Spring/Summer 2011 The Newsletter of The Society Hill Civic Association

SOCIETY HILL Reporter www.societyhillcivic.org Exercise Your Right to Vote – On May 17th and May 18th!

ociety Hill Civic Association’s (SHCA’s) May Ellen Kaplan, Vice President and Policy S 18th General Membership Meeting promises Director of the government watchdog to be interesting as well as informative. Whether Committee of Seventy, will discuss her you’re a full-on political wonk or just a concerned organization’s recommendations about how citizen, you’ll want to attend this evening of presen- this upcoming re-districting should be done, x tations and discussion of what the demographic giving special consideration to the idea of trends in the 2010 Census reveal about Center City, public hearings with input from citizens. Vote and how they impact the redrawing of municipal We hope you will join us to hear these lively political districts — which happens every ten May 17th and engaging speakers discuss a topic that years and is due to occur early this September. in the 2011 will have consequences for all city residents. The Charter mandates that City Council must Philadelphia In addition, SHCA will conduct its annual come up with a re-districted map based on the Municipal election of Board Directors. We invite all new census figures. It is then presented to the Primary SHCA members to vote for the civic-minded Mayor, who must sign off on it. A decade ago candidates who have been asked to serve Election this process took place completely behind by our association’s Nominating Committee, closed doors, i.e. no public hearings or chaired by Vice President Jim Moss. See page neighborhood meetings. 15 for brief biographies of these nominees. Our first speaker is Tom Ferrick, a former Philadelphia Inquirer columnist and now the 2011-12 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS senior editor ofMetropolis, a Philadelphia-based President news and information website that debuted in (1-year term) Steven Weixler late 2009. Tom will discuss the demographic trends Vice President (1-year term) Bernice Hamel that the recent census shows; for instance, he George Kelley will talk about why this is the first time in 60 years Benita Fair Langsdorf Martha Levine that Philadelphia’s population did not go down. Jerrold (Jim) Moss Treasurer (1-year term) Zaineb Ainuddin-Zekeria WED. MARK YOUR CALENDAR Secretary (1-year term) George Dowdall May Continuing Director Rosanne Loesch Society Hill Civic Association Meetings Quadrant Representatives Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Each quadrant has three representatives. The year an individual’s term ends is noted before his or her name. 18 Pennsylvania Hospital, 8th & Spruce Streets The four newly nominated Quadrant Representatives 5:45 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting have terms ending in 2014. Pennsylvania Hospital Great Court Conference Room Northeast Quadrant 2012 Andrew Hohns All SHCA members are welcome. 2013 Lorna Katz Lawson 2014 Lenore Hardy 7:30 p.m. General Membership Meeting Northwest Quadrant 2012 Andrea Layden Pennsylvania Hospital Zubrow Auditorium 2013 Lawrence Burstein 2014 Sissie Lipton All neighborhood residents are invited to attend. Southeast Quadrant 2012 Tania Rorke Topics: SHCA Board of Directors & Officer’s Election, 2010 Census and City Re-districting 2013 Robert Curley 2014 Jane Ahn Speakers: Tom Ferrick, Jr., Senior Editor, Metropolis Southwest Quadrant 2012 Sheila Paulos Ellen Kaplan, Vice Presidet, Committee of Seventy 2013 Melvin Buckman 2014 Francisco Carreno PAGE 2 SOCIETY HILL Reporter SOCIETYReporter HILL

Managing Editor Graphic Design Sandra Rothman Judy Lamirand, Parallel Design [email protected] Editorial Board Jane Biberman Press Release Liaison Robert M. Dever c/o Matt DeJulio, Lenore Hardy [email protected] Carole LeFaivre-Rochester Advertising Manager Rosanne Loesch Matt DeJulio Jim Murphy [email protected] Columnists Society Hill Marilyn Appel Civic Association Jane Biberman P. O. Box 63503

Lorna Katz-Lawson Philadelphia, PA 19147 w Rosanne Loesch tel: 215-629-1288 w design group, llc Jim Murphy Keri White Submission Deadlines September/October Issue modern design for garden and home Contributors Advertising: August 1st Matt DeJulio Editorial: August 10th view our portfolio of projects at Elizabeth Doblovosky mwdesigngroupllc.com Martha Levine Website Rosanne Loesch www.societyhillcivic.org PHL 267.872.8814 · NYC 646.360.4111

Submissions We want to hear from you. Our goal is to print news of interest to Society Hillers — happenings in and around our community for residents, businesses and professionals. Direct your editorial submissions and/or queries to Sandra Rothman by phone at 215-671-0554 or e-mail [email protected]. To publicize an event, submit all pressreleases directly. Materials must be submitted in writing — via mail or e-mail — and must include the name of a contact person. Edited submissions will be considered for publication if the subject matter is community-related and if space allows. Otherwise, upcoming events of interest may be listed in the Community Calendar. Letters to the Editor will be considered for publica- tion only if signed and the writer provides contact information.

In This Issue…

Page 5 Page 19 Society Hill Open House Is Society Hill Going and Garden Tour to the Dogs?

Page 7 Page 21 ADA Sidewalk Ramp Project Exploring the City: The National Muse um of Page 13 American Jewish History Foxwoods Casino Update WEIXLER PETERSON LUZI Page 22 Page 15 Barry Blumberg Dies at age 85 Meet New SHCA Board EXCEPTIONAL INTERIORS • EXTRAORDINARY LIVING Page 34 Page 18 215 • 592 • 9570 www.wplinc.com Nifty Neighbors: Prix Fixe Lunch in Old City Meet Delores Flynn Brisbon SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 PAGE 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE A Fond Farewell

ociety Hill friends, this is my last President’s walk repair (“Fix the Brix”) subsidy program. We S Message. I will be stepping down at the end have also maintained a healthy membership base of May, and long-time Board Director Steve Weixler and continued and improved delivery of important will become Society Hill Civic Associa tion’s new community services during tough economic times, president. Steve brings a wealth of experience streamlined and improved financial operations, and, to the job, including many years serving as a most recently, have taken a leadership role in get- Board Director, Zoning & Historic Preservation ting historic preservation oversight for the city’s Com mit tee Chair and the SHCA Delegate to and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramp project. Chair man of the Central Delaware Advocacy Group. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Our association will be in extremely capable hands. Rosanne Loesch, Society Hill Civic Association’s president. One of Steve and I have worked together over the last President the many things I’ve learned from participation in couple of months to assure a smooth transition. association work is that it takes constant vigilance I wish him the very best in his new job! to preserve and protect the historic character of “…it takes As many of you know, I have served a long time our neighborhood and to maintain and improve constant on the SHCA Board, as one of the leaders of the the quality of life in big city residential neighbor- casino fight and now ending two years of service hoods. I’ve also learned that the latter objectives vigilance as the association’s president. Although I will cannot be accomplished without the most dedicat- to preserve continue to serve on the Board as a Director ed group of volunteers imaginable. and protect and ex-officio president, it is time take a break It has been a special privilege to work with the the historic from the big responsibility of leadership. volunteer officers, directors, committee chairs, character Over the last two years, we have accomplished committee members and neighborhood residents of our a variety of things of which I am proud. SHCA who make this association hum. I send a special neighborhood.” successfully shepherded the Washington Square note of thanks to Matt DeJulio, who is as com mit - Affair through its first two years as a new ted and as competent an administrator that ever fundraising event for Washington Square, and was. I also must honor our fellow neighborhood made a major donation to the park for a capital organizations, which have amazingly dedicated improvement. It continued its leadership role in volunteers working in the coalitions in which we the waterfront plan that evolved from the Penn participate. I encourage you to support SHCA Praxis project, and joined hands with a large through a $50 annual membership — it is worth coalition of communities giving input and feedback every penny — and to make an additional contri- on important city planning initiatives — the new bution if you are so able. Also, if you have the time city zoning code and the 2035 Plan. to volunteer your services to one or more of the association’s many activities, you will help keep SHCA volunteers have single-handedly organized this neighborhood strong. the annual spring Society Hill House Tours without the long-time support of the Friends of I look forward to seeing you at the May Independence National Historical Park(which 18th General Meeting for an entertaining stopped its 30-year-old Open House program three and informative program with speakers years ago), and increased participation in the side- Tom Ferrick and Ellen Kaplan. PAGE 4 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

