PHILLYWEEKLY.COM
TIVE PHILLY’S NEWS ALTERNA
DECEMBER 28, 2016-JANUARY 4, 2017
BOXED OUT
PAGE 13
PPA, SEPTA make parking confusing SEE PAGE 3 in Mayfair
JOE SIXPACK DON RUSSELL
Beer of the Year 2016
An oatmeal porter from N.J.—yes, Jersey—is the year’s best new brew
Y
ou wouldn’t know there’s a brewery down Forked Neck Road in Shamong, N.J. Nestled against the pines of Wharton State Forest and hidden behind a private home, the small, unheralded facility is dwarfed by its big brother, the Valenzano Winery, nearby on busy Rt. 206. There is no tasting room or tours or visiting hours. There is no place to fill up a growler. If you want to taste its beer, you’ll have drop in at one of the dozen or so tap houses and restaurants in Burlington and Camden counties that take its keg deliveries. Like I did one November afternoon, when I was stopped by the Blue Monkey Tavern in Merchantville, N.J., and got my first taste of Brotherton Brewery’s Imperial Oatmeal Porter. By the end of my visit, I knew this would be my 2016 Beer of the Year. SEE PAGE 10
BEST THE
AND
OF 2016
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PHILLYWEEKLY.COM DECEMBER 28, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017
PPA, SEPTA making parking confusing in Mayfair
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NoLibs bike shop earns U.S. military contract
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t appears all the time Steve Christini spent tinkering with motorcycle parts since his days as a student at Villanova has finally paid (government) dividends. Christini, owner of Christini All-Wheel Drive in Northern Liberties, landed a government contract to make his AWD creation called the 450 E for the U.S. Armed Forces. His innovative creations beat out giants in the two-wheel game like Suzuki, Honda and Kawasaki. Christini has sold over 100 of his motorcycles to the military so far, and continues to sell more and more motorcycles in different shipment numbers. “The military buys the motorcycles in batches of 50, or 20, or 30, depending on the demands of what they need. Each bike sells for about $11,700,” Christini said. And what makes a Christini bike so desirable to the armed forces? “People ask me how these bikes work, and I ask people, ‘What kind of car do you drive?’”
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Reached by email, a PennDOT spokesman explained that the city’s traffic engineers are responsible for the placement of markings on the street surface. When the state repaved Frankford Avenue, it painted the lines as instructed by the city. Similarly, a SEPTA spokeswoman directed inquiries to the city, stating the transportation agency has nothing to do with marking up the spaces reserved for bus loading and unloading. A spokesman for Mayor Kenney said that the Streets Department was unaware of the conflicting signs… until we asked about it. “The Streets Department appreciates that you drew this matter to our attention. The meters should have been removed once the larger bus zone was installed,” Kenney spokesman Mike Dunn wrote. “The city is now asking the PPA to have them removed, and that the removal be expedited. It is our hope that they will be removed by the end of January.” So what should motorists make of the conflicting indicators in the meantime? What the heck, go ahead and park there. But if that is the choice, just don’t forget to feed the meter. — WILLIAM KENNY | @NORTHEASTKENNY said Christini. “Most answer that they drive an all-wheel drive truck. I say that our bikes have a similar all-wheel drive system that’s multiplied in effectiveness due to bigger traction pads.” According to a release written by the United States Armed Forces, it was the invention of Christini’s rekluse clutch and absence of clutch lever to shift gears that made the bike a winner. Contracts have to start with recognition, however, and Christini’s brand of motorcycle needed to catch someone’s eye in order to get noticed. That’s where Jimmy King, a 30-year offroad motorcycle veteran and instructor, comes in. King tested Christini’s bike for six months to find any imperfections, aiding in the creation and subsequent marketing of the bike to the government. “It’s a misconception that you would look for a fast bike. Nothing fast happens on the battlefield. As you’re scanning terrain looking for IED’s, you can only move as fast as your eyes allow you too. So we try to focus on [optimizing the ride for the soldier] at speeds between zero to 15 miles per hour. It doesn’t sound fast but it is fast enough [when you have to be precise].” —JOHN DAVIS
half century of making music provides a full plate of great memories. But Terry Adams, the man behind the music of NRBQ—one of America’s ultimate, mega-eclectic bar bands— isn’t concerned with nostalgia. “I don’t go for it, nostalgia,” said Adams, the Louisville born instrumentalist with a cheerful twang in his voice. “People get hung up in the past and they forget to live in the present. Besides, that’s what the recordings of it—albums, photos, box sets—are for.” Coincidentally, NRBQ recently released a five CD box set called High Noon, a compilation of the group’s golden anniversary. Big name cameo musicians appear throughout High Noon such as hot shot rockabilly guitar legend Carl Perkins, doomy country singer Skeeter Davis and even wrestling magnate Captain Lou Albano, who Adams noted was a controversial member, but was so beloved, the group named Captain Lou its manager. “Actually, at the time, we made him our manager and singer,” recalled Adams. “He had so much strength, I thought he was immortal.” Another NRBQ member name that pops up on the High Noon box as a player and co-writer—and one that brings a smile to Adams’ face—is Pete Donnelly, the Philadelphia multiinstrumentalist for The Figgs who joined NRBQ in 2007. Donnelly claims that upon his addition to the fray, he had to learn over 100 songs and start with a live NPR radio concert as his trial by fire. “It’s no nostalgia act,” said Donnelly. “The energy and the essence of the music is fully alive and always growing.” “Oh yeah, Pete was amazing, spontaneous, loose, free, tight, unpredictable and has a good spirit—that’s key to anyone I play with,” added Adams whose trip to Philadelphia didn’t start with Donnelly. At the start of NRBQ—when Adams was still back and forth about how to navigate his weird, uncharted waters—he spent a great deal of time, living in and out of Ridley Park, “going to lots of jazz festivals, clearing my mind [while] trying to figure out my next move.” On Dec. 21, a newer looking NRBQ showed off its wares at Ardmore Music Hall with guest stars Jim Boggia and longtime Sun Ra Arkestra members Marshall Allen and Danny Thompson. Adams noted that this latest version of NRBQ featuring the likes of newcomer Scott Ligon is his “fastest moving yet,” and one that furiously and constantly craves bold, new adventures and daring, rock-out diversity rather than backward looking sets and boring oldies modes. Going back to its start and raucous cover tunes including “Rocket Number 9” and “Get on the Right Track Baby,” Adams talked happily about the band members who left—not so much with a bittersweet edge, but with a matter-of-fact pragmatism. “Guys leaving the band happened to us since we started,” said Adams when the names Al Anderson and Joey Spampinato—beloved NRBQ players and writers both who lasted the longest of most Adams collaborators—came up. “Guys left before them. Change is inevitable, and always works out to be a good thing.” And when it comes to the continued evolution of NRBQ’s signature sound? “Yeah, yeah it’s the same philosophy now that I had about life and music when I started,” said Adams. “It’s about being open minded to all possibilities, refusing to be labeled as any one thing, and being able to speak through music—the truth of it, the wideness of it all.” —A.D. AMOROSI
PHILLYWEEKLY.COM
s if anyone needed further convincing that street markings and other traffic management trivialities mean next to nothing in this city, the latest evidence comes to us from downtown Mayfair, where the Philadelphia Parking Authority is now collecting meter fees for no parking zones and posted bus stops. Indeed, the PPA, SEPTA and perhaps PennDOT seem to be engaged in a Kafkaesque territorial battle along the Frankford Avenue shopping corridor. To wit: most of the corners seem to have those large white X’d out boxes painted on the street, the kind that indicate “no parking.” At many of the corners, the no parking boxes are even larger and also have the word “BUS” stenciled onto the asphalt. The SEPTA Route 66 signs hanging from nearby utility poles are another dead giveaway that these are supposed to be bus stops. However, those aren’t the only signs along that same strip. Other postings show that much of this same precious curbside real estate is available... for parking. There’s even a twohour limit from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sundays. To enforce the time limit, the PPA has its familiar parking meters anchored to the sidewalk and positioned all along these would-be no parking zones. And judging by their patina, the meters were surely there before the no parking boxes, which may have been added to the streetscape during PennDOT’s resurfacing project a few months ago. The state agency maintains the avenue because it doubles as U.S. Route 13. The Parking Authority did not reply to multiple requests for comment.
