Pursuit Issue 4_New

The By The People For The People Issue

Let Your True Colors Shine

Issue IV

Zach Stone & Charlotte DiBartolomeo, The Red Kite Project

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CONTENTS

Monkey Business

8 10 12 14

Let Your True Colors Shine: Red Kite Project

18

Revolutionaries Warby Parker Comes Home Pursuit Happy Hour

Small Beginnings...

Big Changes A Very Special Place Graphic Designer in Pursuit By: Iman Martin

Stop Snitching

22 24 27 28

You Gotta Believe Because I Could Not Make This Up By: Megan McGarrity

30

December 2011 I Pursuit I 4

Spirit of ’76 What We’re Drinking

Vermouth Before one of our friends told us that it is a tradition in his Italian family to take a shot of Vermouth of Christmas Eve and that the women in his family drink it regularly, we thought it was only consumed when mixed with other liquors in a variety of cocktails.

However, both the dry and sweet forms of Vermouth, albeit acquired tastes, are more popular for consumption than you may think. Vermouth is a European fortified wine containing caramel, sugar, herbs (cloves, etc.) and water.

There are a variety of Vermouths available online from $7 to $25 which are reasonable prices considering they will not last more than a month in your home. Vermouth oxidizes rapidly so once you open it, don’t leave it sitting in your liquor cabinet unattended. The alcohol content in dry vermouth is about 18% and sweet vermouth is 15%.

Vermouth acts as an aperitif and is therefore often drunk before meals to “open the stomach” and prepare it for a meal. Since you’ll be at least one party this season, try something new. Deconstruct your manhattan and ask for vermouth on the rocks. Who knows? You might digest better.

Editor’s Declaration Most of my time spent outdoors in Philadelphia occurs after the sun goes down, so gray skies aren’t anything new to me. And, since we live in the northeast United States, gray skies come with the territory regardless of the hour. Still, in recent months these cloudy skies have provided a rather apt metaphor for the way many people in this city are living their lives.

This issue, By the People, For the People, is the very essence of Pursuit’s mission as a magazine. These Philadelphians have stories that have not been told and they deserve to be. The oft-quoted Thomas Paine once said, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” Uttered during the American Revolution, Paine’s words ring true today seemingly more than ever. We are a generation that was incessantly ensured that things are getting better and that the world will be a better place because of us. It would appear that in today’s world the need for these champions of a better world is apparent yet the numbers of people willing to meet said need are few.

Before my soapbox caves in, I would like to make another point to this effect. I do not care if you identify yourself with a percentage and speak your mind in the streets or if you simply stray away from the controversy and do what you can for those in your family or close circle of friends. I would say it doesn’t matter, as long as you’re doing something positive, but in doing so you are showing that yes, it does matter. Whatever the “it” may be for you, it should be impacting the world in a positive way. To argue over opinions is moot. We should want the same general result as people and the rest should be a luxury. We live in a society where we have the time to disagree and the right to voice our opinions – for that, we can afford to be grateful. Still, let’s repair what needs to be repaired both physically and philosophically and to get back to what we desire, have come to expect, and somehow forgotten how to earn.

Moving into a new year, I believe it is time to understand the diversity that makes this country and this city great rather than rebelling against We may not agree with what we say to one another, but we at least have to respect each others’ rights to say it. This should ring true regardless of your views, political or otherwise. If there is one thing I cannot tolerate, it’s intolerance.

Steve Ziegler is a native of South Philadelphia and has a tremendous love of film, especially anything directed

by Martin Scorsese. When he is not juggling the duties of Pursuit, his home, and his 9 to 5 job, he is usually writing or headed to the movies.

Steve holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Professional Communication from La Salle University. By the way, you can call him Zig. He prefers it.

Sincerly,

Steven M. Ziegler Founder, Editor-in-Chief Pursuit

We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident

Ben Franklin Bridge Photo Courtesy of Shane Seery

.

REVOLUTIONARIES Layout and Design Editor

ALEXANDRA STOKES

Staff Writter

JONATHAN DONNELLY

Contributing Writter, MissWrittenKM.blogspot.com

KORI MOORE

Contributing Writter, 31 PercentLife.com

JOHN BUTLER

Photographer, CEO of RudeBoy Photography

MIKE DILLON

Contributing Photographer

SHANE SEERY

Contributing Photographer

NICOLE LEYRER

Pursuit Promoters DECLARE IT! We want your stories. Freedom of speech is our mission and we want to hear your voice.

Send your stories and story ideas to Editor@PursuitPhilly.com

Katera Pellegrino Art History 101 Body World Fitness Raw South Street Philly2Night Philly Eagles Talk Saint Monica Lanes Salad Works The Arts Garage Red Kite Project SPIN Dr. Rick Frei Small Beginnings

Life, Liberty, & The Pursuit of Happiness.

December 2011 I Pursuit I 8

.

All Great Truths Begin as Blasphemies

A one stop shop for news, sports, and opinions that you may agree or disagree with, but will surely find entertaining...

You see, 69 Percent of people just don’t get it. They are the people that make you scratch your head, pondering what the hell they were thinking.

