The Spirit of the Riverwards - May 3, 2017

HYPE RLO CAL

D ONE DI FFER ENTLY

FISHTOWN + KENSINGTON + NORTHERN LIBERTIES + PORT RICHMOND + BRIDESBURG

THIS

WEEK MAY 3, 2017 VOL. 14 NO. 18

TO THE PROFESSOR! Fishtown Beer Runners host inaugural beer runners summit.

5

COLORSPACE LABS

Local visual artists have a new place to conduct their experiments.

4

ARTWELL FESTIVAL Free interactive street festival coming to Kensington May 21st.

16

ACCU-REGGIE Seven day forecast for the Riverwards.

U

p and down East York Street, stretching from Aramingo Avenue to Memphis Street, dozens of parked cars face the sidewalk.

This appears like a normal row of parked vehicles, until Spirit News discovered there are back-in angle parking signs on about every block.

This observation is one of many issues involving streets and intersections in the Fishtown and Kensington neighborhoods, due to increasing development and a greater number of cars on the road.

During the past couple of weeks, Spirit News looked into some of these

problems. They range from parking to accidents at busy intersections — but in each case, residents and city officials acknowledged the need for solutions on our neighborhoods’ streets.

York Street’s parking fiasco For the past couple of weeks, dozens of drivers pulled in and parked straight in on York Street, between the major thoroughfare of Aramingo Continued on Page 6.

3

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Local events, meetings and more.

12-13

HOT OFF THE

PRESS

L

ess than a mile from Wawa and 7-Eleven, there’s another kind of convenience store tucked away on Frankford Avenue.

Since February 2016, Middle Path (2415 Frankford Ave.) has been serving the community as a “conscious convenience store,” providing low-cost organic products, minerals, incense and more. The store is owned and kept by Raymond Bungay.

Middle Path began in 2013 with Bungay’s desire to travel and help consumers reach new levels of consciousness with organic and natural goods.

But upon finding out he was expecting a child, he decided to stay put in Fishtown and open up a brick and mortar location that would sell the

same types of items.

Defined as a conscious convenience store, Middle Path is stocked with nutrient-dense foods like organic snacks and drinks, fruits and berries, protein bars and shakes. Healthcare and beauty products also line the shelves, including Dr. Bronner’s branded items. Compared to larger supermarkets that offer organic and ingredient-minded products, Bungay has narrowed the selection down for the community and presented it in a very convenient manner.

Continued on Page 11.

Page 2

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 3, 2017

THE

local lens

O

n May 31st this year, America’s greatest poet, Walt Whitman, will be 198 years old. His birthday celebration will be held on Tuesday, May 23 at 5 PM at the Walt Whitman House on Mickle Street in Camden. The program usually commences in the garden behind Walt’s home where the featured speaker shares the podium with the six winners of a high school poetry contest. There will be cake, punch and maybe even a cold bottle of champagne, Walt’s favorite beverage.

I will play a part in this year’s Whitman birthday celebration because David Stedman, who served as the president of the Walt Whitman Association, asked me to be this year’s featured speaker. I’ve spent years studying Whitman as well as quoting him in various newspaper columns and books, so naturally I find this opportunity an honor. I first visited his house on Mickle Street in the 1970s and was so fascinated by what I saw that for years afterwards I would return with friends to show them this slice of history.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “The Open Road”, a title that suggests that all of us might benefit from keeping an open mind as we live our lives.

Walt was born on May 31, 1819 in West Hills, New York and died on March 26, 1892 in the Mickel Street house.

He went to a Brooklyn public school but dropped out at age 11, a common thing in those one room schoolhouse days.

He didn’t write very much about his school experiences, although he did manage to write a short story, “Death in the School Room (A Fact).” The story detailed the frequent use of corporal punishment by teachers in those days. You might say that public school life then was the reverse of what it is today: tyranny by students.

As a young writer, Walt liked to concentrate on themes like cruel or apathetic parents and their depressed, angst-ridden sons. One of the poet’s first jobs was in the printing office of Samuel E. Clements, a Quaker who wore an enormous broad-brimmed leghorn hat in the summer months.

According to one of my favorite Whitman biographers, Jerome Loving, young Walt learned how to “parse and spell” at Clements’ composing table, the same way that Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain learned to write.

The first newspapers in America were simple operations where the reporter was also the printer. That later changed when the printing was done separately.

Young Walt worked for a variety of printers. Later, he became a school teacher but returned to printing when he started his own newspaper, The Long Islander. The best part of having your own newspaper, Walt recalled, was delivering the papers on horseback. Walt’s earliest published poem was “Our Future Lot,” about the one common denominator that unites humankind: death. Walt also wrote essays about the evils of smoking, flogging, fashion, materialism and the stupidity of quarreling.

Loving reports that in 1840, a former student of Whitman’s recalled that “The girls did not seem to attract him …Young as I was, I was aware of that fact.” Part of the universal appeal of “Leaves of Grass”, the poet’s greatest work, was its bisexual view that both men and women can be equally desirable comrades in the arena of love. Walt was the seminal poet of male bonding. He also wrote: “To a Common Prostitute/Not till the sun excludes you do I exclude you.”

Walt was too much of a poet to be a good newspaper or editorial writer. One has only to read “Democratic Vistas” (1871) to see how much of a rambling prose writer he could be.

Walt opposed capital punishment. He also was, for a time, an advocate of the temperance movement, writing a novel, “Franklin Evans; or The Inebriate. A Tale of the Times.”

The book was published in 1842 as a small novel and its author was listed as Walter Whitman. Sometime later Walt called the book “damned rot.” The story was a sensationalistic screed against the evils of alcohol. Walt later disavowed the temperance movement and was an immoderate drinker only for a short while. When he lived on Mickle Street, his last address, he enjoyed (very large) frosty mugs of champagne and other liquors like elderberry wine. In his bohemian years when he lived in Manhattan, he would frequent Pfaff’s cellar restaurant and saloon, a carousing, boisterous ”arty” place that attracted artists of all types.

Even then it is said that the poet would sit back and nurse

BY THOM NICKELS

a lager or two for the longest time while his friends drank themselves under the table.

Walt became editor of the prestigious Brooklyn Eagle from 1846 to 1848. He was a moderate on most political issues, and although he tended to approve of socialistic movements in foreign countries he was quite the opposite when it came to his own country, although he had some pretty awful things to say about capitalism.

In 1857, The Brooklyn Daily Times described Walt as “a tall, well-built man [who] wore high boots over his pants, a jacket of heavy dark blue cloth, always left open to show a woolen undershirt, and a red handkerchief tied around his brawny neck.”

His masterpiece, “Leaves of Grass”, was hugely controversial during his lifetime, in some cases ending friendships and even getting him fired from his job in Washington with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Critics either loved or hated him. To some he was the devil incarnate because he dared to call Leaves of Grass the new Bible. His book was banned in Boston but his champions included many literary greats like Oscar Wilde, George Elliot and, to some degree, the cantankerous Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Walt gave a number of Lincoln lectures in Philadelphia and Boston after the president’s assassination. During the Civil War he worked for a number of years as a volunteer nurse in the Civil War hospitals of Washington DC where he looked after dying and wounded Union and Confederate soldiers. Walt favored the Union but he would not take sides when it came to his hospital work. His most intimate male friend, Peter Doyle, for instance, was an ex-Confederate soldier who was present in Ford’s Theater when Lincoln was assassinated. Walt wrote to his mother about his visits to the hospital: “I fancy the reason I am able to do some good in the hospitals… is that I am so large and well — indeed like a great wild buffalo, with much hair — and they take to a man that has not the bleached shiny & shaved cut of the cities and the east.”

Walt abhorred slavery but he did not call himself an abolitionist. In an editorial he wrote for The Brooklyn Times in 1858, he wrote, “Who believes that the Whites and Blacks can ever amalgamate in America? Or who wishes it to happen? Nature has set and [sic] impassable seal against it. “ Before anyone rushes to judgment and calls Walt a “racist” it is good to remember that these were the thoughts of Abraham Lincoln and everyone else of the period sans a very, very small circle of abolitionists.

Walt always believed that the nation’s capital would be moved from Washington to one of the cities of the west.

“Why be content to have the Government lop-sided over on the Atlantic, far, far from itself — the trunk [west], the genuine America?” he wrote.