NRBQ leader Adams reflects on 50 years of great sound
DECEMBER 28, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017
PW’s Random Roundup
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PHILLYWEEKLY.COM DECEMBER 28, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017
THE 50 NOT WORST THINGS OF THE YEAR
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1
w Thomas Jefferson gets $3 million endowment to study benefits of medicinal weed.
Chestnut Hill graffiti incident.
w Kensington’s Eddie Alvarez wins
the UFC lightweight championship. (Obligatory curmudgeon’s note: He lost the title a few months later to Conor McGregor).
w An ever-gracious Ryan Howard says goodbye to Philadelphia.
w The Port Richmond community
w WMMR’s Preston & Steve collect 1.3 million pounds of donated nonperishable food items in the largest food drive in America.
comes together with fundraisers and makes #Stormtheheavens a household hash tag in support of 7-year-old Philomena Stenardo after she is diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer.
w Urban Axes, devoted entirely
w Bill Cosby is finally dragged into
to throwing axes for fun, opens in Kensington
w The Eagles pull off a blockbuster trade for the No. 2 NFL draft pick, select Carson Wentz, and then make him their starting QB.
w The city adopts a tax on sodas to support early education.
w Prince Albert of Monaco purchas-
es and plans to preserve the East Falls childhood home of his mother, Princess Grace.
w Five new distilleries open in
the city, helping to extinguish the dumpster fire.
w An ascot-wearing, wine-sipping city solicitor is videotaped in a
PHILLYWEEKLY.COM
e’re pretty sure 2016 was the worst year on Planet Earth. David Bowie, Prince, Zsa Zsa Gabor all gone. Just to screw with us, rocker George Michael who famously wrote the tune “Last Christmas” died...on Christmas. There was Zika in South America, Brexit in the U.K., and wildfires in Tennessee. An alligator swallowed a 2-year-old in Florida, and they murdered that gorilla Harambe in Cincinnati. A bunch of armed white dudes took over a federal building (and beat the rap); a bunch of unarmed black men were shot and killed by cops (and never got justice). Then someone retaliated by assassinating police officers in Dallas. There were mass shootings in Orlando, Chicago and Kansas and a warehouse club fire in Oakland. America continues to fight wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and did little as thousands were being decimated in Syria. Back home in Philadelphia, some idiot ripped off the bannister from the Union League steps, Teamster boss John Dougherty got pinched and people got robbed while wasting hours of their lives trying to find those coveted Charizards in Pokemon Go. Oh and then as a nation, we elected Donald Trump as leader of the free world. Yes, it was a dumpster fire of a year. But it was also a year in which some locals, in a way that was classically Philly, hauled a dumpster onto their street, filled it up with water and turned it into a wading pool. It’s true, 2016 sucked. But it wasn’t all bad. Some good shit happened too.
Kris Jenkins of the Villanova Wildcats hits a three at the buzzer to clinch the NCAA men’s basketball championship over North Carolina.
DECEMBER 28, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017
WTF2016?!
court for sexual assault.
2
Neighbors on Cedar Street in Port Richmond cool off at a block party by converting a dumpster into a wading pool.
w The Philadelphia Orchestra
absolutely nails it in performing Mahler’s Sixth Symphony upon returning from its short-lived strike.
w Temple University is crowned
champion of the American Athletic Conference, the first football conference title in school history.
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DECEMBER 28, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017
w Singer Tim McGraw shows up
unannounced at a local couple’s wedding reception and serenades them “Live Like You Were Dying.”
3
Hillary Clinton accepts her party’s nomination as its first woman candidate for president at the Democratic National Convention in South Philadelphia.
w Yellow Daffodil, a shop selling
handmade flower arrangements, artisan soaps, candles, gift cards and toys made by people with physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities, opens in Langhorne.
PHILLYWEEKLY.COM
w Jay Snyder shares the last words
of his father, Flyers owner Ed Snyder, at a memorial service: “I can’t thank the Flyers enough for everything they’ve given to me and my family.”
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Pennsylvania votes to abolish Philadelphia Traffic Court.
w In a last hurrah, more than
30,000 people jam Independence Mall for an election-eve rally with the Clintons, Obamas, Springsteen, Bon Jovi and more.
Claire Smith is named the first woman winner of the Baseball Hall of Fame’s J.G. Taylor Spink Award.
w Classy longtime Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz thanks fans for their support on a billboard on I-95.
w Ida Keelings, 100 years old, sets
a world record for centenarians in the 100-meter dash (1:17:33) at the Penn Relays, then celebrates with pushups and cocktails.
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Former Phillie Chase Utley returns to Philadelphia, hits a grand slam.
w The city launches Rebuild
Philadelphia, a $500 million neighborhood-based commitment to improve parks, rec centers, and libraries.
w The Divine Lorraine Hotel neon
sign high above Broad Street is relit after decades of darkness.
NHL Hall of Fame.
w Singer/performer Frankie Ava-
lon returns home for a block party unveiling of the South Philly Musicians Remix Mural.
w The state legalizes Uber and Lyft, ending two years of experimental licensing.
w AME, the African Methodist Epis-
copal Church founded in Philadelphia by Richard Allen, celebrates its 200th anniversary with a gospel concert and reenactment of its first conference.
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Rihanna stops the show and tells the crowd to get out and vote at Made in America on the Parkway.
w Bruce Springsteen plays for over four hours in a concert at Citizens Bank Park.
w The local transit agency takes a
w Several city music spaces, includ- tentative step into the new millening the TLA, the Fillmore and Tower Theater, use their marquees as memorials to Prince.
nium with SEPTA Key, a long overdue replacement for its antiquated tokens.
w Fishtown’s Philly Style Bagels
w The World Air Sex Champion-
Classic Lox Sandwich is named Best New Sandwich in America by Bon Appetit magazine.
w Eric Lindros is inducted into the
Hope for 2017
April: The NFL Draft will be held in Philadelphia.