SATURDAY, MAY 14TH Spring Clean-Up Day

et ready to do your part in tidying up Friday until 3 p.m. Saturday,” Society Hill’s Block G our special corner of the world on Saturday Coordinators are encouraged to remove these morning, May 14th. Remember: company’s signs as near to 1 p.m. as possible — so that coming the following Sunday (see Open House cars can be moved back to their usual side Tour on page 5), and we want to sparkle! of the street to avoid being ticketed. Clean-Up Day is a good time to get rid of left- Coordinating this Spring Clean-Up Day are co- over leaves and winter debris. All Society Hill chairs Spencer Finch ([email protected]) residents are encouraged to sweep their side- and Bob Curley ([email protected]). walks and gutters, as well as nearby walkways For last-minute Clean-Up Day questions, call and alleyways, before the city’s sweeper trucks Spencer at 215-592-0536 or Bob at 215-592-4251. What a lot arrive sometime between 8 a.m. and noon. of rubbish! Clean-Up Day’s Trash bags will be available — handed out by SHCA’s Clean-Up Day volunteers — at the Paper-Shredding Service S. 5th Street SuperFresh, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. On Clean-Up Day, SHCA is again sponsoring By 1 p.m., your bagged street leaves and trash a paper-shredding service for the convenience (but no household garbage!) should be left at of Society Hill residents (sorry, no businesses). the intersections where Locust, Spruce, Pine This special service is only for confidential and Lombard Streets cross the numbered materials, since non-confidential papers streets. Remember to help clean Three should be recycled — not shredded. Bears Park, too! MAY 10TH • Shredding services will be available at the Wherever posted, cars must be moved to the St. Peter’s School parking lot, at 3rd and Bike Lane Meeting opposite side of the street after 6 p.m. on Friday Lombard Streets. Tuesday, May 10th night — or they could be ticketed on Saturday • Hours are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or earlier 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. morning, beginning at 8 a.m. Please note that to accommodate Saturday synagogue services, if the truck reaches capacity). Jefferson University the 300, 400 and 500 blocks of both Spruce and Alumni Hall • Paper only is accepted — no CD’s or disks. 1000 Locust Street Lombard Streets will be swept by 8:30 a.m. — leaving the south side of these streets available Please note that no computer or electronic Learn about plans to for congregants to park their cars. recycling will be available for the spring mark bike lanes on clean-up. We hope to provide this service 10th and 13th Streets All streets will be swept from Front to 8th and for the fall clean-up in November. on a pilot basis. from Walnut to Lombard Streets (not including If you partake of this special shredding service Questions? Contact Walnut Street). There will be NO PARKING on and are not yet a SHCA member, please consider Charles Carmalt, either side of the 300 and 400 blocks of Front Pedestrian and Street, the 200 and 300 blocks of 2nd Street, joining our civic association — simply fill out the Bicycle Coordinator, and Lawrence Court. Although “Other Side form on page 33 or go to societyhillcivic.org.

[email protected] Parking” signs will generally read “from 6 p.m. Any questions? Call 215-629-1288.

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SUNDAY, MAY 22ND Society Hill Open House & Garden Tour

ut on your most comfortable walking shoes Dining With Discounts is being offered again P and take this delightful self-guided tour of this year. Five area restaurants have partnered more than 10 homes and gardens in one of with the tour and will offer discounts for lunch our nation’s most historic neighborhoods. or dinner for ticket-holders only and limited to the tour day. Present your ticket and enjoy Each year, the Society Hill Tour offers an all- lunch before or dinner after the tour. new selection of exceptional homes and gardens that range in style and décor from the 18th- and Advance Ticket Purchases are encouraged. 19th-century period to the most contemporary To purchase a ticket, receive a brochure, styles. According to event chairs Linda Skale volunteer, or for more information, contact and Martha Levine, “many people love to attend SHCA by e-mailing [email protected], calling this tour to get inspirational design ideas they 215-629-1288, or visiting www.societyhillcivic.org can use in their own homes.” Come and get and clicking on “Open House Tour.” Tickets wonderful ideas for your home and garden! can also be purchased on the day of the tour at Old Pine Street Church, 412 Pine Street. Sponsored by the Society Hill Civic Association, proceeds benefit SHCA and are used for neighbor- Fast Facts... Tickets are now hood improvement and beautification projects. Date: Sunday, May 22nd on sale for the The benefits of participating in this event are two - Time: 1 - 5 p.m. 33rd Annual fold: a relaxing and fun afternoon, and the support Cost: $25 per advance ticket; $30 at the door Society Hill of our “national treasure” neighborhood! We Group rates are available. Open House & also welcome volunteers to host the houses and Complimentary light refreshments and rest rooms Garden Tour! gardens on the tour day. We offer a free ticket are available at Old Pine Street Church. in appreciation for two hours of volunteering. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.

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CHEEK WALLS AND TRUNCATED DOMES Sidewalk Ramp Project Gets State Historical Commission Review

ociety Hill Civic Association’s discovery of SHCA met with the city in 2009 and was shown an Sidewalk ramps S the use of “cheek walls,” by contractors for image of a dark gray cement ramp and a synthetic the city installing federally mandated American mat with domes in a dark red color. The city empha- can be made of with Disabilities Act (ADA) sidewalk ramps, has sized the maintenance issues associated with brick, materials other resulted in a full review of the project by the state but did not discuss how difficult it would be to jack than cement. historical commission. This is a first step, but not hammer damaged or cracked concrete ramps and a small one, in getting the historical protections pour new ones to achieve specific slope requirements. a neighborhood like Society Hill should have The INHP option of all-brick ramps was not pre - received in the first place. sented. Based on limited options, SHCA approved cement with synthetic mats. Once the project Cheek walls (see photo of historic home at started in March of this year, however, residents 3rd and Delancey) are poured concrete beams began bombarding the association with complaints that are used to fill in a gap between the sidewalk about the use of cheek walls, the garish orange and the wall of the property when the sidewalk color of the mats (the city said the supplier sent must be lowered (and the foundation of the the wrong color) and the large areas of almost-white buildingexposed) to achieve a very specific slope colored cement being used to create the ramps. Cheek wall on historic of 8.33 percent. SHCA did not know that cheek Delancey Street property walls would be used in this project, and the Upon further investigation, SHCA, with the help of Pennsyl vania Historical & Museum Commission the Preservation Alliance, learned that the historic (PHMC) never reviewed or approved their use. review could not be bypassed. It also learned that, although the strict slope requirements must be met Because the city and PennDot are using — and there must be a contrasting area (in texture federal funds for the ramp project, a so-called and hue) that signals entry into the street, ramp “106” review is required by the state historical materials are not specified in the ADA regulations. commission when the project is determined to In other words, ramps can be made of materials have an adverse affect on an historic district. other than cement — for example, brick or stone, Since PHMC thought that the project only or truncated brick for the textured area. Large cement ramp at involved ramps and not cheek walls it was Willings Alley & 3rd Street initially determined that there was no adverse Thanks to the assistance of the Preservation All - affect and therefore no 106 review was conducted iance and Councilman Frank DiCicco, SHCA has with consulting parties. We now know that the met with high-level officials of the city, including 106 review applies not only to Society Hill, but the Streets Department Commissioner, the Deputy also Old City, Washington Square West, Queen Commissioner, the Law Department, PennDot, Village, Rittenhouse, Fitler and other areas, the Mayor’s Office on ADA, and the Philadelphia because these neighborhoods are all National His tor i cal Commission (PHC). We are also in talks Register historic districts. with PHMC, now that the 106 review process has been implemented. Ramp work has been stopped The city says that it didn’t know that cheek in the meantime, or so we were told, as of this writing. All-brick ramp inside walls would be necessary, because it contracted The city and PennDot have said that they will Independence National the ramp project as “design/build” — i.e. the Historical Park. followwhatever guidelines PHMC provides on contractor would find the solution to achieving how this ramp project should proceed in the city’s slope requirements on site. However, SHCA historic districts. Society Hill strongly advocates Follow this story learned that Independence National Historical for the following in its national historic district, at planphilly.com Park (INHP) negotiated with the city last one of the most sensitive districts in the nation: and e-mail summer about the use of cheek walls on its 1 do not use cheek walls on any of its properties, [email protected] properties because INHP reviewed construction if you want contact as all are in a nationally protected district and are drawings and saw that cheek walls would be information for writing necessary. As a result, INHP stipulated that classified as either historic or contributing on the to the city about the no such cheek walls would be installed on Philadelphia Register (the city’s law depart menthas ramp project. its properties and also that its ramps would instructed PHC that it does not have jurisdiction); be made of red brick or blue stone (depending 2 brick ramps with contrasting grey-colored bricks on the existing materials of the sidewalk) and with truncated domes as used for INHP ramps; and the textured mat area would be made of bricks 3 restore the historic buildings that have had cheek with truncated domes (see photo). walls installed. PAGE 8 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

SUNDAY, JUNE 9TH Join Us Again June 9th for The Affair on the Square

nvitations to this greatly anticipated event were sent out to all Imembers in late April. If you are not a member but want to be part of the fun, contact SHCA Administrator Matt DeJulio at [email protected] or 215-629-1288. Matt will instruct you on how to become a member; and will then mail your invitation. We ask you to respond promptly, since last year’s event sold out quickly and we don’t want you to be disappointed!

