Manayunk Magazine | Fall 2019 Edition by Manayunk

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FALL 2019

Manayunk’s Superhero

Irene Madrak reflects on a lifetime of service as North Light Community Center’s executive director

Coworking Meets Community | Hidden Gems Breakfast is Served Spring 2019 | manayunk.com

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MANAYUNK magazine

LIVE SHOP DINE PLAY

contents FALL 2019

Mark Your Calendar

What’s happening this fall in Manayunk.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT By Miranda Mink

30th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival We had an amazing weekend celebrating the 30th annual Manayunk Arts Festival on June 22nd and 23rd! The tri-state area’s largest outdoor, juried arts festival brought more than 300 artists to Main Street. Artists showcased their incredible pieces ranging in various mediums such as fiber, glass, mixed media, painting and drawing and more! Grape Street was filled with young and local talent in the Emerging Artist Tent where up-and-coming artists were able to vend for the weekend-long festival. Many of Manayunk’s restaurants came out to the street for visitors to indulge in local eats, such as New Leaf and La Roca. Among various other sponsors, Monkey Shoulder set up their tasting bar with many photo opportunities and cocktail recipes. It was a beautiful weekend with over 200,000 people in attendance celebrating the finest arts and crafts from around the country! Make sure you mark your calendars for Manayunk Arts Festival 2020 taking place June 27th and 28th.

Dog Day of Summer We let the dogs out for Dog Day of Summer on August 24! Manayunk pups enjoyed sampling treats, showing off their skills on the agility course, and meeting new furry friends. Local rescues like Home At Last, Street Tails, and PAWS found forever homes for adoptable dogs. There were also plenty of treats for humans including raffle baskets, food vendors, and a Pup Crawl along Main Street. Manayunk businesses helped raise money for the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Canine Cancer Foundation with the help of Tito’s Vodka. It was tail-waggin’ good time!

Photography by TERRYLEAHYFILMS (terryleahyfilms.com)

Stroll the Street Every Thursday night throughout the summer, Manayunk locals and visitors strolled up and down Main Street and enjoyed some family-friendly fun! Each week featured an exciting theme with activities for everyone! Our more popular theme nights included pet night, fitness night and movie nights, featuring “Rocky” and “The Goonies.” Local food trucks and live music lined the streets as visitors and residents walked, shopped, and dined. Participating restaurants and retail shops throughout Main Street offered in-store promotions and $6 appetizer and drink specials for guests. A few rainy nights did not stop this event from contributing to another perfect summer in Manayunk.

manayunk.com | Fall 2019

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Coworking Meets Community Where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to work 40 hours a week. By Brian Anderson Photography by Melissa Kelly (melissakellyphotography.com)

manayunk.com | Fall 2019

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he definition of work has changed. A nine-to-five gig in a cubicle? That’s certainly not for everyone — and certainly not at Kismet Cowork. “Asking someone to conform their business model to yours isn’t something I was interested in,” said Christopher Plant, the owner and founder of Kismet Cowork. “If you’re a member here at Kismet, you have 24/7 access. You can come and go as you please.” Kismet Cowork, located at 4230 Main Street, follows the inaugural Kismet Cowork in Chestnut Hill (opened in 2017) and another coworking space in the Spring Arts district (opened in 2018). At 13,000 square feet, Kismet Cowork in Manayunk dwarfs the other two locations, which are around 6,000 square feet, Christopher said. And what a space it is. “The space is epic,” Christopher said. “We wanted to build a super cool, functional space that’s design focused, and that makes working safe, effective, and efficient.” “When you walk in the door, you’re like, ‘OK, I’m in a different kind of space,’” he added. Indeed, Kismet Cowork is a space to experience. It’s bright and airy. It’s organic and industrial. It’s classic and modern. It’s deliberate and carefree. There’s a stage and soon, a podcast recording studio. The space is filled with textures — wood, cement, metal, fabric, leather, and glass. Of course, it’s all by design thanks to Christopher’s eye. A trained artist, Christopher worked in light and set design in New York City before moving to Philadelphia. Because he works in real estate, Christopher understands how we connect with spaces emotionally.

“You have to think of the whole system,” Christopher said. “What does it feel like when you touch the wood on your desk? How does your chair roll across the floor? How does the door slide into its lock? All of these things are really important.” So why come and work at Kismet? Christopher acknowledges it can be a tough sell if your workplace is your home, car, or favorite coffee shop. Kismet Cowork is going out of its way to make sure you want to be here, Christopher said. It’s an attention to detail you won’t find in other coworking spaces. It’s the beauty behind every design decision. Christopher maintains that Kismet is built on the principle that the quality of the space you’re working in has an impact on your attitude, your psyche and the work that you do. “From that perspective, I wanted to focus on this higher echelon of space,” he said. “For me, this is really about creating a highly intentioned and authentic community that serves the whole person, not just an individual piece of it.” “I’m looking to create a fun intersection between work and life,” Christopher said. Christopher plans on Kismet Cowork growing into a community where people share their experiences and expertise. In that way, Kismet can be a business accelerator. But it’s also a place where you can show up, have a beer and talk with other interesting people. Christopher explains that he plans on hosting community events with a business focus, like programs focused on social media, classes on accounting, and public speaking events. Continuing education is a benefit you may miss if you work remotely. Fall 2019 | manayunk.com 11

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“Coworking, for me, is a gateway to create community and help people achieve their goals. There’s a world out there of highly engaged people looking for highly engaged people so they can share their curiosity and come together to create new solutions,” he said. “For us, it’s about figuring out what people want and how we can bring them together.” Kismet Cowork offers different membership levels, which include community memberships (come in for coffee and an event, for example), floating and private desks, as well as private offices. There are conference rooms, telephone booth-style alcoves, and a full kitchen, too. Christopher said Kismet Cowork is ideal for people interested in coworking spaces, the amenities that come with it, and everything Manayunk offers, like restaurants and recreation. “I think there is this desire to be in an environment to feel that traditional camaraderie of a workplace,” Christoper said. “Just because you can work from home doesn’t mean you want to work from home. And just because you can work from home doesn’t mean you’re at your highest level there.” Kismet is a Turkish world, meaning “fate.” Chris defines it as serendipity. The tagline that’s scrawled on one of the huge, front windows reads, “Kismet: The intersection of luck and serendipity.” Maybe it’s a blend of those three definitions. “Kismet came to me because of the inherent possibilities at play when you bring people who don’t know each other together,” he said. “For us — always and forever more — it’s about creating community. And it’s about making sure we’re of service to the goals of our people in a meaningful way. That’s what makes it interesting to me.” At Kismet Cowork, you can make your own space at a private desk or relax in a comfy chair in the lobby. Look down on Main Street or tuck yourself away in a corner office. Just make yourself comfortable and plan to stay a while. “We want to be here a long time,” Christopher said. “We want people to enjoy working here.” 12