January: The Mummers, newly backed with sponsorship bucks from SugarHouse Casino, will march up Broad Street.
April: The Museum of American Revolution will open in Old City.
January: The Divine Lorraine Hotel apartments on North Broad Street will begin leasing.
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w Former Inquirer sportswriter
April: Rooster Soup, a restaurant whose profits will go toward the Broad Street Hospitality Collaborative, will open in Center City.
January: The entire campus of Philadelphia Community College May: The Palm restaurant will will go smoke free. reopen.
ships are held at a bar in Fishtown.
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Former Republican candidate/straightlaced Chestnut Hiller Sam Katz, 66, owns up to enjoying weed after he’s caught holding at the airport.
w The Philadelphia Zoo names its
newest addition, a western lowland gorilla baby, Amani, Swahili for “peace.”
w N.J. Gov. Christie, forsaking all
dignity, is roundly mocked after posing like a stunned hostage at a Trump campaign rally.
Didn’t Die in 2016 William Shatner Neil deGrasse Tyson Mel Brooks Aretha Franklin John Chaney Jimmy Carter Alex Trebek Robin Roberts Clint Eastwood Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hank Aaron Toni Morrison Nick Offerman Morgan Freeman Sean Connery
Good Riddance Josh Innes, sports-talk jerk, fired. Chaka Fattah, corrupt politician, convicted. Sam Hinkie, inscrutable Sixers G.M., fired. Norman Blumberg Apartments, notorious crackhead-infested housing project, imploded. Leslie Acosta, corrupt politician, convicted. Center City Turf Club, ugly OTB parlor, shuttered. Kathleen Kane, yet another corrupt politician, convicted. Pennsylvania license plate stickers, DMV nuisance, discontinued
on Tap, a series of summertime beer gardens, allowing Philadelphians to legally enjoy a cold one in its parks.
w The Arcola Road Bridge, a busy
Montgomery County thoroughfare whose closure had added hours of commuting time for area residents, reopens after a three-year detour.
w Fishtown officially gets its
swanky stamp of approval with the arrival of a Lululemon store, Root, a wine bar with a host of expensive varietals and a (soon to open) Weckerly’s ice cream parlor, the latter slated for a Jan. 2017 open.
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w Singer-songwriter Sevyn Streeter, who was told she couldn’t sing the National Anthem at the Sixers game for wearing a “We Matter”
Standing strong in 2016
shirt in October, accepts an invitation from the organization to sing two months later.
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Pennsylvania emerges from the Prohibition and OKs wine sales in grocery stores.
w Center City residents can now
purchase their candles, bath mats and fake leather purses at the newly opened block-long Target at 11th and Chestnut.
w The Binary Bandit, who mystified
Fishtown-Kensington for months by stealing 1’s and 0’s from doorway addresses, returns the digits by dropping them on the doorstep of a random Kenzo resident.
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Ride the Ducks, the cheesy, annoying boat-on-wheels tour, announces it is suspending operations in Philadelphia because of rising insurance costs
wDalian on the Park, 293 apartments, Ben Franklin Parkway. wAnn Bartram Carr Garden, As Philly continues to get a $2.7 million renovation at facelift, you can feel a new Bartram’s Garden, Southwest pulse on a once-stagnate city. Philly. New businesses and other wRobert Indiana’s AMOR major developments arrived statue, at Sister Cities Park. almost weekly, here’s a few of the coolest ones. wStephen A. Levin Building, wPhiladelphia LDS Temple, 17th $68 million research laboratories, teaching facilities and and Vine streets. student space at University of wFMC Tower, 47 stories of Pennsylvania. office, retail, residence space, wEl Corazón Cultural Cen30th and Walnut streets. ter, Taller Puertorriqueño’s w1200 Intrepid, Navy Yard. 24,000-square-foot center in 92,000 square feet of offices Kensington, the largest Puerto by Danish architect Bjark Rican/Latino-based arts and Ingels. cultural facility in Pennsylvania.
PHILLYWEEKLY.COM
Philadelphia Police Officer Jesse Hartnett, who was ambushed by a gunman in January, recovers from his wounds and receives the city’s highest award for valor.
DECEMBER 28, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017
w Fairmount Park launches Parks
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DECEMBER 28, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017
PHILLYWEEKLY.COM 8
Anything but Democratic
Ward leaders in backroom battle over replacement for convicted State Rep. Leslie Acosta. BY Max Marin
T
hey kept calling for order in the room. Some were indignant, others incredulous. Two weeks ago, convicted State Rep. Leslie Acosta held a “community meeting” with about 30 committee members and various political watchdogs from her district. But it turned out to be more of an awkward endorsement party. As PW previously reported, Acosta is on a low-flying mission to persuade her district’s voters that Freddy Ramirez, the president of Pan-American Mental Health Clinic, is the right guy to replace her in Harrisburg. “You’re saying this is the only person?” one committee woman asked. “This is the only person who can—” “I’m saying that this is the only person at this time,” Acosta responded. Earlier this year, Acosta quietly confessed to one felony count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, a deed that dates back to her pre-Harrisburg stint at a local mental health facility—not Ramirez’s, but rather, the FBI-targeted Juniata Community Mental Health Clinic. We’ll return to that clinic in a minute. For now, Acosta is weighing in on her successor. Despite her re-election in November, the one-term legislator-turnedfelon will step down in January, thus triggering a special election. In contrast to an open primary, special elections allow party leaders to nominate their own candidate for the ballot. In Acosta’s 197th District, this means that ward leaders—seven in total—will make the party’s nomination amongst themselves. Those seven votes are weighted based on the number of divisions in each ward. Committee people can try to sway their ward leader’s nomination, but ultimately, in this district at least, backroom politics is the name of the game. Ramirez told the room of somewhat confused Democrats that he’d already expressed interest in the position to U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, who chairs the city’s Democratic party. But to get the party’s nod, Ramirez needs the backing of someone like Emilio Vazquez, leader of the district’s largest ward which represents onethird of its divisions. Vazquez shared a stage with Acosta and Ramirez at the
mid-December meeting. Some attendees perceived it as his endorsement for Ramirez as well. “I find it unfortunate that, at the end of the day, we’re going to be represented by someone for whom we did not have an opportunity to vote,” Ryan Kellermeyer, a community advocate in the Vazquez’s ward, said at the meeting. “I have nothing against [Ramirez] personally. But I would like to encourage Emilio to hold public meetings, to put out fliers, and to give people some voice. You can’t just be handpicked by a phone call from Bob Brady and the trust of our outgoing state rep.” The thing is, Vazquez didn’t openly promise his ward’s support to Ramirez. It would be strange if he had, because Vazquez himself has also expressed interest in taking Acosta’s seat, Bob Brady told PW. Moreover, Vazquez has reportedly sworn allegiance to yet another possible candidate, Noelia Diaz. The plan was hatched months ago between some of Acosta’s former allies in the Latino strongholds of North Philadelphia, the same folks who
