The Spirit of Penn's Garden - May 17, 2017 by The Spirit

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WEEK MAY 17, 2017 VOL. 14 NO. 19

FLAG LOT DRAMA L&M Real Estate Development appealing ZBA decision on 1323R E. Montgomery Ave. 7

WHEN IT POURS, PAINT INDOORS Portside Arts Center holds 10th annual Lehigh Avenue Arts Festival inside. 9

BALDSPOT Spirit's own weekly games and comics. 8

ACCU-REGGIE Seven day forecast for the Riverwards.

hen Tone Starks gets to talking, you better be ready for a political earful. When he starts walking, you’d best go ahead and make an appointment for a foot massage. It’s no wonder this Port Richmond resident signed up for a weeklong protest march to Harrisburg. As a father of nine kids, Starks is trying to set an example. He works as a maintenance man in a building downtown during the week, and he hustles for some extra cash by DJing on weekends. He told me all about his

life, and so much more, during our 3.6-mile walk together, which went from Aramingo Ave., down Clearfield to Richmond, along Richmond to Cambria (just under I-95), up Cambria to Cedar (at Cohox Rec), then up Cedar past Westmoreland into the shopping centers and stopping at Aramingo and Castor. Whew. “Maybe we should head back?” Starks wondered aloud. I certainly wasn’t Continued on Page 4.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Local events, meetings and more. 12-13

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iverwards residents! Prepare for wacky and crafty, because the largest D.I.Y. spectacle in North Philadelphia is coming. The 2017 Philadelphia Federal Credit Union Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby and Arts Festival will be held Saturday May 20. Starting at noon, man-made and powered vehicles will race and parade through the Riverwards while local art vendors set up shop on Trenton Avenue. The New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) and the East Kensington Neighbors Association (EKNA) have been making the arts festival and derby happen for over ten years, but that

doesn’t mean they aren’t bringing anything new to the table this year. The sculpture derby is part parade, part competition between the participant’s respective D.I.Y manual carts. The arts festival — a mix of artists, musicians and eateries — is held on Trenton Avenue from Norris to Dauphin Street. In total, the day’s events attract around 15,000 people to Kensington. This year, PFCU held a competition to sponsor a team of students and Continued on Page 6.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 17, 2017

THE

local lens he life of Philadelphia’s wealthy and privileged classes can be fascinating to study. Take for instance one of Philadelphia’s most famous mansions, Ardrossan, the 50-room Georgian Revival estate in Radnor that was designed by Horace Trumbauer. The mansion was built for Colonel Robert Leaming Montgomery and his wife, Charlotte Hope Binney (Tyler) Montgomery, The couple moved in at the end of 1912. The home was named after the family’s ancestral Scotland home. Built between 1911 and 1913, the estate became the inspiration for the 1930 Philip Barry comedy, “The Philadelphia Story”, later adapted to a film by the same name in 1940 starring Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant. Perhaps an even greater inspiration for the play and films was the personality and character of the Montgomery’s first daughter, Helen Hope Montgomery Scott, who became what Vanity Fair Magazine called “the unofficial queen of Philadelphia’s WASP oligarchy.” In “The Philadelphia Story”, Helen Hope Montgomery Scott inspired the character of Tracy Lord, played by Katherine Hepburn. The move of old Philadelphia moneyed families from the city to the suburbs had its start in the 1920s, according to Nathaniel Burt (The Perennial Philadelphians), who wrote: “The last Old Philadelphian townhouses were built around 1900, and from then on, fashionable city life was doomed. The 1920s saw the almost complete removal of upper- and middle-class Philadelphia from the city to the suburbs. … Meanwhile, in the bosky bumps and dells of the Pennsylvania countryside, up the rushy glens along the west bank of the Schuylkill as far as Valley Forge, out along the railroad tracks to Paoli, up the Wissahickon to Chestnut Hill…. Philadelphians from 1880 to 1930 built up their private dream world, a rural fantasy … of vast estates surrounded by miles of walls, with miles of driveway leading to great craggy mansions. …” Ardrossan was one of those mansions. Colonel Montgomery was also a dairy farmer who raised a prized herd of Ayrshires. Later in life he took up aviation and had a hand in the development of a plane called the autogiro that he often flew to England. Historians like to say how the family was always Episcopalian and “Republican by herd” but that they had “Democratic tendencies” in the arts. Colonel Montgomery was against prohibition. “The colonel was for drinking parties. To him, it was the equivalent of taking away his foxhunting,” wrote J. F. Pirro of the Main Line Times. The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin reported in 1922 that “Miss Helen Hope Montgomery [later known as Hope Montgomery Scott], the very pretty daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Leaming Montgomery, is the one debutante who defends bobbed hair. … And when it comes to a question of husbands, the ideal HE must be tall, good-looking, good-natured; he must have a million. Breathes there such a man?” Can you imagine such personal aspirations in the Riverwards? At her coming out or debutante parties, Helen Hope Montgomery received a number of marriage proposals but rejected them all. Later, she would meet Philadelphia investment banker Edgar Scott. Hope was a dazzling figure who danced with royalty and with Josephine Baker in Paris. Her society parties at Ardrossan were legendary. She also had another form of the Philadelphia accent, but hers was the upper class “lockjaw” manner of speaking that you’ll rarely hear being spoken

BY THOM NICKELS

under the Frankford El. Thatcher Longstreth, in his autobiography, “Main Line Wasp”, recalls that “in the mid-to-late 1930s, I found myself plunged into an awesome — and, in retrospect, ludicrous — round of debutante parties. … During the year that a girl ‘came out,’ she and her friends might be invited to a hundred parties. That’s no exaggeration: A single wealthy debutante like Frances Pew, the daughter of Sun Oil’s chairman, J. Howard Pew, might be the guest of honor at four or five different parties…” Another famous Philadelphia mansion, La Ronda, could easily be the title of an opera or symphony, or even a ballet by Igor Stravinsky. There’s certainly no foreboding element in the name, although the sad ending of the estate in 2009 when it was demolished by a developer was a tragedy that many preservationists attempted to prevent. The story of La Ronda begins with the Foerderer family. Robert Foerderer was an enterprising gentleman who invented a tanning process using chrome, which transformed goatskin leather into a soft and supple material. Robert married Caroline Fischer in 1881. The couple had two children, Florence and Percival Edward. At that time the couple lived on North Broad Street in North Philadelphia. In 1893 the family moved to a large estate in the city’s Torresdale section, formerly owned by Charles Macalester, a banker and close associate of Abraham Lincoln. The Italianate mansion, built in 1850, was once called “Glengarry” until the Foerderers renamed it Glen Foerd. Glen Foerd, unlike La Ronda, is still standing. At this time there are no developers with an eye to demolishing this beautiful estate on the Delaware. Robert Foerderer’s tanning business continued to be successful until the onset of an illness, which made it necessary for young Percival to leave medical school and work for the family at an entry-level position. In 1908, Percival became president of the company. Percival married Ethel Brown (1885-1981), who hailed from a prominent Philadelphia textile manufacturing company, and they had three daughters, Mignon, Florence and Shirley. During the first year of their marriage the couple lived in Rittenhouse Square, but in 1929 they were ready to move into their Addison Mizner designed La Ronda in Bryn Mawr. “In the 1900s the daughters of wealthy, influential and powerful Main Line families often spent their time being educated at prestigious private schools, entertained at swanky soirees and dazzling debutante parties and showcasing their equestrian skills at events like the Devon Horse Show and the Radnor Hunt,” wrote Kathy O’Loughlin in Main Line Media News. “As a successful leather merchant, Percival Foerderer was more than wealthy enough to provide all that and more for his three daughters. But they actually knew little of that opulent lifestyle, living an almost cloistered life, often hidden behind the gates of their magnificent Bryn Mawr estate that was home to the palatial 51-room LaRonda mansion.” The Foerderers’ family life was not perfect because their daughter Florence was born with a form of dwarfism, which caused her parents a lot of embarrassment. Florence was just three and a half feet tall. A doctor, who treated the Foerderer family, wrote that Florence’s arms and legs were very short. “She had a normal torso. Because of that, her parents were embarrassed about her and she grew up in isolation until she went to college. In fact, her sisters were also home-schooled and not allowed to have playmates to their house. With that large