Before moving to Mickle Street, the poet stayed with friends at 1929 N. 21st St. where in the summer he would sit with his host family on the stoop or doorstep.

Whitman’s voice, according to one friend, was “fulltoned, rather high [and] baritone.” This same friend said that when Whitman read books, “he would tear it to pieces—literally shed its leaves…”

One of the poet’s favorite pastimes was, as Loving states, “keeping track of his fame in the press.” How’s that for a touch of the Kardashians?

Walt was obsessed with personal cleanliness but wherever he lived he created immense disorder with papers stacked on the floor and the curtains of his room twisted in the style of ropes to let in more sunlight.

Walt also spent a lot of time in Germantown and on the banks of the Wissahickon. He would ride the ferries on the Delaware in all kinds of weather, leaning over the boat like an old ship captain. He claimed that he once hobbled halfway across the frozen Delaware but then turned back when he sensed that the ice was getting thin. He observed, and commented on, the view of Philadelphia City Hall during its construction. He liked to hang out at the base of Market Street where he would converse with workers, roughnecks and tramps, but when evening came he would head to the opera. Before his death he was able to purchase a wheelchair on credit from Wanamaker’s Department Store.

And who knew that Bram Stoker used Walt as his character study for “Dracula”?

At the time of Walt’s death in his bed on Mickle Street (an autopsy was performed on the first floor of the house where there was also a viewing), he was the most famous poet in America.

Note: This year’s birthday celebration will take place in the garden behind Walt’s house on Mickle Street. The Walt Whitman Association aims to have the state of New Jersey restore artifacts and support the construction of a Walt Whitman Visitor Center, as well as to restore the remaining row houses on Mickle Street. Contributions to the capital project may be sent to the Walt Whitman Association, 326 Mickle Blvd., Camden, NJ 08103 (thewaltwhitmanassociation.org). •

Page 3

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 3, 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 was exactly what we expected: a warmth bonanza with summer-like heat much of the time. The weather this past year has been absolutely baffling. We seem to be oscillating back and forth between extremes every week. Remember when we were in the 70s in February and then it snowed the next day? This week will make all the warmth we just received a distant memory as we crash into cold, cloudy and damp weather. We just can’t seem to get “normal” weather. It’s either very warm or very cold!

The week starts off with temperatures in the 60s before a large rainstorm moves through on Friday. What makes this weather event so extreme is that the storm never actually leaves us! It sits and spins over us for literally days!

It’s going to be day after day after day of cloudy, cool weather with showers. The cold pocket of air in the atmosphere is going to be so large that some places in the Appalachian Mountains could see some snow. This is the same type of pattern in winter that brings us polar-vortex cold and snowy weather. Of course, it’s too late for snow in Philly, but it’s going to be cold and wet nonetheless for May standards from Saturday through Tuesday!

Wednesday is a cool day as a cold front kicks the surging warmth from Tuesday away. 60s with sunshine will dominate.

Temperatures will bump up on Thursday to the middle 60s - overall this is the best day of the week. It will be sunny but clouds will increase late in the day and especially at night.

Friday is rainy from almost start to finish. Rain will begin early in the AM and should wrap up by evening with a leftover shower here and there for Friday night.

Saturday and Sunday are going to be cloudy and cool both days. Showers will threaten each afternoon and temperatures will struggle to make it out of the 50s. Showers are more likely on Saturday, so bring the umbrella for any outdoor activities.

Monday and Tuesday continue the cool and dreary weather. The storm will be spinning around us with quick spurts of rain and a constant malaise of clouds. The storm will eventually pull away next week, but not until it gives us some pretty bad weather! Next week will be sunnier. •

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

MAX PULCINI

PUBLISHER

MANAGING EDITOR

Patrick Clark

THOMAS HOWLEY

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

andrew deffley

accu-reggie

SOCIAL MEDIA

WEATHERMAN

THOM NICKELS

sharon isabel curly

LOCAL LENS COLUMNIST

SPIRIT ASTROLOGY

GREGORY LABOLD

CHAD DRAVK

BALD SPOT COMICS

LITTLE FISH COMICS

BOB STEWART

PTAH GABRIE

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

ANDREW MARK CORKERY

JACK GRAUER

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

MEGAN MATUZAK

MICHAEL HANISCO

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

JOHN HENRY SCOTT

NATALIE PISERCHIO

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

SPENCER HOMAN

SEAN KEARNEY

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

sean barrett

GRACE SHALLOW

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

thomas beck

JORDYN CORDNER

EDITORIAL INTERN

EDITORIAL INTERN

steve bohnel

shealyn kilroy

EDITORIAL INTERN

EDITORIAL INTERN

james rennie

kaitlyn moore

EDITORIAL INTERN

EDITORIAL INTERN

No reproduction or use of the material herein may be made without permission. The Spirit of the Riverwards Newspaper will assume no obligation (other than cancellation of charges for the actual space occupied) for accidental errors in advertisements, but will be glad to furnish a signed letter to the buying public.

Page 4

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 3, 2017

WRITTEN BY DONTE KIRBY

Colorspace Labs

K E N S I N G T O N V I S U A L A R T I S T S H AV E A N E W P L A C E T O C O N D U C T T H E I R E X P E R I M E N T S

O

n a side street in Kensington sits a renovated brick warehouse. The building is home to dancers, designers, artist of all kinds. Now photographers and videographers join the household at 1714 Mascher St. with the opening of Colorspace Labs.

Colorspace Labs is the brainchild of Charles Cerrone and Mike Colosimo. The co-working space that doubles as a print shop and gallery took a year of renovations to make.

The idea for this business first started while Cerrone and Colosimo were studying at Drexel University.

“It started out because we needed a place to work outside of our homes,” said Cerrone. “Somewhere we could be and collaborate with other people.”

Since Cerrone’s sophomore year of college, he’s been running a photography business. Meanwhile Colosimo has flirted with the photography industry for four years. Now they want Colorspace Labs to be a workshop for recent graduates seeking guidance and professionals longing for a collaborative space — a place that their past, present and future selves can use to achieve their vision.

“How can we help ourselves, four years ago,” Colosimo said, is one of the driving forces behind Colorspace Labs.

“When you’re in school you have access to all this [equipment],” explains Colosimo. He said that the average university technology lab has state-of-the-art printers, cameras and lighting equipment. But when students graduate, they lose access to this equipment. “Bye, that’s it,” he said.

Colorspace Labs offers all these amenities graduates are used to getting at their schools. Colorspace boasts Adobe Creative Suite on 5K Mac workstations, an Epson 64-inch printer, a film scanner, professional equipment and shooting space. These resources provide recent graduates with the necessary materials to complete old school projects, or

start entirely new ones.

The duo’s ultimate goal is to develop photographers and videographers with an entrepreneurial spirit. That’s been easy in a neighborhood like Kensington. The area has been growing at an impressive rate, with many creative-minded individuals moving in. 2016 saw Philadelphia’s housing market hit historic levels. Properties were selling in three months or less, according to Zillow, and the median price of Philadelphia homes was at an historical high of $149,000, according to a Drexel housing report conducted

by Kevin Gillen, PhD. The market has since cooled, but at its peak growth was enough to wipe away the loss in home values from the Great Recession.

“There’s so much community growth going on here,” said Cerrone. “Everywhere you turn there’s another pop-up shop or small art place that’s coming up.”

Branden Eastwood, a photojournalist with video journalist tendencies, is one of the resident creatives at Colorspace Labs. He’s been in the photography business for close to 20 years. He remembers when the studio was an idea he and Cerrone talked about over beers two years ago.

“One of the real drags about being a freelancer is you’re always fighting this sense of being on an island,” said Eastwood. “This space is the antidote to that.”

For Eastwood, engaging a community of peers has been the defining factor in every great leap in his 11-year career in photography. When he sees Cerrone and Colosimo working on a project, the positive peer pressure makes him want to up his game.

Cerrone and Colosimo intend to be the second and third pair of eyes to help emerging professionals take their work from good to great.

“I like doing the job that if you do it right no one ever notices,” said Colosimo. “It kind of works out well that [Cerrone]

is the face of everything.”

“I get stuck with the decisions that give me horrible anxiety and keep me up at night,” said Cerrone.

