QVNA Magazine (March 2015)

Blocks to Remember Discover our forgotten streets

Home Energy Audits Small repairs, big improvements

Fond Farewell Carla Puppin’s 15 years with QVNA

The Future of

Historic Fabric Row

South Street is changing and so is Redwood, the beautiful Bistro and Oyster Bar next to the TLA at 340 South. We recently repolished Redwood's warm wooden decor and crafted a new menu to complement the handsome atmosphere.

Introducing our new menu and chefs - a kitchen dream team of Executive Chef MJ Smith and Chef de Cuisine Craig Bonnett. You will find the same 24 wine-by-theglass cruvinet, the eight craft draft beer list and improved cheese and charcuterie selections. But now we feature reasonably priced entrees worthy of the title BISTRO. For our new menu and our chefs' credentials go to Redwoodphilly.com.

02

september 2014

Amy Shelanski locally sourced

All Levels Welcome Daily Classes beginners • therapeutics basics • gentle • mixed level dig hour • restoratives and more

New Student Special: 5 Classes in Two Weeks $30 410 Monroe Street Philadelphia, PA 19147 215-800-1993 • www.digyoga.com

Invested in, living in, and working for Queen Village and Greater Philadelphia.

Linking clients to their homes, their communities and to their neighbors.

c. 215.983.1414 o. 215.625.3650 f. 215.625.4721 ashelanski@spaceandcompany.com www.amy.searchphillylistings.com

spaceandcompany.com | 2200 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

march 2015

03

here’s what’s inside

queen village 2014_Layout 1 12/3/14 10:54 AM Page 4

// MARCH 2015

06

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Jeff Hornstein weighs in on the upcoming mayor & city council elections and bids farewell to QVNA’s Executive Director Carla Puppin.

09

SUNDANCE 2015: THE THREE BEST FILMS I SAW IN PARK CITY

10

THE FUTURE OF HISTORIC FABRIC ROW

12 13 14 15 16 17

Queen Village film critic Piers Marchant shares his top three films from the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

Known for its textile-based history, Fabric Row looks to reinvent itself as an anchor of the Queen Village and South Street neighborhoods of the future.

FAREWELL TO CARLA PUPPIN After 15 years of service to our community, we bid farewell to our long-time Executive Director who shares anecdotes from her tenure.

YOUR GREEN GUIDE TO BEAUTY & WELLNESS

Downtown Cheese

Salumeria

READING TERMINAL MARKET MON–SAT 8–6 & SUN 9–5 • $4/2HR PARKING • 12TH & ARCH STREETS • 215-922-2317

www.readingterminalmarket.org

Juliene Featherman shares tips about eco-chic, sustainable, all natural and all organic beauty, health and wellness.

BLOCKS TO REMEMBER

Known as “Forgotten Blocks,” some streets in Philadelphia more closely resemble the developing world than a first-rate city. This is true even in Queen Village, one of the city’s finest neighborhoods.

WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT

Knowledge and Experience Combined with Your Best Interests in Mind

Michael Harris, the Executive Director of the South Street Headhouse Business District, welcomes two new businesses to the district.

PLAYING INDOORS IN PHILADELPHIA Katie Lockwood explores two local businesses that offer indoor play areas for small children.

THE JOURNEY TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY Two residents complete their energy audit journey and tell neighbors if it was worth it.

* COVER IMAGE BY THE COMMUNITY DESIGN COLLABORATIVE

04

Valley Shepherd

march 2015

Five year Five Star Award Winner Philadelphia Magazine

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

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

3rd and Pine St. 215.925.5968 stpetersphila.org

Celebrate Easter with St. Peter’s Sunday, April 5 9 a.m. Children’s Service at St. Peter’s School 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist in St. Peter’s Church View www.stpetersphila.org for more information about Lenten programs and Holy Week services

Your Neighbor. Your Realtor.

From the restaurants to the playgrounds we love, I know our neighborhood and why it’s great!

Need to Know More? I am in the Neighborhood.

Gary Mintz, REALTOR® Gary@GaryKnowsPhilly.com 215.870.3199 c 215.627.6005 o Philadelphia Magazine 5 Star Award Winner for Customer Satisfaction Multi-Million Dollar Producer on the Conway Team A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

march 2015

05

a letter from

the president

BY JEFF HORNSTEIN

money” made possible by the Citizens United decision.

It has been an unusually slow start to the 2015 campaigns for city council and mayor.

With Council President Darrell Clarke and Controller Alan Butkovitz deciding to opt out, and the abrupt ending of the shortlived campaign of Ken Trujillo, the path was paved for 6-term Councilman Jim Kenney to throw his hat in the ring, joining former District Attorney Lynne Abraham, State Senator Anthony Williams, ex-Nutter spokesperson Doug Oliver, former City Solicitor Nelson Diaz, and former State Senator Milton Street. In addition, there are at least a dozen candidates vying for 7 at-large council seats. This will be a short and intense campaign season, fueled by the smallest quantity of campaign cash we’ve seen in modern Philadelphia history.

As of this writing, not a single mayoral candidate had even half a million dollars in the bank, a fraction of what each of the major candidates raised by this time in 2007. With strict campaign finance rules putting a damper on campaign contributions, pundits are speculating about the impact of unregulated “dark 06

march 2015

In order to give our community an opportunity to participate fully in the electoral process, QVNA is working with our fellow civics in the Philadelphia Crosstown Coalition (PCC) on a number of fronts.