an estate, it was possible for the family to keep Florence hidden. The daughters were raised there and kept secluded from the world.” Money, of course, cannot buy health, happiness, or even great height, although many believed that Florence was the brightest of the three daughters. When Percival died in 1969, his family sold the estate to Villanova University. In March 2009, La Ronda was sold for six million dollars to an anonymous owner who had the estate demolished. The anonymous owner was later identified as Joseph Kestenbaum, president and chief executive of ELB Capital Management. Sadly, the Lower Merion Historical Commission could not raise the funds to save the building. Preservation efforts were so intense that Benjamin Wohl, a Florida real estate developer with an appreciation of Addison Mizner’s work, offered to buy La Ronda and move it to Florida, saving Kestenbaum some $300,000 in demolition costs. The deal was rejected, and La Ronda was destroyed on October 1, 2009. The destruction of La Ronda remains one of Philadelphia’s major historical preservation tragedies. First Friday - This World is Not For Me Photos by Michael Klusek On Friday, May 5th, Colorspace Labs opened its doors for their first big gallery event, “This World Is Not for Me.” The event showcased the print work of local artist Jim Anderson. There was a big crowd present, a DJ spinning music, a bar, and client videos playing on a loop.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 17, 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

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ast week was cool and raw. In fact, on Saturday we did not make it out of the 50s. We were 21 degrees below the normal high temperature for that day! So after such a strong swing to cooler weather what is coming next? Extreme heat! No, really. Get ready for Summer-like heat this week! I am baffled by this weather pattern, we seem to be endlessly swinging from one weather extreme to another! The week starts off warm, near 90s degrees, all the way up until the weekend. I wouldn’t be surprised if we register an official heat wave which is defined as three or more 90+ degree days in a row. We will cool down for the weekend but it certainly will not be “cold” like last weekend. After

the weekend we bounce back to “normal” May weather in the 70s and 80s. Our best chance for rain occurs on Monday as a storm travels to our north and west over us. This does not look like a major rain maker for the area but more of a nuisance. Wednesday is a hot start to the week with noticeable humidity as well. We either hit 90 degrees or are just shy of 90! Also, nighttime temperatures are going to be uncomfortable, you will want to turn the A/C on! Thursday is the hottest day of the week as temperatures easily rise past 90 degrees. There is a slight chance of a popup thunderstorm in the evening. Friday starts warm and humid but then a cold front will

drop down later in the day with a chance for a shower with it. Temperatures will drop into the 70s late in the day. Saturday and Sunday look like decent days with temperatures in the middle and lower 70s. While it does not look like we will get rain, they will feature a fair amount of cloudy conditions. After the major heat I don’t think any of us will be complaining about 70 degrees through. The warmth returns on Monday but the heat will also be accompanied by rain. A round of showers will roll through in the morning and afternoon. Tuesday features some clearing and the return of sunshine and absolutely gorgeous weather. All is well that ends well. As always, check us out on social media for daily weather updates! •

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Page 4 Continued from Page 1. going to suggest a tour of Harrowgate at that point. Our conversation went from Stark’s displeasure with Trump, to Obama failing the people, to the Democratic National Committee rigging their primary for Hillary Clinton, to the Standing Rock pipeline dispute, to Pennsylvania’s potential future “Standing Rock” in the heart of Amish Country, to his rough childhood, his poor choices as a young adult, his disabled wife and a discussion about how the protesters in America are not unified on solid positions yet. Did you get all of that? Hold on, let me catch my breath. With all of that off his chest, Starks wants to focus on solid, specific points to help bring on change. He’s hoping that the fractured factions of protesters across the country want to do the same. “Whatever it is that this group wants to do,” Starks started, then counting off on his hand, “the gerrymandering, the gift ban, the registering voters, whatever. We gotta make something happen.” The group Starks is referring to is called “March on Harrisburg,” and that is exactly what they are doing. The March started in Philly on May 13th and will reach the state Capitol by the 22nd. That’s about 100 miles — my Google Maps app says it would take 36 hours of straight walking. I don’t think Starks will go “Full Metal Jacket” Sgt. Hartman on anyone, but put him down as a guy who’ll probably seem annoyingly chipper to non-pedestrians by the 22nd. When it comes to specifics, the March on Harrisburg’s positions are creating in-state, nonpartisan redistricting, placing reasonable limitations on gifts to public officials and instituting automatic voter registration. When they arrive in Harrisburg, the activists, who self-describe as a “collection of citizens deeply concerned about the lack of trust between our government and We the People,” will lobby for those specific causes. The group claims to come from “various ages, genders, races, religions, political orientations, sexual orientations and socio-economic backgrounds,” and plan to “not let our political differences keep us from acting on our moral similarities,” according to a statement on a public document the group created. One of the group’s organizers, Emily DiCicco, an experienced protester, elaborated over coffee. She wants to improve on the models of protests she’s been a part of in the last year or so. Various actions she’s participated in missed the opportunity to educate activists on the issues and how to do their own protests. “People almost felt like a backdrop,” DiCicco said. March on Harrisburg will run programs every night. “One of the programs will be focused on safety on our march route,” she said. They’ll also teach participants how to plan a route for a march, how to find housing and how to coordinate food for such a large amount of people. Other topics include getting media attention for their cause and a panel with authors who’ve written books on the state of democracy. “Basically we want everyone to know what it took to get here, what we are fighting for and how to [do it yourself], so every night we have programs,” Dicicco said. The group has made headway with politicians too, hav-

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 17, 2017 ing contacted every single state representative and senator. Members of the group regularly visit Harrisburg to lobby officials for change. Each of their issues have bills currently in committee in one or both houses. Two of the three issues present simple solutions. First off, Pennsylvania is one of only 10 states that doesn’t already ban large gifts to legislators. There are bills in the PA House and Senate addressing the issue. Few folks on the right or left think their rep should be getting money and cars from special interests (Seth Williams, anyone?). The other is automatic voter registration. This would simply mean that a citizen turning 18 would automatically be registered to vote rather than having to take extra steps to do so. Six states already do it and 29 others are considering it. The third issue is a bigger, more important one, but requires a complex solution. Currently legislators get to design their own districts. Democrats and Republicans team up to make their districts more solid in their own favor, then the party in power tilts it a bit more their way. The practice leads to unbeatable incumbents who are less accountable to their constituents. The practice is commonly

referred to as “gerrymandering.” The March on Harrisburg wants to flip the script and let voters choose representatives, not reps choosing voters. Don’t count on those in power giving that up so easily, though. Gerrymandering has been going on for more than two centuries and the party in power would have to voluntarily give it up. For people like Starks and DiCicco, however, it’s worth the fight. They both know that these bills being in committee is just the beginning and could easily go nowhere. After the 22nd, they plan to “agitate” for change through the 25th. Starks will be cautious with his previous record and not wanting to risk losing his kids. With his wife’s disability, his family could be torn apart. DiCicco is also ready, but for what? She will only say that it will be “non-violent civic disobedience.” She pointed out that recent marches, like the Women’s March in D.C., have “energized” people, but wonders, “How much does it push the needle?” Her and people like Starks will focus that energy on the needle.