On Friday, May 5th, Colorspace Labs opens its doors for their first big gallery event, “This World Is Not for Me.” The event will showcase the print work of Jim Anderson. See firsthand the space Cerrone and Colosimo have sunk the last year of their energy into. •

Colorspace Labs is the brainchild of Charles Cerrone and Mike Colosimo./Donte Kirby

FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER NOW AT TUH – NORTHEASTERN CAMPUS Two of the region’s most trusted healthcare providers have come together at the Fox Chase Cancer Center at Temple University HospitalNortheastern Campus.

At TUH-Northeastern campus, medical oncologist Dr. Emmanuel Quien works with a team of specialists from both hospitals to provide the high-quality, compassionate care that patients with cancer need and expect – right here in the community.

2301 E. Allegheny Avenue | 215-926-3880

Emmanuel Quien, MD Hematologist/Oncologist Non-Discrimination notice: Fox Chase Cancer Center does not exclude participation in, and no one is denied the benefits of, the delivery of quality medical care on the basis of race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, color, national origin, physical ability, or source of payment.

Temple Health refers to the health, education and research activities carried out by the affiliates of Temple University Health System (TUHS) and by the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. TUHS neither provides nor controls the provision of health care. All health care is provided by its member organizations or independent health care providers affiliated with TUHS member organizations. Each TUHS member organization is owned and operated pursuant to its governing documents.

Page 5

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 3, 2017

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL HANISCO

“To the Professor!”

FISHTOWN BEER RUNNERS HOST INAUGURAL BEER RUNNERS SUMMIT

“To the professor!” It has been the iconic three-word toast and rallying cry for the Fishtown Beer Runners for nearly a decade. The quirky running group ends each of their weekly runs with a frosty beverage and a salute to the man whose hydration research inspired them to combine their passion for responsible running and drinking in the interest of science.

For the first time, the professor was in Fishtown last month to share the toast with them as part of the inaugural Beer Runners Summit sponsored by Jefferson University and the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. Dr. Manuel Castillo of the University of Granada Medical School made his first ever trip to Philadelphia from Spain for the four-day event, which took place from April 19-22. He was given a rock star welcome to the City of Brotherly Love with beer runners and Mummers greeting him as he stepped off his plane at Philly International.

Throughout the week, Jefferson University hosted a number of panels and roundtable discussions centered on the positive effects of running on health and happiness. On Friday night there was a free screening of Beer Runners, Justin Wirtalla’s award-winning 2014 documentary that explores the group’s formation and rise to international prominence in the running world. On Saturday, April 22, Dr. Castillo followed a talk by author Chris McDougal with a presentation of his original research that inspired Fishtown’s David April to found the beer running club in 2007.

The professor’s conclusion? Drinking a small amount of beer after moderate exercise has no deleterious effects on health and, in fact, may positively affect mood and social interactions.

Between the university-sponsored panels, the group showed Dr. Castillo the sights and sounds of Philadelphia.

The professor joined hundreds of beer runners for their weekly run through the city on Thursday night, pausing for photo ops at the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Then there was an after party at Frankford Hall, complete with Electro Lyte, a custom beer created by the Philadelphia Brewing Company specifically for the event. The group even took part in the March for Science as part of an impromptu fun run through Center City on Saturday morning.

Over lunch (and a beer) at the end of an action-packed weekend, David April and the professor thought back on their chance correspondence nearly a decade ago and the

global ramifications of their unlikely friendship. Since the founding of the Fishtown Beer Runners in 2007, chapters have sprung up across the United States, Canada and elsewhere.

The Beer Runners Summit welcomed chapters from as far away as Las Vegas, Nevada and Charleston, South Carolina as well as a number of closer chapters from Elkins Park, Manayunk and Chambersburg in Pennsylvania. Dr. Castillo ended his presentation with a recorded video message from more than two dozen beer runner chapters in his native Spain.

While April credits Dr. Castillo for the group’s success, the humble professor is quick to put the spotlight back on Mr. April.

“It’s so incredible. It’s his accomplishment. It’s not mine.

It’s his way of doing things and organizing things,” said Castillo.

When asked their thoughts on the deep personal impact they’ve made on thousands of lives – people who have formed lasting friendships, relationships or even married fellow beer runners – the pair said that they are continually humbled by it all.

“It’s kind of mind-boggling. I never intended for this to happen…it just kind of spontaneously developed,” April said. “I’m a connector. When someone tells me they’re interested in something, my immediate reaction is to pair them up or introduce them to someone who also has a similar interest. I don’t know why. That’s just my natural inclination. I get a lot of satisfaction when I’m able to introduce people to people they don’t know and they’re able to share new experiences.”

Castillo again deflected credit to David April. “I am a humble scientist whose work does not interest anyone; only a few [other] scientists. Then suddenly there appears a connector who was able to connect science to the real people,” said Castillo. “It’s also connecting mentalities… that science can go out of the labs and scientific centers and go to the public. And that’s what he did. He’s changed the lives of people who have gotten married or maybe they just were a little lonely and they found him and now they have new relationships. That’s his merit.”

While Castillo stands by his work, he is a medical professional and is acutely aware of the negative impacts of excessive alcohol intake. He was careful to stress the importance of moderation in all aspects of life during his official pre-

sentations and in the interview with Spirit News.

“As Paracelsus the alchemist said, ‘The poison is in the dose.’ I defy you to find one single good thing that in excess continues to be a good thing. There is none, because the very definition of excess is too much,” Castillo said.

April echoed that sentiment. “There a lot of beer runners that are a part of the medical community — we have doctors, nurses, scientists that all support and understand that you practice what you preach — everything in moderation.

And they recognize that there are some social and biological benefits to having a beer,” he added.

Before the two men parted ways with a photograph in front of the neon façade of McGillin’s Olde Ale House (at the professor’s insistence), they pondered the future and the next steps for the beer runners.

“One aspect of the Summit is that we brought together the captains, leaders of each chapter to talk about the direction we’re heading in. I think you’re going to see a growth of more chapters coming online, but also a stronger sense of chapters supporting and promoting each other. The summit was really a catalyst to bring everyone together and to create this sense of reassurance and rededication that we’re all on the same page,” April said.

So, will there be another Beer Runners Summit in the future? “I think so. Maybe we’ll have to do this again in Spain,” April suggested. •

David April and “The Professor” Manuel Castillo./ Shannon Sims for Bachrach Photography

SIMPSON’S HEATING & COOLING

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

215-732-5399 | 856-728-3364 SIMPSONSHEATING@COMCAST.NET ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED LICENSED & INSURED | OWNER GEORGE SIMPSON III

Page 6

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 3, 2017

Continued from Page 1.

Avenue and side streets like Gaul Street and Memphis Street.

The issue with that is there are signs on every block that read: BACK-IN ANGLE PARKING ONLY. These signs were installed by the Streets Department in September 2015, said spokeswoman Keisha McCarty-Skelton.

Multiple residents on York Street admitted they don’t follow these signs, but added that York Street poses other significant issues.

Debbie Kull has lived on the 2500 block of York Street for more than 50 years. She understands why back-angle parking is enforced, but argued this rule can cause its own problems.

“About a year ago my nephew was backing in,” Kull said. “He was practically in the spot and a bunch of bikers hit his truck from behind.”

Kull added that bumper-to-bumper traffic in the morning can make it difficult to back into a parking space.

Jennifer Gardner has lived on the same block for the past two years. The greatest problems facing York Street have nothing to do with parking, she said.

“I think more than anything, they need to enforce speed,” she said. “People are flying down this street to get to Aramingo and coming off it.”

One of the main reasons back-angle parking is the law on York Street, however, is there are bike lanes between the driving lane and parking spots. John Boyle, research director at the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, said the fact cars aren’t backing in is concerning, but understands the PPA has large areas to enforce.

Boyle added, however, that backing into a spot prevents possible legal trouble down the line.

“If you hit a cyclist while pulling back, you’re probably liable,” he said. “It’s just good practice to get in the habit of back-angle parking.”

After contacting multiple city officials, Spirit News learned that back-angle parking on E. York Street is enforced by the Philadelphia Police Department’s 26th District.

A source within the 26th said police started issuing warning letters to those that don’t back-angle park on York Street. Then, in the next couple of weeks, officers will start ticketing, which will be around $40.

One resident on the 2500 block has a simple solution: paint parking lines on the entire street.

“As soon as you give people an outline of what to do, they’ll follow,” said Adam Phaneuf, who’s lived on the block the past three years.

