HYPE RLO CAL
D ONE DI FFER ENTLY
FISHTOWN + KENSINGTON + NORTHERN LIBERTIES + PORT RICHMOND + BRIDESBURG
THIS
WEEK APRIL 12, 2017 VOL. 14 NO. 15
BEING CONSTRUCTED When it comes to construction woes, when’s it time to lawyer up? 7
TOXIC CITY Philly.com looking for community to help with lead investigation. 8
THE 197TH Unlikely alliance of Greens and Republicans file federal lawsuit for 197th Legislative District. 10
ACCU-REGGIE Seven day forecast for the Riverwards.
M
ost of us are accustomed to receiving doses of history in classrooms or on visits to a sterile museum where you can often look, but not touch. Fortunately for us, Philadelphia is a place where a trip through Center City can have you at any number of National Historic Sites from the very beginning of European settlers in the New World to modern pioneers of civil rights. When Spirit News was given exclusive access to witness history revealed firsthand in a rowhouse in the heart of Fishtown, we jumped at the chance and we brought our camera. A random encounter with Fishtown resident John Lonergan at the local
IGA revealed the Friends of Palmer Cemetery recently came into possession of a treasure trove of historical documents relating to Fishtown, specifically the Palmer Burial Grounds. Though Lonergan wouldn’t provide details at the time, he invited us to his home a short time later to see what the friends had found. The documents span from the 1760s up to the 1870s and include a mid19th century copy of the original map of Kensington. The map depicts the area now known as Fishtown in the early 1700s. The rest of the documents Continued on Page 4.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Local events, meetings and more. 12-13
HOT OFF THE
PRESS
B
reaking up with a financial partner who you feel wronged you can be as painful as a bitter divorce. Last week, news spread that two men were locked in a business breakup at the Monarch Swim Club in Northern Liberties, with both men claiming the right to sell memberships to the swim club. In divorce it’s usually the children who suffer. In this instance, the children who are suffering are the folks who have already paid for their 2017 season passes. Spirit News has been following the legal dispute between clashing North Shore and Monarch Swim Club stakeholders Brian Nagele and Tim Lu for
the past two weeks. According to the suit, Nagele entered into an agreement to sell Lu 49 percent of the pool club’s ownership in 2016. The agreement outlined that Nagele would continue to receive half of the door revenues at the pool through August 15, 2016, and then Lu would have the option to buy the remaining 51 percent of the pool company in October, which the suit says he did. North Shore Beach Club became Monarch Swim Club once Lu took over. Continued on Page 6.
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – April 12, 2017
THE
local lens BY THOM NICKELS
S
ome time ago I wrote a column about Philadelphia’s whacky reception groupies, or people who seem to spend a lot of time trying to find art receptions in the city that offer free food and drink. While everyone enjoys the delights of an opening reception, I was writing about a core group of serious food “hunters and gatherers” who make it a point to go from reception to reception and gather up as much as free stuff as possible. Well, there’s another side to that coin, and it’s this: what about the various art venues in the city that have traditionally always offered food and drink during their opening receptions? How are they holding up? They are not holding up well, according to the latest reports. Many of the city’s art galleries and other cultural venues have cut back drastically on giveaway food and booze during their opening receptions, and in some cases the contrast to a few years ago is shocking. Consider the Plastic Club at 247 S. Camac Street. The Club has always been famous for its monthly Sunday afternoon group exhibitions. For years club members would contribute various food dishes to this monthly event so that on that one Sunday a month patrons could expect a little something to eat while viewing the new exhibition. Every month was different depending on the food flow, but thick or thin there was always something to nibble on. There was also inexpensive but ample boxed wine, beer and soda. These famous Sunday art parties continued for hours, often spilling out onto the Club’s fantastic backyard patio. But just a few months ago a new administration decided that the old Plastic Club Sunday parties were too lavish and that people were coming just for the food, booze and ambience. It was also reported to me that the new president didn’t think it was appropriate that people were drinking wine or beer in the late afternoons. Never mind that this had been the custom at the Club for years—and years. The Plastic Club’s new Board pulled the plug in a radical way because now the monthly events are down to stick pretzels and Donny and Marie Osmond lemonade, if that. Welcome to Salt Lake City! The DaVinci Art Galley at 7th and Catherine Streets used to have bountiful opening receptions, but when a new and younger board took over, the receptions were pared down like an onion on the chopping block. Today, the galley might offer a chip or two and maybe even a sip of wine, but not much else. Can a big bowl of Lay’s potato chips really cost that much money? And why not spring for a cheap generic jug of red wine? Sometimes the most successful art galleries are the cheapest in terms of what they give back to patrons who come to their events. These big-name galleries will often advertise their huge opening exhibitions, in many cases even calling these exhibitions a “party,” but without the usual party accoutrements. They are more like Mennonite picnics. -Cheese is too expensive, so they opt for pretzel sticks. -They may offer wine, but if they do, there will no food, not even a potato chip. The new Spartan philosophy says you can’t have both. - So where’s the party? There is no party. The Philadelphia Sketch Club at 235 S. Camac also had Sunday afternoon opening exhibitions that included a zany variety of food and drink offerings. Like the Plastic Club, the Sketch Club was always consistent in its food and drink offerings until there was a change. Needless to say, the
Sunday crowds now at both Camac institutions are much smaller. If the new boards of these two iconic Philadelphia institutions wanted a more Spartan environment, they certainly got it. Theater press receptions have remained largely intact, although financial difficulties have impacted the scope of receptions offered by the Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC). In years past PTC receptions were lavish banquets and the talk of the town. Today they are Salvation Army-thin by comparison. Throughout the years, the Wilma Theater has remained amazingly constant in its press reception offerings, as has the Arden and Lantern Theatre. In many instances, smaller and newer theaters like the two theaters at the Drake Towers provide some of the best theater and receptions in the city. There have been cutbacks at this year’s Arts Unleashed, the University of the Art’s annual fundraiser for student scholarships. Traditionally press was always permitted to invite a guest to this mega event, but that has changed under a new administration. The new Spartan arrangement even called for tighter security measures to clamp down on student party crashers. In years past, serious party crashers could wait until Art Unleashed was almost over and then enter the building and join the party, but this year gaining admission was more like going through airport security than crossing semi-open borders. Many of the city’s infamous party crashers were missing from this year’s Arts Unleashed, thanks to tightened security. What all of these art galleries and massive public fundraising events like Arts Unleashed that have cut back have in common is this: they are now being run by people in their late twenties or thirties. One could perhaps draw some interesting conclusions here. The Fabric Workshop is an iconic city institution that garners an intense loyalty throughout the city. Because it’s blessed with money and prestige, you’d think that opening receptions there would be occasions to remember. Well, they used to be occasions to remember, but all too often success can spoil. These days a Fabric Workshop opening reception is often a non-reception. The two art galleries that still offer art patrons decent or ample reception fare are the CFEVA at the Barclay, 237 S. 18th Street, Suite 3A, and the E-Moderne Gallerie at 2nd and Arch Streets. With their great opening receptions that usually feature great art, these two galleries are to be commended because they have not gone the way of the Plastic
THOM NICKELS IS A PHILADELPHIA BASED AUTHOR, JOURNALIST, POET, FILM CRITIC & FEATURE WRITER FOR SPIRIT NEWS.
Club. I get press releases on a weekly basis from PR firms publicizing music, jazz and SugarHouse Casino events. SugarHouse Casino press events are rarely noteworthy. There might be a cash bar and some free pretzel sticks, but mostly what they offer are speeches, ribbon cuttings and a few words spoken by a “celebrity.” And then it’s over. Not even a free cup of coffee. You’d think that this huge money palace on the Delaware would be far more generous when it comes to things like this. SugarHouse is cheap. Recently I went to a great event with a fellow writer, and afterwards we headed off to the much talked about after-party. After-parties are usually bad if the main party has been spectacular. This after-party was held at Voyeur, a Center City after-hours gay club where a glass of red wine goes for $10. There was no food at this after-party, but you did get a wristband which enabled you to avoid paying the cover charge to get into the place. The experience was a total headache as the brassy chaotic and pounding, very monochromic music suggested that the only way to deal with the place was by taking some kind of drug. A better way to describe this so-called ‘after-party’ would be something along these lines: “If you want to hang out later at Voyeur, then join us, but please bring your own party supplies.” •
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – April 12, 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
L
ast week ended perfectly: two days in the 80s with plenty of sunshine. You just couldn’t ask for better weather this time of year! The great weather washed away the memory of the chilly rains we experienced earlier in the week. I’ve got good news for you: if you liked the warm weather last week, you are going to absolutely love this week. First, notice we really don’t have a high temperature significantly under 70 degrees. Second, look at that big 80 on Sunday. Third, look at the absence of monster rain storms that, quite literally, rain on our warm parade. We only have a weak shower chance early Wednesday morning, Saturday night and then one more likely late Sunday evening.