Lessons I Learned from my Mother Donna McVey Because my mother took great pride in being a physician, she wanted me to be a doctor, too. Ironically, although I never became a doctor, I did get to 'practice' medicine during the last six years of her life. During this time, while I was supervising her care, we became closer and I learned to cherish our time together. I also learned to appreciate her intelligence and wisdom. Here are some of the lessons I learned from her that have served me well in life. Education is important. When I was growing up, my mother always stressed the importance of getting a good education, which would open doors to a successful career. After I became an educator, I got to practice what she preached. Women can do everything men can do. I was raised to believe that being a woman did not limit my potential. In fact, my mother used to say that women can do everything men can do and more because men cannot bear children. As a result of her encouragement, I developed self confidence. Time is precious. From the time I was young, my mother reminded me not to waste time, but to use it wisely. By example, she encouraged me to read, practice sports, study foreign languages, or travel when I had free time. I especially treasure the time we spent together biking, skating and traveling. Success requires focus and persistence. My mother had to start all over again when she came to the US as a refugee in her mid forties. Like all foreign physicians, she had to pass a series of tests and do her residency over to be allowed to practice medicine in this country. She persisted, even if it meant taking a test more than once before she passed it, and eventually was able to practice medicine in the US. By watching her, I learned not to give up easily. It is important to keep things in perspective. When I used to complain about my teaching job, my mother would remind me, "If you make a mistake nobody dies". She would add that as an obstetrician, if she made a mistake she could potentially lose both the mother and the baby. She had a way of putting things in perspective. Nowadays, when I'm upset about something, I try to look at the bigger picture. It has been almost five years since my mother passed. Although she is no longer here, her lessons will always be with me. As I reflect on the lessons my mother taught me, I'm grateful to have had her as a guide and role model in my life. I know that I am who I am today in large part because of her positive influence in my life. Donna McVey lives in Port Richmond, and her mother was a refugee from Romania

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 17, 2017

WRITTEN BY JEN COLLETTA

Taste of Kensington KENSINGTON CULINARY COMMUNITY UNITES FOR GREENSGROW

ome of Kensington’s culinary staples will join forces with neighborhood newbies to celebrate the work of Greensgrow Farms. A Taste of Kensington, a food and spirits festival to be held on June 10th at Philadelphia Brewing Company, will showcase community collaboration, which farm officials say has been at the heart of the organization’s operations in the past two decades. “Greensgrow was founded 20 years ago in Kensington, and the neighborhood has transformed in many ways,” said Abby Contract, Greensgrow’s special-events coordinator. Greensgrow too has undergone vast changes since the urban farm opened its doors in 1997 — including the recent passing of Greensgrow co-founder Mary Seton Corboy — but community investment has been vital to the success of both the organization and the neighborhood, Contract said. “The local community has been very supportive of Mary’s work and mission, and Greensgrow has returned the support with mini-grants and neighborhood greening days. It’s a positive, two-way street of partnership,” Contract said. A Taste of Kensington will highlight that relationship. The event will feature food and drinks donated from about two dozen local restaurants, breweries and distilleries, with proceeds benefitting the farm. The dishes reflect the diversity of Kensington’s evolving culinary scene, including everything from hoagies to gourmet soups to chicken empanadas. In addition to the individual restaurant’s contributions, guests can also sample food cooked in Greensgrow’s Com-

munity Kitchen. The kitchen, located at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, hosts culinary classes, community events and more, and is home base for food-truck and other mobile chefs. For A Taste of Kensington, Carolynn Angle, the manager of Community Kitchen who was previously the executive chef at Standard Tap, will create hors d’oeuvres with Greensgrow produce and locally donated products: 100 pounds of meat from Primal Supply Meats as well as Spanish-smoked paprika bacon from 1732 Meats. “The food is really diverse and runs the gamut to reflect Kensington restaurants, farm-fresh produce and Greensgrow,” Contract said about the dishes at A Taste of Kensington. PBC, which Contract said has been a longtime supporter of Greensgrow, will provide the beer, with cider from Commonwealth Ciders and specialty cocktails by Rowhouse Spirits Distillery. VIP ticket holders will get access to the event an hour early and will be able to sample spirits from Rowhouse, Red Brick Craft Distillery and New Liberty Distillery. They can also submit early bids for the silent auction. Contract described the silent-auction items as “Kensington-plus.” Donations poured in not only from neighborhood locales like Minnow Lane, Urban Axes, Philadelphia Argentine Tango School and Johnny Brenda’s, but also from outside the region. “We wanted to focus more on behind-the-scenes exclusive experiences,” Contract said, noting packages include cooking lessons and private tours of breweries and coffee roasters in the area.

LESS YOU. MORE LIFE.

Organizers are hoping for good weather, as PBC has both indoor and outdoor spaces that will be utilized for the event. Music will be provided by DJs Triple Double and Brian Caselli Jordan, and Kensington-based aerialist company Cotton Candy Circus Arts will perform. “It’s going to be a fabulous event,” Contract said. “You can relax, eat and enjoy entertainment while supporting Greensgrow. Greensgrow has been a partner in the community for 20 years, and now we’re launching into the next 20 years.”

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 17, 2017

Continued from Page 1. allow them to build and operate a derby sculpture for the derby. The winning students were selected from the Workshop School, a public high school in West Philadelphia with a project based teaching model. The 30 ninth-grade students will be split up into two teams to join the derby. Akeem Dixon, NKCDC’s Director of Economic Development, and Onias Dickson, EKNA’s Vice President, claim they have been working long nights for months to make sure the festival goes without a hitch. “It’s like putting on a super bowl,” Dixon said. Dickson prides the Kinetic Sculpture Derby and Arts Festival as a “wholly grassroots” event: a large collaborative endeavor among the local makers and doers and without corporate associations. Dickson claims that not one of the 130+ vendors are companies. Even with PFCU’s level of involvement in the festival, Dickson noted that the credit union is still local and has given NKCDC and EKNA freedom for planning. “[PFCU] has given us latitude and allowed us to curate [the event] as we see fit,” Dickson said. Due to the unfortunate risk of events with large crowds being targets of terrorism, NKCDC and EKNA approached law enforcement to have an increased police presence this year, which has doubled the price tag budgeted for police — a hit to take for a festival without a large overarching, corporate sponsor, Dixon and Dickson claim. “You understand why they’re making us take that extra precaution,” Dixon said. “Also, you talk to your peers and you hear this is not a problem we’re facing; this is a citywide thing that when you put on these events, expenses increase.” However, local police are alleviating some of the expenses, Dixon and Dickson added. The 26th Police District donated 18 barricades for the event. “They’ve been amazing with trying to keep the cost down,” Dixon said. “They’re trying to work with us.” If you can’t attend the festival due to living across the globe, being called into work, or if you just don’t want to get out of bed, you can still be at the derby and festival digitally this year. For the first time in the history of the derby and arts festival, PhillyCAM is live streaming the derby. The

broadcast will be available to watch on nkcdc.org, ekna.org and kensingtonkineticarts.org. One of this year’s performers is up in the air, literally. An aerialist from Cotton Candy Circus is planning to work their silks, provided rain doesn’t stop the performance as it did last year. Much will be consistent with the tradition of the festival: the kids of Rock to the Future will perform live; the Philadelphia Brewing Company will be providing kegs; Fishtown Neighbors Association will be making a mud pit obstacle course. Whether you’re volunteering, buying crafts, working for a local business or propelling a self-made, human-powered motor, participating in the festival is sure to be a good time and will be paying tribute to Kensington’s rich history.