Patrons at last year’s “Affair” contributed more than $40,000 for the Square. Watch the mail for your invita- tion, and get those “party hats” ready! SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 PAGE 9

SIDEWALKS ON THE LEVEL “Fix The Brix” Rebates

HCA is offering homeowners in Society Hill not backyards or alleys, may be included in S a rebate of 40% (or up to $300) for repairing this project. Choose a contractor to do the their sidewalks. Through the “Fix the Brix” work. program, we offer an incentive to homeowners 3 When the work is completed to your satisfac- who choose to level their front brick or cement tion, submit a copy of the invoice to SHCA. pavements. Make sure the invoice specifies that the Society Hill sidewalks are primarily paved with front sidewalk has been repaired. bricks. Over time, many of our sidewalks become 4 Receive a check for 40%, or up to $300, uneven due to shifts in the bricks, as well as tree of the total bill for the work done. roots pushing upward, and are thus hazardous to navigate. You may not realize it, but the city We thank the more than 50 households who has no obligation to fix our sidewalks. They have participated in the “Fix the Brix” program are considered the homeowner’s responsibility. to date. You have done a great service to our There fore, we must take care of this maintenance neighborhood as well as to your own property. ourselves. It is a liability issue — homeowners are With newly acquired funding for this project, liable for any injury incurred on their sidewalks SHCA expects to continue the rebate offer if the injury is due to an uneven surface. throughout 2011. It is easy to receive a rebate: To receive a list of masons and arborists by e-mail or postal service, contact Martha Levine 1 Contact SHCA for a list of recommended at [email protected], 215-629-0727 or Frank masons and arborists (see below). Signorello at [email protected]. At 2 Get several estimates for work to be done the completion of work, mail your invoice copy on your front pavement. Only front sidewalks, to SHCA, P.O. Box 63503, Philadelphia, PA 19147. PAGE 10 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

ZONING AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION

BY LORNA KATZ-LAWSON Advocating for Our Future

HCA’s Zoning and Historic Preservation and be prepared for the process of approval by S (ZHP) Committee meets monthly in order the Philadelphia Historical Commission (PHC), to address concerns related to both zoning and which is required for exterior changes, and historic preservation in our community. ZHP for any zoning variance which may be needed. helps neighbors who would like to make changes We urge you to submit your plans to the ZHP to the exteriors of their properties understand committee before submitting them to the PHC.

Crosstown Coalition Advocacy Activities

Zoning Code Commission Phila 2035 Comprehensive Plan Having successfully advocated for an SHCA is also working with CC to participate in extension of the review period, the Crosstown reviewing with the Philadelphia City Planning Coalition (CC) has been participating in four Commission (PCPC) the plan that will guide de - “Zoning Code Stakeholder X-Changes,” small velopment in Philadelphia through the year 2035. meetings with members of the Zoning Code The Plan will be adjusted every 10 years, depend- Commission (ZCC) and the public, devoted ing on whether assumptions, such as population to different sections of the code. Participants and job increases, actually occur at the predicted from CC have gotten together prior to these rate or not at all. CC had gotten an extension of X-Change meetings to develop key discussion the review period and has participated in two of issues and have submitted these to ZCC the three review sessions devoted to each piece for consideration. Some suggestions for of the plan: THRIVE, CONNECT and RENEW. revisions have been accepted and some ZHP member Harry Schwartz is reviewing the are still being debated in ZCC “work plan” historic preservation piece of the proposal that committees. falls under “sustainability” issues and will make SHCA has been particularly interested in written comment for the Preservation Alliance limiting the density of uses that could be and SHCA use. Lorna Katz Lawson and Rosanne introduced into Society Hill under the pro- Loesch have contributed to the THRIVE and posed new code, such as day care, group CONNECT sessions respectively. homes and bed and breakfasts. At the latest The document has been criticized for not ZCC meeting, Commissioner Greg Pastore being realistic enough. CC has made many and Councilman O’Neil said that there has suggestions to PCPC to make it a more been so much push on this issue in neighbor- credible document. Visit PCPC’s website hoods throughout the city that more work was www.philaplanning.org if you wish to needed before it could be finalized. download the plan.

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ZONING AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION Recent Zoning & Building Applications

Wells Fargo Bank 307 Delancey Street Some of the signs approved by the Philadelphia The owner appealed to the Licenses & Historic Commission in February have been Inspections Board (L&I) to reconsider installed at the bank’s location at 2nd and Pine the nearly unanimous decision of PHC and Streets. Several neighbors were shocked by recommendation of ZHP to deny legalization their brightness, size and location. Red and gold of a ceramic mosaic mural installed in a appear brighter to the eye than the blue, white garden wall visible from Delancey Street. and green of the former Wachovia signage, but 307 Delancey sets back from the adjacent there is nothing SHCA can do, as the logo is the houses and has an open space (garden) on corporate branding of Wells Fargo. We thank the the street to allow access down into the base- Bank for responding to SHCA’s comments and ment level of the two-family dwelling. ZHP replacing the large towing signs with much had opposed the mural because it was incon- smaller, discreet signs. sistent with the neighborhood character and There will presumably be internally illuminated was constructed in a manner that violates the signs inside the building and visible to the street. rules of the Historic Preser vationOrdinance. ZHP has sent a letter to Wells Fargo and PHC There is no historic precedent for murals objecting to ALL internally illuminated signage per se in the Society Hill Historic District. as being out of character for the neighborhood The owner’s appeal was based on his belief and also a potential irritation to residents who that he was providing a community asset might have second-floor windows looking toward rather than just restoring the previous dull the building. Wells Fargo revised their design, stucco that needed repair. He brought several eliminating the internally lighted exterior signs neighbors and the artist to the hearing to but not the internally illuminated interior ones. testify on his behalf. Legally, they have every right to install them because the sign ordinance does not address One near neighbor, who presented a letter those located inside buildings, despite the fact counter signed by several other neighbors, that they can have equal impact. SHCA is work- testified against the project. After lengthy ing with the Society to Reduce Urban Blight deliberations, theL&I Review board upheld and the Crosstown Coalition to change this the PHC decision to deny legalization of the in the proposed new zoning code. mural and recommended that the owner find Hopkinson House a way to mitigate the mural, a suggestion also encouraged by ZHP prior to A thaw in the weather allowed contractors the appeal hearing. to install an actual mockup of the through-wall mechanical system proposed for all of Hopkinson 613 Pine Street House, so that the PHC could observe the design A second continuance due to the lack of and evaluate whether the building’s historic proper drawings was granted by PHC for the character was being appropriately preserved. proposed garage addition at the rear of the The proposed changes were given final building. This application will also require approval by PHC. a zoning variance. 221 Pine Street 512 Spruce Street The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) denied The proposal to enclose an existing 4th story both the proposal of an expansion of the rear deck was supported by adjacent neighbors addition and the change to a two-family dwelling. and ZHP and was approved at the ZBA. This The property is excessively narrow and is proposal was originally flagged to the ZBA already considerably over-built. The ZBA because the building already exceeds the allow- decision was consistent with ZHP’s letter and able height limit of 35 feet. The so-called addi- testimony at the hearing and the Philadelphia tion does not increase either the footprint nor Planning Commis sion’s recommendation. The the building height beyond what is the existing committee has been tracking this property over a condition. PHC approved the changes because 15-month period through three different owners. they are not visible from a public street. PAGE 12 SOCIETY HILL Reporter SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 PAGE 13

ALL BETS ARE OFF The Latest in the Foxwoods Casino Saga

ust when we thought it was over, partners The investors, known as Philadelphia Enter tain ment Jin Foxwoods Casino filed an appeal in & Development Partners, accuse the board of Commonwealth Court in early April, seeking to making “a legally flawed” decision “without reverse the revocation of their $50 million license conducting an evidentiary hearing to resolve to build a casino in South Philadelphia, the first numerous disputed issues of material fact.” They revocation since the Pennsylvania legislature add that they spent more than four years and legalized gambling in 2004. The Gaming Control $160 million to develop the casino project. Board must reply by May 11th, with a hearing Remember that Foxwoods was one of five stand-alone expected in early June in Harrisburg. Stay tuned. casinos awarded a gaming license on December (See blast e-mail information on this page). 20th, 2006 by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control In the meantime, vote in the May 17th Municipal Board. It was originally to be built on the Delaware Primary Election. The best way to improve this River at Columbus Boulevard and Reed Street. Stiff situation is to run and elect candidates with a opposition from residents and elected officials forced proven anti-casino record. the proposal first to The Gallery at Market East and, when that fell through, onto three floors of the for- As reported in the Philadelphia Inquirer, mer Strawbridge’s flagship store at 8th and Market Foxwoods’ petition states that the Pennsylvania’s Streets. Finally, the location was returned to its Gaming Control Board denied the investors a original waterfront site, about three miles from the chance to sufficiently argue their case when it Sugar house Casino (which opened Septem ber 2010). refused to hold a full hearing and instead issued Difficulties in arranging financing in the wake of a summary judgment December 16th to strip the 2008 financial downturn caused the Foxwood’s the project of its license. project to stall before the license was revoked.