helped her get elected in 2014. State Rep. Angel Cruz, whose district is right next door, called for ward leaders to circle the wagons. Together, Vazquez and 19th Ward Leader Carlos Matos carry enough divisions to decide the nomination. With Diaz on the ballot, combined with an 8-to-1 Democratic voter edge, this cadre is all but guaranteed to have another one of their own in Harrisburg. But in this part of town, political pacts can be made and broken in the same day. Vazquez did not return numerous calls from PW about what’s going on. “He won’t return your calls because he doesn’t want you to get a statement where he’s saying he’s with this [candidate] or that one, because then he can’t negotiate and make his own bid,” Cruz said. “They’re all trying to make their own deal to see what they can come up with.” If Vazquez and Matos back different candidates, it would open up the door for the district’s minority African American ward leaders to band together behind another candidate. “If they split, there’s going to be a
fight,” Cruz added. Sources in the district say that the black ward leaders, some of them disappointed with the politics and track record of corruption on the Latino side of the district, may decide to float their own candidate. Nobody knows for sure at this stage. Cruz insists that they will have a majority vote for Diaz. But any quid pro quos made to secure that nomination will likely fly unseen by Democratic voters. Other ward leaders either refused to speak on the record or did not return PW’s calls. For Matos at least, there’s a good reason not to talk to the press. Remember that mental health clinic that brought Acosta down? Matos is its founder. The Juniata Community Mental Health Clinic is at the center of a 53-count federal indictment against Matos’ wife, Renee Tartaglione, who stands accused of running the clinic like a slush fund while she served as its board president. Acosta is expected to cooperate with federal prosecutors at trial in January. Let that sink in. What can Democratic voters do to have a say? Last week, Kellermeyer started an online petition asking PA House Speaker Mike Turzai and other state officials to include the 197 special election in the May primary. Once Acosta resigns in January, Turzai will have 10 days to set a date for the election, which can happen no sooner than sixty days from that date. Philly’s special election process has been criticized in the past as grossly undemocratic. And it all comes down to lack of transparency, said Patrick Christmas, policy program manager at the watchdog group Committee of Seventy. “Any political party seeking to build trust among its members and legitimacy in its nomination of candidates should be open, inclusive and democratic. This is not the way we do special elections in Philly, and that’s a problem,” Christmas said. Brady disagreed. On a more practical note, a May election in the 197th District could save the state more than $150,000 in special election costs. It would also give an Independent or Republican candidate more time to mount a campaign. Nonetheless, party nominees will remain an insider’s game. And most special elections still lean towards Democratic victories. Then again, little appears normal about democracy in the 197th District right now. TWITTER: @MAXMMARIN
DECEMBER 28, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017 PHILLYWEEKLY.COM
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Beer of the Year >> From page 1: Dark and smooth and creamy, it is a perfectly rounded mouthful of sweet and roasted barley malt whose mild flavor of black cherries and currants and chocolate hint at the complexity that lays, deceptively, beneath this simple and basic beer. This is not another one of those trendy cult beers that attract lines of whale-hunting geeks. It is not a palatenumbing hop monster or mouth-puckering sour ale or barrel-aged this or that. There are no gimmicks. Instead, it is the product of superb ingredients and expert brewing skills, a beer that demands to be quaffed in long pulls that leave foam on your upper lip and a deep, satisfying ahhhhh in your throat.
Previous Beers of the Year 2015: Victory Helles Lager 2014: Yuengling Summer Wheat.
2013: Sierra Nevada Beer
PHILLYWEEKLY.COM
Camp Sleight of Hand.
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2012: Neshaminy Creek
Trauger Pilsner.
2011: Leinenkugel Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout.
2010: Fegley’s Hop’solutely. Yes, it is brewed in Joisey. You got a problem with that? The Garden State—especially South Jersey—has lagged far behind the American craft beer renaissance. Though Flying Fish and River Horse have ably held down the fort over the past 20 years, substantial growth was thwarted by costly liquor licenses, incomprehensible licensing regulations and short-sighted Bud-centric tavern owners. It was only in 2012 when the state allowed breweries to sell beer by the glass in on-site tasting rooms (a visitor attraction that generates much-needed capital) that startups finally began opening their doors in sizable numbers. In 2016, more than 20 breweries opened in New Jersey, mainly in small towns like Medford and Pitman and Woodbury. And in this case, Shamong. Oddly, Brotherton Brewery is holding off on the tasting room until it gets a foothold in bars. Owned by family members of the neighboring
Valenzano winery, it’s a tidy operation operating out of the same rustic garage warehouse where the family once bottled its varietals. Today, it is equipped with a compact 15-barrel brewhouse with just four fermentation vessels. Brewing twice a week, it’s capable of producing fewer than 3,000 half-kegs (about 375,000 pints) a year. The man at the helm is Steve D’Eva, a 31-year-old who is not exactly a familiar name among local brewing circles. He started his career as a cook (Tinto, Amada) and was the original executive chef at Tired Hands Cafe in Ardmore. “I wanted to brew the whole time I was at Tired Hands, but that just wasn’t going to happen,” D’Eva said. “I really wanted to brew in the Philadelphia area, but there were not many jobs open where you didn’t have to start at the very bottom, scrubbing out kegs for two years before they let you touch the brew kettle.” D’Eva told me his story while we sampled beers in the 44-degree chill of Brotherton’s cold box. Swapping out sixtel kegs and pouring fresh ales into plastic cups, he told me that he wrangled his first brewing job at Grand Canyon Brewing in Arizona in a long-distance phone call without even a single visit. He learned the ropes, but quickly discovered that “brewing mainly pilsner and amber ale six days a week was soul-crushing.” Seeking more creativity, he moved onto Urban Family Brewing in Seattle, a well-established beer town where competition is fierce. He earned a few medals for his saison before being lured back East. At Brotherton, D’Eva expects to have the freedom to brew a wide variety of ever-changing styles with no real flagship brands. “Hopefully, if we can produce beer of high quality, that will help shepherd along a top-quality beer scene in the area,” D’Eva said. That’s a worthy ambition; the South Jersey beer-making scene has been stagnant for so long, any new brewery seems like progress. Just open the taps and the people will belly-up to the bar, right? Wrong. The locals are not noobs; they know a bad beer when they taste it, and they’ve already begun calling out some of the lamer local efforts. (A porter from one Burlington County newcomer, for example, was not-inaccurately described in an online review as tasting “like it was filtered through a new shower curtain.”) I’m inclined to give startups a chance to hit their stride. But there’s no reason to wait for Brotherton. Its Imperial Oatmeal Porter is the real deal.