Trenton and Susquehanna About a 10-minute walk to the northwest lies an intersection in East Kensington that Erica Vanstone has major concerns about.

Trenton and Susquehanna avenues meet at a relatively large intersection, and is bordered by ballast stone on Trenton Avenue. Recent development is also evident on the northern corners of the intersection.

Vanstone said parking issues and overall traffic near there has led to calls for new stop signs and crosswalks.

“This sort of crusade of mine started at the end of the year in 2016 when I was walking my nine year old across the street and seconds behind us, two cars T-boned into each other,” said Vanstone, who lives on Susquehanna two doors down from the intersection.

“We’ve witnessed an accident that day and every time I try to pull out into that intersection, I’m reminded of how dangerous it is to try and see past any of the vehicles to try and get through there.”

Vanstone added she has been working with the East Kensington Neighbors Association to install new stop signs on the north and south sides of Trenton Avenue. Crosswalks also need to be painted.

Andrew Pry Ortega, who serves on the zoning committee of the EKNA, said Vanstone has taken the lead in making the intersection safer.

HOPE MAY STILL BE ALIVE..............

My wish and hope is that there may be some change for good in mankind. Finally, I had an answer. That answer is “YES”. The change for good happened: I had lost my wallet in the streets while it was raining on Tuesday April 25, 2017 in the Port Richmond section of the City. I felt as though I had lost all my worldly possessions (identification, license, credit cards, my Philadelphia Police Badge and $100 in cash). The wallet and the credit cards, as well as my ATM card and License were not as important as my Retired Police Badge that I carried for my 24 year Police career.

I immediately made a Police Report, and cancelled many of my cards.

But then I got the surprise of my life. A young man (approximately 26 years old) knocked on my house door and returned my wallet with NOTHING!!! missing. He said he had passed by my house while walking his dog and saw the wallet lying in the rain. He put it in his pocket and did not look into it until he got home. He then looked inside the wallet and saw the Police Badge, and then the $100 cash.

He decided immediately to see if there was an address in the wallet. He saw my license with the address and he left his house to return the wallet.

My wife and I were so relived and excited that someone could be so Responsible, Considerate, Trust Worthy and HONEST. We decided to reward this young man with some money for his gesture. He tried to deny the gesture, but we both insisted that he take it. That was money well spent.

This situation of losing my wallet had happened to me some years ago. Only that time I had $200 in the wallet that I had just put in the wallet for a present for my wife. I did get the wallet back as someone said they found it in a location that I know I had not lost it at. And guess what……the $200 was missing. So much for HONESTY back then.

(The first event happened in another state.)

I truly apologize to this kind neighbor that in my excitement I was derelict in asking this true gentleman his name.

To this young man; THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

He added that development along Trenton Avenue will continue to increase traffic near the intersection. The city’s Streets Department has been notified of neighbors’ concerns, Ortega added.

Spokeswoman Keisha McCarty-Skelton said the department’s Traffic Unit has started a study on the area, which should take about 13-15 weeks to complete.

Vanstone said parking is already scarce near that intersection, and that a recent zoning variance means 14 more cars will need space for parking in the area.

She understands her complaints can be frustrating, but wants the area to be safe. “I’m not trying to take away anybody’s inexpensive parking solutions for their jobs, but safety is a consideration, especially since the number of developments have gone up over the past five years,” she said.

Hagert and Frankford Much smaller than the former intersection, Hagert Street and Frankford Avenue is flanked

by Atlantis: the Lost Bar and Philadelphia Brewing Company.

It’s also been a spot for a considerable amount of accidents, according to residents and people who work in the area.

Bo, a bartender at Atlantis, said he’s seen all types of accidents at the intersection, and believes many motorists speed on Frankford Avenue.

“People either think it’s a four-way stop, or just speed,” said Bo, who declined to give his last name. “And people are definitely going over the speed limit.”

Jen Jones, who frequently visits her brother on Hagert about half-block east of the intersection, said the problem stems from the intersection to the immediate south, consisting of York Street and Frankford and Trenton avenues. For drivers moving north on Frankford, there are two separate stoplights at the intersection — and Jones believes this makes them act like a “fast break” on a basketball court.

Jones said safety should be a priority in the area, given Atlantis and Horatio B. Hackett Elementary School’s proximity to the intersection.

She believes, however, that the intersection and surrounding area has the signage; thus drivers need to slow down on Frankford. She disagreed with Bo that a stoplight is needed.

“People just need to obey [the signs],” she said.

Our source in the 26th understands the concerns about the intersection, and like Bo and Jones, thinks speeding is the main issue.

“The problem is it goes for such a long straight stretch,” he said about Frankford. “The longer stretch without traffic lights almost gives it the sense of a highway.”

He added that Frankford is a narrow street, making it harder to avoid possible accidents, and believes the intersection at Palmer Street could be resulting in more accidents due to development and the location of the post office a block south.

Richard Montanez, deputy commissioner for transportation in the city’s Streets Department, said Fishtown and Kensington’s rapid development is making his office and others closely look at street logistics.

“We’re looking at crashes throughout the city,” he said. “The booming real estate is causing changes [in neighborhoods] to happen really quickly.” •

Despite every block being marked as BACK-IN ANGLE PARKING ONLY, most cars are parked front-in on E. York St./Steve Bohnel

Page 7

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 3, 2017

WRITTEN BY TIM MCCLOSKEY

Branden Pizarro “ T H E G I F T ” K E E P S O N W I N N I N G A T L A T E S T B O U T.

O

n Saturday, April 29, 17-year-old Juniata Park resident Branden “The Gift” Pizarro extended his unbeaten streak to 5-0 with a four-round unanimous decision over Chris Gutierrez of Greenville, Texas in a lightweight bout at the Liacouras Center as part of Hard Hitting Promotions and the Urban League of Philadelphia’s 2nd Annual Night of the Fights.

With 76er Joel Embiid, rapper Gillie Da Kid and former world champion Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins watching ringside, the former Junior Olympic gold medalist was simply too much for the Texan, rocking him early in a match that was more notable for the war of words that took place before the actual fight ever started.

“The fight was real rugged and tough,” Branden said after the fight. “We stayed calm and stuck to the game plan. We pulled the win out tonight.”

The young boxer added: “He did a lot of cursing yesterday and today. I told him to live up to everything he was saying, that’s all. I’m not that type. I let my hands do the talking. He did too much trash talking and didn’t perform up to the way he was talking.”

Branden’s father and trainer Angel Pizarro Sr. agreed.

“This guy was talking so much smack yesterday at the weighins,” Angel said. “We were expecting a great fight. But as you could see, [Gutierrez] was just backing up, doing some crazy stuff, coming in with his head and elbows. At one point, he tried to sweep him with his feet. That’s when I got really upset, out of concern for Branden.”

Pizarro looked better and better as the fight progressed, after landing a solid right to Gutierrez’s chin in the second round.

“At the weigh-in, [Gutierrez] was talking all this gangster stuff,” said Angel. “ I told him, ‘Listen, you’re not in Texas; you’re in Philadelphia. If you want to talk gangster, we can talk gangster, but we’re not here for that. Keep it professional.’”

Angel, originally from Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, where he trained with Félix Trinidad, cornered his son with Bozy Ennis of Bozy’s Dungeon in Harrowgate, and they are already looking towards Branden’s next fight.

“We are going to get back at it on Monday. We are looking at May 20th at Madison Square Garden on the undercard of the Terrence Crawford event. That’s what we are shooting for; hopefully we can get in there.”

In the other fights of the night, David “One-Two” Murray scored a TKO over Sam “Russian Concussion” Horowitz in the fourth round. Murray, who landed more significant shots during the bout, was nevertheless down on points at the time as Horowitz dropped him to the canvas twice. The first time was in the waning seconds of the first round, and then later in the third round. Horowitz was not happy with the ref’s decision, and he let everyone in the arena know it. It was a perfectly reasonable stoppage, but an understandable

reaction on Horowitz’s part. He has serious power and is a fighter to watch.

The second fight of the night had no such controversy, as super-lightweight Sam “Tsunami” Teah (10-1, 3KO) knocked out Efran “Macho” Cruz of Vieques, Puerto Rico at 1:40 of the fourth round. Cruz, who had put up a great fight to that point, was left flat on his back, and a stretcher was called in to assist him. Cruz eventually left the ring under his own power, but was visibly shaken. Teah was cornered by Bozy Ennis and Rashiem Jefferson.

