January/February 2012 The Newsletter of The Society Hill Civic Association
SOCIETYHILL Reporter www.societyhillcivic.org A Fond Farewell his month, the Society Hill Civic Association he partnered with our association to preserve T (SHCA) bids farewell to our First District the façade of York Row — the 19th-century, City Councilman Frank DiCicco as he steps down Federal-style row houses at 700 Walnut Street from the seat he has held since 1995. We thank that were incorporated into the St. James Frank for all his hard work and dedication in luxury residential high-rise. representing our community through the years. DiCicco has improved the City of Philadelphia by Councilman DiCicco has done many things for sponsoring a wide range of legislation, including our neighborhood, including improving public waterfront development regulations, the creation City Councilman safety by providing funds for our Franklin Light of the Zoning Code Commission and various tax Frank DiCicco reform measures. Project and for the crosswalks and stop signs around Washington Square. As you may remem- One of DiCicco’s biggest accomplishments is ber, Councilman DiCicco also joined SHCA in the 10-year Tax Abatement Plan that sparked fighting the proposed demolition of Dilworth development in Center City and on the Philadel - House — the Washington Square residence of phia waterfront. “This alone is a phenomenal former Mayor Richardson Dilworth (whose 1957 achievement that changed the face of the city,” construction is widely viewed as a turning point said Councilman James Kenney. We wish Council - in the transformation of Society Hill). In addition, man DiCicco success in his next endeavors. Addressing Help for the Homeless
n these troubling economic times, our civic tunities to help chronically homeless people get I association has become concerned with what off the streets, as well as other issues related appears to be an increase in homelessness, to the homeless population in the Square. particularly in Washington Square and in other In 1989, Sister Mary Scullion and Joan Dawson parts of Independence National Park. To address McConnon co-founded Project H.O.M.E., a these worries, we have invited representatives nationally recognized nonprofit organization from Project H.O.M.E. to speak at our January that provides supportive housing, employment, 18th General Membership Meeting about the education, and health care to enable chronically organization’s plans to expand housing oppor - homeless and low-income people to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. WED. MARK YOUR CALENDAR Under Scullion and Dawson’s leadership, Project H.O.M.E. has grown from an emergency winter January shelter into an international model for alleviating Society Hill Civic Association Meetings homelessness and poverty on a large scale. Wednesday, January 18th, 2012 18 The General Membership Meeting, open to Pennsylvania Hospital, 8th & Spruce Streets all neighborhood residents, will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Zubrow Auditorium on the first 6:00 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting Pennsylvania Hospital Great Court Conference Room floor of Pennsylvania Hospital, just inside the All SHCA members are welcome. main entrance at 8th Street near Spruce. Prior 7:30 p.m. General Membership Meeting to the General Meeting, at 6 p.m. we will hold Pennsylvania Hospital Zubrow Auditorium our monthly Board Meeting at the Hospital’s All neighborhood residents are invited to attend. Great Court Conference Room. All current Topic: Concerns About the Chronically Homeless members of the Society Hill Civic Association Speaker: Representatives from Project H.O.M.E. are welcome. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting! PAGE 2 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
SOCIETYHILL Liberty Tree Reporter by Thomas Paine Managing Editor Graphic Design Sandra Rothman [email protected] A song written early in the Editorial Board Press Release Liaison American Revolution. Jane Biberman c/o Matt DeJulio, Robert M. Dever [email protected] Lenore Hardy In a chariot of light from the regions of day, Advertising Manager Carole LeFaivre-Rochester The Goddess of Liberty came; Rosanne Loesch Lenore Hardy Ten thousand celestials directed the way Jim Murphy [email protected] And hither conducted the dame. Columnists Society Hill Civic Association A fair budding branch from the gardens above, Claire Batten Jane Biberman P. O. Box 63503 Where millions with millions agree, Matt DeJulio Philadelphia, PA 19147 She brought in her hand as a pledge of her love, Lorna Katz-Lawson tel: 215-629-1288 And the plant she named Liberty Tree. Martha Levine Submission Deadlines Jim Murphy The celestial exotic struck deep in the ground, Keri White March/April Issue Advertising: Like a native it flourished and bore; Contributors February 1st The fame of its fruit drew the nations around, Tony Aloi Editorial: February 10th To seek out this peaceable shore. Herb Gunther Bernice Hamel Website Unmindful of names or distinction they came, Bill Kearney www.societyhillcivic.org For freemen like brothers agree; With one spirit endued, they one friendship pursued, And their temple was Liberty Tree. Submissions Beneath this fair tree, like the patriarchs of old, We want to hear from you. Our goal is to print news of interest to Society Hillers — happenings in and around our community Their bread in contentment they ate, for residents, businesses and professionals. Direct your editorial Unvexed with the troubles of silver and gold, submissions and/or queries to Sandra Rothman by phone The cares of the grand and the great. at 267-671-0554 or email [email protected]. To- publicize an event, submit all press releases directly. With timber and tar they Old England supplied, Materials must be submitted in writing — via mail or email — And supported her power on the sea; and must include the name of a contact person. Edited Her battles they fought, without getting a groat, submissions will be considered for publication if the subject For the honor of Liberty Tree. matter is community-related and if space allows. Otherwise, upcoming events of interest may be listed in the Community But hear, O ye swains, ‘tis a tale most profane, Calendar. Letters to the Editor will be considered for publica- How all the tyrannical powers, tion only if signed and the writer provides contact information. Kings, Commons, and Lords, are uniting amain To cut down this guardian of ours; SHCA Board Officers and Directors
From the east to the west blow the trumpet to arms President Quadrant Through the land let the sound of it flee, Steven Weixler Representatives Let the far and the near, all unite with a cheer, Vice President Northeast In defence of our Liberty Tree. Benita Fair Langsdorf Lorna Katz Lawson Treasurer Andrew Hohns Marc Feldman Lenore Hardy Directors-At-Large Northwest Bernice Hamel Lawrence Burstein George Kelley Andrea Layden Martha Levine Sissie Lipton Jerrold (Jim) Moss Southeast Robert Curley 215. 886. 6111 | Oreland, Pa Mike Duffy Tania Rorke 215. 725. 3637 | Philadelphia, Pa Certified Arborist Jane Ahn PD-1766A | Southwest 215. 572. 6937 Fax 21 years experience www.libertytreecare.com Melvin Buckman Francisco Carreno Lee Quillen JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE A Civic Vision Becomes a Master Plan