Sixpack’s Best of the Rest
M
an should not live on one beer alone, and in 2016 I found many other exciting, new brews worthy of attention. These are the runners-up for Joe Sixpack’s Beer of the Year. Slack Tide Bell Buoy: This sweet, zesty, spicy Belgian blond ale is worth the ride down Rt. 9 to the small Cape May County brewery. It also won deserved praise in Inquirer food writer Craig Laban’s annual Brewvitational awards. Starr Hill Last Leaf Maple Brown Ale: The Virginia brewery ditched its pumpkin ale and introduced this smooth, maple syrup-infused brown ale. Dogfish Head SeaQuench: Though the Delaware brewery got a heap of publicity for its gimmicky (and quite tasty) scrapple-infused Beer for Breakfast, it was this sour blend made with lime and sea salt that had me reaching for a second glass. Conshohocken Pumpkin Ale: In a year when so many turned their backs on spicy autumn brews, Conshy utterly nailed the style with a pleasant balance of cinnamon and nutmeg in a wonderfully smooth body. Firestone Walker Luponic Distortion No. 001: The first in a series of wheatbased ales made with experimental hops was a marvel for both its complexity and utter refreshment. Tröegs Nimble Giant: I thought the Hershey brewery had already gone all-in on the hops with its Perpetual IPA, but this once-a-year specialty amps it up with a smooth-drinking, boozy/fruity double IPA. Look for it in cans again next summer. Anything from Tonewood and Bar Hygge: About a dozen new breweries opened in the Philadelphia area this year, and these two newcomers impressed me greatly. Tonewood makes expertly crafted styles, including a coffee-flavored porter, that have finished quality you wouldn’t normally expect from a rookie. And Tom Baker (Earth, Bread + Brewery) is just amazing, producing a spectrum of both conventional and unusual varieties, including gruit, smoked beer and saison, at his new Bar Hygge in the Fairmount section of the city. More noteworthy new beers of 2016 Yards Rival IPA, Tröegs Barrel-Aged Troegenator, River Horse Hippotizing IPA, Peak The Juice, Voodoo Man Bear Pig, Penn IPA, Victory Java Cask Rye, Straub Doppelbock.
DECEMBER 28, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017
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Find more events at PhillyWeekly.com Tell us about your upcoming events! Email Managing Editor Anastasia Barbalios at events@phillyweekly.com upload: phillyweekly.com/calendar
EVENT
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams
Kimmel Centers Annual Free New Years Celebration
Described as hillbilly Pink Floyd, The Slambovian Circus of Dreams brings its own blend of quirky Americana to Philly on New Year’s Eve’s Eve. | 7pm. $24-$27. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. worldcafelive.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 SHOW
Comcast Holiday Spectacular
the scene What to do in & around the city
Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28 COMEDY
Dungeon Palz
This live Dungeons and Dragons game is also a comedy show. The players roll 20-sided dies, role-play characters theyve never seen and battle fantastical monsters. Hosted by Matt Aukamp, and featuring comedians Joe Moore, Moses Laurent, and Lali Gill. | 10pm. $5. Good Good Comedy Theatre, 215 N. 11th St. goodgoodcomedy.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29 COMEDY
Jimmy Shubert & Friends
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MUSIC
Stand-up comedian Jimmy Shubert has appeared on “King of Queens,” “Entourage” and even has his own stand-up special on Comedy Central. He’s produced three albums from his concert performances, all filled with his hilarious take on the world at large. | 8pm. Punch Line, 1004 Canal St. punchlinephilly.com
MUSIC
Mistle Toe Jam
This hometown showdown brings the best of the Philly music scene to the annual festival, headlined by music vet John Faye. Other performers include Soraia, Mach-22, JDT (Joey DiTullio Band), Robbie Casablanca, Scarlet Sunrise (EP release) and Curtis Jr. | 6pm. $15-$18. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street. worldcafelive.com
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30 COMEDY
Focus Group
Each month at Focus Group, The Bell & Leeper Marketing Firm presents an ad campaign for a existing product in an attempt to sway you, the consumer. This month, the group is rebranding Vicodin as a locally sourced, organic, superfood for environmentally conscious, salt-of-theearth Americans. Hosted by Joe Bell & Mekki Leeper. | 7pm. $5. Good Good Comedy Theatre, 215 N. 11th St. goodgoodcomedy.com
The Comcast Center’s lobby offers an unparalleled visual experience via one of the world’s highest resolution LED displays. The 15-minute show features Philadelphia dancers, ice skaters and performers, as well as animated penguins. | 10am-8pm. Through Jan. 1. Comcast Center, 1701 JFK Blvd.
FAMILY
Holiday Parties on Ice
The Blue Cross RiverRink is offering two parties with two fireworks shows on NYE. Each party has will feature family-friendly fun, party favors, food, and ice-skating. | 6pm. Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard. delawareriverwaterfront.com
TOUR
New Year’s Eve Ghost Tour
Halloween might be over, but that doesn’t mean ghosts don’t like to celebrate. Take this guided NYE tour of Society Hill mansion that benefits PhilaLandmarks. | 7pm. $22. Powell House, 244 S. Third St. ghosttour.com
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1 OUTDOORS
Mummers New Year’s Day Parade
We’ve debated it, appreciated it, celebrated and hated it—and still, the Mummers keep on mumming. The nations oldest folk parade blends Mardi Gras revelry, musical cosplay and the eternal risk of cultural insensitivity to keep New Year’s Day in Philly interesting. | 9am. Free. Starts at City Hall. phillymummers.com
The Kimmel Center presents their annual New Year celebration featuring an endless list of activities and entertainment. Catch a performance from Steve Pullara and The Cool Beans Band, Drew Nugent and The Midnight Society, and the Broadway Dreams Foundation, along with jugglers, stilt walkers, food, drinks and more. | 10am-6pm. Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St. kimmelcenter.org
WORKSHOP
Mummers Masks
Create your very own Mummers mask amid the mosaic walls of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. All materials will be provided to create a mask fit for the parade and inspired by your fantastical surroundings. | Noon. Free. Philadelphias Magic Gardens, 1020 South St. philadelphiamagicgardnes.org
MONDAY, JANUARY 2 SHOPPING
Christmas Village
All of your favorite holiday vendors are closing up shop today, so head out to see them before it’s too late. This year, the event has moved to City Hall and features a carousel sure to be fun for both kids and adults. Peruse the kiosks of more than 80 international and local merchants selling high-quality crafted gifts. And while you shop for those early holiday presents, ornaments and crafts, enjoy the tastes of the old country with bratwurst, mulled ciders and Swedish hot chocolate. | Through Jan. 2. City Hall North Apron. philachristmas.com
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3 STAGE
The Wizard of Oz
Catch the stage adaptation of the classic film at the Walnut Street Theatre. Click your heels together three times and join the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion and Dorothy as they journey through the magical land of Oz. | Through Jan. 8. Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St. walnutstreettheatre.org
Still don’t have plans for NYE? PW’s got you covered. Kurt Vile & The Violators
Ring in 2017 by getting down with Philly faves Kurt Vile & the Violators at the Fillmore. The hometown concert will also feature performances by Woods and Nathan Bowles. | 8pm. $35. The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen Street. thefillmorephilly.com
SkyGarten Countdown in the Sky
South Street New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration
Celebrate New Year’s Eve on South Street, and enjoy an epic view of the Penn’s Landing fireworks show at midnight. Paddy Whacks will have everything you need to kick off the New Year, including live music craft cocktails and food buffet. | 8pm. $50$75. Paddy Whacks, 150 South St.