In Memoriam — Bernadette Merriman

ATTENTION: Residents of Fishtown, Northern Liberties, we have been experiencing an increase of theft from autos in the area of Front and Girard, Frankford and Girard, 900 Front Street and many of the side streets near those areas. Residents are reminded to not leave items such as boxes, clothes, chargers, loose change, Laptops, cell phones or GPS systems visible in your vehicle. Also, if you haven’t registered your cameras with our free Safe Cam program please contact us for more info in order to do so. Remember to always report suspicious activity by calling 911. For more info contact P/O Ed Correa, Crime Prevention Officer 26th Police District. 215 686-3260, e-mail Edwin.Correa@Phila.Gov.

Survived by her five children, six grandchildren, two sisters, two step-sisters, one step-brother, five great-grandnieces and one Goddaughter. The viewing will be at O’Neill-Boyle Funeral Home (309 E Lehigh Ave.) on Saturday, May 20 from 11AM - 2PM. For more information, call Peggy at 267-3333555

“It’s the work place of the world. It’s the celebration of the industrial history,” Dixon said.

In Memoriam — John L. Van Sant John passed away on May 11, 2017. Husband of the late Bibby Fenton and the late Anne Wallace. Father of John Van Sant and Tina (Mike). Grandfather of Janet. Great grandfather of Noah and Bellamine. Brother of Thomas Van Sant and the late Albert, Charles, George, Mary Emma, Ida (Louis), Anne and Jack. Godfatehr of Gary. John worked for the Schmidt’s Brewery for over 30 years. Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral service on Friday May 19 at noon in the McElvarr Funeral Home (1415-17 East Susquehanna Ave., Fishtown. Where friends may gather after 11AM.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 17, 2017

WRITTEN BY STEVE BOHNEL

Flag Lot Drama

L&M REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT APPEALING ZBA DECISION ON 1323R E. MONTGOMERY

n late March, more than a dozen people who live on the 1300 block of E. Montgomery Ave. attended a Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing to protest the granting of a variance to 1323R E. Montgomery Ave. That address is actually a flag lot, which sits behind a series of rowhomes in a densely populated block in the heart of Fishtown. Now, after the ZBA unanimously voted against the variance, the developer, L&M Real Estate Development is appealing that decision. Mo Rushdy, managing partner of L&M, declined to comment about the appeal. His lawyer, Leo Mulvihill, told Spirit News that the appeal will be heard in the city’s Court of Common Pleas. “Considering the zoning of this parcel and its dimensions, it is our belief that a hardship existed and the ZBA erred in finding otherwise,” Mulvihill said in an email. This address initially stems back to a Fishtown Neighbors Association zoning meeting in January, where more than 100 residents voted against the initial proposal. That project consisted of 12 townhomes, one off-street parking space for each and a zero-foot setback for the houses. At a follow-up meeting in mid-March, that proposal was changed to 6 townhomes, two off-street parking spaces for each and a five-foot setback for the houses. Both times, community residents have pointed to land density and overall safety as major concerns. One of the most interesting aspects about the address is Wilt Street, a back alley which is not recognized by the city as an official street.

Mulvihill and L&M believe that this street, along with other aspects concerning dimensions on East Montgomery pose a hardship and allow for a variance. Residents disagree, and stated their case in a letter to ZBA Chair Carol Tinari, City Council President Darrell Clarke, Mayor Jim Kenney and Gary Jostrzab, executive director of the City Planning Commission before March’s hearing. “This development would impair or permanently injure the appropriate use of neighboring single-family conforming properties and disturb the quiet enjoyment of life for nearby families,” the letter reads. Rich Levins is one of those residents that lives on the block. Again, he stated safety and Wilt Street as the main reasons neighbors have strongly opposed any variance at 1323R E. Montgomery Ave. “The kids play in the alley [Wilt Street], it’s not a city street,” he said. “One of the concerns would be cars would be exiting on that street … it’s a narrow, unpaved alley.” Matt Karp, zoning chair of the FNA, said he has never seen a developer appeal a decision by the ZBA, and is unsure of what lies ahead. He’s hopeful, however, that the community and ZBA’s votes are upheld. “I mean, just looking at the [community] vote which was significant, and then the ZBA unanimously voted against it, every single one of them,” Karp said. Levins added that he and other neighbors have raised more than $1,000 for a lawyer to represent them and the FNA in the appeal. That lawyer, Henry “Hal” Schirmer, Jr., filed a motion to intervene May 8, which means Levins and

others aim to be involved as defendants in the appeal. Schirmer has been involved with other zoning cases citywide—including representing Friends of St. Laurentius and then Faithful Laurentians in the battle over the St. Laurentius church. “This is kind of a referral of a referral,” he said about getting involved. He added these cases are relatively simple, and heavily rely on past testimony and court documents. “The nice thing is these cases are really narrow,” Schirmer said. “This is really a snapshot in time, you can’t go back and put in things you wish you had said.” Currently, Michael Kavanaugh owns the flag lot and 1315 E. Montgomery Ave., according to an appeal notice provided to Levins and other neighbors near the flag lot. He also is the defendant in the case. Previously, there had been confusion about a $1 sale of the lot to Kavanaugh, but Levins believes that the woman who anonymously spoke to Spirit News never owned the lot. “I’d really be speculating … I never really had a conversation with Mr. Kavanaugh … he’s never moved into the property as far as I understand,” Levins said about Kavanaugh’s interest in the appeal. “I believe he lives in New Jersey … and as you can imagine, he sees he can make a profit.”

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 17, 2017

WRITTEN BY SPIRIT STAFF

Women of Courage G U A R D I A N S O F T H E G A L A X Y AW E S O M E M I X D A N C E PA R T Y AT T H E B A R B A RY

n May 10th, the Lutheran Settlement House (LSH) awarded Yasmine Mustafa of ROAR for Good with the Women of Courage Visionary Leadership Award, and Carole Alexy of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) with the Women of Courage Community Advocate Award. The LSH additionally recognized five inspiring clients who demonstrated courage in the face of adversity and found their way to self-sufficiency. Mayor Jim Kenney opened the event, and Councilwoman Helen Gym presented Yasmine Mustafa with her award. Women of Courage is the LSH’s annual fundraising event. This year, the LSH asked event attendees to support Alice’s Hopeline, a discretionary fund used for emergency domestic violence services. This year’s event featured 328 attendees and 48 sponsors. $34,822 was raised for Alice’s Hopeline, and sponsorship and ticket sales brought in more than $100,000. Yasmine Mustafa is a tech entrepreneur and community leader. Championing the underprivileged has been a core part of her identity since her family was rescued as refugees from the Persian Gulf War. Yasmine is the founder of ROAR for Good, a self-defense wearable technology company aimed at diminishing attacks against women and addressing the underlying causes of violence. She also started the Philadelphia chapter of Girl Develop It, a non-profit focused on providing affordable and accessible programs to

women who want to learn software and web development. Carole Alexy’s career has spanned four decades as an advocate to end violence against women. She was a founding volunteer at A Women’s Place in Bucks County in 1976. She now works for the PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV). In her role, Carole savvily links the world of government funding and regulations with the reality of managing daily life in local programs. Under her care, the PCADV has grown to 60 programs, serving all 67 PA counties. Established in 1902, the Lutheran Settlement House was

founded on the principles of the settlement house movement and originally served communities of newly arrived immigrants. This year, the Lutheran Settlement House will serve over 5,400 Philadelphians through four main program areas: Jane Addams Place, a homeless shelter for women and children; the Bilingual Domestic Violence Program; the Adult Education and Career Development Program; and the LSH Senior Center, which includes an intergenerational farm tended by seniors and local teens.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 17, 2017