SHCA BLAST E-MAILS

echnology has given us the means to share relevant news and information in a timely manner T with all Society Hill residents. SHCA limits its e-mails to one newsletter on Fridays and a very occasional special blast e-mail. We encourage everyone to include their e-mail addresses in our massive “group e-mail list” — which currently consists of over 1,000 households. Contact Matt DeJulio, SHCA Administrator, at [email protected] or 215-629-1288.

Take Care of our Society Hill Franklin Lights! Contractors List

f you see a Franklin Light with the following eed to have work done on your home and I problems, please call 311 immediately to report Ndon’t know where to start? SHCA provides it. Give the exact location and follow up to make a neighbor-recommended Society Hill List of sure the repair is done properly. It takes five to ten Contractors to all current SHCA members. business days for the city to provide this important The 12-page list is comprised of contractors service. It is up to us, and only us, to take care of of all types under these categories: general our lights so that we may have a brighter, safer contractors, painters, electricians, neighborhood! plumbers, landscapers, and anything Call 311 if: related to house maintenance. To get a copy mailed to you (not available • The bulb is out or blinking. by e-mail), please contact Martha • The pole or lantern is damaged. Levine at [email protected] or • For graffiti, e-mail SHCA: [email protected]. 215-629-0727. PAGE 14 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

A place to be known, a place to know others; a place to experience the process of maturing as a series of rewards and responsibilities rather than hurdles. Get Wisdom. Get Understanding.

Please call to schedule a visit for you and your child.

We would love to get to know you.

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• Blue Bell • Pottstown • Jenkintown • Center City • King of Prussia • Lansdale • Doylestown • Collegeville SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 PAGE 15

ANNUAL ELECTION OF BOARD DIRECTORS Hail & Farewell to SHCA’s Leadership

t our May 18th General Membership Meeting, has served our community with great energy, A we will say farewell to SHCA’s departing dedication and grace for the past two years; officers and quadrant directors, and welcome their and will continue to be a presence in the role replacements. As you may know, each officer is of Continuing Director/Ex Officio President. elected for a one-year term and can serve on the Many thanks to both Carol Colabelli and Kevin Board for as long as three consecutive years — Miller, who most recently served as vice presi- if or when reelected. Society Hill’s four quadrant dents and will now retire from the Board, as well areas are served by three Board representatives as Southwest Quadrant Director Ned Scharff and each, and for three-year terms each. In addition, Southeast Quadrant Director Everett Katzen. any director representing his or her condominium association is appointed by its management for a We most heartily welcome incoming SHCA one-year term and can serve a maximum of three officers and quadrant directors and warmly thank successive one-year terms. all neighbors who donate their time and efforts on behalf of our civic association. The following Prior to welcoming our nominees, we gratefully are brief personal and professional biographies acknowledge and give thanks to the following for our 2011-2012 Board. All condominium repre- neighbors who shared with our community so sentatives who are appointed to SHCA’s Board by much of their time and talents. First and foremost, their membership associations will be introduced we thank outgoing President Rosanne Loesch, who in the next issue of the Reporter.

Meet the Board Officers Steve Weixler, President Zaineb Ainuddin-Zekeria, Treasurer Steve is a long-term resident of Society Hill. As Zaineb Zekeria and her husband, Faizal, have principal in the Society Hill-based interior design lived in the Society Hill Towers since 2004. firm Weixler, Peterson and Luzi, Steve’s work has She has spent her career doing audit, accounting, appeared in Architectural Digest, Florida Design, tax compliance and general business management and Philadelphia Style. He has won numerous consulting, since graduating from Temple Univer - awards, and his own condominium at Hopkinson sity, where she majored in accounting and finance. House appeared on HGTV’s program “Interiors Zaineb is currently a CPA working in the financial By Design,” featured as an example of stylish city services industry. Aside from spending time with living. Steve has a deep concern for the preserva- family and friends, Zaineb’s other activities include tion of Society Hill’s historic architecture and was learning languages, volunteering in the community, chair of our civic association’s Zoning & Historic reading, watching movies, traveling and keeping Preservation Committee for several years, appear- up with her cello playing. ing often at City Hall hearings and representing Benita Fair Langsdorf, Vice President our community’s best interests. He is also a Board Director of the Head House Conser vancy and is Benita moved from the Philadelphia suburbs serving his third term as Chairman of the Central to Washington Square about 6 years ago. Shortly Delaware Advocacy Group. after her move she became an active and dedicated member of the Zoning & Preservation Committee. George W. Dowdall, Recording Secretary Professionally, she is a Senior Counsel of Managed George grew up in New York City and is a Care at Independence Blue Cross. A graduate of graduate of Regis High School and Holy Cross Cornell University, with a Master’s in Education College. He received a Ph.D. in Sociology from from Temple University and a law degree from Brown University and has been a professor at Widener University, Benita was elected last year Saint Joseph’s University since 1982. George to the National Board of the Hebrew Immigrant serves on the Pennsylvania Advisory Council Aid Society. She has also been a long-time member on Drug and Alcohol Abuse and on the Board of the Women’s Leadership Board of the Jewish of Directors of Security on Campus, Inc., and Federation of Philadelphia. She has three adult SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now), Inc. He has been children, living in New York, Chicago, and a member of the Civic Association for more than Los Angeles. 10 years and has served as secretary since 2010. continued on page 17 PAGE 16 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

Liberty Tree by Thomas Paine

A song written early in the American Revolution.

In a chariot of light from the regions of day, The Goddess of Liberty came; Ten thousand celestials directed the way And hither conducted the dame. CHILDREN’S DENTAL ASSOCIATES, P.C. A fair budding branch from the gardens above, STEPHEN D. COHEN, D.D.S. Where millions with millions agree, She brought in her hand as a pledge of her love, PEDIATRIC And the plant she named Liberty Tree. DENTISTRY AND The celestial exotic struck deep in the ground, ORTHODONTICS Like a native it flourished and bore; Since 1973 The fame of its fruit drew the nations around, 607 Chestnut Street To seek out this peaceable shore. Philadelphia, Pa 19106 www.kiddy2th.com Unmindful of names or distinction they came, 215-925-6251 For freemen like brothers agree; With one spirit endued, they one friendship pursued, And their temple was Liberty Tree. Beneath this fair tree, like the patriarchs of old, Their bread in contentment they ate, Unvexed with the troubles of silver and gold, The cares of the grand and the great. With timber and tar they Old England supplied, And supported her power on the sea; Her battles they fought, without getting a groat, For the honor of Liberty Tree. But hear, O ye swains, ‘tis a tale most profane, How all the tyrannical powers, Kings, Commons, and Lords, are uniting amain To cut down this guardian of ours; From the east to the west blow the trumpet to arms Through the land let the sound of it flee, Let the far and the near, all unite with a cheer, In defence of our Liberty Tree.

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ANNUAL ELECTION OF BOARD DIRECTORS Meet the Board Officers*

Bernice Hamel, Vice President Martha Levine, Vice President Since her 1987 arrival in Society Hill, Bernice Martha Levine is best known as SHCA’s Chair put her professional pen to the test and of the Franklin Lights Committee, where she became a vocal civic activist. A founder and oversaw fundraising for, and the replacement of, president of the Head House Conservancy, 500 Franklin Lights, doubling the illumination in she has been involved in several citywide our neighborhood. Martha initiated the Welcome historic preservation efforts. Bernice is best Basket program and frequently presents new known as the founder and editor of the Society Society Hill homeowners with baskets generously Hill Reporter, a position she has recently given filled with gifts from local shops and businesses. up in order to devote time to her first love — Society Hill’s List of Recommended Contrac tors fiction writing. In 2001 Bernice was awarded is another project that newcomers as well as a citation by the Mayor of Phila del phia for longtime residents appreciate. Martha co-chairs promoting education and awareness of the the Society Hill Open House and Garden Tours. city’s history. She and her husband, Bernard, In addition, she manages our community’s 50 treasure living in their 1762 townhouse, which Block Coordinators. Formerly a Philadelphia their two sons and four grandchildren love public school teacher, she earned an MBA in to visit. They are intrepid world travelers, marketing. Martha lives with husband, Howard as well as enthusiastic skiers and hikers. Sedran, a lawyer, and their daughter. George Kelley, Vice President Jim Moss, Vice President George moved from Bryn Mawr to his home A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law on Spruce Street more than 4 years ago. As a School, Jim practices with Astor Weiss Kaplan former two-term President of the Wynnewood and Mandel, where he concentrates in litigation, *Before the election, SHCA General Member - Civic Association, he soon volunteered for business transactions, and representation of artists, ship will consider a services in “his new community” and was galleries and non-profit organizations. He has been proposed amendment to invited to work with SHCA’s Zoning and an officer of both the Pennsylvania and Philadel - the by-laws which would Historic Preservation Committee. He was phia Trial Lawyers Associations, and currently change the current five then appointed a Block Coordinator and is pro-bono counsel for the Central Delaware vice president positions to one vice president voluntarily committed many hours (and some Advocacy Group, the public voice supporting the and four at-large sore fingers) to removing graffiti and vandal Penn Praxis vision for the Delaware River water- directors. If approved, stickers from signs and other public property front. Jim has also been vice president of the Benita Fair Langsdorf throughout Society Hill. As a retired corporate Society Hill Towers Owners Association. Before will be the nominee for attorney, he assisted SHCA’s legal committee Jim and his wife, Marsha, a public art curator vice president and the others nominated as in its anti-casino lawsuit and has been especially and consultant, moved to Philadelphia, he was vice presidents, who are active in that campaign. He is a current active in Cheltenham where he served on the listed on this page, will president of his condominium association Zoning Board and chaired the Commission that become the nominees in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. drafted Cheltenham’s Home Rule Charter. for directors-at-large. continued on page 29