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Revamping Women’s Confidence From the Inside Out Vamp Boutique owner Teresa Davis is passionate about styling each woman to look and feel her best. By Ainsley Maloney Photography by Alexa Nahas Photography (alexanahas.com)

ustomers who shop at Vamp Boutique often leave glowing, as if they just got a personal makeover from the inside out. After all, talking to owner Teresa Davis is like getting advice from a dating guru, fashion stylist, and life coach all in one. Yvette Carr has been a loyal customer of Vamp, located at 4231 Main Street, since it opened 13 years ago. “I’ll call Teresa and say, ‘Girl, I need an outfit for a date.’ And she’ll be like, ‘I got you! I have something that’s perfect!’ And she’ll put it aside for me,” Yvette said. “Teresa knows each and every one of her customers, and she’s always upbeat. Sometimes I’ll go in just to talk and browse. Her pleasant outlook makes you want to be in her store. It’s like retail therapy!” Teresa talks passionately about using the power of fashion to elevate a woman’s confidence. “When styling customers, first and foremost, I ask, “How does this piece make you feel in this moment?’” Teresa said. “When you look

good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you’re at your best. When you’re wearing an outfit you love, you’re floating around. You’re walking different, you’re talking different. You’re the life of the party! I’m not about the quick sell. I always want my customers to feel their best when they leave my store.” For as deliberate as Teresa is with her customers, her first year as a business owner was anything but. Thirteen years ago, Teresa was visiting Manayunk to get a manicure when she strolled past a vacant storefront. She had worked in retail as a department store manager and dabbled in selling merchandise on eBay. In the back of her mind, she dreamed of opening her own store. “I happened to pass by, and I was like ‘Ooo!’ Peeking in. I was playing around like, ‘I should call. Nah. But I’ll take their number.’ The next thing I knew, I was meeting with them and signing a lease. I was like, ‘What did I do?’” she said with a laugh. Vamp first opened as a consignment boutique featuring high-end Fall 2019 | manayunk.com 17

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brands, such as Chanel and Gucci. She didn’t have much merchandise, so she put in her own and her girlfriend’s gently used clothing to start. “My mom is a shopaholic so I was like, “Mom, clean your closet!” Teresa recalled, with a laugh. “Luckily, we were three different sizes, so it looked like there were multiple sizes in the store!” Soon, though, demand from her customers outgrew the consignment model — she needed to carry items in multiple sizes. Teresa started easing in new pieces and those items would leave instantly. Two years after opening, she switched her entire collection to new clothing. Her customer base exploded from there. This year, Vamp celebrates its 13 year anniversary and now has a team of three to four sales associates and interns. “I’m really proud that I was able to switch over to retail and see its success, because a lot of consignment stores have closed,” she said. “In retail, you can’t get stuck to one thing. You have to be willing to switch things up. That could make or break you.” Vamp’s signature style is, in one word: “flirty.” “Vamp is girly, but with a sense of woman,” Teresa said. “We’re bright and fun. We’re not about wearing black all the time — we want to spice it up! I love pink, and I’m really glad that pink is back in this fall! Our accessories are bold, eye-catching. Our pieces are one-of-a-kind: you won’t wear it out and see a million other people in it.” For Yvette, Vamp is her go-to for statement pieces she can wear on vacations or special occasions that she can’t find anywhere else. “Vamp is pretty much a one-stop,” Yvette said. “You can find everything you need, even pasties, so you don’t have to go running all over the place. Teresa carries cute two piece sets and T-shirts with fun sayings like, ‘Alexa 18

Make Me Skinny.’ I wore that in Atlanta and everyone loved it!” Teresa is not tied to particular brands and she deliberately does not list the brands she carries on her website. “For my customers, rather than get tied into a particular brand, or get stuck wondering ‘Is this my style?’ I get them to focus on how the piece makes them feel,” Teresa said. “If it looks good, if it makes you feel good — it’s your style! You can be whoever you want through fashion. You don’t have to feel stuck with one look. You can have some fun with it!” Teresa also does not worry about keeping up with changing trends. “I’d rather set the trends,” she said. “The trends, they come and go, but your unique style stays forever. We stay true to the Vamp brand, but we’re always giving it new life. It’s very important to be authentic.” Looking forward, Teresa plans to add a private label to the store. She also revamped her website and expanded her online shop www.vampboutique.com, and she features real customers on Instagram @vampboutique. Teresa attributes the success of her store, in part, to having a positive support team, including like-minded business owners in Manayunk. “Davida [Levin] from Worn Yesterday has been in business for 33 years and gave me so much advice,” she said. “We all want each other to do well, because when we do well, Manayunk as a whole does well. To have that positivity around you will move mountains, believe me!” Looking back on how far she’s come, Teresa is thankful she trusted herself enough to take such a huge risk all those years ago. “I should have been scared to death,” she said. “But I always dive in. I’d rather try and fail than never do it at all. The way I see it, you only get one life to live, so you might as well get to do the one thing you love.”