his coming year will bring important infrastructure and honor one of the central T changes to Philadelphians who live along the principles of the Civic Vision: the extension Delaware Riverfront. In October, the Delaware of the Philadelphia street grid to the river. River Waterfront Corporation delivered its new The plan includes the waterfront trail we all Master Plan for waterfront development to the value, but with an innovation which addresses Philadelphia City Planning Commission, ending the concerns of property owners and the public. an intensive effort begun in the fall of 2006. The Civic Vision originally called for a continuous Unlike many previously disappointing efforts, 100-foot wide setback from the river to be devoted the plan promises to be a practical, achievable, to the public. This met with fierce resistance from and balanced blueprint for the future of this property owners, who, while agreeing that public long-neglected part of Philadelphia. access was an amenity they were willing to To give a quick review, in November 2006 Mayor consider, raised concerns that a blanket setback Steven Weixler, Street authorized the City Planning Commission presented an unfair liability in some cases. In President and PennPraxis (the urban planning arm of the the end, a compromise was reached, which University of Pennsylvania) to conduct a citizen- allows for a continuous trail of variable width. driven process on the best possible qualities of As compensation, there will be a series of river- One of the central a redeveloped Delaware Riverfront. Along with front parks every half-mile, allowing for various the input of talented urban designers and state recreational opportunities. principles of the and local agencies, community engagement Civic Vision: produced what is now known as the Civic Vision. Society Hill and Old City will benefit first and The extension of This Civic Vision is not a master plan as such, most dramatically from this concept. In 2012, the Philadelphia but a set of principles describing the qualities engineers will begin to study extending what is now the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing over I-95, street grid to of urban life in Philadelphia that would lead the river. to a prolific redevelopment of the waterfront. removing the bus ramps, moving the music venue north to Festival pier, and converting the Plaza This Civic Vision was accepted by the Nutter into a much greener, quieter, and more relaxing administration and its City Planning Commission. place along the river. Some of the existing park The civic associations involved in this process, along the boat basin south of the Columbus Society Hill included, formed the Central Monument Park will be rejuvenated with mid-rise Delaware Advocacy Group (CDAG) to advance shops and restaurants, housing, and a new the Civic Vision in the master planning process pedestrian bridge connection to South Street. being undertaken by the Mayor and the newly formed Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. All of this is very ambitious. The Central It has been a long process, but the citizen-advo- Delaware Advocacy Group has worked for years cates of CDAG have worked hard to keep our to represent the interests of riverfront neighbors, Philadelphian values a part of the planners’ work. and we intend to continue as this Master Plan works its way through the Philadelphia City The economic consultants examined reasonable Planning Commission and City Council. We are predictions for Philadelphia’s growth rate, lucky to have the great example of the planning as well as growth rates for commercial and that produced Society Hill to point to in the residential uses, and found that low and mid-rise process. building styles will best serve the needs of new residents and expanded riverfront neighborhoods. The full Master Plan is available for review on This type of development will also allow a the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation’s reasonable reconstruction of the traffic and transit website at www.delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com.
In This Issue… Page 7 Page 13 Page 17 Head House: A National Philly Food Lovers: On Our Shelf: Anh’s Anger by Historical Landmark in Our Midst Hours of Happiness Local Author Gail Silver Page 11 Page 14 Page 26 Exploring the City: Out and About… A Very Nifty Neighbors: Meet Judy Ars Medendi Sociable Holiday Social and Richard Gelles PAGE 4 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
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Debt of Gratitude
ony Aloi, on our Contractors’ List T for many years, is a talented and highly respected general contractor who has just retired after working in Dear Society Hill Homeowners, Society Hill for decades. He 1972 was a good year. It was the year I was first is well known by a number exposed to Society Hill and its wonderful houses. of architects and discerning I made it my goal to work and grow my business homeowners. His trademark in one of the most historic neighborhoods in the is his professionalism, affable country. After ten years specializing in high-rise nature, and his fastidious and condominium renovation, I decided to come attention to detail. He knows back to my home roots in Society Hill. all there is to know about house Tony Aloi construction. Those who have It has been a gratifying 39 years of wonderful friendships and loyal customers, but, as the worked with him will greatly saying goes, all good things must come to an end. miss him. I retired to Florida this past November, and I Here is his goodbye letter wanted to take time to thank all of you. to the neighborhood: I hope to use my time and expertise restoring my ChrisCraft boat. With gratitude, Tony Aloi Casinos Held Accountable
Pennsylvania House Passes Amendments to Right-to-Know Law
n Monday December 5th, Pennsylvania The first amendment on the bill would make casi- OHouse Bill 2009, along with its two nos mail monthly statements to their patrons who amendments, passed unanimously. It is are enrolled in their Reward Card programs. The now in the State Senate for consideration. other amendment would make all table-game taxes go to the Pennsylvania property tax relief fund. House Bill 2009 will make the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board post on its website If the bill passes in the Senate, it will go to a description of all requests for access to Governor Tom Corbett’s desk. When he signs records under the act of February 14th, the bill, it will make Pennsylvania the second 2008 (P.L.6, No.3), known as the state that makes casinos mail monthly Right-to-Know Law. statements. The first state is Massachusetts.