For the first time ever, the PCC is circulating a questionnaire to all candidates, carefully designed to elicit positions on issues of concern to the neighborhoods, including tax policy and city finance, school district governance and finance, zoning, the disposition of vacant property, and more. Completed questionnaires will be posted on online in May. QVNA is also partnering with Society Hill, Bella Vista, Wash West, and South Street on two candidate forums: on March 18, we’ll be at Pennsylvania Hospital engaging with the mayoral candidates, and on April 16 we’ll be at Settlement Music School with the at-large candidates. As always, I encourage QV residents to get informed and get engaged; it really does matter whom we elect to City Hall.

QVNA is also participating in a first-ever summit of Friends of Neighborhood Schools, which will be held on March 14th. As of mid-February, well over 100 neighborhood school activists from more than 20 schools had registered for

the event. The goal is to build a citywide network of Friends groups to learn from and support each other in the challenging but rewarding work of assisting public schools at the grassroots. At the neighborhood level, we have been quite encouraged by the groundswell of interest being shown in Nebinger: QVNA Board member Ben Schindler convened a gathering at Shot Tower Coffee that drew a large crowd, particularly impressive because it occurred during the abortive January “snowpocalypse.”

After 15 years of service to our community we will bid QVNA Executive Director Carla Puppin adieu this April. The QVNA Board decided to convert the part-time position into a full-time one, and due to her responsibilities as a faculty member at the Curtis Institute, Carla declined to apply. Carla is a walking encyclopedia of QVNA and neighborhood history and her dedication to our village has been unparalleled. A few highlights of Carla’s tenure: she co-founded Queen Village Tree Tenders and Friends of Mario Lanza Park; helped start Friends of Beck Park and the Friends of Weccacoe; and helped bring recycling and Philly CarShare to Queen Village. Her latest accomplishment was working with the Friends of the Queen Village Greenway to win a $50,000 grant from the Commonwealth of PA that will help create a park along the east side of Front Street between Christian and Washington. In sum, QVNA is a strong organization today due in large part to her efforts.

Colonial Day Ad PRINT.pdf

1

1/30/15

2:18 PM

QUEEN VILLAGE NEIGHBORS ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 63763, Philadelphia, PA 19147 phone // 215.339.0975 • fax // 215.701.4202 email // info@qvna.org • web // www.qvna.org C

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeff Hornstein – President Amy Shelanski – Executive Vice President Duncan Spencer – Vice President Ben Schindler – Treasurer Cindy Elliott – Recording Secretary Sean Edwards Amy Grant Eleanor Ingersoll Lauren Leonard Maria Roberts Peter Ross Jonathan Rubin Frank Tavani

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

EMERITUS BOARD MEMBER Kathy Conway

QVNA STAFF Carla Puppin – Executive Director

OFFICE Weccacoe Playground Building 400 Block of Catharine Street Philadelphia, PA 19147

QVNA SOCIAL MEDIA

QVNA MAGAZINE EDITORIAL BOARD Amy Grant Lauren Leonard Peter Ross Amy Shelanski Duncan Spencer

DISPLAY & CLASSIFIED ADS 215.339.0975 advertising@qvna.org www.qvna.org/advertising

ART/DESIGN Melissa Stites

PRINTER Fireball Printing QVNA Magazine Volume 1, No. 4, is published bi-monthly (January, March, May, September, November) by Queen Village Neighbors Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (Federal ID# 23-2025152). All contributions are tax-deductible.

A trusted name in Philadelphia Real Estate for over 90 years To view all Center City properties visit our website: plumerre.com Residential, Commercial & Investment Real Estate 226 South Street, Philadelphia | info@plumerre.com | 215 Plumer Ad 4.75x4.625.indd 1

922 4200 8/26/14 8:19 AM

march 2015

07

P A G E

THE VOICE

6

of

THE VILLAGE SHORT ANNOUNCEMENTS AND LITTLE BLURBS ABOUT THINGS GOING ON IN AND AROUND QUEEN VILLAGE • A message from Carla Puppin: “To quote a line in one of my favorite Woody Guthrie songs, ‘So long, it’s been good to know yuh’ -- and it’s been good to meet and work with so many of you over the years. The mark of the strength of a community is the willingness of residents to volunteer, and Queen Village is lucky to have so many -- from Board members to Friends’ groups, Tree Tenders, and more -- and it’s been rewarding to have been a par t of that.”

• As those of you with four-legged canine friends probably know, for the past 2 years former QVNA Board members Brent Chavis and Honey Pertnoy diligently established and maintained a dog waste container program. Thanks to their efforts, there are 8 containers throughout the neighborhood, each sponsored by a local business. Due in large part to the success of the program, the QVNA Board has decided to assist with the herculean task of emptying the containers: we are pleased to announce that our sidewalk cleaning company, LRC Services, will be emptying the cans twice a week for the next several months, as a pilot program. If you are a dog owner - or not - and wish to make a donation to support this initiative, please go to www.qvna.org/dogs.

• Congratulations to MFR Consultants for being recognized as one of ten emerging growth companies in the Philadelphia region by SmartCEO Magazine. Maria Frizelle Roberts, President and CEO of MFR Consultants, is a long time resident of Queen Village resident and serves on QVNA’s Board of Directors. To learn more, visit www.mfrconsultants.com.

• Did you know that all dogs that are three months or older must be licensed? Owners who fail to license their dogs could face a fine of up to $300 for each unlicensed dog. Register your dog for a license today at www.licenseyourdogPA.com or call (717) 787-3062.

• On Good Friday (April 3rd), the Streets Department will be closed, and garbage collection will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week. During this holiday week, please do not curb your garbage or recycling in Queen Village until Friday evening for collection on Saturday.

• Society Hill Society, a restaurant that we had profiled in the January 2015 issue of this magazine, shuttered its doors shortly after the issue was sent to the printer. We will miss their inventive cocktails and delicious bites and wish the SHS staff all the best!