31 Percent has been created to ensure that you never have to rely on that awful 69 Percent to fill your day with information on meaningless topics that pique your interest. www.31percent.blogspot.com March 2011 I Pursuit I 7

WARBY PARKER COMES HOME

By: Steven Ziegler

Fashionable prescription eyewear is often hard to come by and when it is, the nicer spectacles are often out of the average person’s price range.

So, rather than making a habit of donning the lenses found on the insurance rack, those of us who require glasses usually for contact lenses and wear our glasses only in times when no one is looking. Well, my four-eyed friends, the time for us has come to show the world that glasses can be both fashionable and affordable thanks to the innovators of Warby Parker.

Though they are a Brooklyn-based company, Warby Parker has its roots in Philadelphia as its founders met while studying at the Wharton School of Business at UPenn. The innovation at Warby Parker is twofold; they are offering stylish eyewear at least half the cost of the average optical store and they are partnered with VisionSpring, an international non-profit dedicated to providing eyewear to people living on less than $4 a day. For every pair of glasses Warby Parker sells, they provide a pair for those who otherwise could not afford it. Before I even looked at the company’s 27 styles about 8 months ago, I had heard about their mission and was intrigued.

In the beginning, Warby Parker began changing the eyewear game with their home tryon process. You choose up to five frames and the company ships them to you free of charge in order for you to see what you would like to purchase.

However, the instant popularity of Warby Parker was unexpected.

“We were unable to fill all of the home tryon orders,” says Brian Magida, the Online Media Manager for Warby Parker. “It was one of those holy shit moments and that’s how the idea for the showrooms came about.”

Before the showrooms, some customers in NYC were actually directed to co-founder Neil Blumenthal’s apartment to try-on the frames if they so chose. “It sounds a little absurd,” Brad says with a laugh. “But that’s what we had to do.”

On November 17th, the company launched its tenth showroom in the United States at the Art of the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, a shop in Olde City known for its organic liqueurs that are sold side by side with vintage clothes in a setting filled with antique audio equipment which made the

sounds popularized by The Beatles and the Beach Boys. Essentially, it’s a little slice of hipster heaven, and I mean that in a surprisingly positive way. It’s undoubtedly the perfect setting for a Warby Parker.

At the opening, scores of twenty and thirtysomethings milled about, chatting about the glasses on displays and expressing their affection for Warby Parker.

“I like them because they help other people that need to be able to see,” says Samantha, a college student wearing the light tortoise version of the brand’s Preston frames.

The words “retro” and “indie” get tossed around by patrons referring to the stylish frames.

“They have unique styles that appeal to all different people,” says Matthew, a Warby Parker enthusiast who stands out in the crowd wearing his bright baby blue Roosevelt frames. “They have styles that you definitely won’t find in a Lenscrafters and they’re a good company that donates to people who need it.”

All of the bespectacled fans of the company are aware of the mission which is being fulfilled in 30 countries throughout the world with 5% of recipients living right here in the United States.

While the online shopping and home trial aspects are core to the brand, Magida explains that they are looking to grow the company as quickly as possible and that moving into stores is “great for us, and great for the boutiques.”

In the summer, Warby Parker launched prescription sunglasses and polarized frames. They are doing more research and developing bi-focals to appeal to the forty-plus crowd as they have concentrated thusfar on the 18-34 demographic.

So, just who is Warby Parker what does he/she want to achieve?

Well, the company fittingly found its namesake by combining the names of two of beatnik writer Jack Kerouac’s unpublished characters.

“We want to provide boutique quality eyewear for anyone who’s interested,” Magida says.

At $95 a pair, plenty of vision impaired individuals are certainly becoming interested. With my eyes behind by dark tortoise Japhy frames, I salute Warby Parker for being not only in Pursuit of fashion, but also for enabling others to see while on their pursuit.

On Saturday, September 24th, Pursuit Ma Happy Hour at Kings Oak in Northern L limited edition print copy Pursuit offers a special thank you Stay updated about future Pursuit events

agazine celebrated our Issue III release with the first Pursuit at the Piazza Liberties. Pursuit readers, writers, and photographers gathered to view a of Pursuit Magazine while sipping on their favorite drinks. u to Kings Oak and all who came out to make the night a success. s by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We look forward to seeing you.

The more the merrier!

Monkey Business Pete O’Neill: Caregiver at the Center for Great Apes, Florida.

“In my experience working with animals, when you are face to face with a great ape it is unlike locking eyes with any other animal.”

Background:

I studied psychology and marine science at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. I earned my start in the animal field with an internship at the Philadelphia Zoo working in the children’s zoo. I then began volunteering at Adventure Aquarium and moved up to intern and then to staff member. At the aquarium I worked with many different animals such as hippos, seals, penguins, and a variety of small mammals, reptiles, and birds. While still in school, I took part in an internship at Riddle’s Elephant Sanctuary in Arkansas where I had the great opportunity to work with African and Asian elephants. About a year and half ago I moved to Florida to work with chimpanzees and orangutans at a sanctuary called the Center for Great Apes.