NEWS YOU CAN USE Easier Parking
hose new to our neighborhood may be In addition, the RPP Day Pass is a convenient T unaware of the Residential Permit Parking way to accommodate your guests. They are (RPP) Program administered by the Philadelphia available in five-packs for $35 and may be Parking Authority that limits long-term parking on purchased in advance. To use, just scratch designated blocks to resident permit-holders only. off the month and date on which it will be used, write the visitor’s license plate number in the A permit costs $35 per vehicle for the first year box provided and hang on the rear view mirror. and $20 for annual renewal. To be eligible, a That’s all there is to it. If you have any questions vehicle must display a valid Pennsylvania license on this program please call 215-683-9730 or plate and must be registered to a home address go to www.philapark.org/permits/DayPass. within the permit-parking district. PAGE 6 SOCIETYHILL Reporter JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE 7
Head House: A National Historic Landmark in Our Midst BY BERNICE HAMEL, PRESIDENT, HEAD HOUSE CONSERVANCY
ead House Square is a unique, city-owned, Over the years, several Society Hill residents H historic structure located in the midst of our have been committed to the restoration project. residential community. It features America’s oldest For example, Jerome Deye added a most “glittering” existing fire engine building, known as Head House, contribution to preserve Head House’s historic which originally provided fire-fighting equipment weathervane; he undertook the task of stripping for volunteer firefighters. This classic brick build- its tarnished exterior coats of rust down to bare ing, at S. 2nd & Pine Streets, is surmounted by a metal. He then applied new coats of solid gold white cupola topped by a weathervane containing leaf — 370 sheets of 23-karat gold! The cost a fire bell and a clock made by Isaiah Lukens — of all materials was also his contribution in the clockmaker responsible for creating the his yearlong efforts — a true labor of love! clock at Independence Hall. When the restoration project was successfully Head House is connected to our nation’s oldest completed, the Conservancy was awarded several surviving Colonial-era marketplace, which extends citations of gratitude, including a Certificate of along S. 2nd Street from Pine to Lombard Street. Merit from Pennsylvania’s Bureau for Historic Built before the Revolution in 1745, the marketplace Preservation in 1994 and a commemorative plaque is referred to as either “NewMarket” or “The from Philadelphia’s Mayor John F. Street in 2001. Shambles.” In design, it mimics the many market The Conservancy then focused its efforts to identify structures of rural England — characterized by an appropriate tenant for the interior space at Head two parallel rows of brick pillars supporting a gable House, as well as to encourage suitable public use roof that covers an arched and plastered ceiling. for NewMarket. Thus, we convinced the DPP that Two centuries later, by the early 1950’s, both the South Street Headhouse District would be the NewMarket and Head House were severely ideal tenant — as the District provides supplemen- deteriorated. However, Mayor Richardson Dilworth tary cleaning and safety services for South Street’s encouraged and supported renewal of Philadelphia’s business corridor bordering our residential neigh- Colonial treasures. Head House Square was borhood. And since the District’s official boundaries restored, and, in 1955, the entire site was officially include Head House Square (at Lombard Street), designated as a National Historic Landmark. the Conservancy arranged the marriage between the city and the District by promoting the use of Ironically, however, history has a habit of repeating Head House as office headquarters for the District. itself. Within a relatively brief period of only thirty In return, the District is responsible for manage- years, the site was again in a seriously dilapidated ment and basic maintenance of the property. condition due to lack of maintenance by the city’s Department of Public Property (DPP). By the late Thus, NewMarket has been successfully returned 1980’s Head House Square was identified by the to its original purpose as a farmers’ market and Secretary of the Interior as a “threatened and crafts fair (on weekends from spring through fall). endangered landmark.” As with any structure, however, the buildings require continuing maintenance and improvements. In response, a grassroots group of neighbors For example, the historic clock at Head House, as formed the Head House Conservancy in 1990. well as its hourly bell, must be returned to working This nonprofit organization raised about one million order. Additional and regularly needed general dollars and volunteered its professional expertise maintenance and/or improvements include painting, to repair and restore the entire structure, inside brickwork, woodwork, and carpentry repairs for and out. Head House’s owner (Philadelphia’s DPP) the Shambles. In fact, the Conservancy has recently granted permission for the Head House to undergo been given permission to replace the two Head complete restoration, allowing our organization House storage doors that were in poor condition. access to identify and make all needed repairs Supervising this project will be longtime Society and upgrades at absolutely no cost to the city. The Hiller John Q. Lawson, FAIA (Fellow, American work was coordinated and led by the late Penelope Institute of Architects), with labor provided by Batcheler, a Society Hill resident who then served the Pappajohn Woodworking Company. The Conser - as Chief Architect for Independence National vancy will assume the entire cost for these needed Historical Park. repairs, which we hope will be completed soon. PAGE 8 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
Wouldn’t it be nice if your allergies would hibernate as the cold weather seeps in? Unfortunately, between indoor dust mites, pet dander, mold, cigarette smoke and emissions from gas stoves, your allergies might just get worse as the temper- ature drops and you spend more time inside. Symptoms such as persistent cold, congestion, headaches, lingering fatigue, difficulty breathing nd respiratory infections Help Wanted can all be signs of winter allergies. Don’t sniff and sneeze through the season. Do You Have A Love of History? See the physicians at the Allergy & Asthma Do You Enjoy Greeting Others? Specialists for the treatment that is best for you, so you can enjoy the crisp air without physick House Museum the headache of allergies. cdocentsd Free Training Flexible Hours Rewarding and Pleasant Work Meet Interesting People Pay: 1-800-86COUGH Gratifying and Fulfilling Times www.86cough.com Call Del Conner 215-925-7866 • Blue Bell •Center City • Jenkintown • Pottstown • King of Prussia • Lansdale • Doylestown • Collegeville JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE 9
ZONING AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION BY LORNA KATZ-LAWSON
HCA’s Zoning and Historic Preservation 722 Pine Street and 206 South 3rd Street S(ZHP) Committee meets monthly to address Both applications to the Philadelphia Historical community concerns related to both zoning and Commission ask for legalization of the use of vinyl historic preservation. It helps homeowners who to replace building elements visible from a public would like to make changes to the exteriors of their way. These applications are reviewed at the Archi - properties understand and prepare for the process tectural Review Committee (ARC), which in turn of approval by the Philadelphia Historical Com mis - makes a recommendation to the full Commission sion (PHC), which is required for exterior changes for a final vote. The ARC recommended denying and for any zoning variance which may be needed. both applications. SHCA will forward a letter of We urge you to submit your plans or ideas to the support of ARC’s recommendation to the PHC. ZHP committee before submitting them to PHC. In all such cases, original historic material may 410 South Front Street not be removed until PHC has confirmed it is not President Steven Weixler and ZHP Chair Lorna restorable, and then the repair or replacement Katz-Lawson met with representatives of Toll must be made to replicate the historic element. Brothers to confirm that the company has indeed Further, as one member of the ARC made clear purchased the property known as New Market/ to an applicant, although vinyl appears to be a Stamper Square and to review with them the various more economical choice and requires less regular constituencies they will need to be in touch with in maintenance, in the end it will fall apart faster than order to move their plan of development forward. historically correct or other allowable materials. They estimate that a public meeting with SHCA Vinyl is NOT PERMITTED in the Society Hill could take place in February or March. Rest Historic District. assured that SHCA notification will be made community-wide. 221 Pine Street 223 South 6th Street – Dilworth House An Appeals Court hearing was rescheduled for December 28th, 2011. Meanwhile, the owner was ZHP’s Nancy Frenze has been doggedly following cited by the Department of Licenses and Inspec tions up on maintenance and historic preservation with violations having to do with willful neglect of violations at the site. The latest issue is the City’s the rear historical “L,” which has been partially inability to serve court notice to the owner, a major demolished and exposed to water since spring. developer. Nancy was able to supply an accurate address, and we are now waiting to hear whether they were successful. The ZHP Com mittee has Advocacy Activities recommended to the City that, at the least, issues Crosstown Coalition – Zoning Code Commission of water tightness of the building and