08

march 2015

Mike Duffy 215. 886. 6111 | Oreland, Pa 215. 725. 3637 | Philadelphia, Pa Certified Arborist PD-1766A 215. 572. 6937 | Fax www.libertytreecare.com

Sundance 2015:

The Three Best Films I Saw in Park City

BY PIERS MARCHANT

It was a mad rush of mountains, movies, moving slowly through long lines, but I returned from the thin-air of Utah last week with these three brilliant films still swirling around my head. I saw many good films in my week there; but these were the three stand-outs.

2. JAMES WHITE 1. THE WITCH 3. BROOKLYN It’s a masterful, sweeping drama about a young Irish woman (Saoirse Ronan), who travels alone to America in the early ‘50s in order to make a better life for herself, even as she desperately misses her mother and older sister. Eventually, she meets a kindly young Italian man (Emory Cohen) and falls in love, but has to return to Ireland, where she ultimately has to make a fretful decision between staying in her beloved home, or returning to the life she only half-begun across the ocean. It’s the kind of emotionally driven story that you could imagine Hollywood snapping up -- and thoroughly botching. Fortunately, the screenplay, based on the novel by Colm Tóibín and adapted flawlessly by Nick Hornby, never loses sight of the potency of the small, well-observed detail. It doesn’t demand that emotions well up in you, it just goes about the business of telling its story, and the wonderful acting and sharp screenwriting do the rest. The film quickly got picked up by Fox Searchlight, and you would have to immediately put it on the short list of next year’s major awards, as long as the studio doesn’t thoroughly screw up its distribution. (Hello, Selma.)

When Christopher Abbot left “Girls” in a seeming huff about the triviality of his character a couple of years ago, most of us shrugged and assumed he was just another kid who was too late to recognize what kind of a break he had just gotten, that is if we thought about him much at all. Turns out, he was absolutely right to leave the show and move on to more serious work. He stars in this devastating film from writer/director Josh Mond, the titular character, a wellmeaning, but hugely irresponsible young man who has a knack for making the wrong calls and forcing everyone around him to live with his bad decisions. This is especially true of his long-suffering but loving mom, played by Cynthia Nixon, whose been sick with cancer. When the disease comes back with a vengeance, it forces James to face the world a little more head-on, but not without it exacting a pretty horrific toll on him. Quick tempered and hugely impulsive, he has no place to put his anguish except upon everything else around him.

For those of us who have lost a parent, the film’s unrelenting intimacy is very nearly unendurable, but I have nothing but mad respect for a filmmaker who can look into that particular abyss so unflinchingly. This is a monster of a film, and the announcement of a phenomenal young actor, suddenly proving his earlier career choices were more than justified.

The film, all told, I waited close to three hours to see, but the damn thing is it was just about worth it. Robert Eggers’ 16th century horror story takes place in the wilds of New England, with a pilgrim family lead by a proud, God-fearing patriarch (Ralph Ineson) getting banished from their small village to forage on their own. They settle down on a clearing right on the edge of a great and malevolent forest. After their small baby is suddenly whisked away from under gaze of their oldest daughter, Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy), things turn worse and worse for the family: The crops grow fallow, the goats start milking blood, and the rest of the children are in constant peril, until the family begins to turn on itself and the accusations of witchcraft readily fly.

Expertly constructed, with a startling use of both growing, incessant sound and eerie silence, Eggers terrifying folk-tale captures a lot of the angst we feel confronting a natural world that we can’t bend to our force of will. This is one ghoulish story you most definitely do not want to tell your kids around the campfire, unless you want them huddled around you shaking and sobbing all night.

Piers Marchant is a film critic and writer based in Philly.

Find more confounding amusements and diversions at his blog, Sweet Smell of Success (http://sweetsmellosuccess. tumblr.com), or read his further 142-character rants and ravings at @kafkaesque83.

march 2015

09

THE FUTURE OF Historic FABRIC ROW

BY LAUREN LEONARD

Historic Fabric Row, also called the Fourth Street Corridor, is undergoing a renaissance. Boutiques that have taken up residence in vacant spaces between fabric stores are helping to make the area not just a mecca for sewers and crafters, but a uniquely charming shopping destination.

As the shops look to capitalize on this evolution, challenges remain namely, how to attract customers and convert them into regular shoppers.

The Community Design Collaborative, which provides pro bono preliminary design services to nonprofit organizations in greater Philadelphia, has developed a conceptual design for streetscape and facade improvement for Fabric Row. The design concept, which addresses storefront enhancements, facade treatments, and sidewalk, streetscape and public lighting improvements, will 10

march 2015

help to create an identity for the street that honors its historic legacy while giving it a more contemporary feel.

The key to establishing a unique identity is the gateway proposed at 4th and Bainbridge, which will serve as a prominent marker at the entrance to the heart of Fabric Row. The gateway would seamlessly and organically guide residents and visitors from the proposed open park space at Bainbridge Green to the Fourth Street Corridor.

One of the major design challenges addressed in the plan involves organizing street amenities such parking meters, street signs, electric poles, honor boxes, and assorted trees and planters. The proposed design

will create a new sidewalk profile that will include a three-foot wide zone adjacent to the curb for plantings, bike racks, light poles and fixtures, utility poles, trash receptacles, benches, and street signs.

The suggested improvements also involve installing “bump-outs� at key intersections to help calm traffic. These bump outs will be furnished with benches and bike racks, as well as plantings that

will create shielded areas of repose.

The proposed design also remedies deficiencies in barrier free access by creating code-compliant ADA sidewalk ramps at the intersection.

T h e p ro p o s e d d e s i g n a l s o t a k e s advantage of existing historically protected trolley poles to support ephemeral art installations that would underpin seasonal branding efforts and provide focused event/marketing opportunities to increase the corridor’s media profile.