Did you have any pets as a child?

Yes, I did always have some kind of pet growing up.

Nothing too exotic just a few dogs, birds, fish, turtles, and lizards.

How young were you when you felt a calling to work with animals?

Although I’ve always loved animals, it wasn’t until I was half way through college that I decided to pursue a career that would make me happy instead of one which would make me money. It was then that I started working towards breaking into the animal field.

When do you remember learning about Jane Goodall’s work? How did that touch you in your profession?

I remember first learning about Jane Goodall as a child watching Animal Planet. In college I started reading her literature and became fascinated by the sacrifices she made in her life for chimpanzees and the enormous impact she has had in the world of animal conservation. She has absolutely been a strong inspiration for me and I credit her work for instilling a passion in me to work with chimpanzees in particular.

What was your earliest experience working in a zoo?

My very first experience working with animals was as an intern in the children’s zoo at the Philadelphia Zoo. They had a variety of farm animals, birds of prey, and reptiles so it was a great start for me to learn about the field and to make sure that it was what I wanted to do with my life. It was also a great foot in the door because the zoo field is an extremely competitive one to break into.

What led you to the Center for Great Apes?

I was just about to graduate from college and contacted them because I was interested in their internship program.

As luck would have it, they had an open keeper position and I was asked to interview for it. The day I was offered the job was the happiest day of my life.

Why is an organization like this important today?

There is currently a very strong need for legitimate sanctuaries for great apes as there are many in need of rescue from biomedical research, the entertainment industry, and the exotic pet trade. Think about every time you have seen a chimpanzee or an orangutan in a movie, on television, greeting cards, etc. These are young apes that were taken from their mother as infants and often subjected to brutal training techniques in order to get them to strike a pose or perform a behavior for human entertainment. This also leads the public to believe that these animals are cute and cuddly or even may make good pets. However, once a young chimp or orangutan reaches the age of six or seven years old, they become much bigger, stronger and more dangerous. At this point, they usually end up living out the rest of their lives in a cage and can live into their sixties.

The lucky ones are rescued by the Center for Great Apes where we rehabilitate them mentally and physically and teach them to live naturally with their own kind. Many of the apes were rescued from horrific circumstances which haunt them but the resolve they show as they recover is amazing.

Other than the obvious similarities seen as a result of evolution, why do you believe so many human beings relate to apes and other primates?

“In my experience working with animals, when you are face to face with a great ape it is unlike locking eyes with any other animal.” As they look back and study you just the same, you can sense an intense level of intelligence, curiosity, and self awareness that is unmatched by any other being besides humans.

Can you describe the most remarkable interaction you’ve seen or experienced between a human being and a primate?

It is so hard to pick just one but my favorite story to tell people is about one day a few months back, I was spending time with one of the chimpanzee groups and sat outside of their cage to allow them to groom me. Grooming is a very important social behavior for chimpanzees and it helps us form strong bonds with them through this interaction.

One chimp named Ellie prefers to groom with sticks so that she can more easily reach her target grooming spots.

Her brother Jacob quickly noticed and strolled on over to see what Ellie and I were up to. After politely watching Ellie groom me for a few minutes, Jacob no longer wished to be a bystander. He made a soft grunt towards Ellie and beckoned with his hand towards the stick she was holding.

Ellie looked at Jacob, then at me, and finally at her stick.

After pondering Jacob’s request, Ellie then gently broke the stick in half and handed the other piece to Jacob. The two then quietly went about grooming me, side by side.

Is there any traveling on your horizon that would take you to the natural habitats of the primates you work with on a daily basis?

I hope to one day be involved with field work and study animals in the wild. Soon I would like to travel to Indonesia and help at an orangutan sanctuary as they are in dire need of help as orangutans are now on the brink of extinction due to loss of habitat to make way for a crop called palm oil. Palm oil can be found in many products such as cookies, crackers, candy, soaps, and shampoo.

What is on your horizon in regard to your work?

Currently, I am focusing on learning as much as I can about the apes under my care in order to provide them with the best lives possible. To learn more about our mission I urge your readers to go to www.centerforgreatapes.org and we can of course be found on Facebook.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

“If I weren’t helping animals, I would be helping people.

My brother has cerebral palsy so I have always had a strong interest in special education. If I were to ever change careers, that is what I would do.”

What keeps you going every day?

The opportunity to have a personal relationship with such amazing animals is something that I would not give up for the world. The story about Ellie and Jacob is just one example of the kinds of experiences I am able to have with them every single day.

December 2011 I Pursuit I 15

Any Corner, USA Photo Courtesy of Mike Dillon

LET YOUR TRUE COLORS SHI

INE: THE RED KITE PROJECT

By: Steven Ziegler

Zach Stone, 26, was once held hostage and held up at gunpoint. His mother, Charlotte DiBartolomeo, was only ten years old when her neighbor, another young girl, threatened her at knifepoint in her own home. But, this story isn’t about that. In fact, both Stone and DiBartolomeo try to keep themselves out of the conversation as much as possible, especially when it comes to their work. “There are things in my life that I’m not done with yet,” DiBartolomeo says.