control of City Council adopted the new Zoning Code on rainwater need to be attended to in order to avoid December 7th, 2011. The Crosstown Coalition, of a situation similar to last year when the ice built up which SHCA is one of thirteen member civic associ- on the sidewalk because of roof water flooding the ations, submitted a letter to the City prior to the sidewalk and then freezing. This made the sidewalk vote, stating its support for adoption and outlining impassable, forcing people into the street. its intent to continue working with the City to amend 320 Walnut Street through to Willings Alley the document. The Coalition did an internal analysis ZHP received news from the developer, Nolen of how effective their work had been to date and Properties, that they will pursue reverting the was pleased to see that a significant number of the zoning back to what it was when the Catholic Arch - revisions it argued for were subsequently made. diocese purchased the two lots, through a variance ADA Ramps/Street Project process rather than by ordinance. This would re- ZHP Chair spoke with Dave Perri of the Philadelphia establish the office building on Walnut Street as Streets Department to get an update on the C-3 (Mixed Use Commercial) and the parking lot progress of the City’s negotiations with the paving on Willings Alley as R10A (allowing for single-family contractor. Unfortunately, because the City and the dwellings, duplexes, and multi-family dwellings). contractor could not come to an agreement, the In addition, they will need variances to develop the contractor has abandoned the project and the City office building into 66-70 new rental apartments, and will be issuing a new request for bids. Therefore, the residential, single-family zoned Willings Alley SHCA’s scheduled corner-by-corner walkthrough site for on-grade accessory parking with 4-6 parking with representatives of the Streets Department spaces (reserved for use by Old St. Joseph’s Church). will not occur until a new contractor is on board. PAGE 10 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
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EXPLORING THE CITY BY JIM MURPHY Ars Medendi
f you like word puzzles, riddles, or The cylinder includes I enigmas, take a walk down Walnut Street sections from the human near 10th in Center City. You’ll be right in genome code, names of your element. rainforest plants, plus quotes from Louis Pasteur, Pavlov, Just go past the Winged Ox — over to Galen, and more. the western side of Thomas Jefferson University’s Scott Memorial Library — The screen offers advice and you’ll come across an unusual copper from Pliny, Leonardo da cylinder with letters punched out of it. Vinci, Dr. Samuel Gross, Qi Bo, Gray’s Anatomy, If you’re like me, once you notice the and the Seneca Nation, sculpture, you’ll be fascinated by it and by among others. its companion trapezoidal wall on the west side of 10th Street closer to Locust Street. Interestingly, other than a local blog, “Ornamento” by The cylinder is interactive, interesting, Martha Aleo, two minimal and maybe even a little infuriating. But references by Thomas chances are you’ll take a little extra time Jefferson University, and to look at the sculpture and try to under- some photos on Flickr, stand the artist’s purpose. there is almost nothing Titled Ars Medendi for “the Medical about these sculptures Photo courtesy of Laura Swartz Art,” both pieces were created by Jim anywhere on the web. Sanborn and contain historic texts It’s almost as if they don’t exist. from world medicine. Sanborn’s own website doesn’t mention Mysterious Sanborn is best known for Kryptos, a them at all. To quote Joe Pesci’s character sculptures at copper wall at CIA Headquarters in Langely, in the move, “JFK” (or its originator, Thomas Jefferson Virginia. It contains a secret code that has Winston Churchill speaking about Russia) University taunted code-breakers for over 20 years. the work is “a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, will intrigue and inside an enigma.” The letters on both the cylinder and wall engage you. at the Jefferson University site represent A search does show that Thomas Jefferson a variety of alphabets and languages. The University commissioned the sculptures cylinder’s letters run backwards and forwards in cooperation with the Redevelopment F A S T F A C T S at the seams, and you can look through the Authority of the City of Philadelphia’s cylinder and read them in either direction. One Percent for Public Art Program 2006. Artwork: Ars Medendi (the Medical Art) When the cylinder is illuminated at night, the Mysterious as they may be, interacting Artist: Jim Sanborn letters appear both on the wall of the library with these “word” sculptures is a unique building and on the ground, creating a experience. You can actually see right Location: Campus of dramatically different effect from daytime. through them. Thomas Jefferson University The wall’s text is easier to understand, At the very least, you may take a few extra Number of Sculptures: 2 and there is a bench nearby for comfortable moments to really look at words and the contemplation. meanings they convey — in something Cylinder: 2009, other than a smartphone or computer East Side of 11th Street, Both sculptures remind me a bit of photos screen format. South Side of Walnut I’ve seen of the ancient Egyptian Rosetta Screen: 2008, Stone or Babylonia’s Hammurabi’s Code. There’s actual wisdom to be gained here, West Side of 10th Street, letter-by-letter, word-by-word, in a non-digital There’s information to be gained there, South Side of Walnut but it certainly takes some work. medium. What a concept! Other Important Work by Artist: Kryptos — Answer Key: an encrypted sculpture For those who want to know what both sculptures are saying, translations are available online. The cylinder: www.stoopphilly.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Jefferson_Cylinder_Plaque_Proof.pdf at CIA Headquarters, The screen: www.stoopphilly.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Jefferson_Screens_Plaque_proof.pdf Langely, Virginia. PAGE 12 SOCIETYHILL Reporter JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE 13
PHILLY FOOD LOVERS BY KERI WHITE Hours of Happiness!
hilly Food Lovers conducted an informal poll Artful Dodger P recently asking what makes a neigh borhood bar 400 S. 2nd Street, artfuldodgerphilly.com great, and the result was, if you’ll pardon the clichéd Steeped in history (it once served as the bar- song lyric from “Cheers,” the popular television racks for the First Continental Marine Corps), series, “Sometimes you want to go where everybody the Dodger is something of an institution. knows your name.” It’s about the people; we want We’ve been told that some long-timers even We sure had to congregate where our friends and neighbors go. have their names on the barstools — but there’s fun researching Fortunately for us Society Hillers, there are plenty no exclusivity here. This friendly, uber-casual this column… of local venues where thirsty folks can find a convivial pub has a reputation for making everybody Cheers! atmosphere, quality beverages, friendly barkeeps, feel like a regular. Happy Hour specials are and good food. Here is a cocktail sampling of some available Monday through Friday from 4:30 to of our readers’ favorite happy hour destinations. 7 p.m. and include $5 Buffalo wings and select $3 drafts. The game day gatherings are a huge Xochitl draw; people flock to the Dodger for food and 408 S. 2nd Street, xochitlphilly.com drink specials while cheering on their teams La Hora Feliz at Xochitl is like a fiesta at a friend’s with other like-minded fans. Says one Dodger house, assuming your friend is a fantastic Mexican bartender: “People want a relaxed, friendly chef who stocks top-shelf tequila. Their “Perfect atmosphere, and that can be hard to find in Margarita” is perfectly named, and Happy Hour Center City. We are the ultimate corner bar Specials won’t pinch your pocketbook. From 5 to 7 with some added bonuses: good bar food, p.m., Monday through Friday, Xochitl offers $5 happy hour specials, and a sports bar feel margaritas, $3 drafts, and $2 “bites.” These “bites” during games.” are tasty snacks like tacos, gorditos, and taquitos Positano Coast that tickle your taste buds while you whet your 212 Walnut Street, 2nd floor, positanocoast.net whistle. When asked about how Xochitl fits in Walking into Positano Coast is about as close with Society Hill, General Manager Adam Solomon as you will get to Amalfi, Italy, without leaving couldn’t be clearer: “We are first and foremost a Society Hill. The décor is truly beautiful, and neighborhood place. People should feel comfortable the Happy Hour offerings are worth a visit. The here in a suit on their way home from work or in award-winning bartenders offer a selection of jeans for a casual night out. We offer a relaxed Second Helpings? reduced price drinks and dishes from Sunday atmosphere, but there is also a slightly festive vibe For more of our to Friday, 4:30 to 7 p.m. Highlights included $3 musings on the local if you are seeking a livelier scene. We want to be beers, $5 sangria, specialty cocktails and wine, food scene, visit part of the community. We are here to stay and and featured food specials like Italian sausage phillyfoodlovers.com we plan to serve the neighbors in whatever way or find us on sliders. The atmosphere is festive and fun, benefits them. If you have company coming and Facebook: Philly with a mixture of locals, tourists, guests from don’t feel like cooking, call us. We’ll make you Food Lovers as well as nearby hotels, and an after-work crowd. Twitter: Phillyphood. a take-out dinner.” Sounds good to me! PAGE 14 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
OUT AND ABOUT A Very Sociable Social
A good time was had by all at SHCA’s recent Holiday Social held at Positano Coast, 212 Walnut Street.