Wednesday may start cloudy with a shower here and there, but it will end with sunshine and warm temperatures in the 70s. Thursday is a touch cooler than Wednesday, but it’s an absolutely gorgeous day. You just can’t complain about sunny, 65-degree weather! Friday begins the march up in temperatures that climaxes on Sunday. A southwest breeze will begin to transport warmer air in. Clouds could threaten to keep temperatures lower on Saturday but the middle 70s are a good bet. A warm front crosses us from the south, setting us up for a very warm Sunday. There is a small chance for a shower Saturday night
into Sunday morning. Sunday will essentially be a summer’s day in April; temperatures will climb through the 80s! An evening shower looks likely as a cold front comes through and brings us back to reality. We get progressively cooler on Monday and Tuesday as temperatures drop into the 70s and 60s, respectively. Still, we aren’t worried about that one bit! Enjoy the great weather this week because it will get cooler and rainier next week! As always, follow us on social media for weather updates throughout the week! •
1428 East Susquehanna Avenue Philadelphia, PENNSYLVANIA 19125 TELEPHONE: 215.423.6246 EDITORAL INQUIRIES: NEWS@SPIRITNEWS.ORG ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: ADS@SPIRITNEWS.ORG OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY–FRIDAY, 9AM–5PM MATTHEW ALBASI
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – April 12, 2017
Continued from Page 1. are deeds for property surrounding the cemetery and show some chronology of when the parcels near the burial grounds were bought and sold to expand the cemetery. The area known as Kensington in pre-Revolutionary times is modern-day Fishtown. Anthony Palmer founded Kensington in the 1730s and the layout of the neighborhood has remained largely the same over the last 285 years. Many of today’s streets have different names on the map. For instance, Belgrade Street is West Street and Montgomery Avenue is Cherry Street. Palmer Street is on the map, however, the section after Palmer that curves to the left at what is now Memphis is called Mary Street. John Lonergan and his wife Debbie invited us into their home along Montgomery Avenue. Once we had a few drinks and snacks, the table was cleared and the cotton gloves came out. The room was filled with friends and fellow Fishtowners anxious to see the documents. Jim Kingsmill, president of the Friends of Palmer Cemetery, led the dining room exhibition. He gave us some background as to how he began to research the location of historical documents pertaining to the burial grounds and how he procured what could be one of the most significant historical finds Fishtown has had in recent years. Kingsmill, a long-time volunteer at the cemetery, first became a trustee of the Friends of Palmer Cemetery, and shortly after, in March 2011, he became president. It was not long after that when Kingsmill began searching for some of the basic legal documents relative to the grounds. Since the cemetery has been in use since the early 1700s, it was unclear who had what. “Shortly after that I started asking questions,” Kingsmill said. “Doesn’t this cemetery have records? Don’t we have this, that, and the other thing? Oh, so-and-so has the records, I’m gonna get them back to you.” According to Kingsmill, he was assisted by local historian Ken Milano in locating some of the historical and legally viable documents pertaining to the burial grounds. Kingsmill says by the end of 2011, they had found out that the Pennsylvania Historical Society (PHS) was in possession of many of these documents. Kingsmill says the documents had been signed over by a former trustee to PHS sometime after he became a trustee and before he became president. Kingsmill said he tried to get the PHS to give the documents back to him. “I tried to fight them, but I kept getting cease and desist orders from them,” Kingsmill said.
This deed from 1784 lists Samuel Griscom, Betsy Ross’s father, as the seller of this property.
A small group of Fishtowners poured over the treasure trove of history displayed on this dining room table.
This pertains to the Sheetz family and is from the late 1700s./All photos by Ptah Gabrie PHS provided Kingsmill with documents showing that everything had been signed over legally to the PHS. At the time, Kingsmill was frustrated. “We came to the conclusion that we had no money to do it and no will to fight the hierarchy of the PHS,” Kingsmill said. Kingsmill negotiated with the PHS and they agreed to provide him with high-quality book-bound copies of all the documents they had. Kingsmill says these ranged from 1859 to 1980. According to Kingsmill, he was provided with the copies he asked for. Kingsmill says he gets a lot of emails from people conducting genealogical research regarding the cemetery. When he saw an email from Karen McCain in his inbox, he assumed she had a question about family history. What she said she had made him very interested. Kingsmill learned that McCain was married to a man whose mother and stepfather lived in a house in Fishtown about 25 years ago. When the parents died, the house was cleaned out. The documents had been locked in a safe inside the house. Karen McCain saw some importance in these papers, so the documents were saved. According to Kingsmill, they were kept in a cedar chest in her house in Bucks County up until a few weeks ago. “I said, ‘Wow, I’d be really anxious to see them,’” Kingsmill said. They agreed to meet a few weeks ago and McCain gave the documents to Kingsmill. Kingsmill said McCain could have given these documents to any number of historical institutions, but she wanted to see them go back to where they originated. “She could have done something with these that we wouldn’t have appreciated, but she had every right to do,” Kingsmill said. “She said, ‘I want them to go back to the
people who rightfully deserve them, which is the neighborhood.’ I said, ‘we want them. We don’t know what they are, we don’t know what they’re worth, but we definitely want them.’” The first thing we looked at was the map. “It shows the Palmer Estate,” local historian Ken Milano said. “These are all the lots that are still owned by the family and the other ones are the folks that the Palmers sold to.” The map is extremely detailed. It has the initials of the owners of each parcel and a reference key to the side.J im Duffin, an archivist at UPenn, was also present. He was asked to give his opinion on the date of the map. “It looks like a 19th century copy,” Duffin said. Someone appears to have written numbers in red pen on some of the parcels. The Delaware River and Gunner’s Run, the creek which used to run through the north side of Fishtown and along what is now Aramingo, have been colored blue. Milano pointed to Anthony Palmer’s house on the map. “Anthony Palmer was acting governor of Pennsylvania before he died and one time he was too ill to go downtown, so the government met at his house over by Penn Treaty Park,” Milano said. “We [Fishtown] were the working capital of the colonies.” According to Milano, during a yellow fever epidemic in 1793, Palmer Cemetery began to expand. “Lots of people died and with that money they bought this lot,” Milano said, pointing to a triangle of land on the map at Memphis and Montgomery. The deeds appear to show the chronology of ownership Continued on Page 5.
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – April 12, 2017 Continued from Page 4. of the small triangle of land at the northwestern section of the grounds and another area near Belgrade and Montgomery. “This looks like it’s an original deed for part of the cemetery they’re acquiring,” Kingsmill said, reading from one of the deeds which still had the original red wax seal stuck to it. “These are all properties that could be part of the cemetery that they bought, not the original part, or nearby lots that maybe they were buying… maybe they were donated,” Milano said. The most astonishing moment came when Duffin recognized one of the names on a deed from 1784. “I think this is Betsy Ross’ father,” Duffin said, pointing to the name Samuel Griscom. Duffin also pointed out a reference to a woman named Rebecca in the document. Historical records do indicate that Samuel and Rebecca Griscom were Betsy Ross’ parents and this may be the first time a document showing they had owned land in Fishtown has surfaced. The room became electrified when we realized we were truly looking at a relic connecting Fishtown to our nation’s history. “They are very good, for the Palmer Cemetery this is excellent,” Milano said. Kingsmill admits he is not sure what the best path forward for these documents is. They are definitely safe; however, he’s looking at ways for the neighborhood to also experience history through them. “This is the oldest stuff we have, and to me the monetary value doesn’t matter, it’s the historical value,” Kingsmill said. Kingsmill thinks loaning this collection is the best course of action, and hopes the soon-to-be Penn Treaty Museum will be a great place to have the documents. Kingsmill admits that even though he would love to see the documents the PHS has returned to the neighborhood, they are probably in the best place. However, Kingsmill is protective of his find, and wants to make sure that it remains in Fishtown. “We’re not going to let them go,” Kingsmill said. “We’ve gotten to the point now that our neighborhood deserves some of the old stuff too.” •
According to Penn archivist Jim Duffin, this copy was made in the 1840’s and depicts the original map of Kensington from the mid 1700s.
Local historian Ken Milano examines the documents.
Jim Duffin, archivist for UPenn shows the group the inside of one of the deeds.