Dark Star Orchestra
The annual NYE concert returns, with the Dark Star Orchestra recreating a Grateful Dead concert in every detail. | 8:30pm. $49.50-$70. Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St. electricfactory.info
Sublime with Rome
Valley Forge Casino Resort hosts Sublime with Rome on New Year’s Eve. The chart-topping Ska Punk band hopes to bring the love and passion of its first two studio albums to its fans with this live tour stop. Meet-andgreet packages along with overnight rooms are available for people who want to enjoy an overnight show. | 9pm. $60. Valley Forge Casino Resort, 1160 1st Ave. King of Prussia. vfcasino.com
Midwinter Night’s New Year’s Eve Welcome the new year in style at the rooftop bar’s Midwinter Night’s
“Celebrity Style” New Year’s Eve Fireworks Gala
Party 500 feet above the city and get a spectacular view of the fireworks through the Pyramid Club’s 20-foottall windows. Party packages include open bar, hors d’oeuvres, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. | 9pm. $135-$145. Pyramid Club, 1735 Market St. pyramidnye2017.eventbrite.com
New Year’s Eve with Dan Soder
Skip the bar scene this year, and laugh your ass into 2017 with Dan Soder (Guy Code) at Helium Comedy Club as he makes you forget the troubles of 2016. | 10:30pm. $54-$64. Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St. heliumcomedy.com
New Years Funkin’ Eve
Red 40 and The Last Groovement bring in the funk at FringeArts. Warm up on the dance floor after watching the fireworks from Race Street Pier. | 10:30pm. $49. Fringearts, 140 N. Columbus Boulevard. fringearts.com Party Like it’s 2099
to savory buffet-style hors d’oeuvres such as veggie quesadillas and beef sliders, along with your standard craft beer. Dance the night away to the live DJ countdown, and end the night on a traditional Champagne toast with the entire bar. | 9pm. $59- $89. Finn McCool’s Ale House. 118 S. 12th st. nyephilly.com
New Year’s Eve Haus Party
Party at Brauhaus Schmitz with German food and beer. Make sure to check out the fireworks from its private roof deck. | 9pm. $95. Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South St. facebook.com/ events/1784458765145873/
Glitter City Gala
Glitter like the New Year’s Eve Ball at the city’s long-running NYE gala. Dress to impress everyone on the dance floor, and ring in the new year while enjoying a 5-hour buffet, cocktails, martinis, Champagne and live DJs. Join the more than 1,500 other guests to start the year off right. | 8pm. $89-$179. Hyatt at the Bellevue. 200 S. Broad St. upcomingevents.com
Vetri New Year’s Eve Dance Party
Weird Science will be playing hits from the ‘80s that’ll have you singing and dancing like it’s 1987. Ring in the new year with a whiskey toast at midnight. | 9pm. Milkboy, 1100 Chestnut St. milkboyphilly.com
Alla Spina will be serving food from all Vetri Family restaurants, with food stations from Amis, Osteria, Lo Spiedo, Pizzeria Vetri and Terrain Cafe. The party continues with top shelf open bar, DJ, dancing, photo lounge and more. | 8pm. $125-$145. Alla Spina, 1410 Mount Vernon St. allaspinaphilly.com
Yakitori Boy Ultimate Countdown
NYE at BRU Craft & Wurst
NYE at Milkboy
Sing in ‘17 at the karaoke lounge with sushi, yakitori skewers and sake. The free Champagne will convince you to belt out your best Mariah impersonation—and not give a damn who likes it. | 9pm. $20 and up. Yakitori Boy, 211 N. 11th St. yakitoriboy.com
NYE at Finn McCool’s Ale House
Get smashed at two different bars on two different floors of the storied Irish pub, and treat your tastebuds
Enjoy authentic German and Belgianstyle craft beers, along with German sausage and chicken skewers. Dance to a mix of dance and house music, while sipping on Champagne and martinis during the New Year’s ball drop. | 9pm. $59-$129. BRU Craft & Wurst. 1318 Chestnut St. nyephilly.com
NYE Live!
Head to XFINITY Live, where you’ll have access to all of the complex’s
venues, an all-inclusive premium bar package, food buffet and Champagne toast at midnight. | 9pm. $90-$150. Xfinity Live! 1100 Pattison Ave. xfinitylive.com
Easy New Year’s Eve
Prefer a chill New Year’s Eve? With just a $5 cover, the Dolphin’s offering $1 drinks until 10pm, and has DJ Ed Christof on the tables. | 9pm. $5. Dolphin Tavern, 1539 S. Broad Street. dolphinphilly.com
Eyes Wide Shut Masquerade
Drop your regular identity for the night while you enjoy Champagne, food and dancing to end the year. Spend the last moments of 2016 away from yourself and step outside the box. | 9pm. $85-$129. U-BAHN, 1320 Chestnut St. eyeswideshut.ticketleap.com/eyes-wide-shut/
Resolution 2017
Start the New Year off with a strike at Resolution 2017. Enjoy games of bowling while dining on delicious buffet food. Pay a little extra and enjoy the VIP lanes at Lucky Strike, which feature a 20-foot wide projection screen with 3D capabilities. | 9pm. $39-$129. Luck Strike, 1336 Chestnut St. philly2night.com
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Kick off the new year 51 floors up in the sky with panoramic views of fireworks along the Delaware River and simulcast of NYE festivities on the big screen. They’ve got everything covered: party favors, binoculars, charcuterie, dessert spread, spiked hot chocolate, and a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. | 8pm. $51. Top of the Tower, 1717 Arch St., skybrunch.ticketleap.com/skygarten
dream party with a five-hour open bar and music from DJ Royale and Matthew Law. | 9pm. $109-$149. Stratus Rooftop Lounge, 433 Chestnut St. stratuslounge.com
DECEMBER 28, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017
Last-Minute New Year’s Eve
City Tap House
Enjoy light buffet dishes from pasta to pizza while you dance until you drop in University City. Enjoy a wide selection of craft beers and mixed drinks as you bring in 2017. | 9pm. $75-$95. City Tap House, 3925 Walnut St. upcomingevents.com
New Year’s Improvin’ Eve
Philadelphia’s fave improv comedians celebrate the New Year with laughter, party favors, pizza and a sparkling cider toast. The nights two shows (7:30pm and 10:30pm) are BYO and feature games and an appearance by Baby New Year. | ComedySportz, 2030 Sansom St. comedysportzphilly.com
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DECEMBER 28, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017
SAVAGE LOVE: DAN SAVAGE
Revolution Hall
E
PHILLYWEEKLY.COM
arlier this month, we recorded our Savage Lovecast Christmas Spectacular live at Revolution Hall in Portland, Oregon. The audience submitted questions on cards before the show, which allowed questioners to remain anonymous. More questions were submitted than my guests and I could get to, so I promised the crowd I would answer as many of their questions as I could in this week’s column. Here we go… I’ve heard so many horror stories and seen countless X-rays online—any tips for making sure I don’t lose any objects in my ass? You know what you never see in those X-rays? Butt plugs and other toys designed for butt play. Stick to butt plugs with flared bases, dildos with bases that look like balls, orange traffic cones, etc., and you’ll be fine. How common is it really for women to squirt? I get conflicting reports. This answer, courtesy of the Kinsey Institute, isn’t likely to satisfy you: “Somewhere from 10 to 54 percent of women experience some type of fluid expulsion in tandem with sexual arousal and orgasm.” Maybe the incoming Trump administration can put the scientists they’re pulling off climate change onto female ejaculation and we’ll have better numbers before the 2018 midterm elections. How do I get my partner—who says he’s into it—to top me “properly,” i.e., work me into a sub space instead of him just melting into an ooey-gooey love ball? There are lots of terrific pro doms in Portland, Oregon. Hire one who’s up for showing your partner what proper topping looks like.