In addition to establishing an identity, the proposed design addresses one of the major problems plaguing Fabric Row: lack of lighting. As it exists currently, lighting comes mostly from overhead street lamps designed to guide vehicular traffic rather than pedestrians. This combined with the fact that most shops close in the early evening and extinguish their interior lights means the street is entirely uninviting after dark. The lighting proposal creates an arcade or a promenade and invites pedestrians to progress down the street. One such element is vertically-mounted poles that emit slits of lights onto the facades. The result of this slit lighting is organized; rhythmic lighting that improves visibility of the street and highlights some of the gorgeous architecture. The proposal also encourages business owners to install and utilize exterior “porch� lights as well as illuminating their interiors after closing.

According to Michael Harris, the Director of the South Street Headhouse District (SSHD), the next steps in the project involve working with the City and public agencies to discuss the project design, cost estimates, and necessary approvals for the public space amenities and components of the streetscape. SSHD will work also with individual property owners to discuss and promote the storefront design concept, facade improvements, and other building issues related to the private space on the corridor.

Images by the Community Design Collaborative

march 2015

11

Farewell TO CARLA PUPPIN

BY ELEANOR INGERSOLL

In 2000, we all collectively released a sigh of relief for surviving the media-hyped Y2K. Computers were at our places of work, but not yet in every home.

Mobile phones were gaining popularity, and had just launched camera capabilities! Texting was anything but convenient.

time Puppin and a full-time staffer busy with outreach in the Queen Village, Bella Vista, and Hawthorne neighborhoods. But changes came in 2005. The outreach grant was coming to an end and Puppin would become the sole, part-time employee.

QVNA established a homepage and began sending email blasts. It also changed offices from 3rd and Fitzwater to the Weccacoe Playground Building.

projects if two adjoining blocks worked together. She has also helped launch four Friends groups; Beck Park, Moyamensing Point, Weccacoe and, as a renter in Queen Village in 1986, Puppin co-founded the Friends of Mario Lanza Park with Gail Chapman. She also organizes the annual Open House Tour. Most recently, Puppin prepared an application that resulted in a $50,000 grant for the Front Street Gateway.

Around the time of this move came one of the lesser-known but more labor-intensive projects that Puppin undertook; the QVNA Archives.

For Carla Puppin, it meant that as the newly appointed Executive Director of the Queen Village Neighbors Association, she would need to be armed with her sneakers, stapler and neighborhood newsletter, The Crier, to notify and engage the community.

“There were 72 cardboard boxes that had been in the basement of Allen Hunter, a Board President back in the ‘90’s. I went through all of those boxes to keep what was important and put it in chronological order.”

Puppin’s passion for greening and sustainability are most evident in the Tree Tenders Program she started in 2002 with Barbara Seiple. “I would walk through the neighborhood and come across entire blocks without one tree. I was already a PHStrained volunteer so I put an announcement in The Crier to see if anyone would be interested in planting trees – and people bit!” 12 years later the program is thriving with Dan Gibbon, leading twice-yearly plantings.

“The Crier was the main vehicle for disseminating information. That, and door to door flyers plus stapled public notices.”

Puppin, a PhD in Art History, was already an activist in Bella Vista when she was approached by Board Treasurer Don Ackerman about the position. He knew of her civic passion; starting block-corner recycling, creating the Friends of Bardascino Park, plus being a founding member of the Bel Arbor Community Garden. “With any of these projects, you meet people you wouldn’t have met. And you hook other people in who become as passionate as you.”

From 2000 to 2005, a grant kept part-

12

Important documents included meeting minutes spanning several decades, a copy of the 1969 Articles of Incorporation, and the 1978 501(c)3 application. But what was most valuable were the many manifestations of The Crier dating back to 1970. It was a valuable project for Puppin, “you get the sense of rhythm of a neighborhood. You can go back to the ‘70s and find the same issues as now: parking, trash, quality of life.”

In her almost 15 years with QVNA, Puppin has worked with four Board Presidents and one interim. She has been involved with two renovations at Weccacoe Playground; one completed in 2001 and one currently in the planning phase. In 2003, she created a Block Improvement Grant, which allowed neighbors to receive matching grants for

While Puppin nurtured a greener Queen Village she also witnessed a disappearance of open lots to development. The pleasant byproduct of this - “an explosion of families with young children. Parents with babies and toddlers.” Her Executive Director tenure has also trained her as a diplomat. Puppin has gotten calls about neighborhood disputes where she could not intervene but could help to mediate.

Or a call asking what to do about racoons.

A caller from Minnesota wanted to know how to pronounce Weccacoe. “It’s problem solving, sometimes just listening to them.

Connecting people, that’s at the heart of a civic.”

Thank you, Carla, for listening to and connecting us for all these years.

march 2015

YOUR GUIDE TO GREEN BEAUTY & WELLNESS

BY JULIENE FEATHERMAN

You’ve heard about it, maybe you’ve even tried it: Dry Shampoo. Many of my clients give me a vague and noncommittal response when I ask them if they’ve tried dry shampoo yet. Surprisingly, not many have. What’s more, they don’t have a clear understanding of how versatile Dry Shampoo can be! This product has been trending for the past few years. Here’s the lowdown:

1 Juliene Featherman is the owner and founder of juju salon & organics, Philadelphia’s first organic hair salon located in the heart of Queen Village. Read more of her tips about eco-chic, sustainable, all natural and all organic beauty, health and wellness at jujusalon.com.

Quick & Easy Hair Cleanser - No time for shampooing, drying and styling, but you really need to do something to your hair? Shake it on your roots and finger or brush it through your hair. Neutralizes oily roots and leaves hair smelling fresh.