Page 6 Continued from Page 1. However, Lu alleges that Nagle hasn’t yet turned over all North Shore intellectual property to the new owner. What really stuck out was when we found out that Lu was alleging Nagele had been selling fraudulent pool memberships under the North Shore name. The two parties were unable to settle out of court last week. Jordan Rushie, attorney for Lu, filed suit against Nagele, with the goal of stopping him from selling memberships through North Shore’s website. According to Rushie, when the club transitioned from North Shore to Monarch at the end of 2015, Nagele retained the intellectual property associated with North Shore Swim Club. “For some reason, [Nagele] retained the North Shore website, North Shore branding, North Shore emails. The website allowed people to buy memberships,” Rushie said. “So [Nagele] starts selling memberships to North Shore, which doesn’t exist anymore.” According to the suit, Nagele, through the North Shore website, took in $70,000 worth of memberships at $350 a piece. As of Monday morning, you can still purchase a discounted membership on North Shore’s website. The Monarch website currently sells all access passes for $350 and an all access plus bundle package for $400. Nagele’s attorney, Perry Liss, says his client was allowed to sell memberships to the swim club through the North Shore website and had every intention of honoring the memberships he sold. Liss claims the real issue is Lu’s breach of financial agreements pertaining to the transfer of North Shore to Monarch. “We consider the whole agreement to be void because of [Lu’s] breaches,” Liss said. “Ultimately we want to settle this. We don’t want the beach club to close.” Shortly after that statement, Liss gave us some more news: the two sides were unable to reach a deal last Friday. “The deal is off the table,” Liss said. Liss told Spirit News “the deal” was that Nagele would give Lu 50 percent of the membership revenue from the sales that occurred through the North Shore website, and Nagele
A group of volunteers from the FS Foundation, the philanthropic arm of FS Investments, a leading asset manager headquartered in the Philadelphia Navy Yard, visited Kensington’s Rock to the Future on Friday to mentor students, provide homework help and learn how to play musical instruments with the help of student partners. “We love to partner with local organizations like Rock to the Future to create meaningful hands on employee volunteer service events,” said Mia Fioravanti, Executive Director of the FS Foundation. “MusiCore fills an important void for students in many of Philadelphia’s public schools and the FS Foundation is proud to support their efforts through this Rock & Return event.” The event, called “Rock & Return,” is part of Rock to the Future’s signature after school music program, MusiCore, a free program for Philadelphia youth grades 6-12 that operates on weekdays during the academic school year. Student participants learn their choice of instrument (bass, guitar, drums, piano), form bands with their peers, write and record original music, play cover songs, participate in a vocal ensemble, and perform live at least twice during each program year. The program also provides homework help and tutoring along with weekly creative workshops and performances from local and national musical guests from a variety of genres. “This event is a win-win for us at Rock to the Future,” said Jessica Craft, Founding Executive Director at Rock to the Future. “Our MusiCore students receive help with their homework from some very smart individuals, and they also get to showcase the musical abilities they’ve been building. It’s always a pleasure to partner with the FS Foundation.” •
The Spirit of the Riverwards – April 12, 2017 and Lu were going to make a joint statement about the issue, describing it as a minor dispute between owners. The swim club would open as usual and all memberships sold would be honored for the 2017 season. This doesn’t seem to be an option anymore. “There’s a chance that the beach club will not be able to be open this season,” Liss said. “The only way to proceed is to freeze that liquor license. Even though the club may be open as a pool, there won’t be any liquor that is allowed to be sold there.” According to Liss, negotiations began to sour when Philadelphia Magazine broke the story. After that article was published, Nagele emailed a response to everyone who was signed up on the North Shore mailing list, including this reporter who is not and has never been a member of North Shore Swim Club. The email began: I need to set the record straight in light of a certain article that was published yesterday about me and the swim club. A quick fact check will show many inaccuracies with the statements made. The article disregards basic principles of journalism and reads more like a tabloid hit piece. I take great pride in North Shore Beach Club, and I’m writing to let you know that the swim club remains committed to its members. Unfortunately in business, not all partnerships work out as intended, and this is one of those situations. The email goes on to read: It’s unfortunate that Lu would publicize false accusations against me and our company, especially as we were finalizing an agreement this week to complete the purchase. Outside of Monarch Philly, formerly North Shore Beach Club./Max Pulcini
Both lawyers denied leaking the story to Philly Mag. Rushie says the two sides were close to settling early last week, but provided no comment for the reason that a settlement wasn’t reached. According to Liss, the article put an unnecessary strain on litigation “This was getting settled, and we had it settled,” Liss said. “As soon as [the article] came out, it made it significantly harder.” Nagele outlines his financial grievances with Lu in a chronology starting from 2015. He also provides a link to a digital copy of the liquor license. Nagele points out that North Shore Beach LLC is listed as the owner of the liquor license, meaning, therefore, that he has control over who can use it to sell booze. Meanwhile documents filed in the lawsuit by Rushie and provided to us dispute the ownership of the liquor license. Liss says he and his client will also be contacting the authorities. “We’re going to let the LCB know that the license holder, which is Brian Nagele, doesn’t consent to any alcohol being sold at that property and that any being done so is being done without the consent of the owner,” Liss said. As pool season approaches, both lawyers have made it clear that all money taken in will be refunded should the club not open. However, if you are considering purchasing a membership, it may be wise to wait since both parties seem to be unsure of the future of the swim club. “For now sit tight,” Liss said. “If the club doesn’t open, then obviously the memberships [Nagele] sold would be subject to refund.” Rushie, Lu’s attorney, also says any Monarch memberships sold will be valid when the swim club opens. “The people that bought memberships, those memberships are going to be honored,” Rushie said. Spirit News will continue to update this story as we learn more. •
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – April 12, 2017
WRITTEN BY PTAH GABRIE
Being Constructed W H E N I T C O M E S T O C O N S T R U C T I O N W O E S , W H E N ’ S I T T I M E T O L AW Y E R U P ?
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yperlocal journalism requires a boots-on-theground committment to understand what’s really happening in the ‘hood. At the end of last October, we found ourselves on one of those foot-to-pavement excursions along E. Thompson Street near Frankford Avenue when we noticed a sign in the front window of one of the rowhouses. The sign faced the street, stating that “211 E. Thompson St. Exposed My family to Asbestos.” Our journalistic senses began to tingle as we noticed the accused house seemed to be in a state of demolition. We were intrigued, so when we saw the neighbor sitting on her stoop shortly after, we inquired about her reasoning for placing the sign in the window. At the time, PJ Thiede was more than happy to speak with us and she invited us to meet with her and Kevin Chaney, who was also living in the house at the time along with some small children. According to Thiede, the contractor working next door, Anthony Postiglione, had already worked on a house across from her. Thiede says that project caused a lot of dust to be let loose on the surrounding properties and when she saw the same type of project happening next door to her and her family, enough was enough. “You could see the dust all the way up and down the street and the same thing happened across the street,” Thiede said. “That’s why I put up a sign up. I want everybody to know walking by.’” Chaney, who has experience in the trades, was surprised at the demolition process. “It just amazed me at the way these guys came in and did it,” Chaney said. Thiede’s father and grandfather were metal workers and both died from mesothelioma. She worries for the health of the people doing the demolition. “They’ll come in and they’re being abused healthwise. No masks, no protection. They’re coming out and they’re coughing,” Thiede said. Thiede has been living in the house since 1999, but according to her the house has been in her family since the 1950s. She says her grandfather was a tradesman and had done some home renovations to the house in the 1960s. Thiede was quick to point out that she is glad that the neighborhood is changing. “I’ve seen the change and I’m for the improvement,” Thiede said. She pointed out that when she moved in one house on the block was abandoned and another was a “party house.” According to Thiede, the changes next door have been a pain that she believes could have been avoided. Thiede says the demolition caused dust to settle all along E. Thompson Street. She says she called the city, but every time an official showed up, the workers made the site presentable and went back to business as usual not long after. Thiede began to experience a rash and respiratory issues. “I got scared. I noticed red on my hands, a cough and phlegm,” Thiede said. According to her the dust and noise were bad enough, but when the workers began punching holes through the wall with sledgehammers, she began to fear for her safety. Thiede describes the first time the workers broke through into one of her bedrooms. “When they did the first [hole], I was yelling at them. I could see their eyes and they’re looking at me and still hitting it with the sledgehammer,” Thiede said. “They hit it a couple more times later, and then they were looking like, ‘Hey, there’s people there.’” According to her, there were a few more blows through the wall after the first. Thiede says the dust from the broken walls covered the items that were in the room. She says the second time they came through the wall, a heated verbal dispute occurred between her and one of the workers. “The one guy came chasing at me [saying], ‘I’m gonna knock your head off,’” Thiede said. “He came up to my door, and the guys had to pull him off.” Thiede filed a police report, accusing Postiglione’s crew of punching three holes in one of the bedroom’s walls. We reached out to public affairs for comment and they were able to reply with this description of the incident. Here is the report: The complainant reported on 10-12-16 that her neigh-
200 block of E. Thompson Street in Fishtown./Ptah Gabrie
bor was doing demolition work in his home, while knocking down an adjoining wall, the neighbor put three holes in the complainant’s bedroom wall. According to the report, the complainant can see right through to the neighbor’s bedroom. The complainant was advised to file a private criminal complaint. The name on the incident report was Anthony Postiglione. Under his name on the sheet was a cell phone number. We called that number, but it went to voicemail and the voice on it was of a woman. We saw Thiede on the sidewalk shortly after this interview and she described another incident that happened to her after the altercation with the workers. According to Thiede, she was about to exit her house through the front door, when she realized a red string had been tied to a planter across her front door. It is unclear why the red string was placed across her door, but Thiede referred to it as a “voodoo” thing. Thiede showed us a picture of the red string, but we were unable to confirm the meaning of this; however, a red string has some significance as a form of protection in Kabballah and some other religions. We reached out to Thiede and Chaney to see how their situation had evolved. However, we were unable to get a response from them before publishing this story. We still pass by their house and have noticed that the construction is ongoing five months later. When we spoke with them last, they were weighing their options. “I’ve had a couple guys come out, and everybody says don’t touch it,” Thiede said. “We’ve contacted a couple lawyers.” Obtaining legal representation is the last option for many homeowners dealing with construction issues. So, before you hire a lawyer, it’s best to report your problem to your registered community organization (RCO). We reached out to Matt Ruben, president of the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association (NLNA), via email. He had some tips for dealing with contractors. “Approach the crew and politely find out who’s in charge. Try to get the name and contact info for the general contractor, site manager, and/or developer or owner. They should have permits posted, or if not, then they must make them available upon request,” Ruben said He added: “If they are excavating for a basement right next to your home, ask the general contractor or builder to come inside and take photos to document the condition of your basement walls — and take photos yourself. If cracks develop from their work, these photos will give you proof that the cracks were not already there before the work started.” When developers build by-right, there are no zoning meetings. However, Ruben says it’s still a good idea to call the RCO since they are familiar with builders in the area and can often assist as a mediator between the contractor and
the homeowner. Ruben says the NLNA generally sticks to three principles when trying to mediate these kinds of construction-related disputes. First off: “Connect the neighbor with a real decision-maker: Not a random contractor, not the head of the on-site crew, but rather the developer or the general contractor,” he said. “They should be giving orders to the site manager or whomever. There’s no point in arguing or negotiating with someone unless they have the authority to control the site.” Secondly: “Bring the city in: In any case that involves violation of the code or something the city can meaningfully help enforce, we try to make sure the neighbor contacts 311, and we follow up with our city councilperson’s office or the relevant city agency if necessary.” The third guideline is basically used when it’s time for the RCO to step away. “Once the lawyers get involved, we’re out,” Ruben said. “There are times when it’s best, or at least necessary, for the neighbor to get a lawyer. Civics cannot and should not get involved in such situations, for liability reasons.” When you tell someone there is a contractor causing problems with your house and family, the usual response is, “You should get a lawyer.” Retaining counsel is the easy part, but what happens after that? We spoke to Jordan Rushie, attorney at Rushie Law in Northern Liberties. His firm focuses on civil litigation and Rushie often finds himself working on zoning issues throughout the Riverwards. We met up with Rushie to pick his brain on what neighbors can do if a contractor is causing them grief. “First you have to find out if it’s by-right, or if they need zoning,” Rushie said. By-right construction refers to building within the current zoning. This leaves almost no recourse for neighbors to dispute the project. If the project does require zoning, there are ways to make sure your voice is heard. You can start with your local registered community organization (RCO). Rushie says neighbors’ concerns can be expressed at community zoning meetings. “If they need zoning, you have a lot of power to show up at a zoning meeting and express the things the contractor has done,” Rushie said. “A lot of times developers take the attitude that I’d rather beg for forgiveness than ask for permission. “If you have a developer that is building by-right, always check to see if they have permits,” Rushie said. He pointed out that you can do a comprehensive search of permits based on addresses through Licenses and Inspections’ website. According to Rushie, lawyers generally step in once damage has occurred, or there is a property-line dispute. Rushie says that most contractors who are on the up and up have insurance and situations that arise are often able to be negotiated through the insurance companies. That isn’t always the case, though. “Sometimes you get situations where the builder doesn’t have insurance, or the thing that Continued on Page 9.
