The Spirit of the Riverwards - February 8, 2017

ON

H Y PERLOC AL

DON E DI F F E R E N T LY

FISHTOWN + KENSINGTON + NORTHERN LIBERTIES + PORT RICHMOND + BRIDESBURG

THIS

WEEK FEBRUARY 8, 2017 VOL. 14 NO. 06

FIRST FRIDAY A night of audio, visual, and lavatory art.

4

MUSIC ROW Interview with Fishtown-based hardcore band, Jesus Piece.

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JIM ANDERSON The frightening flyers of Jim Anderson.

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RUSHAWN STANLEY The dark musings of Rushawn “Scum Lizard” Stanley.

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BALDSPOT Spirit's own weekly games and comics.

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ACCU-REGGIE Seven day forecast for the Riverwards.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Local events, meetings and more.

12-13

HOT OFF THE

PRESS

SPIRIT NEWS

CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS SPECIAL EDITION HIGHLIGHTING LOCAL ARTISTS AND THE ARTS COMMUNITY FEATURING ARTIST PROFILES, BAND INTERVIEWS, GALLERY REVIEWS, AND MORE!

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – February 8, 2017 THE

local lens

BY THOM NICKELS

F

or most, the death of a loved one or family member is a traumatic experience. That’s because most of us assume that our lives will go on for a long time. We don’t count on death happening today or even the day after tomorrow, but sometime in the distant future.

Death is never a pleasant topic. There are no “nice” deaths, either. One can die instantly of a heart attack, stroke or automobile accident, or one can die slowly over a period of months or years. In the case of the latter, at least there’s a chance for the one who is about to die to say goodbye. In the case of the former, there are no such options. In the Orthodox Church there are prayers asking God to save us from an instant death. It is always better to be prepared for this important transition from life to afterlife.

My sister-in-law, Fiorella, recently passed away. We were not extremely close, but we still had a closeness made palpable by decades of family dinners and reunions. When I say we were not extremely close I don’t mean to imply a distance caused by alienation. Like most people, we were caught up in our own lives, which led us to assume that there would be plenty of time to see each other again.

Fiorella came into my brother’s life at a point when he really needed change and a life partner. One day my mother called me up and said, “You’ll be meeting Fiorella this Sunday. I think your brother has met his match.”

Fiorella had long straight hair, a winning smile, a keen intelligence and an acute sense of humor. Her Italian roots could be traced to the area by the Adriatic Sea. She was born in Italy, but migrated to the United States as a toddler with her parents. She married my brother in Saint Patrick’s Church in Malvern, an old gothic structure with enormous stained-glass windows. I attended the wedding.

It was the 1970s and all the men in the wedding party had long hair and mustaches. The reception was a rollicking party along the lines of “Saturday Night Fever.”

Fiorella’s mother was a gifted seer who provided her daughter with advice and counseling. Her father had a talent for winemaking; his wine was known for its smooth medicinal properties and it rarely, if ever, caused a morning hangover. We all asked one another, “How does he make this stuff?’

My brother often spoke of his mother-in-law’s intuitive talents. Like the mystic and saint Padre Pio, it was claimed that Fiorella’s mother could be in two places at once — an ability called bi-location. My brother told me that his father-in-law would often see his wife in the garden and then half a second later at the kitchen stove. It was just one of life’s unexplained mysteries. Still, Fiorella’s mom’s excellent “intuitions” were sometimes not what her daughter or my brother wanted to hear.

I remember the time when she warned them to travel by plane rather than take the train when planning a cross-country trip. The advice seemed backwards because conventional wisdom suggests that flying would be more dangerous than traveling by Amtrak. Fiorella was afraid of flying and she tried to avoid it whenever possible, so it took all her strength to muster up the courage to fly with my brother when they embarked on their honeymoon to Acapulco.

But Fiorella’s mother was persistent: “Do not take the train! Take the plane!”

Fiorella’s fear of flying was just too great, so she and my brother decided to take the train, despite the warning.

Once on board the train’s sleeping compartment, there was a crash and a sort of explosion that sent the two of them flying off their bunks. Smoke entered their compartment and a lot of panic ensued. The train had derailed or had crashed into something, I’m not sure which, but those uncertain moments were very scary for them. Fortunately they escaped without injury.

Fiorella and my brother settled in a house in a development in Exton, PA, where they raised three children. The years advanced and as often happens with families there

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were times when we Nickels siblings would drift apart only to come together during the holidays or at a 4th of July picnic. On one 4th of July, Fiorella and my brother hosted a massive reunion for my mother’s side of the family. The Muldoon-Kelly reunion covered the waterfront in terms of disparate personalities and incomes. Fiorella and my brother had also managed to obtain old photos of distant relatives in Tyrone County, Ireland. The photos depicted men with long black beards covering their chest and women carrying parasols.

Fiorella contracted breast cancer a few years ago. She had a single mastectomy and routine chemo and radiation treatments. After that she and my brother went on an extreme health regime. Life was fine for some time, but then two or three days after Christmas it was discovered that the cancer had returned, only now it was in her liver.

In no time at all it seemed the cancer got worse and spread to other parts of Fiorella’s body, and she was admitted to Bryn Mawr Hospital. When the truth of her incurable cancer became an indisputable fact, her youngest daughter, Amanda, came up with a plan.

Scheduled to be married to her fiancé, Mark, in September 2017, the couple organized a wedding in the hospital chapel before their big September church wedding. All of my brother’s children pitched in to create what became a miniature but full extravaganza in just 24 hours. That included getting the wedding rings, hiring musicians, a priest, ordering food and champagne and negotiating with a tailor to alter Fiorella’s old wedding gown for Amanda to wear.

Fiorella was informed of the impromptu chapel wedding and was given an extra treatment of radiation so she could attend. The morning of the wedding she woke up and said, “I feel great!”

The small ceremony turned the hospital upside down when nurses, physicians and even the hospital’s president and CEO crowded into the small chapel.

My last visit with Fiorella was on Tuesday, January 31st when I entered her hospital room around 5:20PM. She was alone and she looked to be sleeping. The room was empty except for the sounds of a nurse running water in the bathroom. When the nurse asked me who I was, I told her that I was a brother-in-law. In the few seconds that it took me to say this I thought I saw a smile cross Fiorella's face. Was I imagining this? My brother had told me earlier that his wife was comatose, but that she could hear what was being said. The nurse said I could spend as much time with her as I wanted, so I sat with Fiorella until the chaplain walked in and told me that Fiorella had actually died hours before, at 3:20PM. Hearing this was disconcerting because all along I had

THOM NICKELS IS A PHILADELPHIA BASED AUTHOR, JOURNALIST, POET, FILM CRITIC & FEATURE WRITER FOR SPIRIT NEWS.

thought that she was asleep. I spent 30 minutes sitting with Fiorella, meditating, thinking of times past.

Then I thought of the words of St. John Chrysostom who wrote that although death is terrible and frightening — yes, even its name is devastating — for those who know the higher philosophy there should be no shuddering.

That’s because death is merely a passing over when we leave this corruptible life and go on to another, which is unending and incomparably better. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – February 8, 2017 S E V E N D AY F O R E C A S T F O R T H E R I V E R WA R D S

accu-reggie TWITTER: @ACCUREGGIE • FACEBOOK: ACCU-REGGIE

W

inter returned last week, but quickly gave way to warm and rainy weather AGAIN! I’m bored with this pattern; it’s either cold and dry or warm and rainy. But that all changes this week. This is what I love about the weather: it can change in a moment. One week, one plowable snowstorm and it feels like winter is back again in the Northeast. This week will start off with a storm that will bring snow (finally) back to the city.

I must warn you that this is a complex storm. Some will get primarily rain and 20 miles north and west others will get six inches of heavy, wet snow. This battleground will set up near the city. The storm could also be weaker and

provide light snow that does not fall heavy enough to accumulate. Right now 2-4 inches is the call in the Philly area, but I’ll lock it in with video and social media updates as we get closer.

Wednesday is crazy warm with temps near 60 before dropping in the afternoon. A key for the Thursday storm is getting colder air in place before the storm.