“So I’m not ready to share them with other people.”

As the co-founders of The Red Kite Project, DiBartolomeo and Stone are dedicated to creating communication solutions for individuals and organizations.

Of course, this description is not doing justice for the actual impact The Red Kite Project is having on Philadelphia. In fact, the Red Kite Project is a major component of SEPTA’s internal organizational overhaul. “[Luther Diggs, AGM of Operations for SEPTA] knew that a change needed to be made in the culture of the organization that would make a shift towards helping people be aware of themselves and the people that they deal with on a regular basis,” Stone explains. “He wanted people that were willing to tackle issues like racism, prejudice, family upbringing dynamics, communication style crisis… anything that could come up.”

Both consultants are willing to tackle anything that could come up because while their business venture is fairly new, their work in the field of crisis communication and conflict resolution is anything but.

“There are so many people that are just screwed over by the system and it starts with kids.”

DiBartolomeo began her career as a journalist and worked with children in crisis intervention. She became certified by the American Friends Service Committee.

Seventeen years ago, while she continued to write she was also working with children in an elementary school. When she was observing the children, specifically those who were alternative learners, she noticed something.

Master’s in Organizational Development, Leadership & Management with a specialty in Conflict Transformation from the School for International Training, Graduate Institute “There were these great kids who were kind of just on the sidelines,” she says. “But they seemed like they were the most creative kids of all.”

She then bridged the gap between journalism and human development by starting writing groups with the children she had been analyzing.

“There are so many people that are just screwed over by the system and it starts with kids,” she says. “[Education] has to be more inclusive than it is.”

At age 43, she received her Master’s in Organizational Development, Leadership & Management with a specialty in Conflict Transformation from the School for International Training, Graduate Institute. This came after she and her first husband separated and she moved to Vermont

with Zach and his younger brother, Sam. Today, Sam and Charlotte’s second husband, Carmen, complete the other half of the Red Kite consulting as they are both graphic artists.

DiBartolomeo has worked within the juvenile justice system, with gang members, and worked to re-empower members of society who all too often are not given a second thought by others in society.

Although she explains her work with a Katharine Hepburn kind of elegance, it becomes clear that her Philadelphia story is better suited for Walnut Street rather than the Main Line.

“We may be a little more in your face [in Philadelphia] than some places,” DiBartolomeo says. “I think that what’s great about this city is that if you say something to someone, they will answer you; if you say it in the right way and you say it with respect.”

Respecting others and community building are essential aspects to the work of the Red Kite Project. In fact, they are part of philosophy that Stone has been developing since the age of 13 – the year he began learning the “business.”

“Training gave me a way to empower people who had no power in the past,” Stone says. Inspired by his mother’s work, he attended a seminar in Washington, D.C. held by the American Friends Service Committee. The topics included prejudice reduction and alternatives, subjects that already interested the young teen.

Stone says that he always had a “passion for connecting with people” and the training truly brought that out in him. Ironically, December 2011 I Pursuit I 19

“You don’t realize it when someone has a gun to your head, but what you’re doing are actually deescalating techniques to get out of the situation.”

while he was laying the foundation for his professional life, his personal life was not in order.

“I was hanging around people who were getting involved with some very dangerous activities,” Stone says without delving much deeper.

“For some reason, he was able to clean up his act during the training,” DiBartolomeo interjects. “Zach was able to be present for other people but couldn’t be present for himself.”

Spending two to three days at a time dedicating himself to others and learning from their problems led to the pursuit of a degree in Behavioral Health from Drexel University.

Completing this led Stone to helping others through work in the juvenile justice system in mandated conflict crisis intervention. His personal experiences gave him sympathy as well as some experience in training.

“You don’t realize it when someone has a gun to your head,” Stone reflects. “But what you’re doing are actually deescalating techniques to get out of the situation.”

Deescalating, conflict crisis management, and conflict resolution are just some of things that the Red Kite Project is bringing to SEPTA. With more than 7,500 employees, SEPTA employees in many ways truly represent the face of Philadelphia. Anything can, will, and has happened to the bus drivers and December 2011 I Pursuit I 20

operators outside.

In a two page letter addressed to Zach and Charlotte, a veteran SEPTA bus driver explained a situation when she was assaulted. She wrote about receiving support not only from Red Kite but also her peers through the training program. The connectedness she felt actually inspired her to remain with SEPTA and realize what her trainers had wanted her to – that she’s not alone with her trauma.

Coming to that realization is not easy for most of the trainees. Still, with guidance from Stone and DiBartolomeo, even veteran SEPTA operators who see every facet of the human condition daily become receptive.

“We had a group that was very hesitant and reluctant to the training at first, but at the end of three days, they gave us a cake,” Stone laughs.

The Red Kite training at SEPTA is unique because it combines the worlds of the internal corporate culture with the outside world that is inevitable component of a mass transit agency. However, both Stone and DiBartolomeo explain that office cultures, the outside world, and one’s own home life often require the same techniques albeit to a different degree.

“Certain elements of conflict resolution are similar depending on how much you have invested in the

relationship,” DiBartolomeo says.