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – April 12, 2017
WRITTEN BY JOHN HENRY SCOTT
Toxic City
P H I L LY. C O M L O O K I N G F O R C O M M U N I T Y T O H E L P W I T H L E A D I N V E S T I G A T I O N
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n late October 2016, Philly.com began a series of investigative articles that addressed the issue of high rates of lead poisoning throughout Philadelphia. With the nation focused on the crisis in Flint, Michigan, journalists at Philly.com decided it would be pertinent investigate similar cases of children poisoned by lead in Philadelphia. According to a statement prepared by reporters who worked on the story, as their research progressed they “eventually discovered that the problem in this city, with its time-worn housing stock and deep poverty, was chronic and far worse — poisoning children more severely and at much higher rates.” Their research found that thousands of Philadelphia children, mostly minority and poor, have been affected by lead poisoning, with devastating health effects. Long-term lead poisoning in young children, can cause developmental delay, speech and language problems, decreased bone and muscle growth, and poor muscle coordination. Philly.com has since published several more articles on the subject. These can be found here: http://www.philly. com/philly/news/special_packages/toxic-city Currently, the publication is investigating instances of lead poisoning in the zip codes 19125 and 19134, which cover much of the Riverwards. “Historical environmental data points to these two zip codes as having a high concentration of smelters as well as
pockets with high levels of lead contamination,” journalists Barbara Laker and Wendy Ruderman told Spirit News in an email. “With your help, our current research can provide a much fuller picture.” Philly.com has set up an SMS tip line which allows people in these area codes to communicate with journalists on the subject. Anyone who believes they or someone they know has been affected by lead poisoning is urged to text LEAD to 215-234-1722. “Please text us if you want to know where lead contamination exists in your neighborhoods, based on current testing and other records,” said Laker and Ruderman. “For information on how to better protect yourself and your families from the perils of lead and other hazards, please text LEAD to 215-234-1722.” Reactions to the series so far, from city officials, have been urgent and immediate. According to the statement prepared by the publication, the day after the story was published, more than a dozen city and state lawmakers vowed at a news conference to work on new ways to the end the city’s most devastating and preventable public-health menace, The mayor later promised to beef up staffing and begin to enforce a four-year-old law that requires landlords to certify that their properties are lead-safe before renting to families with young children. A state senator also scrambled to secure grant money within two months of the story’s
publication. Based on these reactions, the work of these journalists has begun to affect vital change within Philadelphia. Residents of 19125/34 are encouraged to help further this change. Again, if you have any information on lead poisoning in these areas, please contact the SMS tip line listed. •
/Photos by Max Pulcini
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – April 12, 2017
W R I T T E N B Y B O B S T E WA R T
Philly Spring Cleanup H A R R O W G AT E R E S I D E N T S P I T C H I N T O C L E A N U P H A R R O W G AT E PA R K
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espite the chilly morning, dozens of Harrowgate residents pitched in to clean up Harrowgate Park. The coffee certainly helped. As part of the 10th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup, the Harrowgate Civic Association made plenty of rakes, brooms and shovels available for those that came out for the “Friends of Harrowgate Park” clean up. Unfortunately, passersby and drug users had already made trash and paraphernalia available for cleanup. But compared to last year, when some pointed out they picked up about 19 years worth of trash, this was more like vigilant maintenance. Jim Ridgway, board member of the Civic, helped folks sign-in and get equipped before grabbing the shovel himself. He said the most trash “is around the [Septa Tioga Station] El entrance.” And that they “still find needles” all around the park. Ridgway himself found a crack pipe next to the El entrance. A few addicts briefly hung around the playground equipment, but quietly moved on as the sweepers made their way over. Last year there were a few confrontations that Civic President Shannon Farrell had to handle. Why do it? Founder of Friends of Harrowgate Park Marissa Rumpf said that folks “feel like they’re part of something bigger” by caring for the park. Ridgway would like to see more neighbors who live directly across from the park participate as “they are the ones who’d [benefit] the most” from the cleanliness. As a few women from a local church showed up, Ridgway told them they were lucky as there were still a few donuts left. Friends of Harrowgate Park, formed in March 2016, meets every third Saturday at 10AM. •
PENN TREATY PARK EASTER EGG HUNT Photos by Roman Blazic
Continued from Page 7. they did isn’t covered by insurance,” Rushie said. Rushie pointed to a situation where a contractor had caused a flood in an adjoining house. The homeowner’s insurance policy wouldn’t cover the flood damage even though the contractor caused it. Situations like this require even more litigation. “In that case you need an attorney to deal with your own carrier,” Rushie said. According to Rushie, it isn’t just contractors who are facing litigation. He says shoddy work on new construction throughout the Riverwards is causing many new homeowners to sue developers. “You buy this new construction, and it looks really nice. It’s got stainless steel appliances. Then all of a sudden you realize you can hear your neighbor’s TV through the wall, your roof is flooding…,” Rushie said. “First you try to get the developer to remediate it, but if you can’t, sometimes you have to file a lawsuit.” Rushie believes builders often cheap out on building materials while charging a market price that far exceeds the cost of the project. “They’re often not even up to construction grade stuff,” Rushie said. “The developer tries to cut cost every way they can with labor, materials… There’s an uptick of people overpaying for new construction.” According to Rushie, if your case is under $12,000 it goes to the Philadelphia Municipal Court and generally takes two to three months. The next level goes to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and if the case is under $50,000 it goes to arbitration, which Rushie says is a panel of three lawyers that hears your case. Rushie says these cases take about six to eight months. If your case is over $50,000 you will likely be in for a long legal battle if the developer does not have insurance or won’t remediate the damage. “Often those cases get assigned a twoyear track,” Rushie said. “Sometimes if you sue the developer, and the money in question is significant, you could be embroiled in litigation for two years. In the interim you’re living in a house that you’re not happy with, or this guy next to you is doing construction, so it’s always good to call an attorney and know what your options are, but litigation should, in my opinion, usually be the last place you want to be.” Both Rushie and Ruben say it’s best to establish a relationship with the contractor so you can know who to contact in the event of damage to your property. Even as a lawyer, Rushie admits it’s best to settle a dispute without litigation. However, if killing them with kindness doesn’t work, Rushie says you may want to use a louder tactic before calling in the legal team. “If somebody’s really giving you trouble, go to your civic association and demand that they email Licenses and Inspections, your city councilperson, 311, the police…,” Rushie said. “With developers, that tends to light a big fire.” •
DELAWARE RIVER CITY CORP CIRCUIT TRAIL CLEAN UP IN PORT RICHMOND Photos by Michael Klusek
/Photos by Bob Stewart
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – April 12, 2017
W R I T T E N B Y S H E A LY N K I L R O Y
“A Win, Win, Win”
E LY S I A N F I E L D S A N D L I T T L E B A B Y ’ S I C E C R E A M J O I N T O F O R M “ S H A R E D I N T E R E S T ” M I C R O G R A N T
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hen two businesses come together to offer funding for a project promoting citizen engagement, it’s a “win, win, win,” said Pete Angevine, co-founder of Little Baby’s Ice
Cream. The Riverwards ice cream capital and business consulting firm Elysian Fields have banded together and established Shared Interest — a grant opportunity for a small-scale project designed for the public good. The paths of Angevine and Elysian Fields’ CEO Kate Strathmann have crossed in a number of ways: both are in the small business world, are involved in the arts and culture community and live in Fishtown. The two had developed a friendship when Strathmann offered Elysian Fields to provide a loan to help Little Baby’s expand its ice cream services to Baltimore. What followed was an uncommon partnership. “It was all pretty serendipitous,” Angevine said. “[For Little Baby’s] it feels really great because not only is her business helping my business, which I appreciate, but I also think it’s an unusual and kind of beautiful example of for-profit, capitalist businesses supporting each other really directly.” It would be unfair for Elysian Fields not to charge Little Baby’s any interest on their loan, according to Angevine. Instead of just having Little Baby’s pay interest, Elysian Fields would match what Little Baby’s gives on the loan, innovating an opportunity for a new project: Shared Interest. “[We said,] ‘Let’s have this count for more than just a loan,’” Strathmann said. “We’re partnering in a way to generate something else that gives back and engages the community creatively.” Strathmann is personally interested in creative fundraising and microgranting as it intersects with the business world. Strathmann co-founded Philly Stake, a dinner fundraiser held to give microgrants to creative community members. Shared Interest is calling the creative community to propose a small-scale project that the $1,000 grant would cover most, if not all, of the costs of. The money is meant to be meaningful for completion and would not be accessible otherwise for the creators. The project should benefit the
local community — Fishtown, Kensington, or anywhere in Philadelphia. The founders of the grant are purposely being vague about what kinds of projects they are looking for. “We purposely are not defining it. It could be [small-scale] farming, an art project, puppeteering,” Strathmann said. The application asks the applicant to answer four questions and include four images. Answers should be between 50 and 100 words. The simplicity in the form is intentional, for the applications are “meant to be not onerous and brief,” according to Strathmann. The application link went live on Elysian Fields’ website on April 10th and proposals will be accepted through April 23rd. The grant winner will be announced on April 28th. If you apply for the first grant and don’t get it, don’t be discouraged. According to Strathmann, this won’t be the last opportunity like Shared Interest. “I hope this is the only first, initial [grant opportunity of the] experiment,” Strathmann said. “I’d love to keep growing and exploring how we can continue to fund small businesses and creative communities that engage the wider communities.” “I’m hoping we get a bunch of creative ideas I couldn’t have imagined myself,” Angevine said. • Photos by Shaelyn Kilroy
WRITTEN BY THOMAS BECK
Dyngus Day
D Y N G U S D AY F E S T I V I T I E S A T T H E P O L I S H E A G L E S S P O R T S C L U B S E T F O R E A S T E R M O N D AY
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or centuries, Easter Monday has been an eventful day for Eastern European cultures, especially for Poles. Smigus-dyngus, referred to in America as Dyngus Day, is an annual celebration held on Easter Monday that commemorates the cultures of the countries from which the celebration originated. Many Polish-American communities in Buffalo and Cleveland host some of the largest Dyngus Day celebrations in the country. But you needn’t take a trip to either of those cities to participate in Dyngus Day festivities, because a similar celebration is coming to the Riverwards. On Easter Monday, April 17th, the Polish Eagles Sports Club (3157 East Thompson Street) will host Dyngus Day Festivities from 3PM - 8PM. The event is being sponsored by members of the Port Richmond Business Alliance (PRBA), many of whom are of Polish ancestry. All proceeds from the event will go to local Catholic schools and Polish American Social Services (PASS). “As members of the Alliance, we wanted to make this event possible for the neighborhood,” said Sandra Tomaszewski, president of the PRBA. “We want our neighbors to come out and spend the day with family and friends and be merry together. And we want the Alliance to be able to get on a more personal level with our neighborhood, with our community.” The celebration is for people of all ages and ethnicities; you do not necessarily have to be Polish. The entertainment includes performances by the PKM Dancers, the Music Box Band and the Polish American String Band. There will also
be activities for the children, such as arts and crafts and face-painting. The Dinner House and Donna’s Bar will provide the food and drinks. Traditionally, Dyngus Day has included a number of slightly unconventional activities. Boys, for example, throw water at girls and spank them with pussy willow branches.