Thursday is the storm day. Light rain will begin in the morning and mix with and change to snow from north to south across the region as the storm intensifies. How much snow vs. rain we get depends on the intensity and track of the storm.

Friday is cold. Just know it’s going to be windy with temps

in the 20s most of the day.

Saturday and Sunday are warm again as temps flirt with the 50s both days. Rain arrives for Sunday, making it a bit of a dreary day.

Monday is a transition day as it will start warm before a cold front drops in from the north and drops our temperatures along with it.

Tuesday is back to chilly weather and we watch for another storm to move in later in the week. Even though the chances for snow look decent the next two weeks I’m certainly not holding my breath. The weather can be like Super Bowl LI sometimes: you think you have something for sure coming your way...until you don’t! •

FINANTA

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MATTHEW ALBASI

MAX PULCINI

PUBLISHER

MANAGING EDITOR

Patrick Clark

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WEATHERMAN

THOM NICKELS

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – February 8, 2017 W R I T T E N B Y S H E A LY N K I L R O Y A N D J U L I A J A B L O N O W S K I

First Friday A N I G H T O F A U D I O , V I S U A L , A N D L AVAT O R Y A R T

E

arly last week, Punxsutawney Phil saw six more weeks of winter in our future. We definitely felt the winter winds on February’s First Friday as we traversed the neighborhood in search for aesthetic happenings and warm faces. Here are our highlights from the night: Bluecadet 1526 Frankford Ave. Have you been sick and tired of the nonstop political banter since the presidential election? Well, you aren’t the only one. AIGA’s Philadelphia chapter unveiled their most recent exhibition, Design2Unite, at Bluecadet on February 3rd. AIGA saw this exhibition as an opportunity to bring all communities together, if only for a night, as people, not political parties. The gallery featured numerous works that contained themes of unity. “These signs for the most part are very positive,” Gaby Heit, the Exhibitions Chair for AIGA’s Philadelphia chapter, said.

“They’re about unity and love, and that was our message; we need to find a way to unite among our differences and learn how to move on from here.” AIGA’s president Lauren Dougherty said that they have been working with the Bludecadet for some time now and will be unveiling a new exhibition at the beginning of each month. If you were unable to make it to the great opening of the Design2Unite’s exhibition, hop on over to Bluecadet for March’s First Friday to catch the unveiling of their next show that will feature women artists in honor of Women’s History Month.

Franny Lou’s Porch 2400 Coral St. Many found comfort, community and creativity in the quaint and cozy environment of Franny Lou’s Porch.

Laughter filled the coffee shop and poetry house as standup comedians Soumya Dhulekar and Ronald Metellus kicked off the night. Yona Yurwit, who was responsible for curating the evening’s events, with the help of Franny Lou’s owner Blew MaryWillow Kind, embraced her “capital-A Artist” as she displayed her latest series Pictures/ Words. “It’s based on this idea that a picture is worth a thousand words, but they aren’t always the right ones,” Yurwit said. Her portraits include a technological element, where you can scan the QR code below each image and hear an interview from the person in the portrait. “I wanted to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the people in my social circles [and] give them a chance to describe themselves in their own words.” People were able to look at and purchase her works before Sarah-Kathryn Bryan and Taylor Davidson wrapped up the evening with their spoken-word poetry. 25 percent of the proceeds made from Yurwit’s art that evening will be donated to Philadelphia’s Coalition for REAL Justice. Want to purchase one of her works for your own art collection? Good news, Franny Lou’s will be displaying and selling Yurwit’s work for the rest of the month.

Pink Slime Gallery 454 E Girard Ave. Ever hear of a good bathroom experience? Probably not.

On the flip, Chicago-based Drug Factory Press’ Ryan Duggan presented new works entitled “Lavatory Success Story” at Pink Slime Gallery. This story included bowled fruit prints as well as framed whoopee cushions. Alongside the special showcased art, Pink Slime flags, lighters and tees were also available. Attendees purchased Drug Factory Press prints, Pink Slime products, and/or Tecate Mexican beer, the sponsor being served from a large ice-filled bucket in the back. If you missed Duggan’s show, Drug Factory Press work can be purchased online, including the whoopee cushion.

Franklin & Poe 1817 Frankford Ave. When we walked into the domestic-made clothing and goods shop Franklin & Poe Friday evening, live jazz introduced itself and entranced us. For $5, guests sipped on a choice of homemade-flavored moonshine poured from mason jars. We tasted the fruit-infused moonshine Permanent Midnight that delivered more berries, less bite to our taste buds. Other flavors included Orange Kitty Surprise. September Corbett, who organized this Jazz Block, sang “House of the Rising Sun.” Sean Markey played guitar, Josh Charles was on drums, and others approached the mic. Jazz lovers listened and spoke around products like jeans and little potted plants sold at F&P. Corbett claims there is a lot of recognition for the visual arts and believes audio and visual arts should both be celebrated.

“We can’t let jazz die,” Corbett said. •

Franny Lou's Porch./Julia Jablonowski

Blue Cadet./Julia Jablonowski

Blue Cadet./Julia Jablonowski

Franklin & Poe./Julia Jablonowski

Pink Slime Gallery./Shealyn Kilroy

Franny Lou's Porch./Julia Jablonowski

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – February 8, 2017 WRITTEN BY SEAN BARRETT

Jim Anderson T H E F R I G H T E N I N G F LY E R S O F J I M A N D E R S O N

Y

ou might not know his face or his name, but if you’ve spent any time in Fishtown over the past year or so, odds are good you’ve come in contact with at least one of Jim Anderson’s gnarly collage monsters and Sharpied, corpse-painted visages both indoors and out.

Working the sickness of his monstrosities under the name GRIMGRIMGRIM, Jim is the guy to call to create flyers and posters for, among others, Flash Mob Productions, who have been throwing an overwhelming majority of the worthwhile, touring-level rap, metal, punk and hardcore shows in the area (the majority of which are at Kung Fu Necktie).

Having moved to town from Boston a decade ago, Jim’s first foray into the role of artist-who-musicians-call goes back to, as he tells it, “this weird connection I had with a friend who was friends with Lush Life who raps down in South Philly. He messaged me and said, ‘Hey, you should do this video; it’s with Killer Mike’. So I did that video [for the song ‘This Ecstatic Cult’] for them, and it worked out good because Dave got in touch with me about doing show posters for them.”

The Dave in question is Dave Kiss, who we have to thank both for these unforgettable shows and for Jim Anderson’s nasty colors covering the town. However, Jim’s logo — a melting black metal face — had already been working on it, and was going to complete that work, flyers or no flyers.

In spite of what he’s known for, Jim is not originally from a digital-image background. Though it’s his digital skills that call these creatures into being through mixed-media collages which include his own drawings, he started all this as a man of letters. “When I went to college I did typography and then all the image stuff just kind of comes together after that. I do draw, but it’s just easier to do it digital.”

That ease matters here particularly. In contrast to the self-imposed or nonexistent deadlines other artists enjoy, these shows happen on a specific date and only have so much time before that for promotion. “It’s still work.

Sometimes I’m really bad at it and I’m late with stuff.”

Jim’s self-directed work, equally soaked in that macabre coolness, has haunted the walls of the Rocket Cat and the El Bar, among other venues.

What shines through all the skulls, though, is the sheer joy put into each piece. “I just like making them because I think they’re kinda funny. There’s really no big, dark thing behind it; it’s just, ‘Oh, look at this Lana Del Ray Baphomet.’ If you describe to somebody what you’re doing it’s like, ‘Oh, hey, I can’t come over right now. I’m doing this poster for Bongzilla and it’s a weed-demon with an Illuminati head,’ and you say that out loud and you’re like, ‘Oh, wow, this is cool.’”

More of Jim’s work can be found at grimgrimgrim.net and @fishtownisthebastard on Instagram. He is currently working on a poster for D.R.I. at the Voltage Lounge and could not be more stoked about it. •

(Top and right) Examples of Jim's posters./Matthew Albasi

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – February 8, 2017 W R I T T E N B Y S H E A LY N K I L R O Y

winter fun

L O C A L F E S T I VA L S F O R F U N , F U N D R A I S I N G A N D F O R G E T T I N G Y O U ’ R E F R O Z E N

L

et’s face it: winter stinks. Philadelphia’s biting cold air keeps you stuck inside for much of the season and the lack of sunlight can be maddening. At work, the flourescent lights in the office don’t help one bit. Those 50-count of Dunkin’ Donuts munchkins that Todd from HR brought in to cheer everyone up is only half exciting, but even that’s taken away when Carol steals the last glazed hole. Dammit, Carol.