For Stone and DiBartolomeo, the investment in their relationship is substantial. Their success thusfar has been the return. “We are very lucky that we can work together,” DiBartolomeo says with a smile.

“I used to sing Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors to Zach when he was upset as a child. That’s what I think about when I see him training, because that’s the person he truly is.”

“We’re business partners, but she’s my mom, so she’s my boss,” Stone jokes.

As the Red Kite Project continues its progress with SEPTA and other organizations, there is one thing that Stone says he wants people to take away from their training; “Hope.”

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Small Beginnings

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Big Changes By: Steven Ziegler

This magazine, as you know, is aimed at telling stories about those making progress in Philadelphia. Still, as much as we love Philly, we can all be honest that changes need to be made. In June, Travel and Leisure Magazine took a poll in which readers ranked Philadelphia as the 2nd filthiest city in the nation. The population of Philadelphia is growing and getting younger – and that younger population wants to get as far away from the “filthiest city” list as possible. Meet John Pratt and Rashaan Vereen of Small Beginnings Block Revitalization Project (SBBRP), two men working diligently to turn Philadelphia around from the ground up.

“We were constantly hearing negative feedback about Philly and saw the urgency to living inside of a brighter environment,” Pratt says.

A South Philly native, Pratt, 24, worked as a journeyman plumber before deciding to put his energy into Small Beginnings. Vereen, also 24, grew up in West Philadelphia before moving toward Camden, NJ, while, as he puts, “being in the streets, and running with the negative crowd.”

Vereen was actually inspired by Pratt’s vision of a brighter city. The pair became friends and business partners from the idea.

The idea is simple – Small Beginnings will revitalize an entire block by cleaning streets,

removing graffiti, cleaning vacant lots, repairing any damages done by vandalism and painting street poles as well as fire hydrants. In exchange, block residents will pay an initial fee of $20 and then a monthly fee of $10.00 in order to maintain the individual properties.

Another interesting aspect of SBBRP is that once a block is completed, members hang flags representative of every culture and ethnicity living on the block.

“This is about people helping each other and building a community,” Pratt explains.

“Maybe you didn’t know that neighbor was Cambodian, but now their flag is up and you know a little something about them.”

Both Pratt and Vereen feel that if they can get the ears of those in city government and the program expanded, property values would increase and an increase in tourism to the areas of the city that need SBBRP would soon follow.

“Dirt and trash in the environment bring attitudes into the environment,” Vereen says.

“Like, think if you’re in your bedroom and it’s a mess. You can’t think straight. So, if you’re outside and your environment’s a mess, you won’t act right.”

In August, Small Beginnings revitalized the 1800 block of Hoffman Street in South Philadelphia. The majority of the project was

<Before / After>

done at Small Beginnings’ expense with the help of several fundraisers held by the organization.

The goal, according to Pratt, is to complete projects on the 1900 blocks of Hoffman and Dudley Streets as well as 18th, 19th, and 20th Streets in order to create a square of blocks revitalized by Small Beginnings Block Revitalization Project.

“If we keep moving block to block, people will start doing it themselves,” Pratt explains. “With the current system, the city will come out and fix it for a week, or fix it for a month, but there’s no maintenance.”

SBBRP is in its earliest stages and is experiencing the ups and downs of a young organization. They have garnered support from State Representative Kenyatta Johnson, the Lower Moyamensing Civic Association, local churches, and community members, but they have also faced opposition in the neighborhood. Some residents in the area do not always want to participate in the program if they are not homeowners and not willing to pay if their neighbors who are not paying are still benefiting from SBBRP’s efforts.

“We are changing our approach to now speak with the actual homeowners instead of just residents,” Pratt Says.

“The city has a chance to evolve,” Vereen adds.

“We can lay the ground work by getting rid of the litter and vandalism.”

Both Pratt and Vereen are looking forward to a brighter future for their children. Pratt’s 4-year-old daughter and Vereen’s 3-year-old son (pictured above) have given them both inspiration and a helping hand from time to time in the community.

“The youth is an inspiration to my approach in this project,” Vereen says. “Years from now, the kids that see what we’re doing will be more likely to help someone else.”

This desire for a brighter future is often discussed globally as something which is ingrained in Generation Y. The refusal to be complacent about community issues in one form or another is agreed upon by the large majority of young people. And often times, a few simple words can sum it better than an entire article.

“I love Philadelphia, I’m not living anywhere else,” Pratt says. “I just don’t wish to live in the current situation.”

Pursuit Magazine will follow Small Beginnings Block Revitalization Project as it evolves as a prominent organization in Philadelphia.

Above Left to Right: Rashaan Vereen, Ramon Bonilla, John Pratt, State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson, Saeed Bilal, and Pedro Maldonado

A Very Special Place

By: Steven Ziegler

Forty years ago, the idea of an environment where people living with mental and physical disabilities would be participating in the same activities with those who weren’t was unheard of. An organization founded by two special education teachers in the Torresdale section of Philadelphia changed all that. SPIN, Special People In Northeast, began as a summer camp for children with special needs and is now a non-profit organization that provides services throughout the city to 3,500 people each year.