South Philly’s Christian “The Ice Man” Carto (9-0) extended his phenomenal knockout streak to nine with a fifth-round TKO over tough Mexican journeyman Samuel “Panterita” Gutierrez. Carto, the 2016 National Golden Gloves Champion, hit him with several unanswered, multi-punch combinations throughout the fight. Gutierrez’s corner was heard telling their fighter to stay down after Carto hit him with a barrage of punches in the fifth that dropped him to the canvas. To his credit, the durable “Panterita” got up and kept

fighting, but his trainer threw in the towel between rounds.

In the main event, NABF Champion Tevin “American Idol” Farmer (25-4-1) won his 18th straight fight as he defeated Arturo Santos Reyes of Sonora, Mexico by 10-round unanimous decision. Farmer, who most recently made headlines following a publicized Youtube beef with IBF junior lightweight champion Gervonta Davis of Baltimore at the Lomachenko-Sosa fight, seemed to struggle early and did not have the normal snap at the end of his punches. The southpaw switched his stance several times starting in the second round, which is sometimes an indication of an injury. After the fight it was revealed that Farmer tore his right bicep, and will likely require surgery and may be out at least four months. This is surely an unwanted setback for Farmer, who is ranked #3 by the WBC. He is trained by Chino Rivas and is one of Philadelphia’s top professional boxers. •

FAIRMOUNT FLEA MARKET Bozy, Angel and Branden after the fight./Tim McCloskey

Largest Outdoor Flea Market In The City More Than 150 Vendors!

Sat, May 6th (Rain Date - Sunday) Surrounding The Historic Eastern State Penitentiary 2201 Fairmount Avenue 8AM til 5PM Parking Available In The Adjacent Lot www.PhilaFleaMarkets.org

BEST RATES FOR UBER & LYFT DRIVERS Insurance for Autos, Homes, & Businesses The Perzel Agency | Charles Schaal 923 Spring Garden Street | Philadelphia, PA 19123 215-253-4894 | chic@perzelagency.com M-F 9-6 | Sat 9-1

Page 8

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 3, 2017

LESS YOU. MORE LIFE.

It’s time to reveal a healthier, happier version of yourself. At Mercy, we’ve helped hundreds of patients discover the power within to improve their physical and emotional health with a holistic approach to weight loss for life. One of the region’s most experienced clinical teams leads Mercy Bariatrics—an award-winning weight-loss surgery program that has earned the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence ® designation for Mercy Fitzgerald. Your customized plan will include access to 24-hour support; before and after surgery to ensure you’ll be loving the you within.

Please call 1.855.LESS.YOU for a personal consultation or visit us at MercyBariatrics.org.

Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital | Mercy Philadelphia Hospital | Nazareth Hospital

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 3, 2017

WRITTEN BY THOMAS BECK

LaughWell

P U N C H L I N E P H I L LY T O H O S T A N I G H T O F C O M E D Y I N S U P P O R T O F A R T W E L L

O

n Sunday, May 7th, Punch Line Philly (33 East Laurel Street) will be hosting a comedy event in support of ArtWell, an educational organization that guides Philadelphia’s youth by promoting creative expression through various forms of art. The show, entitled LaughWell, will feature comedian Jonathan Katz, who is perhaps best known for co-creating and starring in Comedy Central’s animated series Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist.

LaughWell will mirror the animated series, in which laidback psychotherapist Dr. Katz counsels well-known comedians and actors. In the live performance, Jonathan Katz will reprise his role as the easygoing psychotherapist. His patients will be played by comedians Janelle James, Bonnie McFarlane and David Feldman. The show will also fea-

6TH ANNUAL ST. LAURENTIUS FISHTOWN 5K About 200 runners and walkers took part in the the 6th Annual St. Laurentius Fishtown 5K Winners were Joe Pickett for the Men and Julia Thomson for the women. •

SERGEANT STORAGE Notice is hereby given that that undersigned will sell to satisfy the lien of the landlord at public sale by competitive bidding on Friday, May 5th, 2017 at 10:30am. Sergeant Storage located at 2541 Gaul St, Philadelphia PA 19125 THE PERSONAL GOODS STORED IN SPACE NO.

302 436

Richard Banocy Joann Moll

Purchases must be made in cash only and paid for at the time of sale.

All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of purchase.

Sale is subject to adjournment.

Sergeant Storage Inc. 215-739-9226

ture musical performances by Johnny Showcase and Rumi Kitchen.

“It is going to be a great night,” said Julia Terry, ArtWell’s program director and daughter of Jonathan Katz. “With all that is happening in our country and in the world, there is no doubt we could all use some good 21-and-over comic relief.”

The show will begin at 7PM. General admission tickets cost $35. Premium tickets cost $85 and entitle their holders to a voucher for food and drinks (also included in the cost of a general admission ticket), a VIP seat, an autograph from Dr. Katz and access to a pre-show reception that will begin at 5:30PM. All proceeds will go to ArtWell. To purchase a ticket or to learn more about Artwell, visit theartwell.org. •

Fishtown 5k participants posing for a photo op after the race./Photos courtesy AJ Thomson

Page 9

Page 10

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 3, 2017

WRITTEN BY SPENCER HOMAN

Know Your History MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION OPENS

O

n Thursday, April 13, Spirit News was granted access to a press preview at the Museum of the American Revolution at 3rd and Chestnut Streets. The new museum promised to give attendees new insights and information about the Revolutionary War. Upon entering, I was unsure what to expect. As a history enthusiast, I was excited to explore the exhibits, but I attempted to keep my expectations low to avoid certain disappointment if the museum was just another reincarnation of other history museums I have visited throughout my life. Spoiler alert: This museum was not your ordinary historical journey.

The museum officially opened on Wednesday, April 19, and the grand opening featured speakers such as best-selling author Cokie Roberts, Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough, and former Vice President Joe Biden.

April 19 represented the 242nd anniversary of the “shot heard ‘round the world” that marked the famous beginning the Revolutionary War. As I entered the museum, I was looking for not only new information, but also for stories that tied the American Revolution to our Riverwards.

The first exhibit I was able to experience was the preserved war tent of General George Washington. Textile conservator Virginia Whelan and structural engineer Alex Stadel were present to introduce the tent to the spectators. Washington’s war tent is more than just a really old piece of fabric. This tent is the place that General Washington called home for the entire duration of the war. A video accompanying the tent explains how the soon-to-be first president spent only a few days in his hometown in Virginia during the entire Revolutionary conflict. Although, we Philadelphians know that George and Martha Washington spent some time with John Hewson on Sam Ball’s stretch of land that he purchased from Anthony Palmer. The area would later be known as Port Richmond.

In addition to the impressive artifacts that the museum is in possession of, the museum designers have also done a great job of incorporating 21st century technology into the museum experience. Large touch-screen monitors — brilliantly designed by Blue Cadet, a Fishtown-based tech firm — allow you to click through time periods, documents, maps, weapons and more. In my own personal experience, other museums are organized in a way that allows for much of its information to go unexplored. Visitors may be easily bored if they have to read through each and every exhibit. While the Museum of the American Revolution does include text features throughout its historical journey, its inclusion of videos, sounds and hands-on displays creates a unique experience.

On more than a few occasions, I thought I spotted museum employees dressed like 18th century characters of the Revolution. In reality, those characters were impressive sculptures of Revolution-era citizens. Even more impressive than the quality of these sculptures is the quantity of them. I was surprised to find that the life-size sculptures were not exclusive to one area of the museum, but rather were spread throughout the entire museum.

Between the beautiful architecture of the bright, expansive interior of the building and the ceiling-to-floor artwork, the ambiance of the environment is intriguing. The exhibits have an even dispersal of light-hearted content that would be suitable for children and history fans, and darker-toned honest exhibits that would be captivating to individuals who want to know the full truth behind aspects

of the Revolution.

For those interested in seeing the museum for themselves, they can visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or check out the museum’s Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest sites. Adult admission is $19, college/military admission is $17, children six and up is $12, and children five and under are admit-

ted for free. Group tickets for 15 people or more are $12 for adults and student group tickets are $10 each. Memberships are also available by calling 215-253-6731 ext. 123 or by emailing amrevmuseum.org/membership.