14
Trans man and cis female, happily married, planning to get pregnant in the next
five months. How do we break it to my wife’s family? Half of them don’t know I’m trans and will be carrying, and we don’t want to lie, but also we don’t want them to see us as anything other than just a couple. Telling your partner’s family you’re trans isn’t going to decouple you. You’ll still be “just a couple,” it’s just that one of you is trans. Since you’re not going to be able to hide which one of you is pregnant, the sooner you tell them, the sooner they’ll have their freak-outs, and the sooner they’ll return to seeing you as the couple you always were and still are. My partner/husband of 40 years says I still embarrass him. Is this unusual? If he says it affectionately and occasionally, it’s not a problem and it’s not unusual. If he says it to degrade/humiliate/control you, it’s a problem and it’s unacceptable. How do white people talk to black people about Donald Trump? Fifty-eight percent of white people voted for Trump, and 8 percent of black people voted for Trump. So yeah, maybe instead of talking to black people about Trump, white people should shut up and listen to black people instead? “Hall passes” don’t work for many women because they can’t orgasm when having random sex once with a random guy. What alternative would you recommend? Where is it written on your hall pass— or anyone else’s—that it can be used only with complete strangers? Nowhere, that’s where. How do you propose a foursome with your longtime friends without freaking them out or ruining the friendship? Not proposing the foursome is the only way to avoid potentially freaking your friends out and ruining the friendship. How do you decide who wins an argument in a same-sex relationship? A sudden-death round of Golden Girls trivia. All straight guys want to put it in your butt, but when you suggest eating it first, they run for the hills. How can I bridge this gap and get my ass eaten? Date gay guys. n
THERE’S MORE SAVAGE LOVE!
Read more at PHILLYWEEKLY.COM Ask a question: MAIL@SAVAGELOVE.NET
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33XX RICHMOND ST. Newly renov, 2nd. flr, 1BR, 2BA, w/d, refrig, $1195+ utils. 1st. mos. rent, 2 mos. sec. No pets. 215-539-7866 Wissahickon & Chelten Vic. 1BR, $850 all utils incld. Exc. living cond. 215-843-9883
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THINKING OF SELLING? THINKING OF BUYING?
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This extra wide town-home with deeded, secure, gated parking on the sunny northeast corner of 3rd and Spruce Streets in Society Hill contains over 2100 square feet of living space, four bedrooms, three out door spaces and is literally a stones throw to everything. The first floor entry hall leads to nicely renovated eat in kitchen featuring black marble floors, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, decorative tin back splash and a window to let the sunshine in. Walk score of 98.
2401 PENN. AVE UNIT #14C47 $649,900 ART MUSEUM AREA Welcome to this impeccable 2BD/2BA brilliantly sunlit and ultraspacious condominium in The Philadelphian! The entry offers a double closet and walk-in closet, perfect for all your storage needs. Step into the wide open living and dining room area with pergo flooring, crown molding, an entire wall of east facing windows allowing tremendous natural light, and sliding doors out to a huge balcony with Center City views. Full amenity building with 24 hour doorman, indoor and outdoor pools, and more!
150 VINE ST $1,595,000 OLD CITY Spectacular new homes with every amenity imaginable! Riverside Luxury Townhomes have 5,200+ SF of living space built by a meticulous custom home builder. Features include 2-car garages, approved tax abatement’s ($1044 /2016), theater rooms, a 6-stop elevator, 3 zoned HVAC systems, smart home technology systems and 4 outdoor spaces including an amazing roof deck. Each home has 4 to 5 bedroom layouts plus bonus rooms, 5 full bathrooms, and one half bathroom.
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277 S 3RD ST $950,000 SOCIETY HILL
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789 S 3RD ST #1 $390,000 QUEEN VILLAGE
2324 LOMBARD $535,000 FITLER SQUARE
149 S HANCOCK ST $2,299,000 OLD CITY
Charming 2BD/2BA bi-level first floor condominium in a prime Queen Village location! Hallway entry with exposed brick wall, a bedroom with closet and ceiling fan and a full bath off the hall with soaking tub. Next you’ll find a loft bedroom overlooking the lower level living room. In the rear you’ll find the large living room with tile floor, 2 story ceiling, exposed stone, brick gas fireplace, large windows and sliding glass doors out to a fantastic bi-level decked yard, approx. 24x15 in total. See it today!
Rarely available porch front home set far off the street with lovely enclosed gardens and gate entry. 1 block to Fitler Square, 3 blocks to Schuylkill River Park & easy access to South Street Bridge/30th Street. Spacious (1,142 SF, 16 x 78) 2BD/1BA home with large LR offering 2 amazing picture windows. Dining room opens to spectacular recently renovated kitchen. Hardwood floors, exposed brick wall, high ceilings, good light/side windows. Back yard for grilling with gate to alley to street.
Gorgeous 5,500 sqft renovated furniture warehouse, The Bouvier Building, renovated 5 years ago and featuring 4 bedrooms, 5.3 bathrooms, 5 stories, 3-car tandem driveway parking, soaring ceilings with wide crown molding on every floor, elevator from basement to roofdeck, rounded edged walls, Porcelanso tile, Walnut flooring, wide open riser Walnut staircase, Armitide lighting, Southern and Western light and 5 years left on 10 year tax abatement.
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DECEMBER 28, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017
WEEKLY MORTGAGE RATES Presented by Prudential Savings Bank
30 year fixed 4.000% APR 4.000% Rate $1,146/mo $1 in fees
Merry Christmas
30YR Fixed Rate Mortgage
Happy Hanukkah
5/1 ARM Rate 4.500% APR 4.535% 3.271% APR 3.500% Rate $1,078/mo $1,338 in fees
Rates as of December 27, 2016 10:00 AM. *APR= Annual Percentage Rate. Rates subject to change daily (including same day). For real time rates, please call 215-755-1500. The rate you receive may be higher based on credit score, mortgage loan-to-value ratio and other loan factors. Please call for Jumbo Rates (above $417,000). Subject to credit approval. Property insurance required. Loan to values from 80% to 97% require PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance). Other costs and fees may apply. Monthly P&I payment of $1342.72 based on a $265,000.00 loan amount, 360-month term, assumed credit score of 740 & loan-to-value of 80%. *P&I= Principal and Interest. These payments do not include amounts for taxes and insurance premiums; actual payment will be greater. NMLS #518005
Patrick, Myself and Our Entire Team Wish All a Very Happy, Healthy & Peaceful New Year.