Though these practices are still carried out, they are done so in a much more controlled, family-friendly manner. Founded in March 2014, the PRBA works to establish a favorable business climate in Port Richmond in order to cultivate a sense of unity among the members of the community. “The Alliance is all about we and not about me,” said Jim Skowronski, co-founder of the PRBA. “That’s what our motto is. We started this thinking that there was a need in the neighborhood for us to come together. We saw different things we thought might need a little bit of improvement, and we wanted to give back to the community.” The cost of the event is $10 per ticket. Children under 12 are admitted for free. •
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – April 12, 2017
W R I T T E N B Y B O B S T E WA R T
The 197th
“ R E P U B L I G R E E N S ” F I L E F E D E R A L L AW S U I T F O R 1 9 7 T H L E G I S L AT I V E D I S T R I C T
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awyers for the the Green Party and the Republican Party filed suit seeking to void the results of the recent special election in the 197th State Legislative District. The plaintiffs are Cheri Honkala, Lucinda Little, the Green Party of Pennsylvania, the Republican City Committee of Philadelphia and the Republican State Party. The defendants are Emilio Vazquez, the Philadelphia City Democratic Committee, the three City Commissioners — Lisa Deeley, Anthony Clark and Al Schmidt — the Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro Cortes, the Department of State, and the Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation. Got all that? The new alliance between Greens and Republicans — they’ve come to call themselves “RepubliGreens” — are seeking a new election within 90 days, Vazquez not being seated (he already was on Wednesday, however) and unspecified damages. The legal points here are the First and Fourteenth Amendments. We all know the First Amendment (freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition), but many may not remember what the Fourteenth is all about. Quick recap: In addition to making sure the Confederate leaders couldn’t get elected to Congress after the Civil War (that would’ve been awkward) the Fourteenth Amendment also provides for “due process”, which deals with the administration of justice. (Side note: the 14th Amendment will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year, so get ready for a parade.) NKCDC Looking For Volunteer Board Members New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) is looking for several new volunteer board members to help lead the organization and achieve its mission to strengthen the physical, social and economic fabric of the community by being a catalyst for sustainable development and community building. We are particularly interested in candidates who will contribute to the board's overall diversity and who live—or work in a leadership capacity—in the 19134 and 19125 zip codes. Board responsibilities: -Advance the mission and purpose of NKCDC -Regularly attend monthly board meetings (9 times a year) -Ensure effective planning and monitor program services -Select, evaluate, support and work with the executive director -Provide financial oversight to ensure financial resources -Contribute skills, talents and expertise to assist the agency -Financially support the agency through "giving and getting" -Further the organization's public image and standing -Attend and participate in agency special events -Build a competent and diverse board -Assume leadership roles in all board activities -Serve on board committees
So what happens next? Some judge down at 6th and Market will give this thing a look-see and determine whether there’ll be a case. Our cynical side says they’ll find a reason to pass this over, but this election has been full of surprises. The Philly GOP lawyer, Linda Kerns, proved to be an all star during the residency hearing for the first Democrat in the election, Fred Ramirez. She continued her performance in keeping Vazquez off the ballot, having to hang in there all the way to the PA Supreme Court. This time her and her new allies will need more than low water bills and missed deadlines, though. They’ll need to demonstrate a ton of voter fraud. Their list of illegal activity is several pages long. If they can prove just half of it, the election would be overturned easily.
Lucinda Little (left) and Cheri Honkala./ Bob Stewart
Many of the items listed in the suit were observed and documented by Spirit News Staff: - Election Board officials were telling people how to vote, specifically to vote for Vazquez. -The Election Board workers encouraged Democratic workers and Vazquez supporters to enter the voting booth with voters. -Voters were told they could only vote for Vazquez. -Voters were threatened if the Election Board thought the voter was voting for someone else. -Election officials did not follow the proper chain of custody for voting cartridges and election materials. -Election materials were at Vazquez’s headquarters after the election. -The City and State organizations failed to properly supervise the election. -Violated First and Fourteenth Amendments. The RepubliGreens also say they have evidence including: -Video of money exchanging hands between a ward leader and his son in a polling place. -Video of an elderly woman being intimidated and told to vote for Vazquez. -Doctored pink ballot sheets indicating that officials supported a write-in vote. -Write-in mechanism failed in many machines and proper ballot procedures were not followed. -Voter assistance rules were violated and as many as four people were in booths. -False literature indicating Honkala was a Republican was handed out. Other issues and evidence are photos, videos or eyewitness accounts of: Vazquez’s stamps being handed out in the polling places instead of outside, 10 feet from the door, misleading sign-in tables at B & Wyoming, ward leader Carlos Matos handling a voting machine, and a voter’s Honkala stamp being taken away by a Democratic worker in front of police officers. The list goes on long enough to make a third-world dictator jealous. Even crazier, after the announcement of the suit filing, the Green and Republican candidates and their teams went out and had dinner and drinks together. Spirit News is the source to follow all the way up to the season finale of “As The 197th Turns.” •
Visit http://www.nkcdc.org/join-the-board/ for application information. Applications must be received no later than Tuesday, May 23.
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Photo courtesy PA House of Reps. EMILIO VAZQUEZ SWORN IN State Rep. Emilio Vazquez, D-Phila., took the oath of office today to begin his first term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Vazquez won a special election on March 21 as the Democratic write-in candidate. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work for the people of the 197th Legislative District,” Vazquez said. “They deserve to be accounted for in Harrisburg and I will work hard to make it happen.” Vazquez said some of his legislative priorities include job creation, economic development, ensuring funding for neighborhood schools and keeping communities safe. Vazquez’ office is at 511 W. Courtland St., Suite 197 and is open 8:30AM to 4:30PM Monday through Friday. The phone number is (215) 457-5281. There is also a satellite office at 1421 W. Susquehanna Ave., Suite 197 and is open 10AM to 4:30PM Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. The phone number is (215) 232-1202. “The offices are in locations that many people may be familiar with,” Vazquez said. “I look forward to working with my staff to serve the constituents of this district with any state-related issue they may have.” •
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – April 12, 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
me e tings Monday, April 17th, 6:30PM EKNA APRIL MEETING Our April meeting will take place at Philadelphia Brewing Company. Join us for the monthly general meeting. Topics will include: Committee Updates, including Zoning and Development; Trenton Avenue Arts Fest & Kinetic Sculpture Derby Update - come learn how to get involved; Minigrant Proposals & Voting; Committee Meeting Time Not able to make our meeting in person but interested in joining via livestream? Email info@ekna.org for more information! Tuesday, April 18, 7PM FNA ZONING MEETING 518-22 E Thompson St: Proposal for dividing (2) lots into (3) to create (3) single family homes with (3) off-street parking spots 1124 Shackamaxon Street: Proposal to create new deck access from the 2nd floor of an existing attached structure with 8 dwelling units. This meeting will take place at the Fishtown Rec Center, 1202 E Montgomery Ave. All residents and business owners in Fishtown are eligible to vote. Please bring proof of residence or business ownership in the form of a driver’s license or a photo id and a lease, utility bill, or recent piece of mail addressed to your home or business. 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. ORCA MONTHLY MEETINGS Olde 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. 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. 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. AlAnon meetings are free, anonymous and confidential. Third Mondays LOST PARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBER SUPPORT GROUP Meetings take place at Cione Rec Center (Aramingo and Lehigh Ave.). For anyone who is suffering the loss of a loved one, a friend, whoever, is welcome. Wednesdays, 11AM OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS Those who suffer from eating disorders can find support at Circle of Hope (2007 Frankford Ave.) Follow the OA signs and head upstairs follow. For more information, call or text 267-752-3779. 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 on the last Tuesday of every month at 1542 E. Montgomery Ave.