Thankfully, there are a few upcoming local winter festivals to cure the seasonal blues. The annual Winterfest fundraiser for the Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association (NLNA) is being held on February 12th at North Bowl (909 N. 2nd St.). Then, beginning on Valentine’s Day, the multi-day Philly Winter Music Fest (formerly the Northern Liberties Winter Music Fest) is going down at Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.).

According to NLNA President Matt Ruben, NLNA’s Winterfest started around 15 years ago as a neighborhood equivalent to a holiday office party. Over the years, the event has become a major fundraiser for the civic association and has drawn the attention of sports teams and elected officials, including Mayor Jim Kenney.

“It’s the biggest party in the neighborhood,” Ruben said.

Oron Daskal, owner of North Bowl and a Northern Liberties resident, closes his bowling alley each year to accommodate the NLNA and his neighbors. He’s both pleased to provide the space and happy that Winterfest allows him to steal back time with neighbors that the cold took away.

“It’s a great event to get people out, support the neighborhood, and bump into people I haven’t seen all wintertime,” Daskal said.

So what will go on during this four-hour neighborhood bash? With the purchase of one ticket, attendees can bowl, eat and drink. Food, provided by North Bowl, will include sliders, macaroni and cheese and salad. Beer and wine will be available to those of age, and kids under 12 get in for free. Raffles and an auction will be held as well.

The prizes are worth around or over $100 and have been donated by local businesses.

The funds go to support the operations of the NLNA, but Ruben says the money goes right back to the community.

“The proceeds go to keeping the lights on at our community center and sustain our services and projects for the neighborhood. Whether it’s providing garden food at Liberty Lands...or [cleaning up trash], a chunk of Winterfest is making that possible.”

Michael Coyne, NLNA Vice President and Chairman of Membership and Fundraising, has been partly responsible for gathering local businesses and other fundraising tasks in planning Winterfest. Coyne claims the Winterfest money does more than just serve the community — it aids to the condition of the city.

“We organize to improve the quality of life for everyone, not just in Northern Liberties but in the city,” Coyne said.

“We do our small part.”

Ruben claims it’ll benefit both the community and the drop of serotonin levels.

“Winterfest is good for organization, good for the neighborhood, and good for morale during a depressing time of the year,” Ruben said.

If music is something that’ll help thaw your soul in the winter, the Philly Winter Music Festival is also coming up. Each year, local booking agent Derek Dorsey gathers some of the best local artists for a seven-day festival. For the past 10 years, the Northern Liberties Winter Music Fest has been held at The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.). The small club has hosted acts like Dr. Dog, Cold War Kids,

Amos Lee and John Stephens, before he was John Legend.

Dorsey didn’t reach an agreement with The Fire this year, so the location of the concert series has changed to Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St), just a short way away from Northern Liberties.

“It’s definitely bittersweet because that’s where we started the festival, and that’s where it’s been the last 10 years,” Dorsey said. “But we’re moving toward a bigger location where we can accommodate more folks to see the music and attend the shows.”

Regardless of the move and slight name change, Dorsey believes this year is dishing out “the strongest lineup we’ve had.” In addition to the quality of the acts, Dorsey has expanded the fest to include another day of music. For opening night on Valentine’s Day, Dorsey assembled an array of jazz musicians to give tribute to John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme. The week’s shows span across genres, going from the indie-pop songs of Mercury Girls to the hiphop tracks of Chill Moody. Ill-Fated Natives will be back, and so will Hezekiah Jones, which Dorsey is particularly pumped about. “Jones’s career has blossomed,” Dorsey said. “To have them back as a headliner on Saturday night is really exciting.”

Dorsey claims there’s music for everyone at Philly Winter Music Fest. “[Because we have this many artists,] we encourage people to camp out at Underground Arts,” Dorsey said.

Philly Winter Music Fest runs from February 14 - 21. For the full lineup and tickets, visit undergroundarts.org. The NLNA Winterfest will take place from 1-5PM. Tickets are $20 for adults at the door, $10 for seniors, $10 for kids 13-17, and free for kids under 12. Discounted tickets can be purchased in advance at nlna.org. • Michael Coyne, NLNA Vice President and Chairman of Membership and Fundraising./ All photos by Shealyn Kilroy

North Bowl will be the home of Winterfest.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – February 8, 2017 WRITTEN BY SEAN BARRETT

Rushawn Stanley T H E D A R K M U S I N G S O F R U S H AW N “ S C U M L I Z A R D ” S TA N L E Y

A

new face in the Riverwards art world, Rushawn “Scum Lizard” Stanley, hit the ground running in September when he moved to Kensington from Elmira, NY. Since then, he has taken his hand through unthinkably horrifying yet playfully colorful dimensions that confound the senses and send shockwaves of discomfort to interrupt thought. When I asked him about this at Franny Lou’s Porch, a favorite haunt where some of his art graces the wall, he confirmed that this is not at all accidental.

“When I was a kid, I used to be the class clown; I used to like messing with people and I feel like that still holds true to this day, as an adult. I like looking at someone see something and going, ‘What? That doesn’t make any sense.’ There’s this feeling of joking around, of wanting to trip you up.”

Trip you up his work certainly does. No matter how many pastels and primary colors are used, no matter what Seussian curves and bulges are given to these shapes, the effect is similar to watching a torture film with compelling aesthetics: that of wanting to look away but not being able to and staring with conflicted gaze.

In spite of how literally bright it is, Rushawn considers his art to be “dark art” and for good reason. “I suffer from pretty bad depression, anxiety, a lot of bad stuff, and it’s really difficult to convey that, but those things aren’t what define who I am as a person. There’s a lot more to it than just that.You can tell somebody something but it won’t convey it properly, but with art you can convey that a lot better. I feel like what I draw and what I create is an attempt to describe these weird juxtapositions that I’m constantly feeling. Happy and sad, or these colors that don’t quite go together, or these things that don’t go together that you have to deal with every single day, all day.”

To this reporter’s eye, it is precisely that struggle between play and fun, and discomfort and horror that powers the engine of his art, but there’s even more to it than that still.

“I’ve really been getting into finding out about higher di-

mensions, things that don’t have to abide by our rules of what something should be. It’s just as alive, but not playing by the constraints of what we play by. When you kind of open your mind to say, ‘Well, wait, I can just do something from a whole other dimension,’ it allows you a lot more freedom to do whatever you want.”

As far as materials go, he is a fan of Prisma markers, Micron pens and colored pencils. When it comes to methods, he’s long been doing what he would later find out was a favorite technique of Dali’s. “I do this style that pretty much was coined by Dali, the ‘paranoiac-critical’; you turn off your conscious mind, then draw under the impression that you are being controlled to draw. After you’ve sufficiently drawn whatever it is that comes out from that, you then take your conscious mind and try to make sense out of whatever you just drew. It’s like the Google DeepDream where you have this fuzzy image and you tell it, ‘Try to find the animal,’ and it starts making something out of nothing.”

A multi-talented fellow, Rushawn can be found playing and singing bluesy garage rock with gnarly guitar tones around the city under the name Scum Lizard. Scumlizard is also his handle on Instagram. •

Rushawn Stanley shows off his "class clown" side./Matthew Albasi

(lLeft and right) Examples of Rushawn's work.

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Page 8

The Spirit of the Riverwards – February 8, 2017 WRITTEN BY JORDYN CORDNER

Music Row

A CONVERSATION WITH AARON HEARD, VOCALIST OF JESUS PIECE

A

aron Heard, vocalist of rising Philadelphia hardcore band Jesus Piece, loves his neighborhood and the Philadelphia music scene, which he says is a stark contrast to scenes around the country.