2

Too Much Shampooing Has Left Your Hair Dry, Frizzy and Jacked Up. Cut back on your wet shampooing to once or twice

a week and use Dry Shampoo on off days.

Taking a break is transformative.

3

Dry Shampoo Speaks Volumes - Get fullness in 5 seconds flat! I like to carry Sevi’s mini-sized dry shampoo with me so I can refresh my style on the go. Not to worry, this stuff is light and won’t weigh down your hair.

4

Pet s, Children & O t her Stink y Creatures will love you for not tossing them in the bathtub! Enough said.

5

This One is the Best – Mask Your Grey Roots Between Color Touch-Ups. A sprinkle of Tinted Dry Shampoo at your part and hairline can fool the eye. Try Sevi’s Coffee or Cocoa formula for best results.

Pragmatic Counsel. Diligent Advocacy.

Ten Penn Center, Suite 630 1801 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19103

T: (215) 667.8011 F: (215) 914.6332

www.fungefamilylaw.com

march 2015

13

BLOCKS TO REMEMBER

BY LAUREN LEONARD In 2011 Dana and Paul Donofree moved to Philadelphia from Denver, Colorado. They learned about the city while looking for a home. They liked the walkability, proximity, and palpable sense of community in both Bella Vista and Queen Village and after doing the research—and riding their bikes to the house after dark, the most urban of real estate tests—ultimately decided to call the 1000 block of South Fairhill Street home.

South Fairhill is a narrow street in the southwest corner of Queen Village. A pocket of the neighborhood boasting halfa-million dollar homes, subsidized housing and vacant lots, the street, like Randolph and others, has for years been lacking the attention that has benefitted the rest of the neighborhood. Dubbed years back as the “Forgotten Blocks,” the Donofree’s recognized the challenges on South Fairhill, but also the potential.

As Dana recalls, at the time they moved in, the street was split almost evenly between occupied structures and vacant lots. Instead of sidewalks, many of the parcels were fronted by rubble and dirt. The street, pockmarked with potholes and sinkholes, was in dire need of maintenance. Household waste disposal was unruly, city trash pickup sporadic.

Vacant lots were havens for drug use and short dumping.

Inspired to create change, t h e D o n o f re e ’s

embraced the challenges and began the work of documenting and reporting issues.

Dana possesses a tome of correspondence between herself, her husband and city agencies related to negligence, illegalities, and gaps in service.

(At one point the two were taking turns making daily calls to city agencies.) This correspondence and her telling of the process— the dead ends, nonanswers, a precariously askance utility pole— are the stuff of comedy gold and almost incomprehensible in one of the city’s “best” neighborhoods. In spite of this, the Donofree’s have plodded along for years undeterred by inaction.

Thanks to the dogged persistence of the Donofree’s and their forebears, there are some signs of progress. Today, only four parcels are still vacant and waste is removed regularly. L&I has issued citations to absentee landlords regarding care of vacant lots and maintenance of sidewalks. The street, still more hole than actual street, is slated for re-surfacing in 2016 (yes, that’s still a year away). Both QVNA and Councilman Squilla’s office have pledged ongoing support.

committed others, will continue to build bridges, mend fences—literally in some cases—and demand action until the street is representative of greater Queen Village.

In the meantime, Dana will focus her professional attention solely on the production of her line of intimates designed for survivors of breast cancer*. She will grow her business from her home with the intention of opening a brick and mortar shop in the future. Until then, Queen Villagers would all do well to remember South Fairhill Street and do what we can to ensure her clients, colleagues and adulating press visit by way of a paved street and sidewalks. *Dana is a young survivor of breast cancer.

For more on Ano Ono Intimates visit www. anaono.com.

It would be premature and shortsighted to call this progress a victory. There is still much to do; fires to be stoked for feet to be held to. Dana says she, Paul and a few

Bill Grubb, Associate Broker 610-220-6203 direct . 610-649-4500 office Bill.Grubb@foxroach.com www.grubbadvantage.com For a Free Market Snapshot of House Values go to BestPhillyHomeValues.com

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

14

march 2015

WELCOME TO the District

BY MICHAEL HARRIS

The South Street Headhouse District is a renowned commercial corridor that has some of the best restaurants, retailers, and services in Philadelphia. This column explores two new businesses that have recently opened near the Queen Village section of the District.

DICKEY’S BARBEQUE PIT 650 SOUTH STREET | 267.273.0364 www.dickeys.com

the Thomas brothers and enjoy some a u t h e n t i c Te x a s - s t y l e b a r b e c u e .

BLINK OPTICS 415 SOUTH STREET | 267.639.2140 www.blinkoptics.com

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit prides itself on authenticity, innovation and barbecue sauce, one store at a time. Brothers KaRon Thomas & Sean Thomas have just opened the first Dickie’s Barbecue Pit in Philadelphia at the corner of 7th & South Streets.

Blink Optics - When looking good matters! Some people just talk about putting customers first. At Blink, they really mean it. They consistently look for new and different ways to improve your optical e x p e r i e n c e . F ro m t a l k i n g straight about prices to helping you find the perfect glasses for your lifestyle, our focus is on you.

Blink is the convenient way to shop for all your eyewear and sunglass needs in stylish environment by true professionals.

They carry all the most popular designer brands. Their lab allows them to quickly and efficiently fill even the most complicated prescription with the best technology and lens materials available today. At Blink, they offer a unique selection of eyewear styles from geek chic to business casual, carefully selected based on fashion trends and feedback from you.

Blink is the destination for the top brands, latest trends, exclusive styles and comprehensive sunglass service.