events Thursday, April 13, 7PM LIBERTI CHURCH SERVICE Liberti Church East (2424 E. York St.) is holding a Maundy Thursday Service to “remember Jesus' institution of the Lord's Supper, and his betrayal and arrest, prior to his crucifixion on Good Friday.” Please enter on Gordon Street. For more information, contact alyssaw@liberti.org. Friday, April 14, 6-8:30PM MINIATURE SCULPTING Come to NLArts (700 N. 3rd St.) for miniature sculpting workshop. Artist Mackenzie McAlpin will teach children to create a pet, mythical beasts, and the tiny world it lives in. Tickets are $25 per child, and pizza and snacks are included. Register by emailing nlartsorg@gmail.com with the subject ‘Miniature Sculpture.’ Space is limited. Friday, April 14 GOOD FRIDAY HOAGIE FUNDRAISER Boy Scout Troop 11 are serving cheese, tuna, and tuna with cheese hoagies on Good Friday for pick up at Grace Church & the Incarnation (2645 E. Venango St.) All hoagies are under $6 and macaroni and potato salad are available as well. To order, please call Ed at 267-258-1580 or stop by Grace Church to pick up an order form. Friday, April 14, 3-7PM GOOD FRIDAY FISH FRY Elm Tree Post No. 88 The American Legion is holding their annual Fish Fry on 1414 E. Palmer St. Flounder platters, fish cake platters, and fish cake sandwiches will be available to eat-in or take out. Get a side to go with your meal: macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, potato salad, pasta salad, or cole slaw. All items are $10 or under. Orders can be placed upon arrival. Friday & Saturday, April 14th and 15th, 9AM - 5PM ANNUAL EASTER PLANT SALE Annual Easter Plant Sale at 1st Presbyterian Church in Kensington (418 East Girard Ave), Friday & Saturday, April 14th and 15th from 9am - 5pm. Come early to get the best selection of flowers and plants, especially the geraniums, which sell out early. Doors close between 12pm-1pm Friday for a Good Friday Noon Prayer Service. All are welcome. Contact us for more info: 215-739-5695 or at office@1stpresbykensington.org. Monday, April 17, 3-8PM
DYNGUS DAY FESTIVITIES Join in the Polish American celebration of Dyngus Day, sponsored by the Port Richmond Business Alliance. The Polish Eagles Sports Club (3157 E. Thompson St.) will be housing the day’s festivities with entertainment, including the music from Polish American String Band and children's activities. Food from Dinner House Restaurant, and Donna’s Bar will provide a cash bar. Tickets are $10 each, and children under 12 are free. Enter on Clementine Street. Saturday, April 22, 8-10AM APPLEBEE’S FUNDRAISER BREAKFAST Fuel up on flapjacks at Applebee’s (2501 Aramingo Ave.) to support the Elm Tree Post No. 88 The American Legion. Tickets are $7.50 per person and $4.50 for kids under 10. To purchase tickets, call Tom Callen at 215-425-5356 or Marge Wible 215-426-6435. Saturday, April 22 COMCAST CARES DAY We're so thrilled to be organizing another great day of volunteer service at Adaire turbocharged by the great folks at Comcast, led by Comcast exec and Adaire parent Ryan Olah and FoA board members Stefan Zajic and Joey McAteer, who also leads Adaire's Home & School Association. On Earth Day, Saturday, April 22nd, please come out to beautify our school and the surrounding community! For everyone who registers AND shows up to help on 4/22, both Adaire AND Friends of Adaire will earn some Comcast cash! So it's a great day and a great way to DOUBLE your contribution to Adaire: Join us! Here's the registration link: http://bit.ly/adaireccday Saturday, April 22, 11AM EMANUEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST AUCTION 2628 Fillmore St. (off Thompson St.). Ticket in basket silent auction. Admission - $4 (includes $1 in tickets.) Food/ snacks available for purchase. Doors open at 11AM, drawing starts at 12:30PM. For more info call 215-205-2318 or email dreppert@verizon. net Sunday, April 23rd, 9:30 AM PHILLY TREE PEOPLE SPRING PLANTING Meet up at 2771 Jasper Street. Help us plant over 80 trees in Fishtown, Port Richmond, and East Kensington. Pick up trucks & drivers needed. Tools will be provided - please bring gloves for two hours of planting. No experience necessary! All ages are welcome rain or shine. There will be a volunteer lunch after planting at the Philadelphia Brewing Company. Monday, April 24, 2017, 3:30– 5:30PM SCIENCE AFTER SCHOOL AT RICHMOND LIBRARY Science comes to your neighborhood as the city’s most engaging experts visit your local library to lead FREE after school programs. Spark a passion for STEM learning through exciting experiments, animal encounters, and kid (and scientist) approved hands-on activities, right in your local library. Thursday, April 27, 7PM GREEN PARTY MEMBERSHIP MEETING The Green Party of Philadelphia will hold a membership meeting at Shissler Recreation Center (1800 Blair St.) to discuss ways to prevent climate change and provide healthcare for all. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 215-843-4256 or email gpop@gpop.org. Thursday, April 27, 6:30-8PM HACKETT SCHOOLYARD DESIGN PRESENTATION Join Friends of Hackett for the final Schoolyard Design Presentation and see how we have integrated play equipment, green spaces and sports areas into an inclusive play space for Hackett Elementary and the surrounding community. We will be joined by representatives from PWD and PSD. Meeting at St Michael's Church, 2141 E Cumberland St.
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – April 12, 2017 Saturday, April 29, 10AM FREE PAPER SHREDDING & ELECTRONIC RECYCLING At the Schmidt's Commons (2nd & Germantown). Are you concerned about the safety of your personal information when discarding important documents? If so, please bring your unneeded, personal financial and confidential papers to be shredded on site. Bring up to three boxes or bags - no televisions or monitors. For more information please contact State Representative Mike O'Brien's district office at 215-503-3245. Tuesday, May 2, 6PM FNA/SPIRIT NEWS DA CANDIDATE FORUM The Fishtown Neighbors Association has partnered with Spirit News to host a Candidate Forum this year focused on the District Attorney’s Office. The Forum will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Kensington a fully-accessible location at 418 E. Girard Avenue (please note EAST Girard Avenue) on Thursday, April 27th. The event will begin at 6PM with a chance for candidates to meet and greet residents with the forum beginning at 6:30PM. We anticipate a crowd between 150-200 people for our event. The Forum will be moderated by staff of Spirit News and include questions submitted by members of the community as well as policy driven questions. All Candidates for office from both major parties have been invited. It will not be a debate, so all candidates will be given a chance to answer questions. Please submit any questions to news@spiritnews.org. May 3, 6PM RAIN CHECK WORKSHOP The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will be hosting a Rain Check Workshop at the Fishtown Library. Learn how to get your free rain barrel. Come to PWD’s Rain Check Workshop and learn how you can get a free rain barrel. Reduced pricing for downspout planters, rain gardens, depaving, and permeable pavers will be offered. PWD believes that everyone can make a difference in transforming Philadelphia into a greener city with clean water. For more information and to register, please visit www.phillywatersheds.org/raincheck or call PHS at 215-988-1698. Saturday, May 13, 12-5PM LEHIGH AVENUE ARTS FESTIVAL The 10th Annual Lehigh Avenue Arts Festival is coming back to its original location — Lehigh Avenue! Come out to Belgrade Street and Lehigh Avenue for art activities, food trucks, moon bounces, music, raffles. The Portside Arts Center (PAC) will also be having an open house. All proceeds will benefit the PAC’s student scholarship fund for families of limited resources. For more information, contact Jenna Wilchinsky at jwilchinsky@porsideartscenter.org. Thursday, May 18, 5PM ANDREW LIPKE + ADAIRE KIDS CONCERT May 18, 2017 at 5pm, in the Adaire auditorium! This year musician, composer, producer, and Adaire parent Andrew Lipke will work with the staff of Adaire to expand the opportunities for students of the school's music program. Having worked with organizations such as The Philadelphia Orchestra, LiveConnections, WXPN, Play On Philly, Rock to The Future, and The Philadelphia School District to lend his energy in support of music education in our city, Lipke will invest his varied experience and diverse community relationships to expand and invigorate the music program at Alexander Adaire School. HEALTHY COOKING CLASSES Fishtown Library (1217 East Montgomery Ave.) is holding a series of healthy cooking classes. Those attending will learn knife skills, cooking methods, and food safety while handling and tasting delicious food. All of the following classes start at 6PM:April 12: Soup Time. April 26: Healthy Homemade Finger Food. The elevator is out of service, so take the stairs to the third floor of the library where the class is held. For more information, please call 215-685-9990. Wednesdays, 6-7PM WEDNESDAY EVENING CLEAN-UPS IN EAST 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. Wednesdays, 7PM 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). Thursdays, 5-8PM GAME ON! THURSDAYS Bring or borrow games and players at Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse (2578 Frankford Ave.) for a night devoted of video game play. For more information, contact amalgamphilly@gmail.com. 2nd Fridays, 7:15PM MOTHERHEART KIRTAN Welcoming everyone in the neighborhood to take part in MotherHeart Kirtan. Kirtan is the recitation of spiritual ideas through songs of devotion. Style is call and response singing of mantra and sounds. It is an easy, safe environment to experience group, harmony, healing, and community. Kirtan can be peaceful, uplifting, and ecstatic. MotherHeart Studio (2359 E Susquehanna Ave.) Donation only. Saturdays, 9AM-3PM FARMERS MARKET Starting April 8, the Liberty Lands Farmers Market will be held on the Third Street side of Liberty Lands. Currently, there are 15 vendors, and additional vendors are welcome at $10 a space. For more information, email Paul Hubert at spot2ndspot@yahoo.com. Sundays, 12-4PM AMALGAM ADVENTURER’S LEAGUE Adventurers! Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse is now hosting Adventurers' League play on Sundays from noon 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! 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 Pathways to Employment Program. Welcome to PA CareerLink and JobGateway: February 6th, 13th, and 27th, from 10am-noon. Getting Your Resume Right: February 1st and the 15th, from 10am-noon. Interviewing Skills: February 8th and the 22nd, from 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! All the classes are free and are held at 1340 Frankford Avenue. Interested individuals can call 215-426-8610, Ext. 2006. Visit www.lsheducation.org or email for more info: pep@lutheransettlement.org
children 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 Every Sunday morning, 10AM LET THE CHILDREN COME Progressive, child-led Christian education for children 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. 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 Hoppy Spring Storytime: Thursday, April 13th @ 10:30am. Celebrate spring with Miss Dana! Enjoy stories, crafts, and an egg hunt! Little Learners Play Day: Saturday, April 22nd @ 10:30am. Read, Talk, Write, Play, and Sing at the Library! For ages 0-5. 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.
faith Sunday, April 16, 10AM EASTER AT LIBERTI CHURCH EAST Come Celebrate Easter at Liberti Church East (2424 E York St.). All are welcome! 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. Throughout Lent, 6:30PM ST. MICHAELS LENTEN SERVICES Located at the corner of Trenton Ave. and Cumberland (a block below Frankford Ave.), Philadelphia, PA 19125, will be offering Lenten Services, beginning Thursday, March 9th. Soup and Sandwich served at 6:30 PM, followed by Devotions in the Chapel at 7PM, with bible study in Parish Hall. All are welcome, mark your calendars for Thursday study. If further information is required, please contact me at 215425-6190, or St. Michaels at 215-423-0792.