Matt Menard, Matt DeJulio Joanne Denworth, Francine Cohen
Jim Murphy, Judy Lamirand John Infanti, Linda Hirshey Gordon Leggett, Madeline Miller
Barbara Watson, Bob Curley, Garrett and Judith Smith Lois Vederman and local author Harry Kyriakodis JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE 15
OUT AND ABOUT
Patricia, Barbara Golman Jim Agger, Charles Croce Larry and Brenda Gavin
George Reilly, David Costello, Laura Reilly Carol Colabelli, Howard Sedran and Martha Levine
George Koch, Rosemary Fluehr, Lisa Unger Wally Wing, Sherry Shamanski
Lynda Krevitz, Carmela Infanti, Renee Feduniue Cherry Bombeck, Richard Dashefsky, Christine Rother PAGE 16 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
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ON OUR SHELF BY CLAIRE BATTEN A Creature of Habit
ociety Hill author Gail Silver recalls standing reading at the store with her. There were Soutside Zeke’s 5th Street Deli while her children everywhere… and we completely sold young daughter had a meltdown in the street. out of her books that morning. Parents loved it.” The tantrum was so disruptive that Gail had to We asked Gail where she thinks her writing cut and run from breakfast. Silver remembers, skills come from. Were there any other writers “I’d never seen anything like it. Nothing I did in the family? “My mother claims it comes seemed to work for my daughter. I couldn’t from my father’s side of the family,” she shares. understand why she seemed so angry, because “My mother’s not a hoarder, but she was going my first child was so easygoing…” Silver’s award- through her closet recently and came across winning book Anh’s Anger was in part inspired by some of my paternal grandmother’s journals. this experience and the author’s personal search These were written in the 1920’s, when my for a way to manage her daughter’s behavior. grandmother was traveling through Europe. Anh’s Anger is a remarkable book with Her handwriting is barely legible, but the memorable tactile illustrations. The book is a storiesare fascinating; she was an exquisite parable about anger management and the pursuit writer and a beautiful story teller.” of “Mindfulness” in daily life — a philosophy Gail Silver We asked if her book after next will be a inspired by Buddhist teachings. “My books come biography based on her grandmother’s journals. from my life experiences in this neighborhood,” Perhaps. But that would be telling… says Silver. “I recognized that I had to deal with my own anger and cure myself before I could In addition to being a best-selling author, help my daughter. I found some of the answers Gail is also founder of Yoga Child, a yoga in the study of Mindfulness. Basically it means studio next door to WholeFoods on South Street. that you always seek to be the best person you To contact Gail about her books or her yoga can possibly be by paying attention to how you teachings, email [email protected]. are feeling and what you are thinking in each moment. While it was originally a Buddhist Books by local authors teaching, it’s been adopted and integrated to watch out for in 2012! into modern science, particularly for stress management. Penn and Jefferson both The Song of Achilles — written by Madeline offer classes in the subject.” Miller, whose mother taught at St. Peter’s School and was a trustee of the school for many years. Dedicated to Gail’s Mindfulness teacher, This book is a modern take on the Illiad as told Anh’s Anger was written when Gail was nursing through the eyes of ten-year-old Prince Patroclus. Chelsea, her third child. According to Silver, it was written typing with one hand while looking The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by well-known out of her window onto Stamper Street. As she neighborhood author Melissa Jensen, out in explains, “I’d be looking out, baby on one knee, your local bookstore in February. and I’d see the same squirrel at exactly 3:45 p.m. each day when I sat down to write. We were both creatures of habit.” BUNDLE UP TO EXERCISE & SOCIALIZE The success of Anh’s Anger prompted Gail to write a follow-up called Steps and Stones, which Join the Walkie-Talkies: Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:15 a.m. is now available in book stores or from her Winter has arrived and along with it some colder weather. Nevertheless, website: www.gailsilverbooks.com. A third book a group of hearty Society Hill gals won’t let winter’s chill deter them from in the Anh series is also planned; only, this time, their bi-weekly Exercise & Socialize program. On any Tuesday and Thursday it will tackle Anh’s pre-teen experiences. morning (when it’s not raining or snowing), they bundle up and meet for (Fittingly enough, Gail’s eldest is approaching one-hour walks that begin promptly at 8:15 a.m. Newcomers are always his teen years.) encouraged to participate in this free and friendly fitness program. Just show up at Three Bears Park (Delancey Street between 2nd & 3rd Streets) Both of Gail’s books have been publishing five minutes prior to 8:15 a.m., at which time neighbor gals promptly begin successes. As Richard de Wyngaert, owner their friendly, non-stressful and varied strolls that explore our wonderful of HeadHouse Books reports: “We had a great community. Any questions? Just phone Bernice at 215-925-4363. PAGE 18 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
SAFE AND SOUND IN SOCIETY HILL BY MARILYN APPEL Contributions for Reward Fund Collected
s most of you know, a 46-year-old man The Advantage of Cameras A was left in critical condition after being As mentioned, the perpetrators were caught on attacked and shot in the chest by two men walk- the camera situated at a house near where the ing on the 400 block of Pine Street around 11:20 attack happened. My husband and I don’t have p.m. on Monday, November 7th. It appears to the type of camera which records; we can just have been a random attack, according to police. see who is at the front door, but we are thinking A shooting is a rare crime in Society Hill, and it of upgrading it to record up and down the street. was a shock to many of us. The scary thing is that, I would bet that we could get very good deals although it happened to a non-resident, it could on such cameras if enough people wanted them. have happened to any of us. The victim, Darren For those of you who are thinking about this, Rogers, is still hospitalized in serious condition. get in touch with me at [email protected], and I’ll find out if we can get discounts anywhere, SHCA has been successful in collecting over both on purchase and installation. $7,000 in contributions from more than 80 generous, concerned neighbors to use towards Crossing at Major Intersections a reward fund. Contributions range from $25 A neighbor was recently hit by a school bus, to $500. In addition, two separate households which was turning from Spruce Street onto contributed $5,000 each directly to the Citizen’s South 6th Street, and suffered a moderate Crime Commission — bringing the reward to concussion. Several intersections in the $17,000! We are working with the Citizens’ neighborhood are dangerous, including those