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PHILLY FOOD LOVERS

BY KERI WHITE Lunch in Old City From A(mado) to Z(ento)

We welcome the on’t get me wrong. I love my Society Hill I followed that with the chicken a la plancha — return of Keri White, Dtownhouse. I really do. But after our recent a grilled chicken and chorizo sandwich with former columnist for long, cold winter, I was eager to leave home in tomato garlic aioli and some of the best fries in Kids’ Beat, who will do search of, well, almost anything. I especially town. I am a sucker for fries, I admit, and these an occasional article enjoyed the thought of leaving for a fabulous are pretty special—accompanied by the famous highlighting all things “brava sauce,” a transcendent preparation that yummy in our area. and frugal lunch not too far away. takes the best qualities of aioli, barbecue sauce While planning the research for this article, and select spices to makes me feel that all is the calendar indicated it was early spring, so right with the world. I was torn, however, in I envisioned myself strolling about Old City on my sandwich selection: the skirt steak with a balmy day, wearing a stylish spring ensemble, caramelized onion, the slow cooked pork, or definitely sunglasses, possibly even sitting at the vegetarian? All tempted me. One cautionary an outdoor table. However, this was clearly a note: these sandwiches are large and messy. figment of my imagination and the mendacity If this is an interview lunch, stick with the of Punxsutawney Phil, who falsely claimed that salads. The ensalada verde is a perfect choice — winter would be ending well before the Ides a splendid blend of greens, asparagus, avocado, of March, let alone the start of baseball season. string and fava beans, dressed in sherry vinai- Consoling myself during the lingering cold with grette and served solo or topped with grilled visits to some of my favorite Old City haunts, shrimp or steak. Equally enticing salads were I discovered that the prix fixe lunch is alive, the Serrano ham and fig, the chicken romaine well and very, very economical in this neck (i.e. Caesar), and the tuna. of the woods — which is happily devoid of ground hogs. Zento 138 Chestnut Street Now from A to Z… 215-925-9998 Amada This is my favorite sushi place in town, bar 217 Chestnut Street none. It is a small, unassuming BYOB that 215-625-2450 serves spectacular food rivaling the glitzier The Catalan Express Lunch is quick, places but at a lower cost. Not that it’s cheap; delicious, and relatively inexpensive — three sushi is expensive stuff, but Zento offers serious really important considerations for a weekday bang for the buck. The lunch specials are meal. For $14.50, you get your choice of soup, particularly good values; each selection comes followed by either a salad or sandwich and a with a bowl of miso soup and a green salad. If soft drink. Since my visit occurred during an sushi is not your thing, there is a wide selection unseasonable chill, I went for the warming of teriyaki dishes, noodles, tempura and other caldo gallego, a hearty white bean and ham cooked items on both the prix fixe and regular soup, which definitely hit the spot. menus. But for me, it’s all about the sushi. And the fact that it is a mere three blocks from my home means that I am a frequent visitor. HISTORIC WINDOW PANES And now that the warm weather seems to ou may be unaware that SHCA has an historic register have actually arrived, I can enjoy that imagined Yprovided to us by the Pennsylvania Historic Commission pleasant walk attired in a fashionable spring with data about the residences in Society Hill deemed to be ensemble to one of these nearby restaurants. historically important. We use this information to produce the Whether you chose to break up the monotony clear window decals that you can see as you stroll about our of a day at home, provide a welcome respite from neighborhood. Statistics may include the builder, first owner your 9 to 5 job, or something in between, lunch and occupation, date of construction and style of house, i.e. in any of these locales will please both your Federal Period. These transparencies are provided free of palate and your pocketbook. See you there! charge to homeowners. For more information, contact See more of Keri’s work detailing Philadelphia’s Matt DeJulio at [email protected] or 215-629-1288. thriving food scene at phillyfoodlovers.com and on Facebook as Philly Food Lovers. SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 PAGE 19

OUT AND ABOUT

A STROLL THROUGH THE STREETS AND GREENWAYS OF SOCIETY HILL Is Society Hill Going to the Dogs?

Olga and Daniel Martinez Jane Biberman with Twila with Butchie Ruth Sine and Steve Rosenblatt with Wally and Buster

Carolyn George and Max Michael McGeady and Tobie Frank Signorello Bruce Luckman and Clover and Harley Bill Horn and Flecken PAGE 20 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

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Proposed plan features 2 bedrooms plus den, 2.5 bathrooms and a spacious great room overlooking Independence Mall. $1,250,000 SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 PAGE 21

EXPLORING THE CITY

BY JIM MURPHY National Museum of American Jewish History View of a non-Jew*

fter watching the National Museum of has happened among Jews A American Jewish History’s glass and in America in context with terra cotta building rising along 5th Street world events. below Market for what seemed like ages, The museum presents the I was anxiousto see what was inside. differing beliefs of Reform, And I was not disappointed. Conservative and Orthodox sects…and the struggles This new 100,000-sqare-foot museum tells of Jewish immigrants to a powerful story about Jews in America. pass their religious traditions Even the heavy security in the lobby — onto their U.S. -born children. like that at an airport — reminds you that I didn’t know: that the Jews were not always welcomed here, and first Jews to arrive in the remain “eternally vigilant” even today. U.S. in 1654 were refugees from Upon entering: Your small items go into a Recife in Brazil; that there were siz- basket for X-ray inspection and you pass through able Jewish settlements in smaller cities a metal detector. Even though the pens I had like Charleston and Cincinnati; or that for a A trunk from St. Louis with me were carefully inspected and returned short time, Los Angeles had the largest Jewish to me, I didn’t realize until I entered the exhibit population in the U.S. area that I couldn’t use them in the museum. Time your visit: On the March Sunday Only pencils are permitted, which means afternoon I visited, the museum was mobbed, that much of this review is from memory. and it was difficult to get close to a number of My editor asked me to review the museum the displays; also, several guided tours pushed from the point of view of a non-Jew, and I their way through the already clogged rooms, can fulfill only part of that mission. More making movement even more difficult; and on that later. there was quite a bottleneck on the third floor, where a film about America at war — and the As you enter the exhibit area, you are encour - mistreatment of European Jews leading up to aged to go up to the fourth floor and work down the war — attracted a large crowd. chronologically — from 1654 until today. In summary: This is an important museum. The view from the top of the airy 85-foot atrium In three main floors of exhibit area and a photo Family photograph of is impressive, with wood-and-glass stairways gallery/hall of fame, the museum clearly portrays the Horowitzes in Vilna dramatically crisscrossing the open area and the tremendous impact Jews have had on our carrying you to the rest of the museum below. lives — from science and entertainment to politics The exhibits are imaginative, instructive, and civil rights protests. You can easily spend FAST FACTS graphically pleasing and both adult- and several hours here and not see everything. Name: child-friendly, with all the bells and whistles National Museum of This museum will interest people of all races of modern interactivity. Only one gripe: the light American Jewish History and religions, and I highly recommend it. type on a grey background in some dark areas Location: 101 S. made copy hard to read with my older eyes. *Full disclosure: I was asked to review this museum Independence Mall East, from a non-Jewish perspective, and my background Philadelphia, PA 19106. Some highlights for me: A spinning ceiling is Irish. But when my twin brother married a Jewish girl, Enter at Market Street. globe light recreating the atmosphere of balls he underwent routine testing to find out if he was a held during the Jewish holiday of Purim; an carrier for Tay-Sachs disease — a rare, inherited disorder Phone: 215-923-3811 electronic “map table” illustrating how Jews of the nervous system. About one in every 27 members of the Ashkenazi Jewish population carries the Tay-Sachs Open: Tuesday – Friday, moved westward; the opportunity to explore a gene. Surprisingly to us, he was determined to be a 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; covered wagon; a turn-of-the-century tenement carrier. Upon further testing, we learned my mother and Saturday & Sunday: apartment; school desks and early 20th-century her five children all are Tay-Sachs carriers. So, I’m not 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Jewish, but I wouldn’t be surprised if one of my distant Jewish education; exhibits depicting the lives of More info: See website garment workers; and timelines showing what Irish relatives was rather close to a Jewish person at one time. Life is full of unexpected connections. at www.nmajh.org PAGE 22 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

