cookies, and surprisingly delicious roasted garlic butter cookies)

High Street Bakery (umpteen baked goods; parmesan and caramelized onion scones)

Jezabel’s (modern Argentine; empanadas, cookies filled with dulce de leche, scones)

Market Day Canelé (French-inspired savory tarts, eclairs, carrot cake, classic canelé)

Three Springs Fruit Farms (more of nature’s bounty)

Wild Flour Bakery (snack-sized products including vegan fruit bread slices)

But Wait, There’s More: Special Mentions

Fresh2Go Juice Bar and Grill, 301 South Street (made to order Smoothies)

Lightbox Café, 704 S. 4th Street (vegan everything)

Cohen Hardware, 615 E. Passyunk Avenue (unexpectedly, neighbor-made pastries at counter)

Puyero Venezuelan Flavor, 534 S. 4th Street (small Venezuelan arepas; succulent little sandwiches and pancakes wrapped around tasty ingredients)

The above were only a sampling of what you can find as you amble in and around Queen Village, searching for snacks. Did we miss your favorite? Drop us a note and tell us where, what, and why to eleanor@qvna.org

Unsolicited Advice Corner: As a pediatrician, I’m obliged to address whether eating snacks is healthy. It depends on how much you eat and how they’re made. Nutrition experts recommend a diet moderate in calories, full of fresh veggies and whole fruit, and minimally processed with limited simple carbs.

Still, an occasional snack, wisely chosen and carefully savored… now, how bad can that be?

We our Volunteers !!!

With vision and compassion for future generations, volunteers care for our our parks, playgrounds and trees.

When powerful forces threatened to divide our neighborhood, volunteers unified, fought and won the battle and saved our community.

Whether cleaning and greening; serving on a committee or the Board; contributing to our magazine; distributing the Crier; helping in the office—whether regularly or for an hour here and there—QVNA appreciates your volunteer service.

Thank You Queen Village Volunteers

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.

PATRICK CONWAY & THE CONWAY TEAM

90% OF OUR BUSINESS COMES FROM FRIENDS TELLING FRIENDS THANK YOU SINCERELY!

“Patrick did an excellent job in the sale of our house. He has strong knowledge of the neighborhood and housing market. We would have lost a lot of money on the sale of our house if Pat had not stepped in. He gave us honest and helpful advice throughout the process. He advised against reducing the price when we were told by other agents to lower our price. He is friendly, honest, responsible, and trustworthy. We truly enjoyed working him! -

Charlotte, Queen Village