Immunization Notice Want your kids to attend Adaire this fall 2017? The school needs your completed registration packet asap. Packets available in the office if you don’t have one already. PLEASE NOTE: the child’s up to date immunization record must be submitted with the packet. While the medical form filled out by a doctor is due in Sept. the shot record is required to register NOW. Questions? AJenkins@philasd.org
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – April 12, 2017
COMMUNITY
CLASSIFIEDS A D 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
Advertise With Us! By placing an advertisement with the Spirit News, you connect with the residents of Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Port Richmond, and Kensington.
HOME SERVICES
B&A
APPLIANCES
REPAIRS ALL MAKES ALL MODELS
WASHERS DRYERS STOVES REFRIGERATORS 24-Hour Emergency Service $10 Charge For Estimate No Charge With Repair
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NEW RUBBER ROOFS MINOR ROOF REPAIRS ALUMINUM ROOF COATING
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215-743-8599 FREE ESTIMATES - CALL GERRY
HANDYMAN
PLUMBING - WINDOWS PAINTING - DOORS CARPENTRY - CEILINGS CEMENT - FLOORS
215-743-8599 PARENTS
FOSTER PARENTS Good, Loving homes needed for children of all ages.
OVER 27 YEARS EXPERIENCE
House wiring, 100 amp circuit breakers, ceiling fans & a/c lines. LICENSED & INSURED - LIC #PA040852/16493
215-327-3817 Huge Yard Sale! Saturday, April 15th 9AM-5PM Thompson and Albright Street, on the corner.
PLEASE CALL 215-203-8733 or 1-877-NFI4KID or visit nfi4kids.org
A D S @ S P I R I T NE W S . OR G
TH E FI N E P R I N T:
1 4 2 8 E . S U S QU E H A NNA AV E
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.
FOR RENT Port Richmond 2BR Townhouse Central air, hardwood floors, $975 + utilities. 1st floor 1BR apartment $775/month + utilities. Security check, application fee, NO PETS 215-425-3086 Efficiency 25xx Frankford Ave Fishtown first floor $600 + electric 215-634-7200 House for Rent in Fishtown 11xx Day St. 3 bedroom 1.5 bath great location $1700+utilities 215-634-7200
JUNK CARS Up to $1,100 cash for cars or trucks with bad engines or transmissions. $550 CASH for any complete junk car or truck with or without title. Call 215-669-1000
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YOU HAVE A NICE SET OF WHEELS BUT CAN’T FIND A PLACE TO PARK THEM.
Drivers: New Local & Regional Quakertown, PA Openings! Sign-On Bonus & guaranteed weekly minimum pay of $1,100.00!
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.
Paid vacations, holidays, sick days! Medical, dental, life, 401k with company match! Dedicated Lanes, late model equipment, private fleet.
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Book Keeper Assistant Part time. Knowledge of math and Excel. 10AM - 2PM call - 215-739-6770
Real Estate Sales: new or experienced; free training program Call Mike Dunphy at 215-840-8399
This tiny Maltese mom/son combo will steal your heart! 12-year-old Bridget 12 and 10-year-old Bocci re looking for a home together. They both love other dogs, cats, and kids! They're working on housebreaking skills. It appears that they were raised using pee pads. They are both very affectionate and love to cuddle together and with people. They're up-to-date on shots, altered, and ready to be adopted together! If you'd like to adopt these two little cuddle-bugs, please apply at www.tprescue.org
No one understands small business like small business. We may be getting a bigger staff and more readers, but we’re still just like you. Work together with Spirit News to help grow your business and inform your neighbors. ads@spiritnews.org 215.423.6246
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – April 12, 2017
WRITTEN BY SHARON ISABEL CURLEY
Spirit Astrology YOUR DOSE OF HYPERLOCAL SPIRITUAL ADVICE
Aries: It seems strange that we are taught as children that mythical beings such as Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny exist. Yet when we look back upon Greek culture, their mythical creatures are so relevant. At some point, no one thought of them as mythical at all, but as real. I’m talking Pegasus and the Centaur, horses of strength. Meanwhile, I don’t think a single American adult has maintained a belief in Santa. Saint Nick seemed way more legit than Santa flying around on a sleigh led by flying reindeer (with no wings, mind you) delivering presents. Whatever, isn’t life mythical? Do you ever go through any day believing that all you see and have is real? Food grows from the ground. Oh, here’s this little seed; in a few weeks, with a little bit of sun and water, I am going to eat cucumber salads for a whole season. A smart phone? Trump is president? Etc. Your reality is only yours. Everything you see and everything you touch really is just yours. Not another person sees and feels about a single thing the way you do. So, Aries, as your birthday celebrates another new you this year, go ahead and accept the incredible mythical you. You’re the mermaid/merman of our times, if you want it. Taurus: Part of me thinks perhaps I’ve written about this before, but so what? I’ll do it again, differently and better! I went to a show at Vox Populi sometime in fall 2015. I go there a lot, used to frequent it more, but try as I can. Anyway, this particular show at Vox had a lot of artists, I’m sure. Yet, the only one I remember is Peter Allen Hoffman. He had this crazy collection of giant awesome paintings. I say crazy because some of them were entirely geometric, maybe primary colors only, and the others were these lovely landscapes that just didn’t match the others. Although, of course they did, because that’s what he does. So, I go to Vox, I leave, and I go back. Why? Because I fell in love with paintings for the first time in so long. Friends of mine knew him and they said lovely things about his personality, but I didn’t even care. He could be the greatest ass of all time, but his paintings are not. Also, I’ve met him, he’s really sweet. Anyway, I don’t think I’ve ever been so touched by a current painter that is in my circle. I found him online, and I wrote him some fan mail. His response was astonished and sweet. He seemed taken aback by such a letter, but I tell you I meant and mean every word. This guy’s even got his work locked in as my iPhone homescreen now. Taurus, you should reach out to someone like I did. Someone who fascinates you, inspires you, and that you are glad is living in your circle. It will mean a lot to them and to you. Gemini: A recent trip to Port Richmond Books had me inspired and feeling pretty fulfilled. It’s been awhile since I
stepped foot into such a place. Books were all over, mostly organized. It smelled amazing and the prices were incredible. I picked up a book and I stood there reading it, weight on my left foot, for my right foot has been sprained for a bit. I loved all five pages of the book that I read in the shop. I also loved being about to read a few pages of a book in a shop. No judgement, nothing. I took the book to a couch and read. I only read those few pages, but I love this book so far. I will read the whole thing. I will go back to this shop. I will frequent this shop, which oddly opened only in 2005, and I will support it all I can. It brought back a world of love for so many things. I spoke to an old friend, now living in Ireland, about the book. It’s a hidden, lost masterpiece (so says its reviews), comparable to the likes of Salinger and the dopey/slacker 90’s angst, which is totally my style. Gemini, go to a place you don’t expect to find what you’re looking for, and let yourself fall in love with what you get. Even if you don’t get the whole thing yet, believe in what it seems to promise. Good luck to you, my friend. I hope you’re fully satisfied. Cancer: I don’t like to say, “I don’t like” as a definitive statement. For example, I was recently asked what my thoughts on scotch are. I’m not a big fan, but it’s not that I don’t like it. The taste is usually delightful, but it goes down my throat in a sort of painful way and simply doesn’t make me feel so good. My response to this question was, “I drink clear liquor.” I often feel as though not liking something is a copout. Perhaps whatever this is, you haven’t even given it a try. Perhaps you made a judgement about something because you felt it was beneath you? There have been a few warm days here, indicating summer is coming. The Cancer loves summer. Take into consideration how good it feels to like something so much. It’s easier to like than to dislike; less effort and better feelings. Everything can be likable. Go do some things you “don’t like” doing, and learn to enjoy them. See why other people enjoy things. Maybe you don’t like Fishtown Tavern because it’s a hipster bar, or maybe you don’t like Frankford Hall because it’s douchey. Well, who are you to make such a judgement? Is the Frankford Hall-er not a ripping guitar player, just because he’s got cargo shorts on? Is the Fishtown Tavern-er not a good mother, because she’s dressed like Stevie Nicks and is drunk on a Saturday? Look at Daniel Johnston — he’s a stained-sweatpants-wearing kind of guy, who is known for some of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. Go get liking! Leo: So, you whimsical little creature, you wild Leo, you. Let’s talk about the zodiac changes according to NASA. Some of you will no longer be a Leo, if you’re to believe in
science at all. And if you’re reading this, well, sure, you do believe in science, because you sure as hell aren’t seeking God. Ahem, let me rephrase that for those of you that are thinking I am comparable to God: Astrology could certainly Continued on Page 16. THE BLOCK CHURCH TO HOST WEEKLONG SERIES OF COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS LEADING UP TO EASTER SERVICES IN PORT RICHMOND AND CENTER CITY The Block Church is thrilled to announce the return of “Revive Week,” a series of community service projects for Port Richmond and surrounding Philadelphia neighborhoods. These service projects will take place the week leading up to Easter, starting Saturday, April 8, 2017, and ending on Saturday, April 15, 2017. Revive Week’s purpose is to allow the church to form genuine relationships with local Philadelphians while meeting the needs of their communities. Revive Week will kick off on Saturday, April 8, in partnership with the 10th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup to clean various parks throughout the city, including Cohox Recreation Center at the intersection of Cedar and Cambria Street, Powers Park located at Almond and Indiana Street, and Ridgeway Park at 13th and Carpenter Street. On Monday evening, supplies, socks, blankets, and dinner will be donated to the Last Stop. The Last Stop is a recovery clubhouse located in Kensington, Philadelphia. Similarly, The Block Church will unite with Liberti East Church on Tuesday and participate in their meal packing Easter Outreach program. On Wednesday, volunteers will have the opportunity to help String Theory Schools and the Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School by assisting in various cleaning, organizing, and repair projects. Thursday, volunteers will provide lunch for the 24th Police District. Revive Week will conclude on Saturday, April 15, with an Easter Egg Hunt at Penn Treaty Park (1301 N Beach St.) from 2-4 p.m. Complete with bounce houses, characters, DJ, photo booth, prizes, and even a separate hunt for our furry friends, all members of the community are encouraged to attend this free family-friendly event. Revive Week will be a testament to The Block Church’s mission “reviving the city one block at a time.” It also serves as a predecessor to the Easter Services that follow on April 14 and April 16, themed “Sing Jesus”. “Sing Jesus” is an interactive visual and musical production incorporated with live drama, telling the Easter story through song. The Block Church will host four services Easter weekend, beginning April 14 with a Good Friday service in Center City at the Clef Club of Jazz, located at 738 S Broad St., 19146. A free parking lot is available at this location. On Easter Sunday, April 16, The Block Church will host three services at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m., at their Port Richmond location at Richmond Hall, 2619 E Indiana Ave., 19134. Free valet parking is available at this location. All services will be free to the public and childcare will also be provided. “Sing Jesus” promises to be an unforgettable event for Philadelphia. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/theblockchurch