W R I T T E N B Y S H E A LY N K I L R O Y

Paint Indoors

P O R T S I D E A R T S C E N T E R H O L D S 1 0 T H A N N U A L L E H I G H AV E N U E A R T S F E S T I VA L I N S I D E

he downpour that drenched the city this past Saturday did not stop patrons from coming and painting during the Lehigh Avenue Arts Festival. To avoid the rain, Portside Arts Center (2351 Lehigh Ave.) held its 10th Annual Lehigh Avenue Arts Festival inside on May 13th. The center was filled with children, parents, and sponsors, all aiding fundraising efforts for scholarships to attend Portside programs. When participants made their way to the second floor of the center, they could buy tickets to engage in the event’s crafting activities, which included face painting, sand-art, wood crafts, spin art. Event goers had a chance to win baskets with alcohol and cigars as well as family-friendly gift baskets, like one with a Please Touch Museum gift card. Both children and adults hula-hooped and danced to music surrounded by the showcase of art by “minnows” and “sharks”. Muralist Cesar Viveros and community members painted-by-number for an art project that has certain visibility. The work done Saturday is part of the artwork that will eventually be installed on Portside’s rooftop. This the second time the community has collaborated with Viveros; children, teens, and adults helped Viveros paint panels for the mural that dresses the outside of the center. Viveros’ art can be found around the city, including the mural dedicated to Pope Francis’ Philadelphia visit for the World Meeting of Families in 2015. The final rooftop piece will be of a pond with lily pads and koi fish, which symbolize strength. It’ll be able to be seen by those flying above in planes or helicopters and even through the aerial satellite view on Google Maps. The theme is universal of the rooftop piece, but making the neighborhood visible and reducing the negativity associat-

ed with the area comes before content for Viveros. “For me, it’s [about changing] the atmosphere from above,” Viveros said. Proceeds from the event and donor contributions fund Portside’s Young Artists Scholarships Fund. The scholarships are awarded to families of limited resources to attend Portside’s after-school arts programs and summer camp. For their support of the scholarship, DiD Agency, Port Richmond Savings Bank, and Fresh Works of Richmond were awarded the 2017 Portside Business Partners in the Arts Awards.

strive

Portside’s Founding Director Kim Creighton gives “sugar” to the children who attend these programs, what she identifies as “love…love and hugs.” The sugar high keeps Portside a “safe haven” for kids who come to the programs, and the scholarship allows them to take advantage of what the programs provide, Creighton said. “It’s not just art...especially in this community,” Creighton said. “A lot of these people have no place to go, no place to take their kids where it’s going to be safe. [Portside’s] where they can get so much love.”

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Page 10

The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 17, 2017

WRITTEN BY STEVE BOHNEL

Parking Followup D O U B L I N G D O W N O N B A C K - I N A N G L E PA R K I N G

couple weeks ago, Spirit News reported about street issues in Fishtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. One of those issues was back-angle parking on York Street to the immediate west of Aramingo Avenue. Spirit News learned that police, not the PPA, enforce parking on this strip of road. But it’s evident, at least from estimations in the last couple of weeks, that enforcement is not occurring yet. Last Monday, Spirit News walked up York Street between Aramingo Avenue and Cedar Street. After counting all the parked cars, we deduced that about 18 percent of vehicles parked on this stretch were following the BACK-IN ANGLE parking signs posted. Sgt. Jason Forsythe from the 26th district said he and his colleagues were still looking into how to properly enforce and ticket such violations. “We would have to determine what ticket we would use,” said Forsythe, who added that there are different types of parking tickets for those that block the roadway and park at the wrong angle, among other violations. Despite this parking dilemma, many residents argue that drivers speeding and failing to stop at stop signs pose a greater danger to residents, pedestrians and other drivers. On Aug. 4, 2015, community leaders and city officials met in Councilman Mark Squilla’s office to discuss improvements to the street. Matt Karp, zoning chair of the Fishtown Neighbors Association, and Don Gould, president of the Olde Richmond Civic Association, both said they attended this meeting. Both stated concerns about speeding and a need for repainting the crosswalks at intersections along York. Karp said the meeting occurred because one neighbor complained about almost being hit at an intersection along the street.

understands if it begins to happen. “I’m just giving my opinion, but if that’s the law, maybe they [motorists] should follow it.” Police have complete authority over enforcing the signs. McMonagle said he understands why back-in angle parking could be safer. “The smarter engineer people tell us back-in angle parking is safer … and it just takes two [more] seconds versus pulling head-in,” he said. “It’s something we leave up to the police department.” Scheerbaum said back-in angle parking not only makes pulling out into traffic safer, but also creates more room for parking spaces along the street. “It’s been shown to be safer because it’s easier to back in … and to be cognizant of your surroundings than if you’re backing out from a starting point … all we can do is sort of hope people follow it.” Multiple studies back Scheerbaum’s claim, including one by the International Parking Institute (IPI). The IPI asserts that back-in angle parking is not as tricky as parallel parking, and ultimately is a safer way to park on busy streets.

“Analysis of accident experience pre- and post-parking makeover shows an overall reduction in the number and severity of accidents as a result of the installation,” the study reads. “Although some accident categories increased, primarily because of the unfamiliar nature of back-in angle parking and the introduction of a bicycle lane, accidents associated with parking spaces declined substantially, reinforcing the inherent safety of back-in angle parking.” Scheerbaum believes that one of the reasons people may not be complying is because the changes are relatively new, citing the fact that many people follow back-in angle parking in South Philadelphia. Ultimately, he hopes people start to follow the signs, for safety and improving the overall use of the street. “Anytime you have inconsistency or unpredictability, there might be a greater chance of a crash,” Scheerbaum said. “That chance is almost a wash because people aren’t going to comply 100 percent of the time, but that changes as more people comply. “However, we are also getting a crash reduction factor when people are following the rules,” he added.

What happened at that meeting Along with Karp and Gould, a few representatives from the Streets Department were there, as well as Sean McMonagle — legislative assistant to Mark Squilla — were present at the 2015 meeting to address York Street issues. McMonagle said the meeting helped identify access problems along York, including implementing diagonal parking and adding bike lanes to reduce the instance of cars passing each other on a one-lane street. He added that money had been set aside from the city to improve the street, which included adding bike lanes and repainting crosswalks. “Everything kind of fell into place and we were able to get everything done … the stars just kind of aligned,” McMonagle said. Gus Scheerbaum is the representative from the Streets Department who was present at this meeting. He serves as Safety Engineer and Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) Program Manager in the city’s managing director’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems. Scheerbaum said repainting stop lines, crosswalks, and adding the two bike lanes and “STOP” at each intersection cost around $9,000 a block, and $50,000 in total. That amount was drawn from $2.6 million the city had allocated toward “low-cost safety improvements” throughout the city, which had been raised from the ARLE program. The work was completed around the end of September 2015, Scheerbaum added. Community representatives at the meeting were happy with the results. “It’s a lot less of a free-for-all,” Karp said. “The streets work a lot better now.” “I think you have to be blind if you don’t stop for the crosswalks,” Gould added.