manayunk.com | Fall 2019

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Manayunk’s Hidden Gems Find world class jewelry right here in Manayunk. By Leksey Maltzman Photography by Alexa Nahas Photography (alexanahas.com)

n 2005, Brad Wilson was studying masonry in tech school when he started buying and reselling costume jewelry to make some extra money on the side. “I would buy a box of jewelry and piece it out on Ebay for $5, $10, or $20 a piece,” Brad said. “Eventually, that led me to buying gold and diamonds.” The more jewelry Brad purchased and sold, the more he learned about their value and history. “As time went by, I started to handle more variety and styles of jewelry,” Brad said. “I kept increasing the level and volume of merchandise.” The business took off and after two years Brad was able to quit his job and pursue his own business, Wilson’s Estate Jewelry, full time. “As for formal qualifications, I don’t have any,” Brad laughed. “Just a shopping problem!” Like Brad, Wilson’s Estate Jewelry co-owner, Josh Kirby, did not have a background in jewelry or gemology when he started working with Brad on trade shows. Josh’s background is in hospitality, but he is currently taking classes about colored stones at Gübelin, a Swiss laboratory. When he isn’t studying out of the country, Josh handles the social media and website for Wilson’s Estate Jewelers. “For the past four years I’ve been studying in Switzerland and Hong Kong,” Josh said. “I learned marketing on my own through trial and error.” They also hired professional gemologists to help identify stones, ensure everything is up to quality standards, and assist in pricing each piece. The business side of estate jewelry, was also something Josh and Brad learned on the job. “Once you have your money into it, you learn from your mistakes quickly,” Josh explained. “If something doesn’t sell, or it sells for a lower price than you paid for it, you learn your lesson.” Thankfully, Brad has a rich background in the wholesale side of estate jewelry. His strong relationships with dealers allows Wilson’s Estate Jewelry to offer the best prices for their customers. If you are not familiar with the estate jewelry business, dealers are the people who help individuals liquidate their jewelry, stones, and gold. The dealers sell the jewelry to wholesalers who markup the price and sell the jewelry to the next wholesaler or a retailer. The more steps the

jewelry takes between the dealer and the customer, the higher the price will be. Since Brad has cultivated relationships with dealers for the past 14 years, he is able to purchase the jewelry directly from them without the wholesale markups, and therefore can resell the pieces to Wilson’s Estate Jewelry customers for a lower price than their competitors. “A lot of our clients have done their homework, looked on different sites, and eventually come back to us because we are very competitive with our prices,” Brad explained. The customers and dealers of Wilson’s Estate Jewelers are from all around the world, which is why most of their business is done online and over the phone. “A lot of things are bought by pictures, emails, and texts,” Brad said. “These days with technology, you can have the piece from Australia in a couple of days,” said Josh. “If it’s in the U.S., you can have the piece tomorrow.” The jewelry at Wilson’s Estate Jewelers ranges in price, style, and date. About half of their pieces are over 100 years old, but they also have styles from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Over time, jewelry can break or become worn, which is why Wilson’s Estate Jewelers avoids buying pieces that need significant repairs. “Probably one out of every ten pieces is in sellable condition,” Brad explained. “A lot of pieces that were once very pretty and delicate are just too worn.” “They were enjoyed a lot,” Josh added with a smile. When the pieces come in, they are inspected for any damage and each stone is identified to make sure their descriptions online are clear and detailed. “We go over the piece and make sure all stones are set and the clasps are secure,” Brad said. “Sometimes if you have a piece with 100 pave diamonds, one or two will need to be replaced before it is retail ready.” As far as styles of jewelry go, “We look for the best examples of different styles,” Josh explained. The styles they carry range from 1800’s Victorian, to Edwardian and Art Deco of the first half of the 20th century, to contemporary department store styles of the later 20th century.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of our clients have done their homework, looked on different sites, and eventually come back to us because we are very competitive with our prices,â&#x20AC;? Brad explained.

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“My favorite is probably Art Deco,” Brad shared. “The French makers like Cartier did some exceptional things during that time.” “I love Edwardian, personally,” Josh said. “It is a little more lacy and open with the design work.” Even though a lot of their work doesn’t take place in person, Josh and Brad wanted a space for their office that could double as a retail location. They spent over a year looking for the perfect spot, until they found 4319 Main Street. “There are a lot of nice restaurants and places to take clients, or just to

hang out after work,” Josh said about working in Manayunk. “It’s right in the middle if I have wholesale clients coming in from the south on their way up to New York,” Brad said. “It’s an easy stop off and they don’t have to go into Center City.” Josh and Brad love being in Manayunk so much they are looking into new local business ventures. They are also hoping to get more involved in giving back to the community. Wilson’s Estate Jewelers created a 2019 Doggies and Diamonds calendar benefitting Star Rescue, raising over $30,000 and are hoping to do it again for 2020.

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COVER PROFILE

Big Shoes to Fill Irene Madrak reflects on a lifetime of service as North Light Community Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive director. By Megan Douress Photography by Susan Beard Design (susanbearddesign.com) and North Light Community Center

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n the 1960s, a young girl named Irene lived on Roxborough Avenue. Five days a week, she would walk down the hill to St. John’s where she attended school. While she was an A student inside the classroom, her actions outside the classroom weren’t so great. “It was a close-knit neighborhood,” said Irene Madrak, Executive Director of North Light Community Center. “I couldn’t stand that when I was growing up! I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to move out of the neighborhood because I wasn’t the most well-behaved child. By the time I would get home, my parents would already be well aware of my actions.” Irene never did leave Manayunk. Today, she is preparing for her departure from North Light Community Center after nearly 40 years with the organization – the last 35 serving as the executive director. Early in elementary school, Irene’s father told her the world was only as fair as we make it, so she decided that she would work to make the world a fairer place. She later learned the term “social justice” — a concept of fair and the relations between individuals and society — and started to look for ways she could have some impact. At the time, North Light Community Center – then known as North Light Boys Club – had been an essential part of the neighborhood for more than 30 years. The organization provides family services to local households from emergency assistance to career workshops and childcare, but that wasn’t the original mission of founder, Ann Wright. Picture Manayunk in 1936 during The Great Depression. People who came here to work in the factories are losing their jobs, money is tight, and children are getting in trouble as a result of the chaos. Ann, a school principal at the time, was approached by the police captain about providing alternative activities for Manayunk youth who were getting into trouble with the law. The captain had the use of a vacant building donated, located at 4410 Main Street, which is now home to Taqueria Feliz. With no source of income and no paid staff, North Light Boys Club was just a drop-in center to get kids off of the street. Only a year later, the club