Every location smokes all of their meats on-site at the restaurant the same way it was done at the original restaurant in 1941. Dickey’s serves up beef brisket, pulled pork, ham, polish sausage, turkey breast and chicken, with an extensive array of home-style sides from jalapeño beans to macaroni and cheese. Buttery rolls are served with every meal along with the complimentary ice cream and dill pickles. And just like always, kids eat free on Sunday. Stop in to welcome

march 2015

15

PLAYING INDOORS IN PHILADELPHIA

BY KATIE LOCKWOOD, MD There is only so much Play-Doh, coloring, and Caillou that a parent and child can take before needing to get out of the house. Unfortunately, inclement weather can limit outdoor play possibilities, making it harder to help kids get the physical activity that they need. This series explores some of the best indoor play places in Philadelphia for you and your children to enjoy throughout the year.

NEST 1301 LOCUST STREET | 215.545.6378 www.nestphilly.com

This is an indoor playground and enrichment center with activities ranging from organized classes to open gym to a salon. One of the best features of the Nest is its variety, in that you can eat, shop,

imaginative play, as well as a birdhouse with a slide, which is as close to a backyard as most city kids get. There is also a separate adjacent space for pre-walkers, so that the older children do not trample them! Other features include clean, family friendly bathrooms, a kids table for snacking, and a counter area where parents can sit and chat while watching their kids play.

Ages: 6 weeks-6 years Bonus feature: In addition to the Snack Cafe inside the Nest, the Green Eggs Cafe is next door and offers delicious brunch, lunch, and dinner options for families.

Cons: Expensive.

Membership is $356/year; one-day play pass is $15.

They also have the ability to inflate an indoor bouncy house. The open gym sessions are a great place to introduce your little ones to gymnastics before committing to a class.

Ages: 10 mos-12 years, as well as classes for adults Bonus feature: Passport with the Queen Village Art Center can be used interchangeably with the two sites. So your little one can do Open Gym and

PHILLY INMOVEMENT 500 KENILWORTH STREET | 267.239.0844 www.phillyinmovement.com

and play all in one place. In addition, Nest hosts fun parties throughout the year, including a Halloween Nestival with costumes, treats, and music. The indoor playspace is in the basement, so it lacks natural light, but is beautifully designed to look like an outdoor green space.

It includes a variety of wooden toys and building materials that encourage 16

march 2015

This indoor space hosts classes, camps, birthday parties, and open gym throughout the year.

For $10 you get 45-minutes of Open Gym play Monday through Friday or family Open Gym on the weekends. The space is well padded and includes a variety of gymnastics equipment that your children likely don’t get to experience at other play spaces. Birthday parties are well organized for experienced gymnasts and novices alike and expose children to uneven bars, trampolines, and rings.

then Open Art Studio ($60 for 8 visits).

Cons: Hard to find! 500 Kenilworth is located between Bainbridge and Fitzwater, but you have to walk down Bainbridge between 5th and 6th to get there.

Katie Lockwood is a pediatrician and blogger, who resides in Queen Village with her husband and two children. All opinions are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

THE JOURNEY TO EFFICIENCY Over the past year, the Quality of Life Committee (formerly Sustainability) has documented the journey of two residents as they and their homes underwent energy audits and subsequent repairs. Here Melissa Donnelly and Anne Harvey share the results of the process.

MELISSA DONNELLY, 2ND & FITZWATER Last year, my husband and I completed an energy audit with MarkGroup for less than $100. We learned many things from this one-hour inspection and conversation with Gordon Clark from MarkGroup. We had no insulation in our attic or basement, air leaks around our front door, and a heater that was not ventilating properly causing it to be less efficient and allowing moisture and natural gas to travel back into the house. Since the audit, we have installed a new high-efficiency heater and insulated the attic.

The difference is night and day. Last winter, because they were so cold, I didn’t want to spend any time in our first floor kitchen and didn’t enjoy going up to our bedroom on the top floor. The change in temperature between floors in our four-story trinity was extreme.

Now, with the improvements we made as a result of the energy audit, the house is comfortable throughout. Our energy bills also reflect positive changes! I would be satisfied with just the additional comfort alone, but to knock $10-$30 from our monthly utility bill (as compared to last year) is a great bonus! The investments we made have more than paid off in terms of comfort and are paying off in our energy bills, too.

I used to hear the heater coming on several times throughout the night trying desperately, it seemed, to keep up with the cold temperatures outside with little success.

Now, I don’t even notice the heat come on and sleep peacefully and warm.

ANNE HARVEY, 2ND & MONROE Last May, as a result of an energy audit by the Mark Group, we implemented several repairs to increase our efficiency. The major work involved air sealing in the front wall of the

basement and insulation blown in the attic.

Most of the results have been subtle, but the house feels more comfortable.

The one significant difference we’ve noticed is in the basement kitchen. Typically, in the winter, there were many nights when dinner was ordered in because I simply couldn’t face cooking and cleaning up in the frigid basement. Even with a space heater and the oven on, the kitchen was the last place you wanted to be in the winter. This winter has definitely been different. Sitting at the kitchen table after breakfast reading the newspaper has become the new normal (versus taking your coffee “to go” upstairs where the heat was). We still use a space heater, but the kitchen gets warm and is pretty hospitable.

We can even have friends to dinner and not feel we need to offer them a sweater!

Mark Group indicated at the outset of our process that our house was not as energy inefficient as many similar older homes, so we were less likely to notice significant financial savings. Our January electric bill came in lower than a year ago, though without a full year’s worth of data, the financial comparisons can’t accurately be drawn. So far, we seem to be using about the same amount of energy (gas and electric) as last year—though we have definitely been keeping the house warmer during the day and overnight for our elderly cat which might factor strongly into the plateaued numbers.