30 year fixed 3.889% APR 3.875% Rate $1,129/mo $406 in fees
Thank You Sincerely Once Again for Making this Another Great Year.
ASK THE EXPERT
Our Warmest and Best Wishes to You and Yours,
Q&A WITH PHILLY’S TOP AGENTS
Kathy & Patrick
R E A L E S TAT E
THIS WEEK: Sarah Smith from ABC Realty
OUR READERS ASKED:
How can I determine my housing needs before I begin the search?
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We would like to express our sincerest appreciation for the trust you have placed in us and best wishes for a successful and happy New Year!
Kathy@conwayteam.com • Patrick@conwayteam.com
480, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Society Hill Office - 530 Walnut St #260, Kathy: 215-850-3842 // Patrick 215-266-1537 Main number: 215-627-6005
Your home should fit the way you live, with spaces and features that appeal to the entire family. Before you begin looking at homes, make a list of your priorities: location, size, lot, amenities, etc. Establish a set of minimum requirements and a “wish list”. Minimum requirements are things that a house must have for you t consider it, while a “wish list” covers things that you’d like to have but aren’t essential.
WHAT TO DO | WHERE TO GO | WHERE TO LIVE | WHAT’S UP NEXT WHAT TO DO | WHERE TO GO | WHERE TO LIVE | WHAT’S UP NEXT WhatWHAT is a “One-Time Show”TO listing? TO DO | WHERE GO | WHERE TO LIVE | WHAT’S UP NEXT With this type of listing the homeowner signs an agreement with the agent. What this agreemen
declares is the homeowner will provide the agent with a commission for selling the property. Thi agreement also states the homeowner cannot negotiate with the buyer at a later time to avoid paying a commission. This type of listing is most often NEW used byPRICE agent showing FSBO (for sale b UNDER CONTRACT owner). RITTENHOUSE SQUARE RITTENHOUSE SQUARE
Charming 3 bedroom home on a quiet, Quaint 1 BR, 2 story Rittenhouse cottree-lined street, featuring an open What is the difference between being tage with fabulous curb appeal plan living and dining room with wood prequalified and preapproved for a loan? on a quiet, tree-lined street. 19th burning fireplace, Ifhardwood floors, andit means that you POTENTIALLY century architecture with random you’re prequalified could get a loan for the amount stated to crown moldings. Enjoy your private oak is floors, mahogany stairs and you, assuming that all of the information you provide towidth the bank accurate and true. This is no bricked garden/patio area or your a dutch door to a private garden as strong as a preapproval. rooftop deck with spectacular skyline If you’re preapproved, it means that you have undergone the extensive financial background views $325,000 check, which includes looking at your credit history, previous tax returns and verifying your em$515,000 ployment - and the lender is willing to give you a loan, basically meaning you’re approved!
BELLA VISTA You will usually be provided an accurate figure whichRITTENHOUSE shows the maximumSQUARE amount that you ar Charming and classic brick row home Luxurious, light because filled 2 bedroom approved for. Most sellers prefer buyers that have been preapproved they know that featuring hardwood floors, townhouse featuring hardwood there will not be any problems with the purchase of their home. a paver patio with privacy walls, and an floors, antique shutters, molding, a updated kitchen with maple stately marble clad fireplace, and cabinetry, granite counters and brand exposed brick throughout. Enjoy the Sumbit your Real Estate questions at: person@phillyweekly.com new stainless steel appliances. paved patio with wood privacy walls and outdoor ceiling fan $360,000 $519,900 UNDER CONTRACT WASHINGTON SQUARE WEST Beautiful, renovated row home with gated, recessed entry featuring custom built kitchen with high-end appliances, a roof deck with stunning skyline views and a 1 car garage
ART MUSEUM AREA Spacious one bedroom condo in an Art Deco building. Condo building features a 24-hour front door attendant, a shuttle service, a gym, and a community room
$165,000
$749,000
First Choice Loan Services Inc. (NMLS# 210764) a wholly owned subsidiary of First Choice
START YOUR HOME OWNERSHIP (NMLS# 177877) JOURNEY is located at 729TODAY. Grove Ave, Suite 7, Southampton, PA 18966. START JOURNEY YOUR TODAY. HOMEBank OWNERSHIP
First Choice Loan Services Inc. is registered or exempt from state licensing in the states it originates mortgage loans. Licensed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance. AZ BK# 0918586. First Choice Loan Services Inc. is not an agency of the federal government and is INCLUDE: not affiliatedwith your current lender. All loans are subject to credit approval. Programs, rates, • VA • USDA PROGRAMS • Jumbo • 203K FHA MORTGAGE & Streamline • Renovation & more! terms and conditions are current, but are subject to change and may expire without notice. • Renovation FHA • VA • USDA • Jumbo • 203K & Streamline & more! Other restrictions may apply. All applications must be submitted in writing. This advertisement Matthew Lynch Senior Mortgage Loan Originator - NMLS# 785395 is not a loan disclosure and all disclosures provided after applying should be reviewed carefully. This is not a commitment to provide a loan approval or a specific interest rate. 03.11.2016 mlynch@fcloans.com • www.fcbhomeloans.com/mlynch www.fcloans.com/mlynch Contact me today! 610.209.5970 • mlynch@fcbmtg.com MORTGAGE PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
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Matthew Lynch
Senior Mortgage Loan Originator - NMLS# 785395
DECEMBER 28, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017
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DECEMBER 28, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017
r a e Y w e N y p p a H & s Merry Christma m o r f s r e m to s u C l a y o to All Our L A Tradition Continues...
PHILLYWEEKLY.COM
It’s a fact – our contemporary lifestyles have made time-saving concessions in the kitchen a necessity, but we are not willing to sacrifice the quality of the meals we serve to our families. For those of us raised on the tradition of fine Italian cooking, and for countless others who love the traditional dishes of Italy, there is an alternative. That alternative, well known to tens of thousands of families, is the superb line of P&S products.
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Quality is paramount; only premium wheat flour, imported cheeses, and other quality ingredients are used. Our tradition assures you that “The food is the flavor.” So enjoy the quality line of P&S products, and you will experience the quality and tradition we have combined to bring you the finest pasta that ever graced your table.
South Philly Store Locations
1722 West Oregon Avenue, Phila, PA 19145 | 215-339-9929 Hours: Mon. thru Fri. 8:30AM to 7PM Sat. 9AM - 7PM Sun. 9AM -3PM 1640 South 10th Street, Phila, PA 19148 |215/271-7781 Hours: Closed Mondays | Tues. thru Sat. 9:30AM - 5:30PM Sun. 9AM -1:30 PM