“We started the idea of integration and inclusion back in the seventies,” says Judy Dotzman, Executive Director at SPIN. “Before the concept was really there, we were matching children and young adults with their same age peers. The idea of inclusion was the foundation of SPIN and it is our priority mission.”

Last month Dotzman celebrated her 25th year at SPIN. She started as an intern at the camp while in college and has been growing with the organization ever since.

“The population of people attending the camps was growing into people who needed services as adults,” Dotzman explains. From there, SPIN’s growth has been organic.

SPIN began in 1971 around the same time as the Right to Education Act was being put into effect. Children who were essentially confined to the home for most of their lives were given the right that all children have to receive a free and appropriate public education. Husband and wife founders December 2011 I Pursuit I 24

David and Trina Losinno were approached by parents of special needs children about starting a summer camp. From there, SPIN’s mission and outreach grew with David as the CEO and Trina as the Executive Director. What began as an organization funded by bake sales and traditional grassroots revenue generators has evolved into an organization with three major locations (NE Philadelphia, Frankford and Mt. Airy), the honor of being on Training Magazine’s Top 125 list, and the number two spot on the Inquirer and Daily News list of Top Work Places in Philadelphia. As SPIN prepares for its 41st year, the

Losinnos have retired, placing their years of dedication in the hands of those who have remained loyal to the mission.

Dedication is needed because in Pennsylvania today, there are approximately 17,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on waiting lists to receive funding for the type of care SPIN provides.

“This is a serious time, because we are fearful that services provided by organizations like SPIN will not be able to continue,” Dotzman explains. “We are encouraging families to contact their legislators and let them know that services

for the most vulnerable citizens of Pennsylvania are at risk.”

Still, at SPIN, Dotzman and her colleagues are confident in SPIN’s resilience and continue their diligent efforts at being “efficient and highly effective at the same time.”

The question they have asked themselves is “How do you sustain and grow an organization when funding starts to shrink?” The answer, according to Dotzman: “You need to be as creative as you can.”

SPIN has partnered with the Cashman & Associates to begin numerous projects.

“We learned from you guys

-----------The people who were once told many times in their lives that they couldn’t, shouldn’t, and wouldn’t be able to do something are now making a difference in their community.

------------

[communication professionals] that it’s all about the sound byte,” Dotzman laughs.

“We don’t need a thousand words to get the point across.”

Teaming with Cashman & Associates, SPIN has various events planned including next year’s 5K Roll/Stroll Possibilities in the Park around SPIN’s corporate campus which Dotzman predicts will become as recognized as walks held by other nonprofits.

SPIN’s public relations efforts led to the creation of the four pillars of the organization: People first, Professionalism, Productivity, and Performance Excellence.

“Every pillar is extremely important. We are engaged in social capital building,” Dotzman explains. “We are significantly focused on the person and their capabilities…we let people know they are relevant in their community and in the world.”

The people who were once told many times in their lives that they couldn’t, shouldn’t, and wouldn’t be able to do something are now making a difference in their community.

This social capital development that Dotzman speaks of begins at a very early age for everyone involved with SPIN both with and without disabilities. SPIN’s daycare, which started for employees, became an inclusive daycare. It is one of SPIN’s goals that all children become more accepting and understanding of someone’s difference at an early age.

The comprehensive environment extends to SPIN’s Norcom Community Center (10980 Norcom Rd.) which offers the entire community a gym, wellness center and social and development classes and opportunities for everyone.

“By offering classes and providing a center that were just for people with disabilities, we were not meeting what we believed to be our mission,” Dotzman says. “It’s not a center for people with disabilities, but yes, people with disabilities will be there.” The progress of the Norcom Community Center and SPIN’s move away from segregated Continued on Pg. 34

December 2011 I Pursuit I 25

Strolling the City Streets Photo Courtesy of Shane Seery

On January 28, 2012 Pursuit Magazine will celebrate its First Birthday.

This Inaugral year has been filled with great stories and interesting people throughout the Philadelphia area.

Thank you for your support and we hope that you continue to walk with us on this journey.

Graphic Designer in

Pursuit of

Her Master’s

By: Iman Martin

Alexandra Stokes, preferably known as Alex, co-owns an online magazine called Pursuit. The magazine highlights everything about Philadelphia.

“Pursuit Magazine is the brainchild of two Philadelphia residents who believe that there are many stories to be told in this city,” says Stokes.

Stokes is a full-time graduate student in the Professional Business Communication studies program at La Salle University. The South Philadelphia native has received a Catholic education from grade school to college. She attended St. Maria Goretti for high school and then Neumann University where she majored in Communication and Media Arts and minored in Psychology. As an undergrad, Stokes fell in love with the communication field because it allows her to use her creativity. “I saw myself working in the communication field because no matter the job no day is the same,” says Stokes.

