Bucks County Issue Day in the Life of: a B&B manager Bucks spring festivals
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New Hope Celebrates NHC Pride weekend The great outdoors
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Barns and bridges Family Portrait: Jamie Gilpatrick
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Traveling River Road Dining Out in New Hope
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May 15-21, 2015
Since 1976
PGN Philadelphia Gay News HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
Vol. 39 No. 20
Police didn’t report gay bashing as bias incident
First woman-owned biz wins PNC award By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com The winner of the PNC LGBT Business Award was announced Monday at the 2015 Independence Business Alliance Leaders Luncheon. Stir Lounge, owned by Holly Johnson and Stacey Vey, received the $10,000 cash award to support their plan to grow the Rittenhouse establishment. Stir is the first female-owned LGBT business to win the award and the first to receive the award since it increased from $5,000. “We were completely surprised,” Johnson told PGN about their selection. “We only applied a few weeks ago after the encouragement of some friends, but I had been so busy with my 2-and-a-halfyear-old twins. But we just went for it!” Johnson said they plan to use the money to expand their kitchen and begin offering food at Stir. “We have a kitchen now, but it’s pretty small and we do not offer food,” Johnson said. “We want to add another layer of service for our guests. So we need to get some of the larger appliances and equipment.” While a menu has not been designed yet, Johnson is thinking inexpensive small plates. “Maybe something along the lines of homemade potato chips with a fromscratch dipping sauce, paninis, pizzas,” she said. “We’re not going to be a restaurant, but we want something that will match the concept we having going on at the lounge.” Johnson said the application process was not challenging, and encouraged other businesses to apply next year. “I would tell anyone to apply, because you never know,” she said. “I would also recommend that interested businesses attend the PNC workshop, which is held about a month in advance of the award.” Johnson said they planned to hold a celebratory party at the bar soon. n
By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com
WOMEN IN BUSINESS: Stir co-owners Stacey Vey (center) and Holly Johnson (second from right) accepted their $10,000 PNC LGBT Business Award Monday from PNC Bank regional president Paula Fryland (from left), Independence Business Alliance vice president Jade Gasper and IBA president Richard Horrow. The women plan to use the award to launch a food menu at Stir, an LGBT bar at 17th and Chancellor streets. Their selection marks the first time a woman-owned business was given the award. Photo: Scott A. Drake
It was a crime that jolted the city. On Sept. 11, two gay men were walking in Center City to get pizza when a group of about 10 people approached from the opposite direction, and someone in the group asked if the men were a couple. One of the men responded affirmatively, words were exchanged, then three people in the group punched the couple in the face, head and chest. The victims sustained multiple injuries, requiring transportation to the hospital. One suffered two broken cheekbones, and his jaw was wired shut for PAGE 27
Plea deal for Craigslist killing By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A man who killed another man he met through a Craigslist sex ad was sentenced this week. Chad Marshal Wi l c o x wa s s e n tenced to 40-80 years in prison on Monday. The 29-year-old Williamsport man pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, robbery and burglary, lesser charges than the first- and second-degree murder charges he originally faced. Prosecutors say Manual Hakimian, 36, of Norristown, posted a Craigslist ad in September seeking a male sex partner and Wilcox responded. The pair met at
Hakimian’s apartment, where prosecutors say Wilcox, a heroin addict, slashed the victim’s throat and stole his credit cards, cell phone, computer and car. The victim’s body was found in his apartment Sept. 21 after he failed to show up at a family function. Hakimian was a Lebanese immigrant who graduated from Drexel University last year. At the time of the murder, Wilcox was being sought for a bench warrant for a rape case. He was arrested in North Carolina a few days later, after a multi-state spending spree. He initially told investigators he had three accomplices, who killed Hakimian while Wilcox went outside to smoke a cigarette, but investigators said Wilcox acted alone. Wilcox declined to address the victim’s family in court this week, “out of respect.” n
MUSIC IN BLOOM: Philadelphia Freedom Band members Jason and Kim greet audience members after the band’s spring concert May 9 at Arch Street United Methodist Church. Themed “Made in Philadelphia,” the free performance featured music by Philadelphia composers and artists, complete with Philly-centric snacks such as Tastykakes. The band will next perform at New Hope Pride this weekend, kicking off a season of Prideparade performances. Photo: Brooke Lutz
“Day in the Life of” is a monthly feature that tells the unique, day-to-day stories of local LGBT PAGE 18 community members. Meet this month’s subject: Michael Lawson