OLD ORIGINAL BUILDING

needed a bigger space. Ann and other representatives from North Light acquired the former Green Lane School at an auction. North Light has been located at 175 Green Lane ever since. “Our old gym used to be three converted classrooms that had 14-foot ceilings,” Irene laughed. “Imagine playing basketball with 14-foot ceilings! You could always tell a kid from North Light because they always shot line drives with backspin. It was a rough and tumble kind of place.” North Light continued to grow those first few years without a stable source of funding. By the 1940s, North Light formed its first board of directors, incorporated, and became a member of what is now known as United Way, which took care of the bulk of their funding for the next 60 years. “Ann was on the board of directors and she would trip over the girls on the steps on her way into the board meeting,” Irene recalled of a story Ann told her. “The girls would say, ‘Why can’t

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COVER PROFILE

we come in?’ It was brought up at the board meeting and they decided it needed to start serving girls as well. At the same time, the United States was at war. Men were overseas and women were joining the workforce, and in response, North Light began its family support services.” From 1952 to 1984, North Light was under the direction of executive director, John Willard. John was active in the helping to start many of the other community organizations that are still around today – the Manayunk Neighborhood Council, Intercommunity Action, the Manayunk-Roxborough Art Center, and the New Manayunk Corporation, the forerunner of the Manayunk Development Corporation — to name a few. “He really believed it’s not just about serving people, it’s about self-determination — having people realize their hopes and dreams and bringing them together to realize them,” Irene said of John. In 1975, Irene was heading to Temple University to study recreational therapy. She always wanted to be a history teacher, but the teaching profession was flooded at the time. She worked through college as a cashier and took on an internship with The Schuylkill Center where she worked with the special education programs in the summers. After three years at The Schuylkill Center, Irene started looking for a placement for her senior internship and decided she wanted to try a community setting. One of her colleagues from Temple University was a program director at North Light, and after interviewing, Irene worked 40 hours a week under John’s direction throughout her final semester of college. “It was a much more informal place at the time,” Irene remembered. “Mr. Willard told me to get to know some of the kids’ names. I went down and the first kid who came in was about 10 years old, short hair, and freckles. I thought it was a boy – reeking of cigarettes. I said, ‘Hi, what’s your name?’ and she said, ‘Ian,’ which was not a very common name at the time in Manayunk. I said, ‘Oh hi, Ian,’ and she goes, ‘No, not Ian, stupid. My name is Ene. My real name is Helene but I hate it so don’t ever call me that.’” “The kids were a bit tough…it was a much different neighborhood,” Irene continued. “We started playing chutes and ladders and about the third time I landed and had to put her down the chute, she flipped the 28

board in my face and said, ‘I’m not playing this stupid (explicative) game anymore!’ I said to myself, ‘I could never work at this place.’” She recently received a note from “Ene,” who now is a grandmother living in Virginia, stating that she didn’t think her life would have turned out the way it has if it wasn’t for Irene and thanking her for everything she has done for her. From 1979-1984, Irene transitioned roles from intern to program assistant, and then to program director. During that time, one of her responsibilities was coaching the girls’ basketball team. “They were my first experience with being able to mold someone, which is funny because that’s not what I came here to do,” Irene laughed. “I’m not trained as a social worker so they were my training.” In addition to sports, she made it her goal to come up with other activities that were cultural and educational. Friday nights were typically the most risky nights for teenagers, so Irene began taking some of her team to a barn playhouse in the suburbs where her friend, Arte Verbrugghe, was involved in live theater. A few years later, Arte took a staff position at North Light and founded the North Light Players, a theatre program that put on 50 productions over 20 seasons. “I couldn’t imagine this tough group of girls doing theater, but my basketball team were all nuns in ‘The Sound of Music,’” she laughed. “It was amazing! It was so funny to see them take that risk on stage. I really enjoyed seeing that transformation and they enjoyed learning other skills.” When Irene was 24-years-old, she resigned from North Light…briefly. She had been offered a much less demanding and significantly higher paying position with the City of Philadelphia. While using up vacation time from North Light before starting her new position, John offered and she accepted the position of the assistant director to the executive director at North Light. Two years later, John announced his retirement. “I knew it was coming, but I didn’t know when because he had been such a fixture here for 30 years. I began to wonder if I had made the best decision in returning to North Light.” “One day he said to me, ‘A couple of people on the board think maybe you should apply for the director position,’” Irene continued. “I said, ‘I’m

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26 years old. I do not want to take on this much responsibility at this point in my life.’ He said, ‘That’s OK, I told them a woman could never do this job anyway.’ He just baited me right into it – hook, line, and sinker.” Irene has been directing North Light since 1984. A few years later, the name was officially changed to North Light Community Center to better represent the present-day variety of services. Main Street Manayunk went through somewhat of a revitalization during Irene’s first decade of directing. Small businesses started to fill in what were once empty storefronts, however, there was a “clash of cultures,” as Irene put it, between the community who lived here and the community who came to shop and dine here. “Some of the neighbors started to feel resentful,” Irene said. “The customer base that came in was a bit snobbish to the neighbors. Also, the new businesses would have signs up that said they were hiring, but then locals would come in to apply and the position would be filled.” “I would go into some shops to see how things were going and they would tell me about the damage local kids had done,” she continued. “I’d say, ‘They’re curious. Ask them for their names next time.’ I thought that at least if we got their names and there was a problem, we could deal with it. We really just had to get them together.” As a result, the Yunker/Yuppie Workshops were born. Irene and her coworker, Arte, set up a series of meetings with local teenagers, local business owners, a handful of police officers, and the Human Relations Commission. “Everyone initially came without a label of who they were and we did fun activities together,” Irene said. “It was a little touchy-feely, but in the end, it was successful in breaking down some barriers. Everyone learned each other’s names and stories which helped lessen the ‘us against them’ dynamic.” To keep in line with their mission, Irene implemented affordable licensed child care and expanded emergency services for the local community. North Light offers year-round child care, but the summers on Green Lane are especially kid-filled with their Day Camp program. Families are able to pay for camp through a sliding scale so no one is turned away for inability to pay. Weekly themes during the 2019 camp season included “Pack Your Passport,” “Culinary,” and “Talent Show.”