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The issue of back-in angle parking Despite these improvements, the dilemma of back-in angle parking still exists. Nearly daily, a majority of vehicles don’t follow the signs posted by the Streets Department on each block around York. Karp and Gould both believe speeding and the street’s width created more issues than how people park. Gould specifically believes police shouldn’t start ticketing, but

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 17, 2017

W R I T T E N B Y C O U R T E N AY H A R R I S B O N D

Kensington Blues

J E F F R E Y S T O C K B R I D G E ’ S P O W E R F U L P H O T O E X H I B I T O N D I S P L AY T H R O U G H J U N E 2 N D

he first time Philadelphia-based photographer Jeffrey Stockbridge drove down Kensington Avenue, he was too scared to get out of the car. “Every woman on every corner was making eyes at me,” he said. “They thought I was going to pick them up because here I am, a single man, long hair, big beard, driving a beat-up black sedan. I fit the profile of the kind of guy that would pick them up. I had to kind of grow my legs in the neighborhood.” Stockbridge did so pretty quickly, traveling around Kensington from 2008 to 2014 with his large format camera, photographing intravenous drug users and sex workers and asking them to write in his journals or record their stories as audio. Those prolonged expeditions into a place that Drug Enforcement Administration agents have called one of the largest open-air heroin markets on the East Coast eventually led to Stockbridge’s blog, KensingtonBlues.com. This spring, Stockbridge also has a solo exhibition at the Savery Gallery in Philadelphia, which runs through June 2, and he just published a book, “Kensington Blues,” sold on his blog and at Savery Gallery. 10 percent of all sales go to Prevention Point Philadelphia, an organization that aims to reduce the harm involved in sex work and substance use through its needle exchange, medical clinic and other services. Stockbridge’s documentary project feels eerily timed to coincide with the national opioid crisis. More than 900 people died from drug overdoses in Philadelphia last year, many of them opioid-related. Stockbridge said that at first, he didn’t know where his interest in the people of Kensington would lead. “I had your typical pop culture idea of what prostitution was, and in Kensington, it’s something very different,” he said. “In Kensington, it’s this brutal lifestyle that’s about survival.” At the May 5 Kensington Blues exhibition opening and book release party, fine arts student Em Jensen said she had long been following Stockbridge’s work and that she felt it was her duty to understand what was going on in her city. “It’s extremely powerful,” Jensen’s friend Catie Ritchie said about the show. “I’m still kind of soaking it all in.” One striking portrait features Tic Tac and Tootsie, 20-yearold twins who were homeless and turning tricks when Stockbridge met them in 2009. “They experienced all sorts of horrible things on the Avenue,” Stockbridge recalled. “They had guys pretend to be undercover cops and then rape them.” To build the trust of the people he met, Stockbridge – who graduated from Drexel in 2005 — showed them prints of his work and asked their thoughts about their neighborhood and lives. “I’m coming to them as an outsider saying, ‘Hey, you’re the expert here,’” Stockbridge said. “‘Tell me what you know about what it’s like to live here.’ Because I have multiple emotions about it. I’m fascinated by it. I’m scared by it. I’m extremely intrigued by it. I want to know how these people survive and why they are where they are.” Pat and Rachel, who Stockbridge photographed in 2012, were homeless in Kensington and so deep into their addiction that they ultimately decided to call Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services and give up their children. “Still to this day, we don’t know where they are, and it kills me as a mother,” Rachel told Stockbridge, who transcribed their interview for his blog and book. “But I felt I was doing the best thing I could do for them at the time, giving them a better life.” Another series of four photographs feature Wilfredo crouching in an abandoned lot and injecting heroin into his arm. Once he started shooting dope, he was “married to the devil, the devil himself,” Wilfredo told Stockbridge in an audio interview. “I’m not demonizing these people,” Stockbridge said. “I don’t think they’re bad people, and that’s the real problem. Everybody who gets mad about this, they literally think that drug addicts are less than human. They think that prostitutes are less than human. It’s like, no. They’re just like you and me. It’s just that through a series of circumstances, they’ve found themselves in a really dire situation. And what they need is help. They don’t need to go to jail. They don’t need to go to prison.”

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 17, 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 AL-ANON AT HOLY NAME CHURCH HALL Meetings are held every Monday night from 7-8PM at Holy Name Church Hall at 701 Gaul Street. Anything shared at a meeting stays there and everyone is welcome to attend. Al-Anon meetings are free, anonymous and confidential. 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 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. Saturday, May 20, 12-6PM TRENTON AVENUE ARTS FEST & KINETIC SCULPTURE DERBY East Kensington Neighborhood Association and New Kensington Community Development Corporation have partnered to hold the biggest celebration of all things artsy and wacky again this year: the Trenton Avenue Arts Fest & Kinetic Sculpture Derby. Art vendors and food trucks will post up on Trenton Avenue from Norris to Dauphin Streets, while the derby will be traveling throughout the Riverwards. For more information, visit kensingtonkineticarts.org. Sunday, May 21, 10AM-1PM PHILLY TREE PEOPLE PRUNING CLUB Join the Philly Tree People’s 2017 Pruning Club to help care for the urban forest on 2771 Jasper Street. No experience is necessary. Tools and lunch will be provided. For more information, please visit phillytreepeople.org. Sunday, May 21, 10AM 13TH ANNUAL 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.

Thursday, May 25, 2-5PM JOB RESOURCES FAIR In partnership with CareerLink, the Adult Education and Career Development Program at Lutheran Settlement House (1340 Frankford Ave.) will be holding a Job Resources Fair. Attendees will have a chance to meet potential employers and learn about local resources to help them reach their career goals. To register and get more information, please visit lsheducation.org.

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

Saturday, June 3, 10AM-2PM ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH FLEA MARKET Visit or participate St. Michael’s Church Flea Market (Trenton Avenue and Cumberland Street) on June 3. Vendor space is available for $20, and vendors must supply their own table. St. Michael’s Church staff will be will be sponsoring a snack bar. For more information, contact Pat Walder at 215-425-6190 or call St. Michael’s Church at 215-423-0792.

Saturday, June 10, 8AM, 1PM ELM TREE POST FLEA MARKET & BAKE SALE / FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY. The women of Unit #88 of the American Legion Auxiliary will be holding their annual Flea Market & Bake Sale around Palmer Cemetery and inside the Post home (1212 E. Palmer St.) At 1PM, the annual Flag Retirement Ceremony will be held in the cemetery. The rain date is Sunday, June 11. For more information, contact Tom Callen at 215-425-5356.

Saturday, June 10, 10AM-1PM KIDS HEALTH & SAFETY FAIR Use local resources for your child’s safety at Rep. John Taylor’s Kids Health & Safety Fair at Cione Playground (2600 Aramingo Ave.) Representatives and information will be provided from CHIP, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, SEPTA, ORCA and PROPAC. Car Seat Safety Check will be done by the 26th Police District. Operation Safe Kids will be conducting fingerprinting, and pictures will be taken from the US Secret Service. To register for the Car Seat Safety Check and/or the Operation Safe Kids safety services, please call 215-708-3139.

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

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!

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 17, 2017 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. 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. 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 Pack500Fishtown@gmail.com Every Sunday, 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.

SENIOR EXERCISE CLASSES Exercise classes for people 50 and older will be offered at St. Anne’s Senior Center, 2607 E. Cumberland St. Class schedule will be Enhance Fitness on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30 AM, Chair Yoga on Tuesdays at 9:30AM, Tai Chi on Wednesdays at 10AM, and Line Dancing on the first and third Friday of every month. For more information call 215-426-9799.

FISHTOWN LIBRARY Tuesdays: Toddler Storytime: Join Miss Dana for stories, songs, and silliness! Tuesdays @ 10:30am. For ages 0-3 ½

faith

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.