“I love living here. I think moving down into this part of the city was probably one of the best choices I’ve made in a long time. I lived in and out of the city most of my life, so this is pretty cool. As far as playing in the city goes, it’s honestly great. Going out of Philly and seeing how little is going on [musically] in other cities as far as music goes it makes me appreciate Philly more. Especially as far as hardcore goes, it’s great here.”

For Heard, the beginning of the band’s journey is a blur.

At the start, the band was “just trying to get our names out there but now that it’s out there, we’re trying to do bigger things, keep moving and not hit that ceiling as a hardcore band.” They played their second official show at Fishtown’s Kung Fu Necktie as part of one This Is Hardcore aftershow. This Is Hardcore is an annual hardcore festival that calls Philadelphia home, but attracts fans from around the country.

“It was really cool,” Heard said. “There were a lot of outof-towners there [and] all the bands that were playing were huge. We were just a band that no one knew. When we played, a bunch of our friends rolled out and the whole room went nuts. It was really cool. It was a good start for a lot of people who didn’t know us and our friends who had never seen us. To [be seen] in that environment as a start off was perfect for us.”

Since then, Jesus Piece has made their rounds at local venues, including the Electric Factory, Underground Arts, and “random North Philly basements.” Heard also mentioned West Kensington Ministry as one of his favorite venues to play at. “[West Kensington Ministry] kinda came out of nowhere,” Heard explained. “My friend Peter Rono sings for a band called Kaonashi. They’re from the city as well. He books a lot of shows on the more metal side of things, and he found that place on a whim, kind of a, ‘Hey, I heard you guys have a space, can we work it out?’ Apparently the pricing was beautiful and everything else worked out nicely so he booked a big show with Knocked Loose and a bunch of other bands, mostly metal, and we were all just in town, so we talked about doing a secret set and we ended up doing it ... It was pretty crazy, again, the whole room went nuts.”

Heard says that West Kensington Ministry has helped his band tackle an important issue in Philly’s music scene: division. Heard believes Jesus Piece’s show at the Ministry helped “open people’s eyes” to the other side of the scene and help foster cooperation and acceptance between the hardcore and metal scenes. Heard says that it’s a “willingness to work together” that generates the successful qualities separating Philadelphia’s music scene from those in other cities.

“It seems as though [in Philadelphia] all the promoters aren’t at each other’s necks. There’s always something happening, between all the venues in North Philly, and this whole scene and different world that is West Philadelphia’s punk scene. There’s always a variety of stuff happening, whereas we’ll go other places and they’ll be like, ‘Yeah, man, we NEVER get shows out here!’ and it’s like, why? Book somebody. Get somebody out here. It’s kind of hard starting up at first but once the ball gets rolling it’s a lot easier.”

The band has a lot on their plate in the following months.

They are set to put out a split with Malice at the Palace, whose singer, Bob Wilson, lives in the city. “We’re putting that out in [the spring] on Bridge 9 records. We just finished up all the recordings, getting the mastering done, and we’re writing for an LP as well. We’ve got a show with Code Orange coming up at [First Unitarian Church] on 2/11… I get to play the Church, which is pretty legendary

Jesus Piece performing./All photos by Tyler Andrew in Philly.”

Jesus Piece will also embark on a West Coast tour with Year of the Knife, some of whose members also live in the area, and they hope to tour Europe in the coming future.

When Heard isn’t playing or working, you can catch him at the Fresh Works or at karaoke night at the El Bar on Wednesdays. “That’s my jam,” he says. “I love singing karaoke, can’t sing to save my life, but… it’s a blast nonetheless.”

Heard also frequents local favorite Ortlieb’s. “I love seeing music at Ortlieb’s because it’s a small room and you really get the intimate feel of things and everyone behind the scenes is really nice there and really welcoming. Kyle, Nicky, Tony, who bartends there, Shane’s cool. Shoutout to Ortlieb's.”

Heard has Philly pride and a fond appreciation for the music scene in the city, offering only praise for the area and for the patrons. “I love everything about this neighborhood and everyone who does what they do.”

You can hear Jesus Piece’s music at https://jesuspiecehc. bandcamp.com/. •

The Spirit of the Riverwards – February 8, 2017

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – February 8, 2017 W R I T T E N B Y S H E A LY N K I L R O Y

VACANT TO VIBRANT HOW NKCDC’S ORINOKA CIVIC HOUSE PLANS TO DO MORE THAN CONSTRUCTION

K

evin Gray, Real Estate Development Director of the New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC), is confident that many housing applications will come in for the new Orinoka Civic House. However, Gray claims it’s a hard thing to want, because it lends itself to the truth.

“It just sheds light on the fact that people need housing,” Gray said.

The need for safe, clean and affordable housing in the neighborhood called the NKCDC to transform the abandoned Orinoka Mills factory into the Orinoka Civic House (2777 Ruth St.). As of January 23rd, low- to middle-income families can apply to live in the house’s apartments, sharing a building with community and commercial spaces.

The NKCDC will not handpick which applicants will live in the house, but use a lottery process.

When the residential portion of the Orinoka Civic House is completed in June, the sleek, modern house will contain 51 one- and two-bedroom apartments. This $17.8 million development is the second of its kind brought to the Riverwards by the NKCDC. Their first development, Coral Street Arts House (2446-2468 Coral St.), was created with the intent to attract artists with both affordable and market-rate housing.

Catering to the arts community and stabilizing the neighborhood in Fishtown and East Kensington has primarily been the work of the NKCDC since it was founded in 1985. This includes helping small businesses open up along the Frankford Avenue corridor, managing vacant land and providing the community with resources like leadership classes and workshops.

The Orinoka Civic House enters unchartered territory for the NKCDC. Gentrification has caused parts of the Riverwards to experience an exponential spike in housing prices, deserting the neighborhood of affordable housing.

According to Newsworks, research done on Philadelphia neighborhoods has shown that lower-income people who are priced out of their neighborhoods are moving to communities with higher rates of violent crime, higher levels of unemployment and less successful public schools.

In 2013, the NKCDC released the North of Lehigh Neighborhood Plan, outlining intentions “to strengthen the physical, social and economic fabric of the community.”

This included speaking face to face about what neighbors want in their area and providing them with resources.

“Our role isn’t to oversee and manage the neighborhood,” Gray said, “but to give people the power to do that.”

Community pride is behind that power. Gray claims that if you live next to a trash lot, you’re less likely to feel good about your neighborhood. When jobs left this once industrialized area, vacant factories, including Orinoka Mills, left dangerous “eyesores” across the neighborhoods, according to Gray.

To combat the blight, the NKCDC wanted to maintain the history of the former silk factory while creating affordable housing in the neighborhood. “The idea of taking pieces of the neighborhood history and reimagining them and bringing them back to life is really important to us,” Gray said. “How do we take this things that were historic to the neighborhood and reinvent them again?”

The NKCDC decided to keep the name Orinoka, as hard as it is to pronounce. As the developer of the Orinoka Civic House, Gray is leading the reinvention of the factory from start to finish. He’s been with the NKCDC for eight years, bringing his background in urban planning and development with him. “My reason for working at the [NKCDC] was that I wanted to be a part of an organization that wanted to effect positive change,” Gray said.

Aside from creating affordable housing in the neighborhood, community engagement was also a significant goal of the North of Leigh Neighborhood Plan. The NKCDC has communicated with local residents and helped form Somerset Neighbors for Better Living (SNBL). This civic association is a Registered Community Organization (RCO), which allows the members and neighbors involved to give input on zoning decisions.

Amanda Fury, a member of SNBL’s Steering Committee, admits that having a civic association, especially one that is an RCO, is a significant component for having a strong neighborhood.

“Having an RCO is essential for our neighborhood to take care of itself,” Fury said. “A neighborhood that doesn’t have an RCO doesn’t have a strong voice to advocate for their own change.”

For as long as Fury has lived in Somerset, Orinoka Mills stood vacant. As vacancy turns to residency, Fury believes it’ll be a positive change. “It’ll definitely benefit the community,” Fury said. “It’ll be used instead of vacant. It’ll be

more vibrant and bring more activity into the area.”

Orinoka Civic House will include a commercial space for a to-be-announced mission-oriented business. Goodman and Gray also emphasize the Orinoka Civic House’s community room, which will be used for community meetings, events, training workshops and more. The room will be surrounded by glass walls and presented in the corner of the building, acting as a window between the community and passersby.