Normal hours of operation for the museum are 10AM to 5PM. •

Interactive displays by Blue Cadet.

Washington’s War Tent Outside of the Museum of the American Revolution./Photos by Max Pulcini

Homeownership is important.

We’re here to help homebuyers navigate the mortgage process and make buying a home affordable, even if you have little money for a downpayment, little or “less-than-perfect” credit history or have had a recent job change.

And, for a limited time, M&T is providing loan subsidies to homebuyers that can exceed $10,000 in downpayment, closing cost and interest rate assistance in certain areas. As a good neighbor and integral part of the communities we serve, it’s important that M&T makes homebuying easy and affordable for you. Find out how by calling 1-888-253-0993 or visiting mtb.com/mortgage.

Equal Housing Lender.

This is not a commitment to make a mortgage loan. Subject to credit and property approval. ©2017 M&T Bank. Member FDIC. NMLS# 381076 6.6” x 5” Port Richmond Spirit - 4/2017

Page 11

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 3, 2017 Continued from Page 1.

“All that BS that you have to look for is already eliminated so that you’re getting the most nutrient-dense, highest quality beauty care products in a quick, easy kind of fashion,” Bungay said. “[My vision with the shop is] just being here in this area, being dug into this community and providing the community with a low-cost, affordable mineral shop in a very approachable [way].”

That’s right: minerals also make up a significant part of r shop’s functions and have long been a large part of Bun- gay’s life. As a child, Bungay remembered seeing cubes of r pyrite, which awakened in him a love of minerals. Now, the shop dispenses pyrite cubes along with other types of mino erals and tumbled stones. One of Bungay’s favorites in the shop is a roughly rounded rock of lavender kunzite.

Many believe stones and crystals have healing qualities.

Selling minerals, Bungay claims, allows him to provide a public service. Doing so through a convenience store has enabled Bungay to give back both easily and by the will of the customer.

“I need to make a living, but am trying to figure out how to make a living while still connecting with people’s lives and being a positive influence without being a burden on anybody else,” Bungay said.

Bungay made Blake Mogil, a local foreman, a blend of gems to wear around his neck for some problems he had.

Mogil admitted that the necklace is currently adorning his lamp, but praised Middle Path for the personalized and customized mineral service.

“I’m sure the lamp is feeling good,” Bungay said.

Bungay says he makes suggestions for certain stones based on his customers’ physical and physiological needs.

However, like a doctor, Bungay claims he’s not always right, so he encourages people to come in and dig through the massive amount of minerals Middle Path has.

“Take your time, dig through, get to know and feel the stones because it’s really about the connection and what they represent and what they represent to you,” Bungay said.

Within the array of minerals presented at Middle Path are fossils and higher-end specimens from around the world.

These special items are also available for purchase. Bungay pulled out a tray of dinosaur teeth and droppings acquired from Morocco. He also revealed “Dolphin Money,” tiny cast-bronze dolphins used as currency during 550-230 B.C. in the Black Sea region. These items are sold for between $20-40.

Middle Path is also a place for local artists to exhibit their work. Pieces from local artists like Kimi and Pasta Boss hang on the walls of the shop. Paintings by Bungay’s father, who passed away within the last year, are displayed but not for sale.

Middle Path continues the convenience online. Some

products found in the store can be purchased on Middle Path’s Etsy store. Bungay wants to expand its selection of healthcare and beauty products, as well as the size of the establishment, by moving to a bigger store in the neighborhood in the next 10 months. Bungay plans have a meditation space in the new store. Meanwhile, Bungay wants you to feel the good vibrations at the current Middle Path location. “[Middle Path is] where you come in, get all this metaphysical kind of healing. Get your vibrations up. Get into a positive space, and move onward and upward,” Bungay said. • Inside of Middle Path./Shealyn Kilroy

BINGO.

You won the jackpot thanks to Nazareth’s senior-friendly Emergency Department.

Live better with Mercy

1.866.629.2738 | mercyhealth.org

Page 12

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 3, 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 Tuesday, May 9, 7PM FNA ZONING MEETING 437 Memphis St: Proposal for new 4-story single family home with roof deck and off-street parking 2162 E Gordon St: Proposal for new 3-story single family home. 1123 E Susquehanna Ave: Proposal for new duplex with (4) off-street parking spaces at rear.

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.

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. 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.

events Wednesday, 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.

Thursday, May 4, 4PM STAR WARS ADVENTURES Celebrate Star Wars Day at the Fishtown Library (1217 E Montgomery Ave.) with games, crafts, and the chance to win a cool surprise! May the 4th Be With You! Recommended for ages 6 and up. Supplies limited; first come, first served.

Friday, May 5, 5-10PM CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION The Piazza at Schmidt’s will be holding a fiesta in celebration of Cinco de Mayo with live bands, entertainment, dancing, dance lessons, sobrero races, pinatas and more.

The event kicks off with Magdaliz and Her Latin Ensemble Crisol, a group bringing music consisting of romantic Puerto Rican Boleros to lively Mexican Mariachi. Come thirsty and hungry: Revolution Taco will debut their new food truck; Gunners Run will be serving Mexican style foods and Margarita and Mojito Pitchers. The event is free, and attendees must be 21+ with identification to drink. For more information visit the Piazza at Schmidt’s website.

figurative, abstract narrative, sculpture and photography that centers on community. Artists include Pat Aluiso, Lily Brown, Rae Burns and more. Part of the proceeds of purchased artwork will be donated to NLArts. For more information, call 973-868-6675.

Friday, May 5, 7PM-12AM 26TH DISTRICT AWARDS BANQUET & REUNION The 26th Police District will be hosting their 26th Annual Banquet and Awards Gala at SugarHouse Casino. An open bar, gourmet food, photobooth, and DJ Jose Rodriguez will fill the event. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the District (615 E. Girard Ave) or by calling 215-686-3233. Reservations for tables can be made.

Saturday, May 6, 10AM - 2PM ANNUAL PLANT SALE IN PALMER PARK A variety of colorful annual flowers will be available for purchase. This is the once a year fund raising project of the Friends of Fishtown at Palmer Park, and all proceeds support the maintenance and beautification of this neighborhood green space. Come and see the recent improvements in the park, enjoy this neighborhood little gem, and select some flowers for your own garden areas. Rain date is Sunday, May 7th.

Saturday, May 6 and Saturday, May 20, 8AM-3PM FLEA MARKET The Friends of Konrad square will be hosting a flea market at Konrad Square (Tulip and Dauphin Streets.) Anyone interested in renting a space or looking for more information should call Vicky at 215-426-9654.

Saturday, May 6, 12:30-4PM KENSINGTON COMMUNITY FOOD CO-OP EVENTS The Kensington Community Food Co-Op (KCFC) is holding two events at 2670 Coral St. The day will start off with a KCFC Community Meeting to discuss project updates and unveil the new KCFC logo. Later, the KCFC will be celebrating their march to Groundbreaking and store construction with food, fun, prizes and more.

Saturday, May 6, 9AM-2PM NLNA PLANT SALE Annuals, perennials, flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetable plants, and more will be sold on during the day at the Northern Liberties Recreation Center (321 Fairmount

Friday, May 5, 5-7PM 10TH ANNIVERSARY FACULTY EXHIBITION NLArts turns ten this year, so to celebrate, they have created ten unique events for our families and artists to participate in. NLArts has hired city artists and makers to display their

Did you know that Spirit News has it’s own radio show? Tune into Spirit News Radio every Wednesday night on WPPM - FM 106.5 from 6-7PM. We discuss local news, arts and entertainment pertaining to the various neighborhoods we cover across Philadelphia. Can’t tune in live? You can download our radio show each week in podcast form on iTunes, SoundCloud and Google Play.

Do you want to have your company or product sponsored on Spirit News Radio’s Podcast? Reach out to ads@ spiritnews.org today!

Thanks for tuning in!

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 3, 2017 Ave.) For more information or to volunteer, email sugarvision10@gmail.com Sunday, May 7, 12:30PM POLAND’S CONSTITUTION COMMEMORATION To celebrate the 226th Anniversary of Poland's Constitution, a mass will be held at 12:30PM at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa (654 Ferry Rd. in Doylestown, PA.) At 2:30PM, a youth program and performance will take place at the Shrine’s Visitor Center. Admission is free. For more information, contact Theresa Romanowski at 215922-1700.