“As the neighborhood demographics change, North Light remains committed to serving everyone in the community because we really feel like it’s not really good to segregate people socioeconomically,” Irene explained. In addition, North Light partners with a number of local grocery stores and Philabundance to execute their Community Food Cupboard program to support insecure households throughout the year. The organization also offers assistance in paying utility bills through their Community Utility and Fuel Fund along with Holiday Assistance through programs like Manayunk Meals and More, where North Light partners with the Manayunk Development Corporation and Journey’s Way to deliver hot meals to those in need. By the 1990’s, United Way had changed the way they funded organizations and North Light lost its main funding base. North Light’s leadership recognized the trend and began to look for alternative funding sources to sustain their work in the community. Irene looked for support from the new and improved business district. “Barbara and Rick Carocci, who were partners with Bob Swarbrick in owning businesses on lower Main Street, were movers and shakers in this neighborhood,” she said. “They hosted a reception for some of the local business owners where we had some of the people who North Light served speak about how North Light had impacted their lives. That was the first time that we started to get donations from the businesses on Main Street.” This community effort was dubbed the Bootstraps Campaign. With the money that was raised, she was able to hire a development staff member one day a week to implement the vision from the strategic plan for North Light. Bootstraps Campaign 2 came at a later time where those original donors were asked to reach out to their circles and share North Light’s message. “We were trying to increase our visibility and tell our story to a new constituency that didn’t know us very well, if at all – not who we serve but who can support us,” she said. “That was quite a time of growth in the 2000s,” she continued. “There still isn’t a funding model for sustaining North Light. We’re still very fragile. I’m very proud that we got over that hump and that we are open and Fall 2019 | manayunk.com 29

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COVER PROFILE continue to provide relevant services to the community. However, part of the reason I’m retiring is because although I’ve helped to get North Light over this major hump, I feel that North Light needs someone else to take it from here.” When reflecting on the changes she made in her 40 years at North Light, she remembered something Ann Wright said to her when she met her in the 90s – something that still remains true today. “She said, ‘We really never planned on North Light being a permanent thing. It just took a life of its own,”’ Irene said. “I think that really does characterize the way it’s moved forward. It’s always evolving to remain relevant, which is why it’s still here today.” Irene refused to take all of the credit, though. She’s had some pretty amazing board and staff members as well as volunteers throughout her career at North Light, which she said has been her favorite part of working here for all these years. “What I value most about this job is that I’ve had the privilege of meeting the most amazing folks that I may never have crossed paths with otherwise — both people we serve and those who make those services possible by their generosity with their time and resources,” she said. “I get to hear people’s stories and they have really had an impact on my life. I have never stop being surprised by people’s generosity.” She recalled another saying from someone she looked up to in the organization, John Willard. “He used to say, ‘This place is like a granola bar – fruits, nuts, and flakes. But you put them all together and they taste good and they’re even good for you,’” Irene remembered. “His statement might sound flippant but his meaning was that North Light values diversity and is accepting of all as individuals. His approach with people really resonated with me.”

As Irene prepares to retire at the end of 2019, she looks forward to spending more time at her summer home in Point Pleasant, PA where she’s always enjoyed kayaking. She’ll also take more time to see her children and other family members who live across the country. And when she’s not doing those things, Irene is considering being the daytime bartender at Winnie’s Manayunk. “Winnie probably figures I’ll bring in all the retirees in. We’ll see!” Irene joked. While North Light searches for their new leader, Irene plans to help with the transition but to step back completely for a year or two while the dust settles. She remains confident that the organization will continue to evolve in order to stay relevant for the community that relies on them every day. “If the culture continues here, it’ll always be on the cutting edge, socially,” she said. “I think it will always be responsive to the most vulnerable populations.” Irene couldn’t have supported the community for most of her life without the support of her staff, the community, and most importantly, her family. She’s even thinking of getting her husband, Paul, a brass plaque for all he’s sacrificed throughout her career. “Make sure this gets in there: without my husband’s support I never would’ve been able to do this job!” she laughed. “I’ve always felt North Light is a safe place to come,” she continued. “It’s a place that has some assurance around it – responsiveness. I’ve always been proud that we’ve been here for people in some of their worst times.” “It’s been a trip and it went by like that!” she said while enthusiastically snapping her fingers.

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DINE

Breakfast is Served Start your day at Manayunkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best kept secret.

By Megan Douress Photography by JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

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ou know what they say – breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you ask Greg Gillin, it’s also the best meal of the day. Although it’s tucked under the Manayunk Bridge, Greg’s Kitchen has given off some seriously delicious aromas that have drawn customers in for breakfast and lunch since December 2013. Greg always dreamed of having his own sit-down spot since he was young, all thanks to some inspiration from his family roots. “I have the fortune of being Italian,” Greg said. “My mom’s a great cook and her mom before that was a great cook. Every meal was an event. They showed me the ropes of how to cook, which made me comfortable in the kitchen. I have to give them credit.” With the exception of the hands-on experiences at family dinners, Greg has no formal cooking training. His career in the kitchen started with one of his first jobs where he made sandwiches at a Jewish deli. When it came to leaving the nest, he was faced with two options – getting a degree in hotel/restaurant management at Drexel University or getting a degree in communications at Temple University. “I was never the best student so Drexel was like, ‘Maybe come back next year,’ and Temple was like, ‘We’ll take you!’” Greg joked. “When I went to school for communications, I thought, ‘Well, I’m going to do this and I’m going to get the piece of paper and then eventually I’ll open my own place.’ I knew I was going to do food or something around people. I knew I didn’t want a desk job.” Greg’s career took him through many roles in the food industry, everything from working the line to managing a restaurant in Delaware County. His experience – along with the help of a friend who was also in the industry – led him to owning his own place at 4460 Main Street. “I would have loved to have a ‘Manayunk was calling my name’ moment,” Greg said. “My buddy was driving down Main Street and called me and said, ‘There’s this little spot. Maybe you should give that a try.’ I had told him that I always wanted to do this.”