“We want to be a beacon for the neighborhood,” Gray said. “When you look in, there’ll be people doing something...It’ll be a focal point for civic engagement and involvement.”

The NKCDC also plans to move its offices to Orinoka later this year. Andrew Goodman, the NKCDC’s Director of Community Engagement, claims that having the CDC’s headquarters in the civic house will build better relationships within the community.

“Affirming and announcing that [the NKCDC] is coming is to say we're neighbors. We hope to invite more people into our doors and expand the community,” Goodman

said. “Coming into a new place, some don’t know where to start. [Orinoka residents] will have the NKCDC in their building to get a start and to get engaged in the community.”

Fury echoed this sentiment.

“Having the NKCDC’s offices closer will help them reach this community,” Fury said.

Applications to live in the Orinoka Civic House must be mailed to Orinoka Civic House, P.O. Box 29275, Philadelphia PA, 19125 by February 24th to be included in the lottery held on March 2nd. During the week of March 13th, those selected must be interviewed for financial eligibility, which has become a standard to follow for affordable housing developments who receive state funding. Gray claims this applying for this funding is competitive, but he feels fortunate because he believes it’ll allow the NKCDC to address a need through Orinoka.

“Our goal is make sure we’re providing as much as possible, like resources on the ground for residents, but also like the civic house that gives physical housing to folks, so they’re not being pushed out,” Gray said. •

Kevin Gray, Real Estate Development Director of NKCDC./All photos by Shealyn Kilroy

Orinoka Civic House's reidential units are set for completion this June.

The Spirit of the Riverwards – February 8, 2017

"Cats Dream of Fishes" - Illustration by Luke Cloran

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – February 8, 2017

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR N E W S @ S P I R I T N E W S . O R G • 1 4 2 8 E . S U S Q U E H A N N A AV E • 2 1 5 . 4 2 3 . 6 2 4 6

m eet ing s EKNA MONTHLY MEETINGS East Kensington Neighbors Association (EKNA) meets at 6:30PM on the third Monday of the month at Philadelphia Brewing Company (2440 Frankford Ave.) Topics will include: Committee Updates, including Zoning and Development; Committee Meeting Time. Not able to make our meeting in person but interested in joining via livestream? Email info@ekna.org for more information!

FNA MONTHLY MEETINGS Fishtown Neighbors Association (FNA) meets at 7PM on the third Wednesday of each month at Fishtown Rec Center, 1202 East Montgomery Avenue.

HCA MONTHLY MEETINGS Harrowgate Civic Association (HCA) usually meets at 6:30PM on the first Thursday of each month at Heitzman Recreation Center, 3631 Amber Street. However, this month's meeting is on ORCA MONTHLY MEETINGS Old Richmond Civic Association (ORCA) meets at 7:30PM on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Cione Rec Center, 2600 Aramingo Avenue.

PROPAC MONTHLY MEETINGS Port Richmond on Patrol and Civic (PROPAC) meets at 7PM on the first Wednesday of each month at Columbia Social Club, 3529 Almond Street. Next meeting: February 1.

SNBL MONTHLY MEETINGS Somerset Neighbors for Better Living (SNBL) meets at 6:30PM on the first Monday of each month. This month's meeting is on Monday, January 9. Meetings alternate between two locations. This month's meeting is at Rock Ministries, 2755 Kensington Avenue. The February 6 meeting is at Firm Hope Baptist Church, 2313 East Auburn Street.

NKCDC OPEN OFFICE HOURS NKCDC is hosting open office hours in the 19134 zip code at two locations. They will be at the Firm Hope Baptist Church on Tulip and Auburn Streets every second Wednesday of the month from 4-7PM. They will assist you with signing up for benefits like SNAP, connecting to housing counselors for any housing needs, rent and property tax rebates, food referrals, health insurance and safety or quality of life issues in your community.

For further information contact Tess at tdonie@NKCDC.org or 215-427-0350 x 139.

AL-ANON AT HOLY NAME CHURCH HALL Meetings are held every Monday night from 7-8PM at Holy Name Church Hall at 701 Gaul Street. Anything shared at a meeting stays there and everyone is welcome to attend.

Al-Anon meetings are free, anonymous and confidential.

NETWORKING MEETINGS Philadelphia Mastermind Group – Every Friday, 8-9:30AM, B2B Networking at Front Street Café (1253 N Front St.) HAPCO/DIG/GPAR – 2nd Thursday of the Month, 12:001:30PM. Lunch & Learn, real estate meetup at the Greater Philadelphia Association of realtors (341 North Delaware Avenue, Suite 200) DIG/HAPCO – 3rd Wednesday of the Month, 6:30-8:30PM. Philly Riverwards Sub-Group, Diversified Investors Groups meet up at Front Street Café (1253 N Front St.) For more information contact Joe Scorese 215-290-5108 or jscorese@firstrust.com.

events Sunday, February 12, 1-5PM WINTERFEST IN NORTHERN LIBERTIES Time to get your tickets for this great party hosted by NLNA at North Bowl (909 N 2nd St.) Buy tickets in advance at nlna.org. Adult $15 (advance), $20. at the door. Seniors and Kids 13-17 $10. Kids 12 and under are free. Tickets are also available at the Community Center (700 N 3rd St) M-F 10AM-1PM and W 6-9PM. Bring the family for great food, drinks, raffles and bowling. Our amazing neighborhood establishments have donated generously to make

this bash our best fundraiser. Join the fun and help us celebrate.

Thursday, February 16, 4-7PM THE NEW KENSINGTON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (NKCDC) NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY Subcommittee (NAS) elections will be held at the NKCDC office (2515 Frankford Ave.), Firm Hope Baptist Church (2313 E. Auburn St) and Shissler Recreation Center(1800 Blair St.) These candidates will be working on safety, zoning, beautification, and other issues on their assigned location in the neighborhood. Voters 18 years and older resident in the NKCDC NAS service area are eligible to vote and must bring a valid form of identification with name and residency to the polls. For more information contact Tess Donnie at 215-427-0350 x139 or tdonie@nkcdc.org.

February 18, 2:00PM RAIN CHECK WORKSHOP PWD’s Rain Check Workshop gives residents an opportunity to reduce pollution that would otherwise end of in our creeks and rivers. Come to this workshop to learn how you can get a free rain barrel from PWD! Reduced pricing for downspout planters, rain gardens, depaving, and permeable pavers will also be offered.

Please register at www.phillywatersheds.org/raincheck or call PHS at 215-988-1698.

Sunday, February 19, After 11AM Mass BREAKFAST FOR DEACON JACK BOYLE Join the Holy Name of Jesus Parish in celebration of Deacon John Boyle’s Retirement in the church hall (701 Gaul St.) Tickets cost $10 each and will be sold after all masses.

For more information contact Mary at 267-266-6910.

Sunday, February 19, 2PM, Doors 1PM MYSTERY BINGO The Port Richmond Tigers present Mystery Bingo at St. George’s Hall (Salmon and Venango Streets.) Prizes include designer handbags, American Girl Dolls, home goods, electronics and more. Two prizes will be awarded each bingo round. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Tickets are $30.

For tickets or more information call Tom Mack at 215275-8838.

February 22, 6:00PM CREATE A SPICE BLEND This program is part of One Book One Philadelphia. Using the mathematical concept of ratios, explore ways to maximize flavor using spices and spice blends. Come ready to put your taste buds and culinary minds to the test. Participants will leave with their own spice blend to use at home!

Friday, February 24th, 6:45PM PALLET PAINT NIGHT Yes you can create beautiful, fun artwork! Join us on Friday, February 24th to create a Masterpiece! BYOB & BYOSnacks, (Coffee, tea, water & dessert served). Tickets are $40. Space is very limited so reserve your spot ASAP! Doors at St. Laurentius Gym will open at 6:15 Instruction starts at 6:45.

For tickets call 215-423-8834 or email dgriffith@stlaurentius.org Saturday, February 25, 6-9PM ST ADALBERT DINNER St. Adalbert Parish (2645 E. Allegheny Ave.) is hosting a dinner with the Polish American String Band in the parish hall. Food will be provided by Dinner House Restaurant.