I am glad we made the changes. If only because I don’t have to go up and down extra flights of stairs to refill my coffee cup on a Sunday morning. I can sit right at the kitchen table, put down my newspaper and pour my second cup without worrying about it (or me) being cold.

march 2015

17

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR NEIGHBORHOOD Good neighbors make great neighborhoods. With your help, QVNA can support, create, and maintain cleaner sidewalks, better schools, neighborhood networks, beautiful parks and contribute to special projects and respond to neighbors when they have emergency needs.

Here is my contribution to QVNA’s vitality: $40 Individual $60 Family $120 Sponsor $250 Benefactor Other $___________ Name Address City, State, Zip Phone Email Address Please send via mail to: Queen Village Neighbors Association P. O. Box 63763 Philadelphia, PA 19147 Make your check payable to Queen Village Neighbors Association or contribute online at www.qvna.org

classifieds DOG TRAINING PATRICIA BENTZ CDBC, CPDT-KA, CNWI K-9 Training & Behavioral Therapy In-home: puppy and adult behavior consultations, obedience/CGC training. K9 Nose Work group class Queen Village, Philadelphia, PA; http://www.k-9training.org pabentzz@gmail.com 215.551.5254

18

march 2015

WEB DESIGN LUCID DIGITAL DESIGNS

Web Design, Database Development, Graphic Design, and Content Management.

Pennsylvania, USA; http://www.luciddigitaldesigns.com info@luciddigitaldesigns.com 215.310.5010

our team is locally sourced.

WE’RE NOT JUST REAL ESTATE AGENTS, WE’RE ALSO YOUR NEIGHBORS. 2 2 0 0 W A L N U T S T R E E T, P H I L A D E L P H I A , P A 1 9 1 0 3 | p. 215.625.3650 | f. 215.625.4721 | spaceandcompany.com

march 2015

19

KATHY, PATRICK AND THE

M A RCH 2015 KATHY – 215.850.3842 PATRICK – 215.266.1537 www.conwayteam.com

CONWAY TEAM

90% OF OUR BUSINESS COMES FROM FRIENDS TELLING FRIENDS! HAPPY ALMOST SPRING! Lots of Flowers, Sunshine & Bunnies

The Market is certainly Budding just waiting to Burst into the Spring Market!

Rates are still low and many New Listings coming up.

Hurry, Hurry before they are all Gone.

Because of YOU - Once again as in the Past 16 Years we have been Awarded the Most Prestigious Award Attainable - THE PREA BHHS 100 AWARD. This Award is Reserved for the Top 100 BHHS Agents out of 68,000 Agents in the Entire U.S.A.

Thank You Sincerely 111-117 Walnut Street

NEW LISTING

137 N. Croskey Street

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

2 SOLD! 854 Independence Court 125 Christian Street Pristine 3 BR/3.5 BA, 2 Car Parking, Hardwood Floors, Fp, TA, 2 Decks + Patio & Meredith School District.

Circa 1803. Wonderful 4 Story Federal Period Home with Jeffersonian Grace, 6 BR, 2.5 BA, Hrwd Flrs T/O, Fp + Lovely Garden.

$499,900

$895,000

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

1025 S. Randolph Street

770-80 S. 4th Street

$669,900

MODE 7

FOUR Exquisite Properties!

Redefine your Expectation for Luxury Living in the City.

Amenities are Only the Beginning. What you have come to Expect from Luxury Homes is where we begin to Craft your Dream Home. Private Outdoor Spaces, Vast Living Areas, the Best in Kitchen Furnishings, Elevator, Private Parking for Two Full Size Vehicles! 5500 Sq Ft. Visit Our Site and Explore the Possibilities of Early Pricing and Potential Customizations to Create a One of a Kind Home.

Starting at $2,500,000 www.111walnutstreet.com

115 Catharine Street

922 Moyamensing

Fab Home with a Garage - Terrific Space, 3000 Sq Ft, Grt Kitchen, 3 BR + Lg Den Rm, Fp, Hrwd Flrs T/O, Garden and Meredith School District.

Queen Village - Terrific Deal

A lovely traditional home with many original details, exposed brick, wood floors, 3 bdrms, 1.5 bths, fireplace, full semi-finished basement + yard.

$1,125,000

305 Gaskill Street

SH Super Contemporary - Stunning Design - Light & Space, 2 Bedrooms + Lg Den, 2 Fab European Baths, Slate & Hardwood Flrs + Impressive, Peaceful Japenese Garden, (Garage Monthly Parking included�

$639,900

$379,000 RENT: $2100

1020 S. 2nd Street

744-46 S. 10th Street

$2,199,900

$1,350,000

$2,300,000

$325,000

Also includes 102 Fitzwater St – Circa 1764, beautifully restored w/ many original Architectural details, 4 bdrms, 2 bths, wd frs, fp’s + 102 Fitzwater is a 3 story, 2

717 Columbus Blvd #507

REDUCED $499,000

bdrm, 1 bth lovely home.

REDUCED $599,900

PENDING

SOLD

1422 S Front Street

500 South Front Street

Terrific Development Opportunity in the Hot Pennsport Area! Land Square Ft is 14,100 - Lot Size is 143 Wide x 100 Deep Street to Street - 2 Street Frontages Fabulous Opportunity for Residential Developement.

Lovely, Wide, Bright, Open, Spacious & Dramatic Designers Home! Lg Corner Property, 3 + In Law/Au Pair Suite, 3 Ba, Fp, Hrwd Flrs, Deck, Gaden + 1 Car Garage.

$2,000,000

PENDING

525 Catherine Street

842 S 3rd Street Queen Village - 1 Left 4100 Sq Ft, 20 x 86, 4/5.5, 4 Fp’s Hrwd Flrs T/0, 4 Dks, Lg Grdn, Garage Prkg, Tax Abatement & Meredith School District.