Greg decided breakfast was going to be his thing, not because there weren’t plenty of great places to get breakfast in Manayunk, but because he wanted to be a part of how people start their day. He likes how breakfast can be as simple as pancakes and bacon and as creative as the Smokey Sammy. “Everyone likes The Smokey Sammy, which is actually named after Kosta’s place (SMoKE Cigar Lounge and Hookah Bar),” Greg said. “One day, he was like, ‘Make me a breakfast sandwich,’ so I made him a breakfast sandwich and he was like, ‘This is good!’ so we put it on the specials menu and now it’s a main featured menu item.” This customer favorite consists of two fried eggs with a sausage patty, mozzarella cheese, and Sriracha sauce on a brioche bun with a side of tater tots. While Greg loves creating new concoctions to keep his specials menu fresh and exciting each week, his goal has always been to make the breakfast his customers have been eating their entire lives – and to make it well. “It’s funny because people are always asking what kind of breakfast I serve and my response is always, ‘The things you ate as a kid or the things you want when you’re not in the mood for the fancy things,’” Greg said. “Our breakfast sandwiches are just good ingredients – they’re done right and they’re something you can count on.” In return, Greg can always count on his customers, who he credits for the success of Greg’s Kitchen. Back in 2013, he was trying to create a sustainable business and rather than spend money on advertising, he counted on word of mouth to get customers in the door. “We have these mugs that say, ‘I’m a gregular’ on them,” he laughed. “Just in this small space, customers have had their children’s christenings here and they have family parties here despite the size. It’s cool getting to know people in the neighborhood.” He’s also had a great support system within the Manayunk business community. Fall 2019 | manayunk.com 33

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DINE

“We all work in conjunction,” Greg said. “When we’re busy, I send people to Winnie’s or Lucky’s. When other places are busy, their customers come down here. I’ve always had the mentality of ‘your place makes my place better.’ All of these places feed off of each other – we all know each other and we support each other.” “You never build anything by yourself and I’ll never be able to take all the credit,” Greg continued. “Family, friends, great employees, and the community – you don’t get anywhere without them.” Regular diners of Greg’s Kitchen know that any day can bring a long wait time for breakfast by Greg and his friendly staff. The good news is, the tiny breakfast spot is in the midst of an expansion. Greg recently signed a lease for the storefront next door, which he’s currently using for storage and a food prep area. With a little more time, Greg is hoping to bring in bigger equipment to that space, which will ultimately mean more space for food prep and a little more wiggle room for his dining room. The extra space is long overdue for the small business that grew at a rapid pace. With it, Greg is slowly but surely learning to enjoy the experience of owning his own restaurant in Manayunk. “I was listening to a podcast with Ben and Jerry and they were like, ‘Opening a business and dealing with the hectic pace of it is kind of like falling down a hill. You don’t really get to experience falling down the hill,’” Greg recalled. “It’s like when people ask me, ‘How are you enjoying having your own restaurant?’ It’s hard to appreciate it while you’re in the moment.” When asked about what the future holds for Greg’s Kitchen, Greg briefly mentioned things like “bigger location” or “second location,” but was wise to not get too far ahead of himself. “For a minute and a half, I’m going to sit back and enjoy what I’ve done,” Greg said. 34

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DINE

Mixing Up Main Street How La Roca is putting their own spin on classic mexican dishes and drinks. By Samantha Costa Photography by JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

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a Roca has held down the Tex-Mex presence here on the southern end of Main Street since April 2018. Wall-to-wall sugar skull art, traditional Mexican tile decor, and live music are the backdrop for this industrial chic meets Mexican street food powerhouse. They’re serving up seasonally-inspired drinks and food, and an even more impressive tequila list in a chill space that’s welcoming to all. “Manayunk is a unique town,” manager Dave Spinosa said. “The restaurant community has really grown and become very strong with the options you can have.” La Roca, owned by the same team as Hilltown Tavern and Paper Street Pub, seem to have a good idea of what our corner of Philly wants from its local watering holes. These days, Dave is calling – and sometimes pouring – the shots at 4161 Main Street. But Dave is no stranger to the business. He worked in the hospitality industry throughout high school and graduated from Widener University with a degree in hospitality management. From there, he got his feet wet by working for UPenn, Di Bruno Bros., and Citizens Bank Park, before coming to La Roca in December 2018. “I was born in the area suburbs,” he said. “I always admired the Philly food scene and loved Manayunk.” On a typical Thursday, you’ll find him greeting customers, managing the staff, and making sure everybody is having a good time. You might have trouble keeping tabs on him while he’s keeping tabs open for everybody else. There are two bars — one downstairs and one on the second floor. What makes it unique? La Roca is the only restaurant in Manayunk with roof deck seating, complete with a canopy of string lights, couches, a TV, and seating for about 20 people. The space is used for private parties or a random taco Tuesday. Neighborhood patrons dig the daily and weekly specials. Taco Tuesdays include $3 tacos and $5 margaritas, and on Wednesdays, tacos are

just $1. And once you’ve had your chips and salsa, take a spin on the prize wheel, with chances to win specials on drinks and more. It’s like the games on the Wildwood boardwalk, but you’ll actually win. “The drinks are seasonally inspired by fresh fruits — from our watermelon margarita to our house margarita, everything is either muddled fruit or fresh squeezed lime,” Dave said. Instead of a traditional Moscow mule, they have a tequila mule; instead of a traditional old fashioned, they have a tequila old fashioned. La Roca uses everything from Don Julio to brands that are just starting to hit the Pennsylvania market. If you’ve ever waited a few extra minutes for that margarita, there’s a good reason: All of the drinks are made to order. That means there are no hidden batch bottles stored under the bar. Each drink is customizable. And if you don’t like something, speak up. Dave and the team will go out of their way to make it just right. But it’s not just about the drinks. Dave recommends the shrimp tacos with sambal slaw, pad thai sauce, peanuts, and sesame. The combination of the marinade and how it all comes together in a lighter taco is what makes it great, he said. I can’t attest to Dave’s preference, but I’m a fan of starting out with guac and chips, and splitting the al pastor burrito with a friend. It’s made with guajillo marinade, pineapple salsa, cilantro, and mint. If the food and drink specials weren’t enough, La Roca offers plenty of events — some weekly, and others on a monthly basis. Dave says he is interested in bringing entertainment to the next level with themed events that appeal to every type of customer. With that said, keep an eye on social media for Drag Show Karaoke and tell your friends. If all goes well, it’ll become a regular event. “Thursdays are the place to be in Manayunk,” Dave said. The last Thursday of every month is Latin Night with DJ J Holi. In July, the restaurant and bar teamed up with Kim Bailor’s Terrarium Therapy Fall 2019 | manayunk.com 39

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DINE

for an event that gave attendees the chance to create tequila bottle planters. Something is always happening here, and La Roca is positioned in a unique spot on Main Street for future events and what’s to come. “I think over the next few years, South Main Street will evolve due to more housing development and the resurgence of Venice Island, which will bring more people on the streets and more commercial and retail businesses to this part of Main Street,” Dave said, adding that he loves Manayunk for its sense of community. Same here, Dave.