Sunday, May 7, 8-10AM ADAIRE APPLEBEE’S FUNDRAISER BREAKFAST A Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast will be held at Applebee’s (2501 Aramingo Ave.) to support Alexander Adaire Home and School. The cost to attend the breakfast is $7. For more information, contact Julia at 267-312-8461 or Jenn at 267407-4301.

Friday, May 12, 7:30PM-12:30AM COMEDY NIGHT Friend of Mother Divine Grace and Columbia Social Club are hosting a Comedy Night at the Columbia Social Club (3529 Almond St.) The night will be filled with a comedy show, food, beer, wine, a DJ, 50/50 and Chinese Auction.

Tickets are $30. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Frank Valentino at 267-408-4926.

Saturday, May 13, 11AM-4PM KENSINGTON FOOTBALL COOKOFF We are hosting a neighborhood cook off in the Kensington CAPA parking lot to benefit the Kensington High School Football Team. Looking to compete? It’s free to enter the competition and submit one style of food. Want to eat? It is $15 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under. If any business would like to set up a table to promote their brand, we are asking for a $20 donation.

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.

Saturday, May 13, 10AM-3PM MOTHER’S DAY FLOWERS & FLEA MARKET Penn Treaty Park will be distributing free Mother’s Day Flowers at 11AM when one visits the park for the Flea Mar-

ket. Anyone looking for more information or to participate in the Flea Market should contact Barbara Morehead at 215-425-0393.

Wednesday, May 17, 6-8PM COMMUNITY POTLUCK Philadelphia Photo Arts Center (PPAC) and exhibiting artists Paul Anthony Smith and Andre Bradley invite you to a community potluck dinner at the PPAC Gallery (1400 N. American St., enter on N. Master Street) Bring a dish to share, and PPAC will serve beverages. R.S.V.P. by May 15 by phone, 215-232-5678, or by email lori@philaphotoarts.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.

Sunday, May 21, 10AM PORT RICHMOND BREAST CANCER WALK The Ladies of Port Richmond want you to come walk with them, rain or shine, for cancer research. Register by April 26 by filling out the form on the Ladies of Port Richmond Facebook’s page and sending it to 3160 Cedar St. The pre-registration fee is $30, and to register the day of the walk will cost $35. Registration includes a shirt, which will be available for pick-up Saturday, May 13 from 9AM-12PM. For more information, contact Mary Lou at 215-427-3222.

Saturday June 3, 9AM to 1PM OVERINGTON PARK FLEA MARKET Flea Market held around outside of park along the 1300 block of Orthodox Street, 19124. Reserve a space $10.

Please bring your own table.

For more info call 215-533- 7747

Page 13 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.

4th Fridays, 6-9PM GAME NIGHT Friends of Penn Treaty School and Circle of Hope are hosting a family and teen friendly game night during the fourth Fridays of the month at Circle of Hope (2007 Frankford Ave.) Games and snacks are provided, but feel free to bring your own. For more information, contact Brooke at bhoffman@friendsofpenntreaty.org.

Saturdays, 9AM-3PM LIBERTY LANDS 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.

Wednesdays, 6-7PM CLEAN-UPS IN EAST KENSINGTON At Huntingdon Emerald (Huntingdon & Emerald) and Arcadia Commons (Kern Street, Mid-Block). Join us each Wednesday evening for cleanups 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.

Big Changes For Cione Tot Recreation Program Starting September 2017, our tot program will be expanding to four days a week, five hours a day. Our days will be Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:30AM-1:30PM. Breakfast will be available at the start of the day, also snacks will be provided. Lunch can be brought from home: cold sandwich, hot thermos, beverages, etc. We will have a designated lunch time.

School hours can be altered according to your needs, but total weekly school free must be paid. Your child must be 3 years of age by September 2017 and be toilet trained to start the program. School fees will be $60 per week (20 hours) and fees need to be paid by check or money order. Rules issued by the city. Receipts will be issued. As of now, the above information as the basic changes to our program. We understand these changes will not fit everyone’s needs, but talk with us see to see if somethings can be changed. More information will follow as soon as it’s available.

Page 14

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 3, 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

215-588-1671

PAY LESS

ROOFING

NEW RUBBER ROOFS MINOR ROOF REPAIRS ALUMINUM ROOF COATING

SHINGLES - GUTTERS - SPOUTS

215-743-8599 FREE ESTIMATES - CALL GERRY

HANDYMAN

PLUMBING - WINDOWS PAINTING - DOORS CARPENTRY - CEILINGS CEMENT - FLOORS

215-743-8599 BARRY FISHER

ELECTRICIAN OVER 27 YEARS EXPERIENCE

House wiring, 100 amp circuit breakers, ceiling fans & a/c lines.

LICENSED & INSURED - LIC #PA040852/16493

215-327-3817

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

JOBS

PARENTS

Drivers: Impressive Weekly Pay! Monthly Bonuses! Medical/Dental/Vision! Guaranteed Home Every Weekend!

Excellent Equipment w/APU’s 1yr CDL-A: 855-842-8498

FOSTER PARENTS

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

Good, Loving homes needed for children of all ages.

PLEASE CALL 215-203-8733 or 1-877-NFI4KID or visit nfi4kids.org

FAIR HOUSING

YOU HAVE A NICE SET OF WHEELS BUT CAN’T FIND A PLACE TO PARK THEM. 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

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.

If you suspect unfair housing practices, contact HUD or your local Fair Housing Center. Everyone deserves a fair chance.

FAIR HOUSING IS THE LAW!

610-604-4411 - FJCSP.COM

Page 15

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 3, 2017

WRITTEN BY SEAN BARRETT

Beer & Metal Fest D E C I B E L M A G A Z I N E H O S T S M U C H A N T I C I PAT E D F E S T I VA L AT F I L L M O R E

U

pon entering Decibel Magazine’s much-anticipated Beer and Metal Fest at the Fillmore, it took me at least 20 minutes to adjust to the venue, as I had never before seen it. The Fillmore is not accustomed to hosting metal shows (save for King Diamond once, and the band that still calls itself Slayer at least once), and the fact that this was a festival denoted more than just having a larger than usual number of bands.

When you walk past the vendors and record label merch-booths in the front lobby and hallway, the party really gets started. I’m of course referring to the dozens upon dozens of craft beer vendors who have traveled in from all over the country. One of them mentioned there had been a brewers-only party the night before in which these cats were getting drunk on each other’s creations. Good for them. Their moods throughout suggested this was as much a party for them as for anyone else, work though it may be.

I was relieved to find out that the press pass did indeed include the unlimited pours one could desire. Not long after discovering this, it was greatly appreciated that, with this bracelet, one didn’t have to interact with the venue much at all, or handle money, and the festival would operate as its own autonomous zone. The hour between doors opening and bands starting was drawing to a close, and friends and strangers alike were making their way in.

Crypt Sermon, the only Philadelphian band in the festival, made a whole lot of sense as an opener. Their metal comes from a more Judas Priest/Ronnie James Dio place of spooky doom-flavored rock ‘n’ roll. It’s an approach that requires some strong vocal pipes, and their singer had these in surplus.

Up next was Krieg from Somers Point, NJ, whose singer writes a pretty good column for Decibel Magazine. They came to deliver some mean and ugly black metal. By this point, the 2,000+ people in attendance (not counting vendors, brewers, musicians and staff, that is) had all had their good share of small cups of various beers. Depending on the strength, it only takes about three of these to get a solid buzz going (though let’s say four, because I’m a skinny fellow).

The room was well-lubricated when Panopticon took the stage. These folks are onto something pretty special, playing black metal, but instead of basing it musically in Scandinavian folk music, they take inspiration from the folksong tradition of Kentucky. Instead of projecting their name/logo onto the screen behind them, they prepared a slideshow of nature images, which appropriately accompanied what they were doing. After earning themselves the first pit of the festival, singer/guitarist Austin ended their loud set on a quiet note with an old-fashioned folk song of his creation.

Keeping that energy going next was New York’s Immolation, an old-school death metal act who’s been at their craft since 1986. Deliver us from art-metal and lead us not into nodding our heads with our arms crossed. It didn’t take long for all the slamming around to put cracks in my plastic sample cup. After the set, I went over to a brewer, who had a coffee stout I liked, to ask about this. He didn’t have any cups, but ingeniously advised I drink said stout really fast so nothing would spill out through the cracks.