IN MEMORIAM

ociety Hill mourns the loss of neighbor is dedicated to the study of the origin, evolution, S Barry Blumberg, who died on April 5th distribution and destiny of life in the universe. at age 85. A biochemist and a doctor, Barry was He was also the President of the American awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1976 for Philosophical Society from 2005 until his death. his fundamental discoveries about the hepatitis B Friends and family described him as an unusually virus, which he identified in 1967. These led to the curious, outgoing, funny, affable, and adventurous invention of a vaccine that saved millions of lives. man, who traveled widely and loved walking In an interview with the New York Times in 2002, in his beloved Philadelphia. Barry stated that “[Saving lives] is what drew Barry Blumberg, 1925-2011 me to medicine. There is, in Jewish thought, Barry was a long-time resident of Lawrence this idea that if you save a single life, you save Court, and is survived by his wife, Jean, the whole world.” In 1999, Barry became the first their four children, and nine grandchildren. director of NASA’s Astrobiology Institute, which We offer them our sincere condolences.

Queen Village Open House and Garden Tour

ueen Village Neighbors Association will also includes two historic churches and two Q hold its 33rd annual Open House and community gardens. Enjoy strolling in Phila - Garden Tour on Sunday, May 15th, from noon delphia’s oldest neighborhood and take in the to 4 p.m. This self-guided walking tour features annual Arts and Crafts fair in a local park as a range of beautifully restored and renovated well. For information, to receive a pamphlet or houses from 18th-century trinities to 20th-century buy tickets ($25), phone 215-339-0975 or e-mail homes, traditional to contemporary. The tour [email protected]. Tour info is also at www.qvna.org.

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SAFE AND SOUND IN SOCIETY HILL

MARILYN H. APPEL Spring Has Sprung

ith the warmer weather comes an number). I agreed but informed him to expect Wanted: Cell Wincrease in crime. I know I’ve said all a police officer to be present to insure that Phone Donations this before — but you need to listen!! everything was legitimate. Not surprisingly, he hung up on me. I then reported the SHCA’s Safe and Sound DO NOT: incident to Captain Korn, CO of the Sixth Committee continues to District, who called Central Detectives. collect old cell phones • hang your purses on the backs of chairs that are given to needy in restaurants (especially when dining Unbelievably, we got another call a few days senior citizens and abused al fresco); later from a Nathanial Wilkinson, from the women. These phones are reprogrammed by the (surprise) American Sweepstakes Promotion • talk on your cell phone while walking police to call only 911. along the street (this makes you unaware Company, informing us that we won $350,000. Drop off your used cell of your surroundings); He gave us the same set of instructions as the phone at 414 Spruce St. previous caller, so I again notified the police. Much appreciated! • walk home late at night alone (take a Two detectives and two police officers showed cab and instruct the driver to wait until up the next day, but, sadly, our $350,000 did you are inside your house); not. The police left; and I then got a call from • carry your wallet in your back pocket a James Wellington of “UPS,” informing me (public transportation and restaurants that a package would arrive the next day breed pickpockets); with an undetermined amount of money. Interestingly, my caller ID showed the call • have anything worth stealing visible in originating in Jamaica. I did finally receive your car (a GPS carrier left on the dash a letter with a check for $3,400 but was makes your car fair game). cautioned not to cash it before I provided It’s also scam season. The following is a the necessary information to get the rest personal account of my experiences in the of my “prize” — now down to $51,000. last two weeks involving a scam apparently My new best friends, the detectives, carted geared to senior citizens. It started out with away the envelope with the hope of lifting a phone call from the American Sweepstakes off some fingerprints. Promotion Company informing my husband The lesson of this story is that scammers, that he had won 2.7 million dollars! According preying on vulnerable senior citizens, are to the caller, we could expect four people, obviously making money with these schemes including a U.S. Marshall, to arrive at our or they wouldn’t be doing them. Don’t allow home the next day with a check. We would yourself to be ripped-off! Report any suspicious then have to provide a $4,700 processing fee letters or phone calls to Captain Korn at before they would personally escort us to 215-686-3063. One of these days, the police will our bank (presumably to obtain our account find some of these thieves and put them away.

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MOVEMENT FOR PRESERVATION Landmarks: Society Hill’s Front Door to History

he Philadelphia Society for the Preservation Many people believe Ms. Wister’s preservation T of Landmarks, a.k.a. Landmarks, has played of the Powel House provided the spark that a significant role in the local historic preservation prevented the neighborhood from further movement by restoring, furnishing and presenting deterioration and set the stage for the re - its distinguished house museums to the public. development of the area in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s by the Philadelphia Redevelopment Landmarks also provides related historical, Authority. This redevelopment effort was historic cultural and educational programming, such in itself in that instead of demolishing the existing as the Physick House’s popular student program, buildings, 18th- and 19th-century treasures were Leeches & Soda Pop: Cure a New Country, and preserved to create the unique community we Ghost Tours of Powel House. know today. Landmarks was founded in 1931 by Frances Landmarks has adopted and preserved Anne Wister, who, after hearing rumors that two additional historic house museums: Hallway of the Powel the historic Powel House at 244 South Third Grumble thorpe, in the Germantown section House, one of two house Street was to be demolished, gathered a group of Philadel phia; and Physick House, also in museums in Society Hill of friends to save and restore the property. Society Hill, at 321 South 4th Street. Once home to the elite of Philadelphia, the neighborhood had declined by the early 20th The Powel House and Physick House are century to become a largely low-income, your “neighborhood museums,” so consider industrial community. The Powel House itself supporting them with a Landmark membership. was a warehouse for horsehair, which was For more information, phone 215-925-2251 used to stuff furniture at an adjacent factory! or check out www.philalandmarks.org.

Headhouse Farmers’ Market Starts Its Fifth Season

ociety Hill’s own harbinger of Root Mass Farm, another S spring, the colorful and popular newcomer, is offering customers Headhouse Farmer’s Market, has an opportunity to invest in their returned to 2nd and Lombard enterprise. A flexible Community Streets on Sundays, from 10 a.m. Sustained Agriculture (CSA) to 2 p.m., for a fifth season under program lets you become a the Shambles. stakeholder without the constraints of pre-set boxes or pick-up dates By the peak of the summer, the of the more traditional food market, sponsored by The Food networks. By depositing money Trust, will feature more than in your stakeholder debit account 35 farmers and producers selling at the beginning of the season, local fruits, vegetables, flowers, you can get up to 20% savings Blooming Glen Farms photostream meats and cheeses. on fruits, vegetables and herbs by season’s end. For more information or to become a stakeholder, Many of the vendors that we have grown to love will be back, visit www.rootmassfarm.com and click on the “Support” tab, including Three Springs Fruit Farm, Wild Flour Bakery and or contact Landon Jefferies at [email protected]. Mt. View Poultry. New faces include two new award-winning wineries, Paradocx Vineyards and Penns Woods Winery, Meet and greet your neighbors at this convivial Sunday which will alternate with Stargazers Vineyards to present event — and enjoy a breakfast sandwich at the handcrafted wines each week. Renaissance Sausage Truck! PAGE 26 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

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Sun-soaked combined home with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, balcony, generously sized master suite and river views. $1,250,000 SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 PAGE 27

SEPTA Bus Route #47 Eliminates Stops

EPTA representatives belatedly presented getting stopped at the light just after it picks up Sdetails of the Route #47 Bus Route Enhance- passengers. Boarding is speeded up during peak ment Pilot Project at the April Board meeting —- weekday hours by letting riders with passes use apparently forgetting to notify us in March as the rear doors at certain stops. There is also a they did all of the other communities affected consolidation of bus stops. If services and by the April 18th change. reliability improve, changes will be made permanent after the trial period ends in October. Route #47, which runs north on 7th and south on 8th, was chosen as a pilot because it is one Society Hill riders should take note that Route #47, of Philly’s most heavily used routes, running 30% northbound on 7th Street, will no longer stop at slower during its busiest hours with only 76% Lombard, Pine or Locust Streets and the same on-time performance. The bus frequently passes route, southbound, will no longer stop at 8th and waiting riders and is regularly over-crowded. Pine Streets. The pilot project moves some bus stops to the SEPTA is anxious to hear from passengers. “far side” of specific intersections that have traffic Call 215-580-7800 or go to www.septa.org/47pilot lights, thus eliminating delays caused by a bus to leave a comment.