Mondays and Thursdays, 7:30PM CATHOLIC TALK SERIES Join St. Michael’s Parish (1445 N. 2nd St.) for their new series of talks to learn more about or deepen their Catholic faith. The talks are open to both youth and adults, and free babysitting services will be provided. For more information visit the parish website or call the rectory at 215-739-2358.

seniors EXERCISE CLASSES FOR PEOPLE AGES 50+ Stay Healthy and Active with a variety of exercise classes at St. Anne’s Senior Center. Latin Rhythm on Mondays at 10:00am; Chair Yoga on Tuesdays at 9:30AM (excluding the 2nd Tuesday of each month;) Tai Chi on Wednesdays at 10:00AM; EnhanceFitness on Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30AM; St. Anne’s Senior Center (2607 E. Cumberland St.) For more info call 215-426-9799 CREATIVE ART CLASSES FOR PEOPLE 50+ The Clay Creations class meets weekly on Friday afternoons from 12:30 – 2:00pm. Learn about the art of hand building to create spectacular pots and other clay forms. Creating with the Color Wheel on Tuesday afternoons from 12:30- 2:00PM. Participants will mix paint to create a color wheel and use this technique to create colorful paintings and eye-catching designs. Registration and material fees will be charged for these workshops. St. Anne’s Senior Center (2607 E. Cumberland St.) For more info call 215-426-9799 BINGO St. Anne’s Senior Community Center has bingo on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Bingo supplies are on sale starting at 11:00AM. Lunch will begin at 11:30AM. Bingo will begin at 12:30PM. Please make your meal reservation in advance to dine with us. Free parking is available. CCT Transportation is offered to members who are 65 years of age or older. St. Anne’s Senior Center (2607 E. Cumberland St.) For more info call 215-426-9799 NUTRITION ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS Did you know that if you are age 60 or older, or disabled and have low to modest income that you may be eligible for SNAP benefits? Snap is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps) and can provide assistance with purchase of groceries. If you are single and your income is less than $1962/month, or less than $2656/ month for a couple, you may qualify. There is no limit on how much a senior has in savings and checking accounts. Don’t miss out on this important benefit for which you may be eligible! For assistance in completing an application, contact the Social Service Coordinator at St. Anne’s Senior Center 215-426-9799. Sundays SUNDAY BINGO St. Anne Church will host bingo on Sundays in the Social Hall, Memphis and Tucker streets. Doors open at 4PM; bingo starts at 6PM. Cost is $12. Call 215-739-4590 for more details. Fridays ART WORKSHOP FOR SENIORS St. Anne’s Senior Center, 2607 E. Cumberland St., is offering an art workshop for people age 50 and older. “Clay Creations” will meet weekly on Fridays, from 12:30-2 PM Participants will learn about the art of hand building to create pots and other clay forms. Those interested should register in advance. For more details call 215-426-9799.

Wednesdays FIRST PRESBYTERIAN BIBLE STUDY GROUP A Bible study group meets at First Presbyterian Church, 418 E. Girard Ave at 7PM . Come and bring a friend for informative, exciting and lively open discussions. As always, everyone is welcome. Thursdays ST. ANNE WEEKLY NOVENA St. Anne weekly Novena Thursday evening service, 7PM Church of Saint Anne, Memphis St. and Lehigh Ave. Tuesdays PRAYER MINISTRY First Emmanuel Prayer Partners Church, 711 W. Girard Ave. Prayer Ministry is looking for Prayer Partners. Everyone is Welcome to come pray with us. For further information call 215-456-9974. Third Saturdays, 12-2PM FREE SOUP AND PRAYER Trinity Presbyterian Church (2905 Frankford Ave.) is provided a free hot cup of soup and a place for prayer on the third Saturday of each month. For more information, call 267-216-8996.

sign ups

ROCK TO THE FUTURE SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION Registration for Rock to the Future’s GuitarStars summer camp is now open. Kids in Philadelphia ages 7-12 can spend a week learning acoustic and electric guitar or bass guitar. Additionally, camp goers will write songs, attend workshops, and perform live at the end of the week for family. friends and peers. The camp runs during July 10-14 from 9AM to 4PM. Camp is free for lower-income Philadelphia kids and $250 for others. For more information or to register, visit Rock to the Future’s website or call 215-302-9633.

KINDER KAMP REGISTRATION Register your 2, 3, or 4 year-old for Kinder Kamp at Bridesburg Recreation Center. Camp begins June 27, and there will be two encampments during the day from 1:30 to 4PM. Both encampments are $120. For more information, call 215-685-1247.

TOT REC AT BRIDESBURG RECREATION CENTER Starting in September, the Bridesburg Recreation Center (4601 Richmond St.) will be holding Tot Rec programs. Two, three, and four-year olds as of Sept. 1, 2017 can be enrolled in one of the three daytime programs. For more information, call Jackie at 215-685-1247.

3rd and 4th Tuesday of Every Month, 6:30PM-8:30PM WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE CLASSES Fishtown Recreation Center is hosting a Women’s Self Defense class 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on the 3rd and 4th Tuesdays of each month for $10 per class starting 11/15/16. You can register in person at the Rec on weekdays 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM or on Saturdays 9:00 PM to 12:00 noon.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 17, 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 BARRY FISHER

ELECTRICIAN

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 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

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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

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 11xx Day Street 3 bedroom, newly remodeled, $1825 + utilities 215-634-7200 Room for rent 19xx Orleans St $375 215-634-7200 Fishtown 2 Bedroom, $1175 + Modern, newly renovated 215-634-7200

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE PHILADELPHIA REGIONAL PORT AUTHORITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 3460 N. DELAWARE AVE., PHILA., 19134 Minutes away from: I-95, Betsy Ross Bridge, Tacony Palmyra Bridge and Center City **Secured Building with Off-Street Parking** CALL: 215-423- 0458

JOBS

FAIR HOUSING

Drivers: Impressive Weekly Pay! Monthly Bonuses! Medical/Dental/Vision! Guaranteed Home Every Weekend! Excellent Equipment w/APU’s 1yr CDL-A: 855-842-8498

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

Real Estate Sales: new or experienced; free training program Call Mike Dunphy at 215-840-8399

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 New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) has been working to strengthen the neighborhoods of Kensington, Fishtown and Port Richmond for over 30 years. We are seeking two new team members. CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATE NKCDC uses strategic real estate development as a catalyst for equitable community development. This year NKCDC completes Orinoka Civic House, a high-profile redevelopment of an abandoned textile mill in Kensington, Philadelphia, into 51 units of affordable housing with indoor community space and commercial space. Additionally, a new mixed income residential development dubbed "Awesometown" won Pennsylvania's first LEED V4 residential certification. In the role of Construction Associate, you will assist in the planning and execution of both new and rehab construction projects. Application deadline is May 31. For more information, please visit http://www.nkcdc.org/jobs/. DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Our community-based work relies on a diverse and layered network of support to ensure its sustainability. The Development Director is part of NKCDC's leadership team and leads planning and successful execution of NKCDC's fundraising strategies consistent with the organization's annual and long range development goals. In this role you will be responsible for creating strategies to support the growth and diversification of revenue sources in line with NKCDC's mission, vision and goals. The Director also works to enhance NKCDC's image, and develop and implement strategies that effectively communicate NKCDC's efforts to key target audiences. Application deadline is May 31. For more information, please visit http://www.nkcdc.org/jobs/.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 17, 2017