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – April 12, 2017
Continued from Page 15. be the works of God. For, if you believe in God, you believe He created the stars. And so, let it be known that NASA has realized quite a difference in the workings of our dear stars and it’s added a 13th sign, “Ophiuchus”. This bad boy falls right between Scorpio and Sagittarius. I think it’s nuts. I am no Capricorn now! I’m no workaholic, got no time for you, sweet little giver of all I can, which seems like not a lot to you but is everything to me. No way, no how. Yet, according to NASA, it’s all been fluxed. Leo, don’t let the man get you down, but don’t fight against him either. You just have to find the newness and cherish it. You’re down for change, so whether you’re a Cancer or a Virgo now, for Heaven’s sake, just hope it’s not the latter. Virgo: For some reason, I often tend to think of my friend Ryen when I think of the Virgo. He’s this old friend, a Philly suburb native, now living in Tucson. He’s this kind of guy who is so sweet and helpful to anyone around him. Once, at SXSW maybe in 2004, I was with him. I’d even traveled with him from Tucson. He seemed annoyed by everything on the road, and everything once we got there too. While eating lunch one day, I told him I had this bump on my neck. Suddenly, he cared about everything. He asked me about it, and he told me he could try to heal me using his Reiki skills. Hypochondriac me, down for whatever, let him put his hand on my neck, as he stared in my eyes. Lo and behold, that bump has been nonexistent ever since. Virgo, you may be likely to internalize and become moody, but do not forget your powers. If this is you now, cherish your knowledge and spread the wealth. We look to you for this power of yours. Libra: I’ve mentioned this before: my mum is a LIbra. I’m quite partial to the nurturing sense of you, due to this. I want to tell you a story. In April 1996, I was a mere 16 year old. I was home sick from school one day, and as my brothers and I did, I was lying in my folks’ bed, by the TV, which had cable. I was asleep when my mum walked in the room. I woke to her caressing my head. She asked me if I had seen the news. Confused, because I wasn’t much of a news watcher, I looked over at the TV. And there it was: Kurt Loder revealing to the world that Kurt Cobain was dead. My hero was gone. I cried like crazy with my mum holding me. All the while, she told me a story. She said in December 1980, when I wasn’t even a year old, she was having a craft night with her girlfriends. My father came home, heard the girls listening to the Beatles, and in entire relief, said something like, “Oh, you’re listening to the radio, so you’ve heard.” Little did he know they were listening to records of the Beatles, and my poor dad had to tell these Beatlemania-infected women that John Lennon had been shot. As my mum’s friends rolled around on the floor screaming, my mum said she was holding me. She said I was her way to
get through that, her dream and reality of a little baby girl. Likewise, and no doubt, just then, she became everything to me. I needed her there then more than I needed Kurt Cobain to come back to life. Libra, take this as a lesson. You will always have a way to comfort someone, no matter how hard of a time they think they’re having. You’re the cheerleader of the nurturing spirit. Scorpio: Perhaps one of the things I miss most about living in a house I can call my own is being able to host an evening with friends. Playing games like charades, all the while making sure everyone is comfortable. I love to host a gathering. I like providing the atmosphere with great lighting and snacks. I spend a lot of time daydreaming about the day when all of my things are in one place, and nothing of mine is in storage at my parent’s house. I want to feel like I can finally settle into something. I am getting older and this nomadic life I’ve been living is becoming more of a drag than ever. I went to Martha the other evening for a friend’s birthday. This place has a great atmosphere. Anyway, I saw two married couple friends of mine, there with their children. I felt so envious. The only thing I could really even think was, “Must be nice”. Must be nice to have met someone that loves you as much as you love them. Must be nice to find a partner, a best friend, that wants to share their life with you, and so you buy a house together that you live in together, and then you have a child together. Yeah, that must be really nice. Scorpio, if you’re feeling anything like I am, like you’re just chasing a dream all through your life, try that thought of mine: “Must be nice”. It may just make you as angry as I get, which only makes me want to try harder for the things I want. Sagittarius: I remember hearing a comedian doing a bit on texting. He talked about how you can be having a text conversation, where two people are very present. He goes on about how maybe the conversation is about pizza. Back and forth texting right on time, and then one texter texts the other and says, “Well, let’s go get some pizza,” and then gets no response. It’s as if the person on the other end is coming up with an excuse to say no, or maybe waits a super long time, and writes back a response like, “Sorry, something came up.” I have friends who are always on their phones, and I have friends that I rarely see on their phones. I take this as a sign for how one should respond to me, so when the always-on-the-phone person doesn’t respond, I can tell they are not responding for a reason. Likewise, with the never-on-the-phone person, I expect little, and usually will make a point to ask for a response, if I need it. I look at my phone as “treat people how you’d like to be treated”. If someone sends me a text that I can tell they’d like a response to, I try to respond quickly, and so on. I believe so much in treating others as I want to be treated, and I think you should follow my lead. If you treat others how you want to be treated, they will only treat you better, and being treated well feels really good.
when I get like this, because (if you’re anything like Jesse), you’ll just call me out when I don’t want to be called out. Then somehow I am trying to become the sturdy walker on the shells, to not disappoint. So much as I appreciate the stern and logical mind of the Capricorn, I am an emotional Aquarian woman. Capricorn, I urge you to take this time to go inside of yourself, and think, “What happens to the rest of the egg when those around me are walking on their shells? Are they totally wasted, or eaten and cooked?” Feel bad for the eggs first, then for those who you force to walk on them. If you eat eggs, I say the next time you’re cooking some, throw some shells on the ground, walk on them, and watch yourself demolish them. Don’t expect people to be able to do this around you. Just loosen up a little, and let’s all learn to walk on water instead. It’s seemingly more impressive. Aquarius: Last week, I think I slept an equal amount of time as I was awake. At first, I thought it was just because I was really tired, but by Saturday, I realized it’s because I’ve been very depressed lately. Thanks to my meds, I am handling this incredibly low point much healthier than I ever have in the past, but I am stuck in a rut of wondering why I’ve spent so much of my life working so hard to end up where I am now - too broke to leave the house, even. Why do we work so hard for what we want, and sometimes we don’t get it? And what if the things we really want are unachievable without teamwork? How do you find your teammate? I am ready for so much life to live, yet I’m instead stuck with only desires, wishes, and dreams. I think we fantastical Aquarians should put our collective energy together and cast some spells unto our dreams so we can be grounded into reality. I want to experience the joys of success (again), stability, and motherhood; what about you? Let’s do this together, really. I will meditate on those two squiggly lines we were given, and try to straighten them out. Will you join me? Pisces: A few weeks ago, I received a letter from a fan of my astrology column. Her name is Jane and she is a Fishtowner. The thing she said that made me the happiest was that she enjoyed my writing enough to read all of the horoscopes, not just hers. I like this, because I am often proud of my work and I wish everyone would read the whole page. However, most people only read their horoscope and maybe their lovers’, too. I was recently interviewed for the OKCupid blog, offering relationship advice. Between this and that, I think I would like to start an advice blog, where people write in and I offer advice. I have great advice for others; I just don’t take my own often enough. I guess I decided that since no one else has ever wanted to prioritize me, why should I prioritize myself? I am only one opinion out of many, so the other people not seeing me as a priority must be what the correct way of thinking is. As I pity myself through my life, Pisces, I suggest you throw yourself a pity party, too. It actually can be very humbling, as it forces you to appreciate what you do have. •
Capricorn: I have these little meltdowns once a month. I see these as completely valid feelings, but I know they’re entirely hormonal; PMS, if you will. Every time I roll around to the time of meltdown, I totally just melt down. I know what’s up, but these tears fill my eyes, and this mood changes the mood of everyone around me. There’s a little metaphor we all know called “walking on eggshells.” I’ll tell you, you ought to prepare yourself, if you know me, to learn the monk-like life of learning this trade, truly. Otherwise, whatever I am going through is totally your fault. According to my experience with one my my best friends and brothers, Jesse, the Capricorn is the most dominant of all signs. I feel weak around you. I feel ashamed for my entire being
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