The magazine allows her to live her dream as she finishes her graduate studies. Alex works on Pursuit as a hobby because it allows her to express her artistic side. “The decision to establish Pursuit came about because we were tired of reading the same thing,” she says. Plus, she thinks it is fun bouncing ideas off her boyfriend, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Steven Ziegler. “We are happy and proud to announce that we will be turning one on January 28th. We have come a long way and hope to continue to grow,” said Stokes

Stokes, like many of the students in the Professional Business Communication full-time program, decided to further her education due to the tough economy.

Originally, she planned to continue her education later into her twenties. However, after being laid off from a marketing position, she decided it was the perfect time to attend graduate school.

She chose to major in Professional Business Communication to further her undergraduate studies, “my major fell into place with my future plans,” says Stokes.

Furthermore, the La Salle graduate program allows her to work on her biggest challenges—procrastination and time management.

A typical day in her busy life involves juggling school, work and her online magazine responsibilities. Currently, she also works as an Assistant for Tri-State Hospitality Network.

Stokes plans to use her Master’s degree to be successful in the communication field. She knows that what she has learned from her education will aid her in professional success. Her ideal occupation would be to work in an advertising agency where she is able to use her marketing and graphic design skills.

With one semester down and two to go, Stokes is looking forward to the rest of her time at La Salle and all that will follow.

March 2011 I Pursuit I 27

The Snitching Project

By: Steven Ziegler

We’ve all seen the t-shirts emblazoned with the large red octagon and the words “Stop Snitchin’” scrawled in the middle of it. The code of the streets is not a new phenomenon to anyone. In fact, many of us learned at a very young age not to be a tattle-tale. However, in 2004, the Stop Snitching culture escalated to national prominence when Baltimore drug dealers made an underground video warning viewers that anyone labeled a “snitch” would be dealt with accordingly. The video went viral and debates spurred around the nation. In Boston, “Stop Snitchin’” shirts were pulled from storefront window by Mayor Thomas Menino. Around the country, the stop snitching phenomenon was blamed for unsolved crimes and violence against informants. Many in the hip hop community received flack for reinforcing this shroud of secrecy prevalent in their environments.

Philadelphia, like any major city, is home to stop snitching cultures in virtually every neighborhood.

In 2007, Dr. Rick Frei, a professor of psychology at the Community College of Philadelphia, took a closer look at the Stop Snitching phenomenon with his Applied Psychology 101 students.

“While we’ve done different topics in the class, that seems to be a very popular one,” Dr. Frei says. “We’ve done three different versions of the survey, we’re doing a fourth one now and the students seem to get a lot out of it.”

Applied Psychology 101 is a course where students learn how to conduct surveys and interviews and study results to develop a general idea of how people think. Dr. Frei’s jovial

personality and long gray and white beard immediately conjure up the images of famous hip hop producer, Rick Rubin, but it is clear he is more comfortable in the classroom than the recording studio. The stop snitching phenomenon is serious business and his students have garnered media attention for their work as well as hosted two successful conferences to spread the word that this mentality exists in places other than “the streets.”

Perhaps these participants live in one of the 12 neighborhoods in Philadelphia where nearly $300 million is spent incarcerating people.

“One of the problems with studying snitching as a scientific construct, everyone defines it differently,” Frei says. The first students to work on the project aimed their research primarily on understanding snitching itself. As the research expanded, students began studying snitching in all environments and a variety of workplaces.

On Thursday, November 17th,

Dr. Frei and his students hosted their 2nd Annual Stop Snitching Conference at the Fox Rothschild School of Business at the Community College of Philadelphia. In the second to last session of the day, Dr. Frei’s students spoke on how the negative connotation surrounding snitching transcends the gritty urban environment thought to be its only home. Rather, the stop snitching culture exists everywhere from corporate America to the classroom.

As secrets are held that lead to fraud charges in big business and teachers with private blogs about their students are made public, the idea of snitching is in the public spotlight more often than is realized.

Even among the police, instances of snitching to uphold the law have resulted in highly publicized instances of police corruption. In Philadelphia, former officers Ray Carnation and Bill McKenna who spoke against racism within the PPD were ostracized, called rats, and even left without back-up during a shootout. While organizations have their own methods of dealing with problems such as Internal Affairs and the HR department, the goal is much the same as the stop snitching culture of the streets: “Let’s take care of this ourselves, because involving another authority is going to complicate things.”

“In general, people are more likely to view proactive situations that involve the police as snitching and not so much with other situations,” Dr. Frei says.

Dr. Frei’s facts come from the survey his students have been conducting since 2007 which features questions like “Have you ever been Continued on Pg. 34

Please Be Quiet Photo Courtesy of Alexandra Stokes

You Gotta Believe...

Because I Could Not Make This Up By: Megan McGarrity

Years before any of us jogged alongside a parade float swigging flasks of whiskey, I tried to engage my dad in a conversation about what it must have been like to celebrate a World Series as a younger adult. This type of thing is right up Tom’s alley. The man will chronicle a five-pronged story ending with a twofold message without anyone really asking, so the fact that he was less than enthused was very odd.

“Come on Dad,” I prodded. “You were what, 36? You got to bring December 2011 I Pursuit I 30

your sons to a parade! That had to be amazing.”