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PLAY

It’s All in the Cards

Learn about your past, present, and future at Clairvoyant Monica. By Noel Bartocci Photography by Alexa Nahas Photography (alexanahas.com)

onica Mitchell and her storefront – Clairvoyant Monica, located at 4388 Main Street – have been a mainstay in Manayunk for nearly two decades, but her family’s roots in the area run much deeper. “I’ve had a store of my own in Manayunk, next summer makes 20 years,” she said. “My grandmother and my mother had a place of business here on Main Street also, for at least 24 years, I believe.” She went on to note how her practicing of clairvoyance at a young age was a part of her family’s longer story in Philadelphia. “I was around four or five when my grandmother showed me how to read the coffee grinds and playing cards,” she explained. “My mother guided me through the tarot cards just like I’ve guided my daughters – they are the fifth generation of clairvoyants in Philadelphia and Manayunk.” Immediately fascinated by Monica’s story and process, I asked questions that may have seemed basic to her – but had always been in the back of my head. She graciously obliged. Right off the bat, I wanted to understand the differences in nomenclature; e.g. psychic, clairvoyant, medium, etc. “A clairvoyant uses all of their intuition and gifts to help people past, present, and future by spiritually, physically, and emotionally coaching 42

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and guiding them,” she said, adding specifics such as, “Finding their soulmate, finding their true path, and discovering one’s capabilities.” She elaborated about the subtle distinctions in title. “A psychic uses tools such as tarot cards, chakra cards, angel cards, crystals, or palms to answer questions about love, relationships, business, career, decisions, choices, moves, etc. A medium connects with spirits that have passed on. Through spirits, angels, and also animals, a medium can see if they are in peace or to help them find peace and light,” she explained. “That’s not to say that a clairvoyant wouldn’t sense the presence of a spirit.” I excitedly cut her off, like a kid in school who finally understood, “So, it’s really just a kind of communication, or the types of tools you would use to guide someone.” She validated my interjection with a nod and a grin, adding, “We all get lost sometimes and we need guidance to help us get back on track.” On a foundational level, this is what she provides her community — just a little help when you feel like you’re wandering off course. Not long into our conversation – somewhere between discussing the limitations of a palm reading and defining the seven different chakras – Monica asked me if I’ve ever had a reading. “Not exactly,” I sheepishly replied. Being gifted a tarot deck a few years ago and learning how to use it didn’t feel like it counted. That’s like changing a few tires and then calling yourself a mechanic. “Would you like one?” she asked. At that point, of course I did. She suggested we use chakra cards. She explained to me that everyone has chakras, which are points of energy along your body, each connected to various organs and glands. I imagine that being able to sense and potentially measure the energy flowing through a person, not to mention where it’s flowing to and from, can shine understanding on what ails you, mentally and/or physically. She instructed me to place my hands on the table, keep an open posture, and breathe deep. Her voice was nurturing, earnest, and soothing. She was in no rush and made sure I knew that with her patient tone. I’m asked to gently shuffle the deck. While shuffling, I’m encouraged to think of two things I wish to know about or better understand. Questions, concerns, points of interest, whatever they may be, keep them in front of mind. I shuffled until I decided the deck was ready.

What came next were three piles of seven cards each, which would eventually be laid out in progression like the story points of a novel — my novel. The details of my reading really only mean something to me. However, I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was a deep, meaningful conversation, prompted by 21 randomly shuffled, cosmically chosen cards. Good conversations like that don’t happen every day, so they should be cherished no matter where you find them. Additionally, interactions like this aren’t always about the revelations or lessons learned within, but simply how light and recharged you feel after. Some insight might be gained, but a reset is just as valuable. Monica’s appointments are often by referral or word-of-mouth, which means that this portion of her clientele come to her mostly open and aware of what they’re seeking to discover – be it personal, physical, or spiritual. “A walk-in is different,” she said. “They’ve maybe walked by and seen my sign before. They could be trying it for fun or might not even believe, but curiosity brings them in. Often, they wind up being wowed and becoming a client.” She maintains walk-in hours the majority of the week, making herself available for the neighborhood’s sidewalk traffic. Some even come in just to enjoy the look of the store and share in the good energy. We ended our time together talking about the Philadelphia neighborhood she calls home. “I really love Manayunk. I have seen this neighborhood go through so many transitions,” she said. “For my grandmother, it was a blue-collar town and with my mom it was all ‘Main Line.’ With myself, it was preppy, college-aged, but now I see it changing back to young families raising their kids. Professionals, beautiful homes, and a safe place to live and have fun. I love the people and the atmosphere here.” Monica also hits on the theme of diversity when she talks about the community. “It feels like a European village or a quaint town with all the different cultures, businesses, and restaurants. I think we have nearly every nationality represented,” she said with a smile. “It’s such a beautiful place to live, work, get your hair and nails done, shop, eat, have fun, bike around, or just people watch.” Fall 2019 | manayunk.com 43

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PLAY

Encore!

Manayunk’s newest concert venue provides a one-of-a-kind listening experience. By Leo Dillinger Photography by Alex Nahas Photography (alexanahas.com) & Matthew Loeberr

he current state of Philadelphia’s live music scene is a modern day David and Goliath story. While nationally known corporations are charging outrageous prices for arena-size shows, independent venues offer their guests an intimate, unique, and affordable concert experience. One of those venues is The Locks at Sona, the collaborative endeavor from Donal McCoy and Larry Goldfarb of Tin Angel and Richard Kardon and Jesse Lundy of Point Entertainment. Since opening its doors in September 2018, this 110-capacity space located on the second floor of Sona Pub & Kitchen has entertained thousands of guests with a variety of musical acts hailing from all over the country. “When Tin Angel was gone and this was not yet here, there was not an intimate, seated listening room in Philadelphia, which was bananas,” Jesse said. “We were putting shows into other rooms where the audience showed up and would say ‘Oh, there’s no seats?’ It really makes a difference.” The Locks is by no means the team’s first rodeo. Richard and Jesse operated The Point in Bryn Mawr from 1998 to 2005 and still continue to bring in acts to other venues and community concert series all across the Greater Philadelphia area. Meanwhile, Larry had spent nearly 25 years booking shows at Tin Angel, even after Donal purchased the club 46