Perfect for Sharing! 2 Large Bedrooms, 2 Baths + a Full Basement, W/D, Gas Heat, Central Air & Hardwood Floors T/O. $1800

$489,900

QV Super Duplex. Either Unit could be Owners Unit each with Private Entrance, Terrific Details, Light & Space.

Spectacular Home. 3 BR, 3.5 BA, 3 Fps, Hrwd Flrs, Finished Basement & Meredith School District.

942 South Street

Lovely 3 Story Home, 2 Bedrooms + Lg Den, Beautiful Kitchen, Bath & Powder Room + a Fabulous Tree House Deck.

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!

833-35 S. 3rd Street

REDUCED $1,415,000

Fabric Row! 3.5 Story Building with Multiple Commercial Units + 4 Apartments and an Adjacent garage.

758 S. Front Street - 102 Fitzwater Street

$499,000

$689,000

238 Queen Street, #5

A Lovely 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo tucked away in a Courtyard with 1 Car Deeded Parking, Hardwood Floors, Deck & Meredith School District.

212 Brown Street (American Lofts) Location & Views! 1,2, & 3 BR, High Ceilings, & Terrific Design. Starting at $1500

REDUCED 501 South 5th Street

1912 Pine Street, #5

FOR MORE INFORMATION & A LIST OF OUR INVENTORY, PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS, OPEN HOUSES & VIRTUAL TOURS.

& 1 Car Parking

Rittenhouse Square! 2 BR, 2 BA Bi Level Apartment, New Carpets & Central Air. $2300

$1,350,000

114 Kenilworth St

Great Block! Great House! Beautiful Traditional Home. 2800 +/- Sq Ft, 4/2.5, Hrwd Flrs T/O, FP, Lovely Garden & Terrific Large Deck, Meredith School District

$689,000

PENDING

760 S. Front Street

Circa 1765, beautifully restored & retains many of the original authentic details, 4 lovely bedrooms, 1 1/4 bths, original flooring, fp & lovely garden. Much to observe & appreciate

REDUCED $549,900

SOLD

1104 Rodman Street

Beautiful Home, 25 Ft Wide,3 BR, 3.5 Ba, Hrwd Flrs, 2 Decks, Balcony + 2 Car Garage parking.

$879,500

$320,000

$849,999

RENTED 614 South Front Street

WWW.CONWAYTEAM.COM

$975,000

210 Spruce Street

Society Hill!

Circa 1789 - 3100 Sq Ft Pristine Perfect Period Restoration. Corner Property, 3 bedrooms + family room + 2.5 spa baths.

Wood Floors, 5 Fp’s, lovely English Garden

PENDING

QV! Incredible River Views, 5100 Sq Ft, 4 BR, 5.1 Ba, Fp, Elevator, Garden + 1 Car Garage. $6400 Society Hill! 2 Bedroom, Bi Level, 1200 Sq Ft, Central Air & Landscaped Garden. $1980

227 Montrose Street

Beautiful Home, 3 BR, 2.5 BA, Hardwood Floors T/O, Fireplace, Deck & Potential Parking.

912 S 2nd St thru to 911 E. Moyamensing Ave

Queen Village - 40 x 91. A Country Estate in the City. A Mansion Home + a Huge Attached Lot. 7/5.1, Gardens on Gardens & 4 Car Parking

$1,395,000

RENTAL S

Live Your Dream in this Special European Influenced 5500 Sq Ft Home - 2 Car Parking, Elevator from Floor to Roof, 5 Bedrooms, 4 Full Spa Baths, 2 Powder Rooms, Chef ’s Dream Kitchen, Fireplace, 2nd Kitchen, 2 Decks & Garden & Tax Abatement. Semi Private Quiet Cul De Sac Street between 23rd & Race.

SOLD

SOLD

Award Winning Double Property. Mansion Home. 37 Wide x 112 Deep, 4900 Sq Ft, 5/3.5, Fp, Details, Tons of Character, Country Gardens & 2 Car Parking.

A Must See.

by Masada Custom Builders

Dockside - Lovely Pristine North Facing SNOCKEY’S 103 year Old Oyster House! Your change to Buy a Terrific Investment and a True Unit. 1304 Sq Ft, 2 BR/2BA, Hrwd Flrs T/O, Terrace & Garage Parking, Incredible Piece of “OLD PHILADELPHIA HISTORY” 24 x 146 - Restaurant includes Oyster Bar, 2 Dining Amenities, concierge, gym & swimming pool.

Areas, Service Area & 2 Newer 1000 Sq Ft, 2 BR, 2 BA Apartments.

308 Lombard Street

QV! Historically Certified, Nice Corner Property, Mixed use, Multi Unit, Endless Potential, 2000 Sq Ft +/-, 18 x 73.

Needs Rehab.

836 S. Front Street

Beautiful Period Perfect Historic 1813 Restoration, 2200 Sq Ft, 4 BR + Lg Dormer Rm, 2 Full & 2 1/2 BA, 6 Fp’s, Hwrd Flrs, Lovely Garden, 1 Car Parking + Meredith School District.

$699,000

SOLD

418 Bainbridge Street

Great Deal! Meredith School District A Lovely Historical home 4/5, Wood Floors, Fp’s, Tons of Details & Character + Lovely Garden.

$399,900

927 S. 2nd Street

Shot Tower Place! Beautiful 4 BR, 2.5 BA Townhome w/ 2 Car Parking, Hrwd Flrs, Fp, Balcony, Deck & Fin Bsmt. Garden & Deck. $3500

Kathy@conwayteam.com • Patrick@conwayteam.com Society Hill Office, 530 Walnut Street, Suite #260, Philadelphia, PA 19106

DIRECT: 215.266.1537 • MAIN: 215.627.6005

Independently owned and operated member of the Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.