It worked.

Upon tossing that, the thrash-kings of Municipal Waste came out swinging. Perfect timing. Their singer Tony greeted the crowd with “What’s up, ya beer snobs?” From there on out, it was a beautiful insanity of flying limbs and dense circle pits as the maniacs in the crowd and the maniacs in the band collaborated on an absolute rager of an hour. It struck me as sad how we’ve caught up to the paranoid science fiction found in so many thrash lyrics, including theirs. It struck me as awesome how well they delivered the songs “Unleash the Bastards” and “Born To Party,” among others.

Closing out the first night was Agoraphobic Nosebleed, drum-machine gonzo-freaks of the greater D.C. area. In spite of the fact that they’ve been making music since 1994, they didn’t play their first live set until 2015, and have only played five others since then. As noise and samples played

The gang outside of Kung Fu Necktie following the conclusion of Decible’s Beer & Metal Festival at the Fillmore.

in the darkness, the front of the crowd was full of tension, large pupils and busy jaws.

Opening with the first few songs off “Frozen Corpse Stuffed with Dope”, all hell immediately broke loose. In true grindcore fashion, the pit was high-density and highspeed. An errant pinky finger found its way into my skull, just above the right eyeball. In all the shows I’ve been to, I have never seen the security behind the barricade look so absolutely horrified.

Still reeling, the six-person crew I was kicking it with for the weekend found its way to the taco window by The Saint, then took a longer than usual set of train rides to South Philly for more beer and metal at Chicken Man’s house. It seemed miraculous at the time that we were even allowed in public.

Waking up on couches and air mattresses, we eased our way into the next day with breakfast and death metal before going back out to start all over again. By this time, we had each narrowed down the brew tables to our favorites and ran around for more of what we liked best. We’ve all got different taste buds, but Hammerheart, Three Floyds, Cigar City and Burial Brewing were the most memorable in my book.

The evening started off with the pissed-off death metal of Cemetery Piss from Baltimore. We were then brought to a more reflective place by Falls of Rauros, an atmospheric, nature-inspired band from Portland, Maine. Bringing more emotion still was Denver, CO’s Khemmis, who, incongruently enough, deliver themes of despair and emptines with clean vocals on top of ripping guitar leads. Withered, from Atlanta, GA, continued this trend of an emotive, abstracted approach, but brought a lot more grit and teeth into the equation.

Before Pig Destroyer’s set, two friends and I decided to prepare by slamming some tasting cups of Permanent Funeral, the Three Floyds beer made for/in collaboration with the band. The brewer must have intuited that we had exactly the right idea, because he joined us in that pour. Pig Destroyer started playing right as the last bit went bit went down our throats.

While I had seen them a couple of times before, those were both on tour stops. Festivals have a way of bringing out better performances from each band. This festival in particular was as much a party for the bands as it was for the brewers and for those attending, which shone through unmistakably in their performance. Later on that night, I would end up chatting with their bassist, who declared it to be one of the best sets they’ve ever played. The creepy grindcore they’ve been doing so well since 1997 was delivered by a more stoked than usual band to a more stoked than usual

crowd.

We were reaching the end of the festival proper. There was only one more act left: Sleep. Having seen them when they last came to Union Transfer, I was prepared for my mind to be shattered open, and was right in expecting that. Just as they were coming on stage, though, something felt different, special. We were entering a Sleep-pit.

The Californian stoner-gods delivered their mammoth riffs at glacial speed in front of a projected backdrop of an enormous marijuana field, bathed in sunlight. The crowd, still rowdy and untamable, moved just as slow and heavy as the music did, with all bodily collisions coming full-force and high-impact. The Fillmore’s security deserves a shoutout here: they were on guard and alert for anything that might go down, but didn’t interfere with the good old time we were having.

Sleep kept their hour-and-a-half set going with no breaks, no chit-chat. They brought searing bliss to a large group of people who were absolutely prepared to receive it. At one point, Chicken Man and I were able to coordinate a Sleep wall-of-death on the fly. At another, I grabbed someone by the shoulders, then leapt onto his back while shouting “Charge the front!” He didn’t need any more explanation than this, and, without hesitation, ran forward into about five people before launching me into the air, and onto upraised hands for a crowd-surf. That might sound unprovoked and violent, but this was a time and place where it made perfect sense. I have never been in a pit with more hugging than this one. Sleep closed out their set with the last twenty-ish minutes of the classic album “Dopesmoker”.

Still buzzing and not yet ready for this thing to end, we walked out screaming “KUNG FU NECKTIE” to the folks outside, then headed over there to see members of Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Pig Destroyer, and Misery Index play Sepultura covers. Interestingly enough, the band with legal rights to use the name Sepultura was in town that night, but given who was in each band, what venues they were playing, and what albums they were performing songs off of, I have no doubt whatsoever that we got the better Sepultura experience of the two.

I write this a few days later with sore muscles and a stomach that hasn’t quite settled yet. Fresh in my mind is the knowledge that times like these, and the camaraderie within them, are what make all sorts of death and taxes worthwhile. I have it on good authority that Decibel plans to make this an annual event, and am already looking forward to the next. Let the beers flow and the pits rage, in Fishtown as it is in Valhalla. Amen. •

Page 16

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 3, 2017

WRITTEN BY JAMES RENNIE

ArtWell Festival F R E E I N T E R A C T I V E S T R E E T F E S T I VA L C O M I N G T O K E N S I N G T O N M AY 2 1 S T

S

ummer is right around the corner. To kick things off in style, on Sunday, May 21 Hope Street, historic cobblestone street (between Front and Howard Streets) in Kensington is playing host to the 2017 ArtWell Festival, a free interactive street festival uniting both youth and community through creativity.

ArtWell is a Philadelphia-based youth arts education nonprofit. According to their website, the organization was “founded in 2000 to respond to the chronic community violence in Philadelphia by introducing a preventive, educational, arts-oriented approach to reach underserved communities and youth facing discrimination, poverty, violence, and the everyday challenges of growing up.”

“ArtWell's mission is to support young people and their communities through arts education and creative reflection, to discover their strengths, face complex challenges, and awaken their dreams. We facilitate multidisciplinary arts programs in schools and other youth-serving organizations that focus on helping children develop essential skills like empathy, compassion, creativity, problem solving, and communication,” Rae Pagliarulo, development manager at ArtWell, told Spirit News.

He added: “Over the last 17 years, we have educated and empowered over 35,000 youth by collaborating with over 400 partner organizations.”

Hope Street will be packed with an abundance of fun and interactive activities. From listening to the array of student poets and talented percussionists, to watching teaching-artist in residence, Anssumane Silla, fill the courtyard with West-African Drumming and dance, there will be plenty to do.

Other aspects of the day include singing workshops, student art, a social action exhibit, face painting and electric family friendly music. Artists and volunteers will be managing activity tables where people can create their own collages or create a piece of poetry ensuring that throughout the

day, there is always something to get involved in.

In 2015, ArtWell held a similar festival that proved very popular with more than 300 people attending and the 2017 installment looks to be even bigger and with a slightly different focus.

“People should feel free to come for 20 minutes or the whole day, and should have a similarly fantastic experience however long they attend,” said Pagliarulo. “More so than the first, this festival will really highlight the voices and talent within our ArtWell community. The idea is to come with the desire to create and connect, to meet your neighbors and engage in play, to react to music and poetry, to dance like nobody's watching, and to remember that there is magic in letting go and allowing creativity to lead the way!”

If a break from the day’s activities is needed, food will be available from multiple food trucks including Foolish Waf-

fles, Smokin' Tacos, and PB&Jams.

ArtWell put much emphasis on not only the creative development, but the general development of children and the use of art as a catalyst.

“The children we're empowering and educating take their skills and share them with their families, friends, and communities. Empathy, communication, creativity, reflection - these are all tools that our youth need to be successful in their lives. By inviting the wider community to our home at Oxford Mills, and giving them a full afternoon of music, art, poetry, and more, we can remind them just how healing and transformative creativity can be, for them and for our youth,” Pagliarulo told Spirit News.

ArtWell Festival runs from 1PM-5PM on Sunday, May 21. •

Old Philadelphia Bar

SATURDAY, MAY 6TH 7PM - 2AM | 2118 East Daulphin | 215-426-0674