This event is a fundraiser for the parish. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12 and are available to purchase in the rectory office or the sacristy after Sunday Mass. For more information, contact Janice at 215634-1930.

celebrate the 16th Annual National Education Association’s Read Across America Day. Adaire Home and School looking for community members to read to classes.

If you’re interested in participating in the event, please email your name and organization to Tuesday Chalmers

by Feb. 25 at adairehomeandschool@gmail.com

Thursdays, March 2, 11AM-Noon FOOD PANTRY DISTRIBUTIONS TIME CHANGE St. Michael’s Church (Trenton Ave. and Cumberland St.) will hold their weekly Food Pantry Distributions during morning hours only. The church will continue to service zones 19125 and 19134.

For more information contact coordinator Pat Walder at 215-425-6190 or St. Michael’s at 215-423-0782.

Saturday, March 11, 10AM-3PM SPRING CRAFT FAIR St. Anne’s Senior Community Center (2607 E. Cumberland St.) is hosting the center’s Second Annual Spring Craft Fair. Crafters of all ages are welcome. To reserve a table or for more information, contact Karen at 215-4269799.

Sunday, March 12, 11:15AM ATLANTIC CITY BUS TRIP The Ladies of Port Richmond Breast Cancer are sponsoring bus trip Resorts Casino in Atlantic City. Those attending are expected to meet and board the bus at Belgrade & Allegheny Avenues. Tickets are $35. $25 slot play due in advance. For additional information, contact Marylou at 215-427-3222 or Marie at 215-423-3414.

Thursday, March 23, 3:30PM 16TH ANNUAL FISHTOWN MARCH MADNESS ACADEMIC COMPETITION Cheer on local students with neighbors and Fishtown Neighbors Association as they use their smarts to advance in the Final Four and Championship rounds for the 16th Annual Fishtown March Madness Academic Competition at Shissler Rec Center. Sponsored by Penn Treaty Special Services District, a celebration to honor Fishtown Teachers and Educators of the year and Joseph and a group that has been working with Fishtown-area youth will be held as well.

For more information and to volunteer contact A.J. at ajthomson7@gmail.com.

Weekdays, 9AM-9PM ACCEPTING FOOD DONATIONS Bridesburg Recreation Center (4625 Richmond St.) is accepting nonperishable food and clothing donations for the neighborhood needy. For more information, call Jackie at 215-685-1247, 215-533-6448.

Third Mondays LOST PARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBER SUPPORT GROUP December’s meeting will be December 12th at Cione Rec Center (Aramingo and Lehigh Ave.). For anyone who is suffering the loss of a loved one, a friend, whoever, is welcome.

3rd and 4th Tuesday of Every Month, 6:30PM-8:30PM WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE CLASSES Fishtown Recreation Center is hosting a Women’s Self Defense class 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on the 3rd and 4th Tuesdays of each month for $10 per class starting 11/15/16.

You can register in person at the Rec on weekdays 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM or on Saturdays 9:00 PM to 12:00 noon.

Wednesday, March 1, 7PM DUFFY STRING BAND OPEN HOUSE Fishtown’s Duffy String Band invites you to “Be a Part of Something Great.” These mummers are holding their annual open house at their clubhouse (2230 Cedar St.) For more information visit Duffy String Band’s Facebook.

Tuesdays in February, 7-9:30PM PUBLETTERS AT THE STANDARD TAP Stop typing that Facebook message, and come to the Standard Tap (2nd and Popular Streets) with your best handwriting. Publetters is offering a workshop upstairs at the Tap on writing the personal letter. Stationery, postcards, stamps, and pens will be provided. At the end of this free workshop, a walk, or stumble, will be made down to the US Postal Service mailbox to send the letters crafted that night.

For more information visit publetters.com and Standard Tap’s Facebook.

Thursday, March 2, 830-11AM READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY Adaire Elementary School wants you to celebrate the value of reading with students and their peers nationwide to

Mondays and Thursdays, 7:30PM CATHOLIC TALK SERIES Join St. Michael’s Parish (1445 N. 2nd St.) for their new series of talks to learn more about or deepen their Catho-

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – February 8, 2017 lic faith. The talks are open to both youth and adults, and free babysitting services will be provided.

For more information visit the parish website or call the rectory at 215-739-2358.

nue. Interested individuals can call 215-426-8610, Ext. 2006.

Visit www.lsheducation.org or email for more info: pep@lutheransettlement.org

Last Tuesday of every month, 7PM SPIRITUAL INQUEERY A safe space to explore and study the intersection of faith and sexuality for LGBTQIA+ Christians and Inquirers.

Come share, listen, learn, and find community support in navigating the trials and tribulations of this life. We meet l on the last Tuesday of every month at 1542 E. Montgomery Ave. e s Wednesdays, 6PM YOGA AT TOWEY REC Roots2Rise will hold yoga classes at Towey Rec (1829 N. Howard St.). Cost is $5 per class. Participants must bring a mat ) For more info, visit roots2rise.com g e Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30PM SCRAPBOOKING t Bring your photos and a book for scrapbooking at Bridesburg Recreation Center (4625 Richmond St.) It cost $5 to attend, and other materials will be provided. For more information, call Jackie at 215-685-1247, 215-533-6448.

children

Wednesdays, 6 to 7PM g WEDNESDAY EVENING CLEAN-UPS IN EAST a KENSINGTON At Huntingdon Emerald (Huntingdon & Emerald) and Arcadia Commons (Kern Street, Mid-Block). Join us each Wednesday evening for clean ups at two of our beloved neighborhood parks! Help keep our green spaces beautiful by supporting Arcadia Commons. Monthly board meetings, open to the public, take place on the third Thursday of each month at 2614 Amber Street. & n Wednesdays, 7PM t ST. ANNE’S CHURCH CHOIR St. Anne’s Church Choir is back with a new director, April Anderson, and assistant director, Rich Burns. We’ll be rehearsing on Wednesday evenings at 7PM at St. Anne’s Church (Lehigh and Memphis).

n 2nd Fridays, 7:15PM e MOTHERHEART KIRTAN h Welcoming everyone in the neighborhood to take part in n MotherHeart Kirtan. Kirtan is the recitation of spiritual l ideas through songs of devotion. Style is call and response singing of mantra and sounds. It is an easy, safe environt ment to experience group, harmony, healing, and comd munity. Kirtan can be peaceful, uplifting, and ecstatic.

MotherHeart Studio (2359 E Susquehanna Ave.) Donation only.

Sundays, 12-4PM AMALGAM ADVENTURER’S LEAGUE Adventurers! Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse is now hosting Adventurers' League play on Sundays from noon r to 4PM. Bring your level 1 character, or just yourself and our DM will have pre-gens, and join us as we begin the new season of Storm King's Thunder with the Great Upheaval adventure. New and experienced players welcome!

Every Sunday morning, 10AM LET THE CHILDREN COME. c Progressive, child-led Christian education for children s ages 3-13. Storytelling (with ample time for wondering) with a focus on processing through art. All children and families welcome, regardless of religious affiliation. At Atonement Lutheran Church, 1542 E. Montgomery Ave.

PORTSIDE ART CLASSES f Make the season bright. Enroll in Stained Glass, Mosaics, Jewelry Making, or Upholstery and give the gift of a beau. tiful handmade work of art!

M To learn more, please visit www.PortsideArtsCenter.org or call us at 215-427-1514

LUTHERAN SETTLEMENT HOUSE JOB READINESS CLASSES Lutheran Settlement House (1340 Frankford Ave.) is hosting a month worth of job readiness classes as part of the e Pathways to Employment Program. , Welcome to PA CareerLink and JobGateway: February 6th, e 13th, and 27th, from 10am-noon e Getting Your Resume Right: February 1st and the 15th, t from 10am-noon Interviewing Skills: February 8th and the 22nd, from d 10am-noon Career Drop-in: Drop into our computer lab for assistance with your resume, cover letter, or online job application.