Spring Sidewalk Sale Gotta Love Those Tree Huggers! he Auxiliary of Pennsylvania Hospital T will hold its annual sidewalk sale Thursday, ociety Hill Tree Tenders worked hard early May 19th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Elm Garden S this spring preparing tree pits and planting Courtyard, entrance on 8th Street Archway. eight new trees in our neighborhood, including Plants, flowers, sterling silver jewelry, handbags, two new sites where there had never been a tree fabrics and authentic African artifacts will be but should have been! Many thanks for the dedi- featured. The Bargain Shop will also have a cated efforts of a number of local tree huggers blowout sale and refreshments will be served. under the guidance of Garrett Smith and Hans Come rain (indoors) or shine! Proceeds benefit Bombeck. Contact Garrett at 215-760-1213 or patient programs at Pennsylvania Hospital. [email protected] for more information.

Penn State Master Gardener Program

his program consists of a volunteer training 15th. For more in formation contact Doris Stahl, T course designed to provide experienced home Horticulture Edu cator, or Kim Labno, Master gardeners with the information and skills neces- Gardener Coordinator, at the Penn State Phila del - sary to share their experience and knowledge with phia Outreach and Cooperative Extension office, others and to promote horticultural and environ- 111 N. 49th Street, 3rd floor North, Suite KN3-100, mental stewardship. Classes lasting three hours Philadelphia, PA 19139 or call 215-471-2200. each will be held once weekly, starting Wednesday, August 10th and will continue for14 weeks. In exchange for over 50 hours of instruction, Featured Property: 635 Pine Street candidates must agree to donate 50 hours of Federal-Style Historically Certified volunteer service to Penn State Cooperative Duplex. Large rooms, high ceilings, Extension. Some volunteer activities currently car- built-ins, working fireplaces, hardwood ried out by Master Gardeners in Philadelphia floors, architectural details, garden, include teaching container gardening to senior citi- and roof deck. Call for pricing. zens, instructing youth in raised-bed vegetable Marie Scarpulla growing, and answering gardening questions at Society Hill Office special events and on the “Hotline Garden” phone. Direct: 484-478-3481 There is a program fee of $175 to cover the cost of Main: 215-627-6005 the training manual and other materials. [email protected] TeamDamis.com Applications are being accepted through June PAGE 28 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

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An independently owned and operated member of the Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 PAGE 29

ANNUAL ELECTION OF BOARD DIRECTORS

Meet the Quadrant Directors continued from page 17

Southeast She has a degree in French from Lehman College and a master’s degree in the same subject from Tania Rorke, 2012 the University of Wisconsin. A native of New York, Tania earned a Master of Science in occupational Sheila has traveled extensively in Europe, Israel, therapy at Springfield College. She moved to Asia, and South America. She and her husband, Philadelphia in 1997 and lives in the 300 block of John, have two children, one grandchild and Delancey Street with her husband, Tom, and two one Bichon Frise. daughters. Tania served as president of the Society Mel Buckman, 2013 Hill Civic Association for three years, as well as the president of the Friends of Three Bears Park. Mel was born and raised in Philadelphia, attended Tania has also been instrumental in establishing public schools, and then went on to the University Penn’s Village, a neighborhood nonprofit organ - of Pennsylvania Wharton School and Harvard Law ization dedicated to providing support to residents School. He moved to Society Hill from Paoli in 1989, of Society Hill, Old City and Queen Village who and has never regretted the move. Mel has been wish to remain in their homes as they age. a director of SHCA, and its president; he has also been active with Town Watch and the Society Hill Bob Curley, 2013 Fund. His career as a lawyer included government, Bob Curley and his wife, Barbara Watson, moved industry, and private practice. After retiring in to American Street in Society Hill in July 2005. 1995, he has volunteered at the Franklin Institute, Bob is a native Philadelphian and has lived in the National Constitution Center, and has recorded German town, Oak Lane and Chestnut Hill. When for the Blind and Dyslectic. he lived in Northwest Philadelphia, Bob actively Francisco Carreno, 2014 supported the Chestnut Hill Civic Association and served a term on their Board. Bob is currently the Francisco Carreno has been a realtor at Plumer managing partner for O’Don oghue & O’Donoghue and Associates for over five years. A native of LLP’s Philadelphia office in Old City. Bob has Venezuela, he has lived in the U.S. since 1984 worked with the Civic Associa tion’s anti-graffiti and is now a proud U.S. citizen. He has lived subcommittee and the streets committee. in Society Hill for over 21 years with his partner, Louis Castelli, Ph.D. and, for the last eight years, Jane Ahn, 2014 with his Westie, Daisy. Francisco received a With three small children at home, Jane’s family master’s degree in Management and Marketing has thoroughly enjoyed living in child-friendly from Philadelphia University and worked for Society Hill for the past several years. The family’s Rittenhouse Communications and Ark Media, professed desire “to live forever” in their historic Inc. before joining Plumer. He has been active in Pine Street home has caused Jane to take an active community activities and, for the last two years, interest in how the nearby NewMarket site will has been the ad hoc intermediary between the be developed. With an economics degree from “Ride the Ducks” and Society Hill. Among his Harvard College, Jane began her career as a other interests, Francisco is a well-known, management consultant in NYC. She returned award-winning designer of teddy bears. to her alma mater for a Master’s in architecture and now happily runs a design studio in Society Northeast Hill. She has also served on the board of the Andrew Hohns, 2012 Friends of Schuylkill River Park and the Building A Center City native, Andrew and his wife, Leah, Committee of the Philadelphia School. have been residents of Society Hill since August Southwest 2006. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, and Sheila Paulos, 2012 is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University’s A longtime resident of Society Hill, Sheila Paulos Wharton School. Andrew has a decade of experi- has taught in the Intellectual Heritage program at ence in investment banking and finance, with par- Temple University for almost 20 years. Before that ticular expertise in debt capital markets. His prior she wrote nine romance novels, as well as various civic experience is as board director of the Mural short pieces, including book reviews for the Arts Program of Philadelphia, as well as service Philadelphia Inquirer and the New York Times. continued on page 31 PAGE 30 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

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ANNUAL ELECTION OF BOARD DIRECTORS Meet the Quadrant Directors continued from page 29 Larry Burnstein, 2013 to Young Involved Philadelphia, an organization he Larry and his wife, Sheila, have been residents founded in 2000 with fellow Penn alums. He also of Society Hill for almost five years. For 38 years, serves on the board of the Ed Bacon Foundation. while a resident of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsyl - vania, his corporate office and warehouses were Lorna Katz Lawson, 2013 in Old City. He has worked as a volunteer on A native New Yorker, Lorna Katz-Lawson moved numerous boards as chairman, vice president to Philadelphia as a graduate student in architec- and president. He looks forward to serving ture at the University of Pennsylvania. She has on the SHCA board to utilize his corporate practiced as an architect ever since, first with and organizational skills to better service Mitchell Giurgola Architects, a firm well known this community and believes he can bring for its contextual approach to building design, a fresh approach. partnered with Betsy Train, and later with her husband, John Lawson. She has been engaged Sissie Lipton, 2014 in neighborhood activism for more than 30 Sissie and her husband, Herb, have lived at years. Lorna has served on the SHCA Board Independence Place for 22 years. They raised in many capacities, including eight years as the three wonderful and highly successful children — chair of the Zoning & Historic Preservation their son Eric Lipton is a Pulitzer Prize-winning Committee. She initiated the first community- journalist with the New York Times. Sissie serves based discussions about waterfront development, on the Wilma Theater board and is a past president a predecessor for the Central Delaware Advocacy of the Friends of Moss Rehabilitation Hospital, Group. In addition to her work, Lorna enjoys where she co-chaired exhibits associated with spending time with her family, especially its Artists with Disabilities program. She chairs her two grandchildren. the Washington Square Committee and is SHCA’s liaison to the National Park Service, where she Lenore Hardy, 2014 works to maintain the standards and amenities Lenore (Lennie) Hardy is the Director of that our neighborhood park deserves. Library Administrative Services and Director of Health Sciences Libraries at Drexel University. A transplanted New Yorker, Lennie considers her- Continuing Director self a Philadelphian after nearly 30 years as a City Rosanne Loesch resident. A graduate of Middlebury College with Rosanne and her husband, Yves Quintin, live an MS from Columbia University, she’s spent her in a 1792 Federal home on Spruce Street. They career as a librarian, largely in academic medical have two adult children. She is a non-practicing centers. Lennie moved to Society Hill six years attorney in the fields of corporate and transac- ago and serves as a contributing editor to the tional law, with a degree from the University Society Hill Reporter. She enjoys playing bridge, of Pennsylvania Law School and undergraduate cooking for friends and traveling to California and graduate degrees from the University of to visit her new grandson. Michigan. Fluent in French, she has lived in Northwest France, and for many years both she and Yves have been active in a host of French organiza- Andrea Layden, 2012 tions in Philadelphia — among them, the Andrea has been a Society Hill resident for more French International School, the French Heritage than a decade. She and her husband, Dan, reside Society and the French American Chamber of in St. James Court with their two children. Prior Commerce. Rosanne currently co-chairs the to her career as a mother and homemaker, she French Heritage Society Philadelphia was an insurance adjuster for State Farm. A gradu- Chapter. Rosanne has served on the SHCA ate of Widener University, she founded the “Mom’s board as president for the past two years and, Club of Philadelphia — Center City,” where she before that, as Northwest quadrant director. In served as president for five years. She and Dan addition, she chairs SHCA’s Casino Committee, have recently purchased a vacation home in co-chairs SHCA’s CDAG Committee and serves Abruzzo, and enjoy spending time in the city from on the Reporter Editorial Board. Rosanne is also which her mother and grandmother emigrated. on the board of the Head House Conservancy. PAGE 32 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