WRITTEN BY SHARON ISABEL CURLEY

Spirit Astrology YOUR DOSE OF HYPERLOCAL SPIRITUAL ADVICE

Aries: About a year ago, I joined Planet Fitness on York and Aramingo. I only wanted to use their elliptical machines, so at the $10 a month cost, I found it to be a great deal. However, every time I went, every machine was in use already. Shortly after joining, I was spending a lot of time in New York for work. Being that I was charged every month for a membership I was not using, I called to cancel. They told me the only way I could cancel was to go into the location where I joined. I let them know I was in New York, and this wasn’t possible. They told me this was the only way to cancel my membership. So, after a few months of being charged the $10, and the $40 or so processing fee, I finally made it back to Philly to cancel. I was really upset about their policy, and I’ve since told this story to a bunch of people. This morning, I joined Planet Fitness again. Sometimes we try something, and it doesn’t work. Sometimes it makes us upset and angry. But a second chance with a new outlook can really benefit us. Here’s to that beach bod. Taurus: What is it about a cold and rainy weekend that gets me going, you ask? Well, I liked the pressure being off to do anything outside (although I did enjoy a long Center City walk). I like the sound of the rain beating on my roof and windows. I like the chill that allows me to start a fire in the stove. I cooked a great dinner and, and I felt healthy. Then I totally broke down in a severe state of loneliness. I realized how alone I am so much of the time. And how, although I can enjoy it, it can become hard at times (If I just had this Holland Lop bunny that I want..). I began to ask myself, “when will I get my break?” and “when will I be worthy enough for this world?” If anyone were ever here, they would most likely enjoy my things, my atmosphere, and maybe even me. Yet, no one is here. It is just me. Taurus, there’s a saying, “wherever you go, there you are”. If you want to make changes happen, you have to get out and make them happen. I, on the other hand, will be wallowing in self deprecation, if you need me. Gemini: Irish oatmeal, Irish coffee, Irish potatoes, etc. Why? None of these things even come from Ireland, per se. Yet, places like Trader Joe’s sell an Irish Oatmeal, that is no different from Quaker Oats, not even suggested to made another way, and not made or distributed in Ireland. However, attaching the Irish to whatever it is, even if it’s “potatoes” that do not consist of a potato at all, seems exotic enough to some to buy into it. It’s a marketing scam, and it works very well. Gemini, if you’re having trouble getting something off the ground, I suggest you do a bit of research to find out how you can reach the common people with this idea a little bit more. You don’t need to be sneaky by attaching a word to your idea, you could start as small as a party to let people know about it. Cancer: My friend Justin and I used to be borderline compete with wild ideas of romance and courtship. Even if we didn’t like a person all that much, we would want to impress them anyway. Whether it be scaling a wall to a girl’s room in the middle of the night (and scaring the crap out of her), or placing letters and gifts in a scavenger hunt style; leaving anonymous flowers attached to bikes, parades to your house, etc. We were really over the top. I think for both of us, the person who always appreciated out efforts most was ourself. We never particularly had the same sort of excitement brought back to us. I still make these efforts. Not just with my lovers, but with my friends. Simple little gestures can really make someone’s day, and in turn, my own. Cancer, think of someone you love, and make a grand ges-

ture for them. It’s really little to no effort to do such a thing, and it will make a great feeling within you both. Leo: I realize as I get older, I become more envious of people. I used to just think I was doing the best I can, and I always felt I was succeeding. Now, I see myself as a failure all too often. I look at others’ lives, and their art careers, and their homes, and their families, and their clean clothes, and their working cars, and their vacation photos, and I want to just give up. I just want to lay down on a cold hard floor and fall asleep. Perhaps if I am sleeping, I could at least dream of me having these things. And maybe I would have one of those dreams that feels so real. It’s hard to feel under appreciated or unloved, but sometimes that’s the card you’re dealt. Leo, if you just keep going on, at least you’ll keep living. And if you believe in living, that do it until you die. Virgo: I had a Friday night out (for once) with a friend last week. He took me out to Root on Frankford Ave, and we drank a lot of wine, ate delicious food, and had cool conversation. Then, I took him to El Bar, where the size of the vodka soda I ordered took me over the top. The choice of these two places, a fancy and lovely place like Root to the outside packed courtyard full of smokers, was incredibly different, but it was nice that neither of us were judging the other for our preferences (although I would prefer Root any way, I just can’t really afford it). It’s easy to judge people, and we do it often. But, rather than look down upon someone for their choices or actions, sometimes it’s nice to join them. You never know how much you may enjoy something, otherwise. Libra: Joy: (noun) a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. Where do we find the most joy in our lives? As humans, we feel joy in the company of others and in the success of ourselves. Perhaps other things like a snow blizzard, or a caribbean vacation, or a bouquet of peonies from your lover. Mostly, though, and more commonly, it’s in the company of others and in the success of ourselves. Success, to me, is in the company of others. Joy, in my case, is a combination of the two. Find what it is that brings you joy, Libra. Ponder in the idea of this joy, and get to the root of why. Is this joy attainable? If so, I suggest you start working toward it. Joy is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness, and who wouldn’t want to feel like that? Scorpio: Sometimes I miss living in Tucson, AZ. I don’t miss the hot weather or the blazing sun, I miss the mountains and the landscape. I miss the big sky and the stars at night and the little adobe houses. It’s a magical little place. I think I miss it mostly, because when I lived there, I seemed to do a lot of little travels, and day trips. Since I have been back in Philly, I haven’t had a vacation really at all. I haven’t had the luxury. If I could do anything today, I would take a road trip with a buddy. Not to any particular place, just a long drive in a car. Yet, I will most likely stay inside. Scorpio, you’re the type of person who gets stuff done. You’re a doer no matter what gets in your way. I am looking to you for guidance on this very day, and I suggest you do what you do best, and let us all follow in your lead. Sagittarius: What do these no waste people do in the toilet paper situation? It’s not like every household comes equipt with a bidet, and it’s not like they’re cheap to install. Why is living naturally and healthy seemingly a thing for people with money? Even if I wanted to buy recycled or tree-free

toilet paper, I can’t afford to. Am I going to get cancer from all the Scott TP I’ve been using my whole life? Class is an awful part of our system. It’s oppressive and sad. Sagittarius, I ask you to take some time to realize what you have, and perhaps see if there is something you can give. Reach out and give a little to someone in need, whether it be a guy begging on the sidewalk or a family member in need. You don’t need everything, but others do need something.

Capricorn: Three of the most important men in my life are Capricorns. One, and possibly the most nurturing of the three is on the cusp of Sagittarius, but I do believe he falls into Capricorn quite well. The other two are incredibly similar beings: hard working, obsessed with their work, consider their time more precious and valuable than anyone else’s; they both seek a spiritual guidance of sorts, but neither of them live so heightened. The third guy, on the other hand, is a constant saving grace from the woes in my emotional state due to the others “giving me” a hard time. I was due to be born in Capricorn, but was late enough to be a full blown Aquarian. Perhaps this is my attraction to the Capricorn. You little beasts of shifting ideas and human flaws would be that much easier for me to deal with if you were to humble the sensibility of your strong willed egos. A human flaw is a beautiful thing that, once recognized within you, can boost your spirituality to new levels. Be the odd Capricorn out sometimes, and be like the beaver who builds the damn, not the one who hides beyond it.

Aquarius: Things I enjoy most: a meaningful hug, a night time breeze, a good hair day, feeling appreciated, and really long drives in a car with a buddy. Lately the good hair day tops the list, although infrequently, for I often have unwashed and greasy hair. I’d like to use one of these good hair days all up, not just working and coming home after only to say to myself, “I wish someone would have appreciated this good hair day with me”. I wish someone were here now to run their fingers through this hair day. I wish so much sometimes that the good hair day was accompanied by the excitement of a decent little road trip with someone who thought I was great enough to give me a meaningful hug. I am pretty hard on myself. I don’t think I deserve more than I have, I just accept what I do not have, and I wonder why all of my hard work paid off to just still trying. We Aquarians are always in search of the next best thing, but not just for ourselves. We can give away the best things to others, and feel the outcome as if it were our own. Lately, I feel as though every time I give away, what is returned to me feels like stones being thrown at the back of my head in the dark. If you’re having a similar life shift, let’s use our collective consciousness to help each other. And let’s be candid here: I need that meaningful hug.

Pisces: Where Matthew saw “on the third day” a time where “He will be raised from the dead”, Roy Wood saw “on the third day” as the perfect time to leave (an all time favorite band of mine) ELO, or Electric Light Orchestra. Two very different ideas of what the third day is going to look like, yet both are pretty epic. Pisces, I recommend that on your third day (from reading this), you find an epic way to behave and move on in a wild new direction, whether that has you feeling like returning from the dead or leaving your bandmates, it’s a step toward a new life. You have been stagnant for too long, little friend. It is your time now to raise up and move on. Do this with a sensitive heart and an open mind, and let these things guide you along the way.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – May 17, 2017

SATURDAY, MAY 20 noon — 6pm

TRENTON AVENUE

from Norris to Dauphin