Crime Commission, which will use our funds at 7th Street and Washington Square Park, to publicize the reward through television, news- 6th Street adjacent to Independence Place, paper, and poster advertisements in an effort to 2nd and Spruce Streets where it’s two-way, help with the arrest and conviction of the two and 2nd and Pine Streets outside the Wells Fargo who committed this horrible crime. By offering Bank, where there are two stop signs but most a sizable reward, we hope that someone who cars only stop for the first. Please be careful. can identify these criminals will come forward. Pattern Emerging The video of the crime, which was captured by a neighbor’s video camera, has been run So far, of the four vehicle break-ins in our on television and phillypolice.com/news. area between December 2nd and 8th, three were Offering the reward is our way of putting out Mercedes. If you know anyone with a Mercedes the word that Society Hill will not sit back on your block, please let them know what’s and allow these criminals, or any criminals, happening and that the police are responding. to commit another crime here. Unfortunately, Please report anything suspicious to 911. as of this writing, the police have no leads. Free Car! Free Car! Free Car! For more information about the Reward Fund, That’s exactly what you are telling a thief when please contact SHCA at 215-629-1288, or you leave your unoccupied vehicle running with [email protected] the keys in the ignition. During the cold weather months, many drivers warm up their vehicles while they stay inside of their nice warm home, or they simply leave their vehicles running while they go inside of a convenience store, thinking, “I’ll only be inside for a few seconds.” Sorry folks, but that’s all the time it will take for a thief to drive away in your nice warm vehicle. Also, remember, not only does the thief get your car, but he/she also gets everything in it, maybe even your child. Protect yourself, your vehicle, and your loved ones. Don’t become a victim! Please turn off your ignition, take your keys, and lock your door! JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE 19
SAFE AND SOUND IN SOCIETY HILL Lighting Up After Dark
s we head into winter, darkness descends more light, the better. One should choose the A upon the city at a much earlier hour. highest wattage the light fixture is able to handle Lighting is required to enable pedestrians to — 60 to 75 watts. Exterior lights can be more see where they are going and to deter vandalism effective if they are connected to an electronic and criminal activity. There are several steps we timer that can be set to automatically turn on can take to brighten the streetscape during the the light whether the owner is home or away. winter months and increase safety. Set it to go on at 5 p.m. and off at 6 a.m. every day and forget about it. If you have an Intermatic Overgrown Trees block streetlights and cause timer and need directions to set it, please shadows that make sidewalks less safe when contact us. walking at night. Since the city is not obligated to trim these trees (if they do, it may take a year), Another option is a light with a photo sensor that it is up to homeowners to take care of trees on causes the light to turn on as it gets dark. Either their property. The best time of year to prune a timer or a photo sensor is a great idea if you is winter or fall. Some neighbors have arranged arrive home after dark or are on vacation. For group tree pruning for their blocks — it’s more protection of the rear of the home, use a motion cost effective. Check your Society Hill List of detector that goes on only if someone walks in Contractors for a recommended arborist. front of it. Intruders will be sent running when confronted with a 100 watt spotlight. Install a front door light. This adds more light to the sidewalk, making it safer as well For more information, contact Martha Levine at as enhancing the house’s appearance. The [email protected].
LIGHTS OUT? See a Franklin Light that is not working or is damaged? Call 311. Yes, the City will come within 10 business days and repair it, unless it is a PECO problem. Keep an eye out to see that the light has been serviced. If it has not, phone 311 again with the reference number provided at your first call. Remember that you are the eyes and ears of Society Hill. PAGE 20 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
HELP NEEDED Calling All Friends Let’s Update the SHCA of Physick House List of Contractors
ecently, a group of concerned individuals The List of Contractors is for current SHCA members. R formed the Friends of Physick House, a For many years, this excellent resource has been made 501(c)(3) public charity with a mission to insure available on request to current SHCA members. If you are that the Physick House is always a historic site presently a SHCA member, you may have one mailed to you. and museum for the edification of the public The 13-page list is comprised of servicers of all types and the enrichment of Society Hill. from general contractors to specialists such as electricians, As you know, the Physick house, between Pine plumbers, roofers, HVAC experts, and more. Every entry and Spruce on 4th Street, is the only free-standing has been recommended by at least one Society Hill resident. Federal townhouse remaining in Society Hill. Built Your help is needed to update the list and keep in 1786 by Madeira wine importer Henry Hill, the it accurate. We want to make it helpful and easy to use. residence was named after Dr. Philip Syng Physick, If you have contacted a person who is no longer in business the “Father of American Surgery.” Its collection or has changed contact numbers, please let us know so we has outstanding examples of French-influenced can make corrections. It can be frustrating to call several neoclassic furnishings, and the unusually large contractors only to find they are no longer working in that city garden contains plants popular in the 19th field. Also, if you have recommendations, we will be glad century and features a winding path, grotto, to add them to the list. and classical statuary. To report changes and/or to receive an updated List Friends of the Physick House is seeking new of Contractors, please contact Martha Levine at members. Interested? For more information, [email protected] or 215-629-1288. The list is contact neighbor Herb Gunther at 215-925-8261 not available online or by email. or [email protected].
Jan Stephano ABR,CSR
Lives, Knows, Sells Center City!
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215.922.3600 x219 [email protected] www.janstephano.com JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE 21
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
f you have news of neighborhood interest, submit it to Congratulations to Kelly Nelson… I the editor at [email protected]. The next issue whose Society of the Reporter comes out at the beginning of March. Hill-based design firm, nelson-plachter design, was recently named as one of the nation’s “up and coming design firms” by Kravet (a leader in to- the-trade home furnishings).