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215-627-6005/215-449-8345/www.mccannteam.com An independently Owned and Operated Member of the Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 PAGE 33

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

2011 Membership SOCIETY HILL CIVIC ASSOCIATION Drive Reaches 957 Membership Application

s of mid-April, SHCA membership Name A totals stand at 957, with 66 new members signed up. We are still waiting Address Apt. # to hear back from 137 households which have not yet renewed. City, State, Zip We are hoping to surpass our total of 1,025 Home Phone from 2010. If you are among the 137 who have not yet renewed, please send in your Work Phone dues today. As you know, our regular operat- E-mail ing budget comes primarily from member (print clearly) dues. Reporter advertising revenue, while substantial, only offsets Reporter expenses. IMPORTANT: Today most everyone communicates via e-mail. Please be sure that we have your current e-mail address — so that you can receive important updates between Your membership dues pay for sidewalk publication of our community newsletter. All SHCA e-mails will be judiciously screened, cleaning, the planting of new trees, graffiti and rarely will we send e-mails more than once a week. Nor will we share your e-mail address with anyone else. This convenient, 21st-century system helps save our civic removal supplies, the planting of flowers association postage costs while keeping you regularly informed. and general improvement of Washington Square, as well as general administrative Residential Memberships Business Memberships ● ● costs. Without member dues, SHCA would $ 50 Basic Household Membership $ 100 Institutions — 5+ employees cease to function. Protect your neighbor- ● $ 40 Senior/Student hood and your real estate investment. ● $ 100 Federal Friend ● $ 60 Institutions — fewer than 5 employees Please fill out the adjacent form and mail ● $ 150 Georgian Grantor it today with your check or charge number, ● $ 300 Jefferson Benefactor or go to our web site, societyhillcivic.org and ● $ 500 Washington Benefactor pay by PAYPAL. E-mail [email protected] ● if you have any questions. $ 1,000 Benjamin Franklin Benefactor Additional Contributions

Spring Is an Excellent Time $______Washington Square Beautification $______Franklin Lights To Exercise & Socialize $______Sidewalk Cleaning/Graffiti Removal $______Tree Tenders Join the $______Zoning and Historic Preservation $______McCall School Walkie-Talkies! Total Enclosed $______● Charge VISA/MasterCard: xercise is good for just E about everyone — especially Number Exp Date non-stressful exercise — such as walking. Walking does not require a special range of Signature skills nor does it require membership dues in The following topics are of special interest to me. I welcome receipt of e-mail a sports club. Thus, a group of neighborhood updates on these topics. gals created the “Walkie-Talkies” for an action ● ● ● plan of walking, socializing and exploring Clean-Up Day Washington Square Zoning & Historic Preservation Society Hill’s streetscape. If you’re available ● Franklin Lights ● Social Events ● Fundraising on any Tuesday or Thursday morning ● Dilworth House ● Property Taxes ● Local Crime Incidents & Alerts (when not raining) for an hour of beneficial ● Reporter ● Casino Issues walking and pleasurable chatter, just show Please return completed application to: up at Three Bears Park before 8:15 a.m. for Society Hill Civic Association this non-demanding and free fitness program. P.O. Box 63503 Newcomers are always welcome. We’d love Philadelphia, PA 19147 to meet you. Any questions? Call Bernice at 215-925-4363. PAGE 34 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

NIFTY NEIGHBORS IN MY OWN BACKYARD

BY JANE BIBERMAN Delores Flynn Brisbon

y neighbor Delores Brisbon is rarely God and M home these days. Since she published her Friendship inspiring memoir, A Privileged Life, in November Are her she’s been in constant demand as a speaker and Watchwords has addressed audiences from Florida to Boston eager to hear more of her personal story. I was able to catch up with Delores over a cup of coffee in her home, which is filled with religious books, family photographs and artwork by her beloved 7-year-old grandson, Welton. Subtitled “Remembering My Journey,” the book describes Delores’s childhood growing up in the Deep South of the ’30’s, where she experienced both poverty and prejudice. One of eight children, she was encouraged by her father, a janitor, to become economically independent. and bad. Sadly, James developed Alzheimer’s “He guided me to enter teaching or nursing at 65. A good portion of the book is devoted to because I would always have work,” says the disease and how Delores managed to care A Privileged Life: Delores, who once was a cleaning woman in a for her husband at home with the help of her Remembering motel. “Then I was hired to be a maid to a newly My Journey devoted children Nancy and Edgar, and many married young woman whom I remember with by Delores Brisbon close friends. (Amazon, $14.99) affection. The way she celebrated her height taught me to celebrate mine — I’m 5'11''. When After a 17-year battle, James died in November I left her employment to go to college, this white, 2004. “One of the most powerful teachers of life wealthy, educated woman encouraged me and is pain,” says Delores. “You can learn from it or gave me gifts of clothing and shoes to take with permit it to devastate. Each pain has grown me me. I consider my placement in her home a gift, and helped me to mature.” Today, she serves the plan of God, one I celebrate almost daily.” as an advisor to the Alzheimer’s Association and is often called upon to counsel families. After Delores graduated from the School of Nursing at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, she “It was James who insisted that I write this book, moved to New York City. “In the mid-1950’s we not to promote myself or to self-aggrandize but to were not welcome in Southern white hospitals,” help others navigate through life’s journey,” says she explains in her memoir. Not only did she Delores. “I’ve been able to sell more than 2,000 gain clinical experience up North, she became copies through my network of church friends.” exposed to arts and culture. At 78, Delores claims that she is retired. But that It was her maternal aunt who invited Delores only means she doesn’t take money for all she to Philadelphia to live. The book details her does: serving on the board of Eastern University incredible 30-year career at the Hospital of the and chair of strategic planning as well as being a University of Pennsylvania, where she began as member of the board of trustees of Mercy Health a nurse in 1959 and was named Chief Operating System of Southeastern Pennsylvania, where she Officer in 1979, a position she held until 1986. is also chair of strategic planning. In addition, “It wasn’t an easy road, navigating as I had to, she’s president of Presbyterian Community racism and jealousy,” she recalls. After leaving Ministries of the Delaware Valley and an Elder Penn she ran a management consulting firm at the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. for 15 years. Delores continues to mentor many young But Delores was fortunate to find the perfect professionals, as she has done throughout her partner with whom to share her journey: her life. “It is my mentorees who have truly enriched soul mate, James. They built a family together me,” she says. “Because they have told me that and supported each other through good times I have changed their lives.” SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 PAGE 35 PAGE 36 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, May 14 Wednesday, May 18 Society Hill Clean-Up Day SHCA General Meeting 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Zubrow Auditorium graphic See page 4 Pennsylvania Hospital • 8th & Spruce Streets Sunday, May 15 design See page 1 • Queen Village House Parallel and Garden Tour Thursday, May 19 Design See page 22 PA Hospital Sidewalk Sale 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 17 Elm Garden Courtyard, Philadelphia 2011 Municipal 8th Street Archway Primary Election See page 27 Judy Lamirand Wednesday, May 18 Sunday, May 22 215-476-4040 SHCA Board Meeting Society Hill Open House Tour 5:45 p.m. Great Court 1-5 p.m. Conference Room See page 5 Thursday, June 9 The Washington Square Affair See page 8 Logos Posters Stationery Banners SOCIETY HILL Brochures Calendars Reporter Newsletters Books • Keeping you informed about our community Invitations Menus • Delivered free to your door Annual Reports This Society Hill • Produced by your neighbors ! • Supported by local advertisers Reporter www.societyhillcivic.org

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