in 2005, right up until it closed its doors in February 2017. Both groups had never considered each other to be adversaries. In fact, they respected each other’s spaces and eventually found that working together gave them a much better shot at booking bigger names. After The Point closed, Richard and Jesse would occasionally bring in acts to Tin Angel, booking around 45 shows each year in the final years of the venue’s existence. It was this initial synergy that gave way to what would become The Locks at Sona. In the years following the closures of The Point and Tin Angel, the guys searched all over for new locations to host their concept. After touring numerous buildings, Donal eventually discovered the second floor at Sona Pub and Kitchen, where his longtime friends and co-owners of the business were looking for a way to activate their unused space. “I went and looked at it and I thought certain things needed to be changed aesthetically, not structurally, but in terms of sightlines and how the sound would flow,” Donal said. “Then I talked to Richard, Jesse, and Larry and said, ‘Hey, I think I have the space.’ The guys came up and we kicked around a few ideas. We spoke to the guys at Sona and they were very accommodating in terms of what we needed and how we needed the room to change.” The four were in disbelief at how fast Sona turned the upstairs space

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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JESSE LUNDY, LARRY GOLDFARB, DONAL MCCOY, AND RICHARD KARDON.

around. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, they installed a Green Room for artists on the third floor, raised the stage and lighting, and cut out the sightlines so that guests could view the stage from any vantage point in the room. Of course, any great venue should always have an incredible sound. The guys attribute much of that success to Barb Adams, their sound production superstar from Tin Angel. Not only did she design the whole system, she set up the entire thing overnight just in time for their soft opening last year. Many aspects of The Locks make it a one-of-a-kind venue to see a show, but its accessibility to both downtown and the suburbs gives it an advantage in catering to two separate audiences. “In the past, we had customers that wouldn’t want to deal with going into town and some people in town that didn’t want to go to Bryn Mawr, so this splits the difference and fills both needs,” Richard said. “It’s easy access from the Main Line and if you’re taking public transit or Ubering, it’s very close to the city.” One benefit to having four people on their team is that it gives them the opportunity to bounce around ideas on what sort of acts to book. While most of the acts that come through The Locks fall under the singer-songwriter and Americana genres, they’ve explicitly stated that they never want to pigeonhole themselves to just one particular musical style. They are constantly open to new ideas like hosting book releases, comedy nights, and educational panels, so long as it makes mathematical sense or raises their reputation. Looking back on the last year, some of their favorite acts they’ve brought to Manayunk include Citizen Cope, Jim Boggia (who played the final show at The Point back in 2005), Ben Vaughn (who played the final

show at Tin Angel in 2017), and William Fitzsimmons. “One of the things that makes my day is at the end of the show when you’re just hanging at the door, people come up to you and they say ‘Thank you’ and shake your hand,” Donal said. “That is golden right there. They don’t know who I am. Even when people take the time to write you a thank you email, it seems like such a small thing, but it means a lot.” The team at the Locks has also recently partnered with Main Street Music to be their official box office. It’s a mutually beneficial and respected relationship where both parties share new favorite artists with one another and feed into Manayunk’s reputation as a destination for all things music. “It’s great to be able to work within the community,” Jesse said. “There’s a lot of credibility to having what is essentially the only record store of its kind left in the city. There are other record stores, but they’re punk rock record stores. Not to denigrate their work, but it’s not our people. It’s great to have them right across the street.” At The Locks, every night is different. But one thing remains constant: the caliber of talent is always going to be top-tier. Having been in the industry for so long, Donal, Jesse, Larry, and Richard have a sixth sense for scoping out the perfect acts for their venue. Even if you’ve never heard of them before, you can rest assured that you will never leave disappointed. “Our ultimate goal is to be venue-driven as opposed to artist-driven,” Richard said. “Tin Angel was like this and The Point was like this and we’re still working towards this with The Locks. If you want to go out for the night, go to The Locks. It doesn’t matter who’s playing because it’ll be someone you know who you like or you’ll be turned on to somebody who’s high quality.” Fall 2019 | manayunk.com 47

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Bald Birds Brewing Company Bald Birds Brewing Company is on a mission to be your next favorite brewery! Stop by 4323 Main Street to indulge in a variety of IPAs, pale ales, pilsners, stouts, sours, and experimental magic from the mind of their brewmaster. Make sure to come with an appetite to enjoy a rotating selection of food trucks and catering options. Planning an event or party? Bald Birds Brewing Company has you covered offering a selection of rental space options and drink packages.

Manayunk Museum River City Outpost is expanding to include a museum portion to their quaint grocery store. Learn how Manayunk embodies the “American Dream” and the historical significance to Main Street buildings we know and love today. The museum is filled with photographs, books, murals, and artifacts to explore the untold stories of Manayunk. If you’re looking to dive into the true history of Manayunk, visit this new hot spot inside River City Outpost at 4412 Main Street!

Valerio Coffee Roasters Valerio Coffee Roasters strives to provide the best Fair Trade, organic, single origin specialty coffees directly from individual farmers and co-ops. This unique coffee shop inside Bald Birds Brewing Company offers an assortment of coffees, teas, smoothies, breakfast snacks, sandwiches and pastries. They humbly welcome new customers to give them a chance!

ADVENT Consulting, LLC Our former Roxborough neighbors are now calling Main Street “home!” ADVENT Consulting, LLC is an advertising, events, and entertainment agency focused on delivering full-service event management, brand strategy, and promotional marketing. They offer a multitude of services for event productions, marketing, public relations, branding, design and print, talent staffing, and more! If you’re looking to have advertising and events done right, check out ADVENT at 4323 Main Street!

TSAOCAA TSAOCAA is a freshly brewed bubble tea shop coming to 4415 Main Street! Bubble Tea is made by blending a tea base with milk, fruit, and fruit juice, then adding the signature “bubbles” that sit at the bottom. The first blending of bubble tea appeared in Taiwan in the 1990’s and is a popular drink throughout Asia. TSAOCAA offers a wide selection of teas along with smoothies, milkshakes, and dessert options.

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