Every Thursday in February, from 1pm-4pm. NO APPOINTMENT REQUIRED! w All the classes are free and are held at 1340 Frankford Ave-

CUB SCOUT PACK 500 Open to boys in K-5th grade. We meet every Thursday 7-8pm in the St Anne's Annex gymnasium at the corner of Memphis & Tucker. Scouts build projects, learn skills, help the community, and go on hikes and camping trips.

Feel free to stop by a den meeting and check it out.

For more information, email Den Leader Lisa at Pack500Fishtown@gmail.com SIXERS NEIGHBORHOOD BASKETBALL LEAGUE Hancock Rec has more openings for players in their SNBL league held at Moffett Elementary School. For more information please contact Coach Larry @215-685-9877, or come to Moffett to register on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-6PM. FISHTOWN LIBRARY Tuesdays: Toddler Storytime: Join Miss Dana for stories, songs, and silliness! Tuesdays @ 10:30AM. For ages 0-3 ½.

Wednesday PRESCHOOL STORYTIME AT RICHMOND LIBRARY This program is intended for children ages 1-4 and their caregiver. Siblings are always welcome. Daycares should call for separate appointments. Richmond Branch of the Free Library, 2987 Almond Street.

For further information call 215-685-9992.

seniors EXERCISE CLASSES FOR PEOPLE AGES 50+ Stay Healthy and Active with a variety of exercise classes at St. Anne’s Senior Center. Latin Rhythm on Mondays at 10:00am; Chair Yoga on Tuesdays at 9:30AM (excluding the 2nd Tuesday of each month;) Tai Chi on Wednesdays at 10:00AM; EnhanceFitness on Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30AM; St. Anne’s Senior Center (2607 E. Cumberland St.) For more info call 215-426-9799 CREATIVE ART CLASSES FOR PEOPLE 50+ The Clay Creations class meets weekly on Friday afternoons from 12:30 – 2:00pm. Learn about the art of hand building to create spectacular pots and other clay forms.

Creating with the Color Wheel on Tuesday afternoons from 12:30- 2:00PM. Participants will mix paint to create a color wheel and use this technique to create colorful paintings and eye-catching designs. Registration and material fees will be charged for these workshops. St. Anne’s Senior Center (2607 E. Cumberland St.) For more info call 215-426-9799 BINGO St. Anne’s Senior Community Center has bingo on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Bingo supplies are on sale starting at 11:00AM. Lunch will begin at 11:30AM. Bingo will begin at 12:30PM. Please make your meal reservation in advance to dine with us. Free parking is available. CCT Transportation is offered to members who are 65 years of age or older. St. Anne’s Senior Center (2607 E. Cumberland St.) For more info call 215-426-9799 NUTRITION ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS Did you know that if you are age 60 or older, or disabled and have low to modest income that you may be eligible for SNAP benefits? Snap is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps) and can provide assistance with purchase of groceries. If you are single and your income is less than $1962/month, or less than $2656/ month for a couple, you may qualify. There is no limit on how much a senior has in savings and checking accounts.

Don’t miss out on this important benefit for which you may be eligible!

For assistance in completing an application, contact the Social Service Coordinator at St. Anne’s Senior Center 215-4269799.

Sundays SUNDAY BINGO St. Anne Church will host bingo on Sundays in the Social Hall, Memphis and Tucker streets. Doors open at 4PM; bingo starts at 6PM. Cost is $12.

Call 215-739-4590 for more details.

Fridays ART WORKSHOP FOR SENIORS St. Anne’s Senior Center, 2607 E. Cumberland St., is offering an art workshop for people age 50 and older. “Clay Creations” will meet weekly on Fridays, from 12:30-2 PM Participants will learn about the art of hand building to create pots and other clay forms. Those interested should register in advance.

For more details call 215-426-9799.

SENIOR EXERCISE CLASSES Exercise classes for people 50 and older will be offered at St. Anne’s Senior Center, 2607 E. Cumberland St. Class schedule will be Enhance Fitness on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30 AM, Chair Yoga on Tuesdays at 9:30AM, Tai Chi on Wednesdays at 10AM, and Line Dancing on the first and third Friday of every month.

For more information call 215-426-9799.

faith Wednesdays FIRST PRESBYTERIAN BIBLE STUDY GROUP A Bible study group meets at First Presbyterian Church, 418 E. Girard Ave at 7PM . Come and bring a friend for informative, exciting and lively open discussions. As always, everyone is welcome.

Thursdays ST. ANNE WEEKLY NOVENA St. Anne weekly Novena Thursday evening service, 7PM Church of Saint Anne, Memphis St. and Lehigh Ave. Tuesdays PRAYER MINISTRY First Emmanuel Prayer Partners Church, 711 W. Girard Ave. Prayer Ministry is looking for Prayer Partners. Everyone is Welcome to come pray with us.

For further information call 215-456-9974.

sign ups BRIDESBURG COUGARS REGISTRATION Signups for baseball, softball, rookie, and t-ball will be held from 6-8PM at Bridesburg Recreation Center (4625 Richmond St.) on the following: Thursday, February 16 Thursday, March 2 Tuesday, February 21 Tuesday, March 7 Thursday, February 23 Thursday, March 9 ?Tuesday Feb 28 Signups will also be held on Saturday, March 18 from 9AM-noon. Additional dates may be added. Rookie and tball cost $35. Boys and girls travel cost $80 for ages 12 & under and $110 for 13 & over. Jerseys cost an additional $15. For more information, contact Daymon at 215-9005647, dywills@aol.com or Alina at 215-307-5523, amdwhittle@comcast.net Cione Lady Strikers Are Looking for Players New girls indoor soccer team (ages 7-9) is looking for players! No registration fee this year! Practices are on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7-8 pm at Towey Rec Center. For more information contact Brooke (267-608-5660) or Tim Sieck (215-313-3677).

EVENING ARTS CLASSES Portside Arts Center (2531 E. Lehigh Ave.) is holding evening arts classes for all ages. Classes include visual arts, mosaics, media & film, upholstery and more. Most classes start at 6:30PM. For the full list of classes, including price and time, visit portsideartscenter.org.

SUMMER CAMP RAFFLE Win a free two-week session at Portside Arts Center’s Summer Camp 2017. The camp is broken down into two age groups, 4-7 and 8-12, starting the week of June 26, The raffle cost $10, and the winner can use the session for any date and either age group. After raffle purchase, multiple entries can be made. To enter, visit portsideartscenter. org.

GIRL SCOUT TROOP AT GLAVIN PLAYGROUND Welcomes New Members. Meetings will start week of Sept. 19 at Glavin Playground (2600 E Westmoreland St.) with breakdown of age level meetings as follows: Brownies – 1st – 3rd Grade – 6:45 – 8:00 – Monday Nights; Daisies – K – 1st Grade – 6:05 – 7:00 – Tuesday Nights; Older girls – 6th – 12th Grade - 7:00 – 8-00 – Tuesday nights; Juniors – 4th – 6th Grade – 6:45 – 8:00 – Wednesday nights.

Information about registration and the troop management will be available from the troop leader at the meetings.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – February 8, 2017 COMMUNITY

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We reserve the right to edit, refuse or classify any advertisement.

Advertising is a privilege which must be protected against misuse. All classified advertisements subject to pre-payment. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to check the advertisements each time it is published.

No responsibility is assumed by the newspaper for errors. Errors will be rectified by reinsertion in the following issue only.

215.423.6246 The deadline is Friday at 5pm for display ads, and Monday at 12pm for classifieds. All advertisements must be paid for in advance.

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Landlords must allow you to make reasonable accommodations to ensure full use of your apartment. Telling you that you can’t install grab bars and ramps is against the law. You can fight back.

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Page 15

The Spirit of the Riverwards – February 8, 2017

YOUNG SCHOLARS CHARTER SCHOOL- REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) INTERNET AND VOICE Young Scholars Charter School has released RFPs for Internet Access and Voice services. Details are within the posted RFPs. Respondents must have an E-rate SPIN number and abide by the RFP directions. Complete responses must be received by 10:00 AM EST. on February 10, 2017. To review the RFPs or MTM services pricing quote requests, visit www.intelafunds.net, select “E-Rate”, “Bid Opportunities” and select the RFP/service quote requests documents posted for this school.

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Is there something going on that’s a little funky in your neighborhood? Anything you want us to look into? Have something juicy you want to leak? Know of something fun or interesting going on that you think we should know about?