Hats Off to Neighbor Lisa Unger… for the resounding success of the first of her speaker series: Society Hill – Hot and Healthy. Stay tuned for more information about the May lecture, “Herbal Medicine: Does Mother Always Know Best?” Pictured above: Hot and Healthy greeters Babette Snyder, Carmella Peterson, Lisa Unger, M.D., Michael Fleisher and Jeanie Fields PAGE 22 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
Top 6% of all Realtors in Prudential Network Nationwide Accredited Luxury Home Specialist Diamond Award Hi Tech. Hi Touch. PAMELA D. LAWS A Winning Combination – ABR, ALHS, SRES, ASP in Person and on the Web! DESTINATION: HOME Buying? Selling? Please call or email your neighbor, Rosemary Fluehr. Know someone who’s Buying or Selling? Let me know. Referrals are the strength of my business. Rosemary Fluehr Associate Broker, GRI
215.546.0550 215-440-8195 – Direct 215-627-6005 – Office 215.790.5688 | [email protected] 215-514-9884 – Cell Fox & Roach, WWW. PHILADELPHIAPROPERTIES. NET rosemary.fl[email protected] REALTORS® www.rosemaryfluehr.com 530 Walnut Street, Suite 260 An independently owned and operated member of the Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.
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Contact me: Bari Shor 215-790-5678 [email protected] Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors 215-546-0550 x 5678 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE 23
WELCOME BASKETS BY MARTHA LEVINE A SHCA-Style Welcome to Society Hill
or 12 years, SHCA has been welcom- cuisine, with a specialty in handcrafted Fing new, first-time homeowners with sushi — in a modern, sleek setting. Also a special gift — the Welcome Basket. we welcome back Hello Home, 1004 Pine Delighted recipients are surprised to see Street, a colorful boutique specializing this large basket filled with fresh foods, in 50’s style modern furniture and home information and many gift certificates to accessories at affordable prices. area theaters, restaurants, shops and serv- Help us say thank you to all of our ices. The basket is our way of welcoming loyal contributors by patronizing their newcomers to one of the best neighbor- establishments. If you are a new first-time hoods in the country! We also aim to home or condo owner in Society Hill and introduce new folks to our hard-working Metropolitan Bakery owner Wendy have moved here in 2011, please let us civic association with the hope that they Born, with co-founder and head baker know you are here so that we may James Barrett, outside their bakery will join and support our volunteer efforts. present you with a Welcome Basket. at 19th and Rittenhouse Square. We welcome new contributor Fat Salmon, Contact Martha Levine at 215-629-0727 Metropolitan Bakery has been a loyal and generous contributor since 2000. 719 Walnut Street, which offers Japanese or [email protected].
2011 SOCIETY HILL WELCOME BASKET CONTRIBUTORS
Coffee Shops Specialty Foods Old City Coffee, 221 Church Street/Reading Terminal Market Homemade Goodies by Roz, 510 S. 5th Street Starbucks Coffee Inc., 8th & Walnut Streets Metropolitan Bakery, 262 S. 19th Street (Rittenhouse Square) Philadelphia Java Company, 518 S. 4th Street Zeke’s Deli, 318 S. 5th Street Food Stores Theaters/Entertainment Fork:etc (prepared foods), 308 Market Street Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut Street SuperFresh, 5th & Pine Streets Arden Theater, 40 N. 2nd Street Hair Salons Ballet X at Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad Street City Food Tours, 1518 Walnut Street Salon@5th, 316 S. 5th Street Eastern State Penitentiary, 2124 Fairmount Ave. Restaurants 1812 Productions (all comedy theater), 215-592-9560 Bistro Romano, 120 Lombard Street Ghost Tours of Philadelphia, 610-587-8308 Bridget Foy’s, 200 South Street InterAct Theater Company, 2030 Sansom Street Chops Restaurant & Bar, 700 Walnut Street Lantern Theater Company, 10th & Ludlow Streets (south of Market) City Tavern, 138 S. 2nd Street Lights of Liberty — featuring Liberty 360, 6th & Chestnut Streets Core De Roma, 214 South Street National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut Street Creperie Beau Monde, 624 S. 6th Street Pennsylvania Ballet, Academy of Music, Broad & Locust Streets Fat Salmon, 719 Walnut Street Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, 215-569-8080 Fork, 306 Market Street Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, 2111 Sansom Street Garces Restaurant Group: Philadelphia Theatre Company, S. Roberts Theater, Broad & Pine Streets -Amada, 217 Chestnut Street Piffaro, The Renaissance Band, 215-235-8469 -Tinto, 114-16 S. 20th Street Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th Street -Distrito, 3945 Chestnut Street The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Kimmel Center, 215-545-1739 -Chifa, 707 Chestnut Street The Philadelphia Chamber Ensemble, Old Pine Church La Buca Ristorante, 711 Locust Street Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad Street Mustard Greens (Chinese), 622 S. 2nd Street Other Services Positano Coast Restaurant, 2nd & Walnut Streets Judy Moon Massage Therapy, Hopkinson House, 604 Washington Square QBBQ & Tequila, 207 Chestnut Street Liberty Tree & Landscape Management, 215-725-3637 Ristorante Panorama, 14 N. Front Street Lux Spa and Fitness at the Omni Hotel, 401 Chestnut Street Village Belle, 757 S. Front Street Pennsylvania Dental Associates, 604 Washington Square South Specialty Shops Philadelphia Dance Academy (children/adult classes), 219 Cuthbert Street Adornamenti (jewelry), 1106 Pine Street Riff Cleaners, 314 S. 5th Street Happily Ever After (toys), 1010 Pine Street Salvatore Custom Drapery & Installations, 215-547-2880 Head House Books, 619 S. 2nd Street SCULPT—Personal Trainer, 215-803-0723 Hello Home, 1004 Pine Street The Dental Healthcare Group, Dr. Jeffrey Rosenberg, 413 Bainbridge Street Lolli Lolli (children’s clothing/toys), 713 Walnut Street The Pampered Chef (culinary products/meal tips), 215-764-7478 Paper On Pine (invitations/stationery), 115 S. 13th Street The Worth Collection (women’s fashions), 215-925-8813 Show of Hands Gallery (crafts), 1006 Pine Street Yoga Child (children & adult classes), 903 South Street PAGE 24 SOCIETYHILL Reporter JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE 25
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
2012 Membership Drive SOCIETY HILL CIVIC ASSOCIATION Starts Off With a Bang Membership Application y mid-December, 614 SHCA residents had Balready renewed their membership — a Name significant 13.4 percent increase over the 541 who had renewed at the same time last year. Address Apt. # If the current trend continues, we will well City, State, Zip surpass our 2011 membership total of 1,033. As usual, membership dues notices were mailed Home Phone on Novem ber 1st. Residents who returned their dues by December 31st were able to participate Work Phone in a drawing for two free dinners for two, which email we have done for the past few years. Without any (print clearly) extra incentive, this early positive response may IMPORTANT: Today most everyone communicates via email. Please be sure that we be a sign that the economy is on surer footing have your current email address — so that you can receive important updates between and that home values are no longer dropping. publication of our community newsletter. All SHCA emails will be judiciously screened, Winners of the dinners will be announced in and rarely will we send emails more than once a week. Nor will we share your email address with anyone else. This convenient, 21st-century system helps save our civic the March/April issue of the Reporter. association postage costs, while keeping you regularly