We rely on sources like you for news that effects our neighborhoods. No tip is a bad tip.

Drop us a line at news@spiritnews.org.

Page 16

The Spirit of the Riverwards – February 8, 2017 WRITTEN BY SHARON ISABEL CURLEY

Spirit Astrology YOUR DOSE OF HYPERLOCAL SPIRITUAL ADVICE

Aries: Greensgrow Farms, one of our favorite local green spaces, is hosting a Scrapple Workshop on April 1st. This is no April Fool’s Day gag — this is the real deal. Although I think scrapple is a weird food, I appreciate the idea behind the workshop. Eating deepfried pig scraps won’t ever be on my menu, but I would love to see how it’s made. Aries, there are a lot of things in life you don’t enjoy, but learning is certainly something you love. This could be a good time to figure out something that turns you off and figure out why. Give a go at learning about the origin or process of what this is, and see if it strikes your fancy a little bit more. For example, if I weren’t unemployed and embarrassingly broke, I would spend the mere $35 on this workshop and learn how to make scrapple, even if I’d be hesitant to try it in the end.

Taurus: I was recently visiting a friend in New York who was teaching her two year old about horizontal and vertical lines. The child stared at her mother as if she were the smartest person on Earth. Like the mother in this story, you’ve got a knack for teaching.

You often tell people very little about a new idea, but imagine how fascinating you could seem if you were to elaborate a little bit more! This two year old had no idea that lines had names. Take pride in this trait of yours and show someone something new. It doesn’t have to be elaborate at all. It could be as simple as showing someone a different way to do something they already know how to do, or letting someone in on your favorite bar, or even picking up your favorite newspaper, and reading them your new favorite hyperlocal astrology by yours truly.

Gemini: I never did like the coffee at the Rocket Cat, although there have been times when I drank lots of it. I used to ride my bike from West Philly just to catch the cool vibes, the fireplace, the art on the walls and the friendly service. Yet I still feel sad that it's changing. I loved the griminess of it and the diamonds on the wall outside. And when Holly worked there, the tunes were always pleasant. Who knows what will come of it now? Probably not a great, classic brick building, but instead, I bet it will fit the bill of the neighborhood shift. Maybe you need some adjusting, Gemini? Maybe it's time to renovate yourself from the comfortable classic you into a more suitable and likable person for everyone. It could be a shift in you that could bring in more money or a new group of friends. Keep your memories alive, but keep living, too.

Cancer: I used to frequent Danger Salon, back when I had the cash to get work done there. I always looked forward not only to the great eyebrows I would walk away with but also to the service I’d receive. Every person who I have encountered in this place has been so kind to me. I miss that monthly trip to the shop, where I would be offered a drink, or asked about myself, or where I would just get to sit and listen to great music while some beautiful woman used her skills to make me look nicer. I made a promise to myself that with the next little bit of money I make, I will go back and have this pleasant experience again. Cancer, if there’s a happy place you’ve been neglecting or just unable to go to, I say now is your time to return. Go splurge on a decent cappuccino from La Calombe, pick up a postcard at Jinxed or go and get your hair done at Danger Salon. Whatever it is, let yourself remember how good it feels, if only just once, for now.

Leo: Have you ever noticed how the sounds of the city can seem peaceful? Once I lived on Front Street in Queen Village for a bit. It was summer and I have fond memories of opening the windows to hear the sounds of the cars on 95 rushing by. I would lie on the couch, close my eyes and imagine that the city’s bustling sounds were actually those of the ocean’s waves. If you think of it, you can find beauty in anything, even if just because it reminds you of something else. Leos do love to dream, but an underlying temper can hold you back, even aggressively. Don't be mad at things you can't control. Let them be and maybe find another way to enjoy them. Summer is coming, but for now, don't let seasonal depression get you down.

Virgo: I love this quote from Charles Darwin: “A man who chooses to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.” Virgo, you’re a pretty busy person, even in your mind. Waste isn’t something you like much at all, but sometimes waste is hard to define. If you’re a trash-picker, a dumpster-diver, a thrifter, a recycler at all, then you see waste differently. However, time is of the essence. You need to recognize this, now more than ever. Time keeps moving along, as does a pair of jeans. Yet both will meet their end.

If you’ve got the urge to make a move in your life, now is your time. Don’t wait. Waiting is wasting in this regard. Take all of the pent-up Virgo in you and go forth with all the strength you’ve got. Time, however, will allow patience in this.

Libra: Only about once or twice a year I get to see my old and dear friend Amy. She took me out to Mulherin’s last week to celebrate my birthday and it was an awesome experience. Not just because the food was good, the waiter we had was great, and the cocktail was amazing, but because Amy and I have such a deep and strong connection since we met in the sixth grade that, even if a year passes, it feels like no more than a day. We may have aged a good 20+ years, but when I see her, I see the same person I knew when I was running away from home, telling her about losing my virginity, traveling down the shore and laughing until our bodies hurt. It’s nice to have such a connection. Libra, let yourself engage in such a timeless wonder. Find a good place, a good friend, and party like it’s 1999.

Scorpio: It may seem like everything is in its place for you right now. You may be feeling like you're on top of the world; the queen of the castle. But be careful, my dear Scorpio.

You always seem to stay above long enough without recognizing the depths, and when you fall, you fall hard. It's cold these days and falling will only hurt that much more. Remain happy and free, but do not forget how you got where you are. Hard work has certainly paid off, but the struggles within should stay in the past, perhaps as a blessing. You may be on the cruise ship you've been waiting for your whole life, but pay attention when you're told where the life jackets are.

Sagittarius: I have been unemployed for close to a year. It’s been a rough time, not having an income. I don’t get to go out, go shopping or travel much at all. I do little things to make money, but it doesn’t really pay the bills. I read my horoscope somewhere the

other day that suggested perhaps I am trying so hard to get something, like a job, but that it isn’t the path this universe has set out for me. Wondering what it is I should be doing instead, I took some time to meditate on it. Meditation usually leads to daydreaming, so I just started thinking about all the things I want in life and not one of them was a job. If you’ve been feeling like you’re on a path to something you think you want or need, and it continues to seem farther away every day, I say go for something else! Think of what you really want and spend your time focusing on that Lamborghini Countach you’re never going to get.

Capricorn: In the 1980 film “Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe”, documentarian Les Banks shows Herzog cooking shoes he wore during a bet he made, claiming that if the Errol Morris film “Gates Of Heaven” ever came to completion, Herzog would eat his shoe. If you’re a bet maker, whether it be with yourself or others, be careful, Capricorn. Don’t be so sure of yourself all the time. Stubbornness is a rough struggle for you, but if you don’t humble yourself soon, you may end up eating your shoe. Even if you spice it up and cook it up real nice, your body will still have to digest your pride. The best way to swallow your pride, in my opinion, is to do just that. You don’t need to see its significance in your shoes first.

Aquarius: After a lovely day celebrating my birthday, I fell asleep to some pretty terrible dreams. I haven’t had a nightmare in a really long time. These were even beyond nightmares — they were visions of cremating a love in my life while seeing another covered in sores. I then had another another dream where violence broke out in some sort of riot form and I was nearly killed. Needless to say, the start of the next day was slow and steady. I thought about these dream sequences so vividly, I couldn’t get into a proper mood. I see this all now as a way of shedding the nightmare I lived the previous year. The pain and suffering I went through is terrifying enough, I can barely bring it to the surface.

However, as I got the chance to wake up from the dreams, I hope this new year will wake me up and remove me from the nightmares of waking life’s past. I hope you can join me, my fellow Aquarians, to make this Year of the Fire Rooster all it can be, but mostly: NEW. Pisces: I lost one of my favorite hats recently, on the very same night my girlfriend lost her hat. The two of us were both saddened and confused by how we could both lose our favorite hats at all, and together on the same night, no less. She eventually found hers, but mine is most likely in a ditch or being worn by someone else. Are you saddened by the recent success of someone close to you? Has someone else seemed to have achieved something you want, although it seemed like you were in it together? This is no way to live your life, Pisces. You may never find your lost hat in life, but you will regain a better one somehow soon. •

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