informed. In any event we welcome all 2,600 households Residential Memberships Business Memberships in Society Hill to join the SHCA. Why is your l $ 50 Basic Household Membership l $ 100 Institutions — membership so important? Besides providing l $ 40 Senior/Student 5+ employees funding for our many neighborhood improve- ment projects (such as graffiti control, weekly l $ 100 Federal Friend l $ 60 Institutions — fewer than 5 employees sidewalk cleaning, and plantings in Washington l $ 150 Georgian Grantor Square), numbers speak volumes. When our l $ 300 Jefferson Benefactor board advocates on your behalf in response l $ 500 Washington Benefactor to zoning changes, real estate taxes, crime problems, ramp issues, trash receptacles, street l $ 1,000 Benjamin Franklin Benefactor lighting, bus re-routing, etc., it makes a greater Additional Contributions impact if they can say they speak on behalf of the majority of residents. You are also guaranteed a $______Washington Square Beautification $______Franklin Lights personal invitation to each of our social events — $______Sidewalk Cleaning/Graffiti Removal $______Tree Tenders the Holiday Social, the Washington Square Affair, the Soiree at the Shambles, and the Spring Fling. $______Zoning and Historic Preservation $______McCall School Without member dues, SHCA would cease Total Enclosed $______to function. Protect your neighborhood and l Charge VISA/MasterCard: your real estate investment. Sign up today! Email [email protected] if you have any ques- Number Exp Date tions or wish to comment on why you are not a Signature member. All comments will be shared with the board, which is representative of every quadrant The following topics are of special interest to me. I welcome receipt of email in our unique and historic neighborhood. updates on these topics. l Clean-Up Day l Washington Square l Zoning & Historic Preservation Have You Stopped Getting SHCA Emails? l Franklin Lights l Social Events l Fundraising Of SHCA’s database of 1,360 names and email l Dilworth House l Property Taxes l Local Crime addresses, about 110 entries have opted out, l Reporter l Casino Issues Incidents & Alerts mostly by accident or because email addresses Please return completed application to: have been changed. If you haven’t been receiving Society Hill Civic Association our weekly email blasts and wish to get back on P.O. Box 63503 Philadelphia, PA 19147 board, contact SHCA Administrator Matt DeJulio at 215-629-1288 or [email protected]. Society Hill society hill civic association civic association
civicSociety association Hill PAGE 26 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
NIFTY NEIGHBORS IN MY OWN BACKYARD BY JANE BIBERMAN Richard and Judy Get Their Deli
efore we moved museums, including the Philadelphia Museum “Bto Society Hill, of Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Judy and I lived in Art. The author of three books — When We Were the country without Ten, Florida Family Portrait, and Beach Boxes — a decent deli for 25 Judy has taught at the Museum of Fine Arts in years,” says Richard Boston, Tufts University, the University of the Gelles, only half- Arts in Philadelphia, and the International jokingly. “We subsisted Center of Photography in New York. on Entenmann’s frozen Four years ago, Society Hill Synagogue, where bagels.” That was they are members, asked Richard to discuss while he was professor violence in the city. “Everyone wanted to know and dean of the how they could help,” Judy recalls. “Richard College of Arts came up with the idea of adopting a school in and Sciences at the South Philadelphia. Each year, we help a differ- University of Rhode ent group of children with reading and writing. Island. When he was I helped write a grant so the synagogue got Richard and Judy Gelles offered an endowed chair in child welfare and funds to buy 20 point-and-shoot cameras. Seventh family violence at the University of Pennsylvania graders learn how to take photographs, put them in 1998, he let his wife pick out their new home. on a computer, and print them. Their subject is “We didn’t know anything about Philadelphia, themselves, their family, and their community.” but I fell in love with Society Hill for many reasons,” says Judy, an accomplished artist. While volunteering, Judy got the idea for her “It was important for me to be near the center latest endeavor. “The Fourth Grade Project of art, Old City, where I am now represented compares fourth graders from different economic, by Penti menti Gallery. Besides being a real cultural, and geographic areas,” she says. “I ask residential neighborhood, it was close to the the children three questions: who they live with, Ritz theaters and we both love movies.” Of what they wish for, and what they worry about. course, they were overjoyed to be in walking I photograph each student with his or her back distance of Zeke’s 5th Street Deli. to the camera for anonymity, and the words and images are juxtaposed to create a word portrait.” A native of New Hampshire, Judy has been married to Boston-born Richard for 40 years. She learned that inner-city kids worry about A world-renowned expert on child abuse and personal safety, while children in well-off schools domestic violence, he worked on Capitol Hill have the luxury to worry about world hunger and was influential in the passage of the Adoption and the environment. “I also had the opportunity and Safe Families Act of 1997. In 2002, he was to travel with Richard to India and China and named Dean of Social Policy and Practice at Penn. didn’t just want to be an appendage,” she relates, His 25th book, The Third Lie: Why Government “so I interviewed fourth graders in migrant Programs Don’t Work and a Blueprint for Change schools and middle-class schools.” Her goal is (Left Coast Press), was published to great to raise enough money to put together a book controversy in October. It begins: “As the old and an exhibition. “But that costs thousands of joke says, there are three big lies: first, ‘Of dollars,” she notes, adding that she helps raise course I will respect you in the morning’; second, funds by accepting a limited number of word ‘The check is in the mail’; and third, ‘I am from portrait commissions through the Pentimenti the government, and I am here to help you.’” Gallery. (For more information, visit www.judygelles.com.) Judy is similarly concerned with society and the plight of children. “My work is conceptual and Both Richard and Judy are appreciative of photo-based, using words and images to provide neighborhood support of their work. “Not only do social commentary on who we are and how we we live in the epicenter of American democracy,” think,” she explains. “Gender, passage of time, he says, “we feel we live in a place with a sense and family are consistent themes.” Her signature of community. I love trash and clean-up days, “word portraits” have been exhibited throughout and we are always meeting interesting people the United States and can be found in many major in Society Hill.” JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE 27
612 Spruce Street
in today’s market. Put my years of PAGE 28 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
SOCIETYHILL COMMUNITY CALENDAR Reporter Wednesday, January 18 • Delivered free to your door SHCA Board Meeting • Produced by your neighbors graphic 6:00 p.m. Great Court • Conference Room • Supported by local advertisers • design SHCA General Meeting • Keeping you informed about Parallel 7:30 p.m. Zubrow Auditorium our community Design Pennsylvania Hospital www.societyhillcivic.org 8th & Spruce Streets
Best Wishes for a Judy Lamirand Happy, Healthy New Year 215-476-4040
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