“Oh sure, sure. They had a great time. I‘ll never forget that day…”

I waited. “I was just absolutely appalled at something one of those players did one time. I took your brothers down, sure, but I had a real problem with one of those guys.”

For the next 20 minutes, I sat bewildered, befuddled, and bemused listening to my father describe one of the most Seinfeldian things I have ever heard in my life.

The year was 1977 and my parents

had just purchased a van. No. My parents had just purchased a fire-engine red Dream Machine, fully outfitted with brown shag carpeting, a queen of-hearts spare tire cover, and windows shaped like arrows. Arrow. Shaped.

Windows. (In hindsight, I guess she was kind of rad.)

Just off the kitchenette was a table with cushioned benches three ways around. The table could be twisted down and the back cushions could then be placed on top of the table to fashion a bed.

“Tug McGraw stole your 8-track tapes.”

I declared (more so than asked) so he could hear the absurdity repeated back to him aloud. “He sure as hell did.”

(I know. Bow-chicka-wow-wow.

Isn’t that how everyone rolled up to soccer practice?)

As part of the transaction, my dad agreed to let the van be featured in an upcoming car show, where a yet-to-be-confirmed professional baseball player would be making an appearance. Sounded like a fair enough deal to Tom. A few Saturday mornings later, as the Dream Machine turned slowly on a rotating platform in all her fly glory, my dad and three brothers waited in line to get Tug McGraw’s autograph. As they inched closer, my dad noticed a woman at the front of the line nervously rummaging through her purse while Tug and her anxious son looked on.

As a family man, a Teamster, and an all-around standup guy, Tom has never been one to take shit sitting down, or even witness shit sitting down. (He once hurled two guys down three empty rows of 700-level seats after they fell on top of my mom and me…and continued punching each other. But that’s another blog for another day.)

“The kid wasn’t getting an autograph because it cost money!

It was criminal!” he recounted, still as incensed as he was that very day back in ‘77. I decided not to point out that maybe the proceeds were going to a charity, not a Maxwell House can on the top of Tug McGraw’s fridge. I mean, he was sitting at a table with people in suits around him, not visiting a terminally

ill child in the hospital and propping up a credit card machine on the bed.

But this was a decades-long grudge and it was not going to dissolve easily. My dad just needed to have it out.

So I listened as he described the confrontation. “Charging little kids for your autograph! Are you kidding me!”

By the way, I am pretty sure my brothers were hoping the old man would reach for that faded black leather wallet anyway-- but that’s not how lessons are learned, you see.

Disgusted head shakes and palpable tension ensued as others began to also realize that in their lifetime they had already spent hundreds cheering on their beloved Phils…and now they were being squeezed for more?

To watch someone scribble a “T” followed by a long line?

Because Tom is also a man of his word, he agreed to stay for the rest of the car show. Things had just begun to settle down when across the showroom floor he spotted Tug quickly getting out of the Dream Machine passenger seat with something in his hand.

Cut to an angry Tom discovering things amiss in his family vehicle.

In my mind’s version he’s smoking.

Obviously I don’t have a detailed breakdown of what exactly was in disarray, but I’m thinking your basic glove compartment what-have-yous are strewn about. A coffee-stained map on the floor; batteries from a flashlight on the passenger seat; a

trail of 7-11 napkins leading to the opium den, I mean back of the van.

Despite the mess, however, it’s what wasn’t there that officially ignited this bitter (one-sided; cough-cough) feud.

“What the hell?” Tom whispers out of the side of his mouth, the ash protruding from his cigarette entirely too long at this point.

“That sonofabitch stole my 8-tracks…”

A good ten seconds go by before I can physically return to the the moment.

“Tug McGraw stole your 8-track tapes.” I declared (more so than asked) so he could hear the absurdity repeated back to him aloud.

“He sure as hell did.”

A few years later, as a montage of one great pitcher’s life and career in Philadelphia passed by on TV, I asked my dad if he had any forgiveness for Tug. For a moment he said nothing.

I watched him watch Tugger leap into the air after striking out Willie Wilson as the murmured cheers of the past hung in the air.

“Yeah,” he answered. “I do.”

December 2011 I Pursuit I 31

Mine!

Photo Courtesy of Mike Dillon

LIFE IN THE CITY

Street Level Photo Courtesy of Shane Seery

What’s H“app”ening?

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By scanning a company’s code which may be displayed in an ad, on a price tag, and on a storefront, you can be directed to the latest website, promotion, or sale that the organization is running.

Love them or hate them, QR are definitely changing the meaning of convenience.

The Snitching Project Continued

of the same content. I often tell my students music and media never lead trends, they just follow them.”

A surprising trendsetter who opposes the “stop snitchin’” code is Troi Torain a.k.a Star of Power the victim of a crime?” “Do you 99’s DJ duo, “Star and Bucwild.” personally know anyone who is a police officer?” “Did your parents/ Torain was present at the Stop Snitchin’ Conference to promote guardians teach you that snitching his “Start Snitchin’” campaign was bad?” that he has been advocating since Approximately 1/3 of survey his days on public access radio participants say that cooperating in New York more than 13 years with police would have an ago. He has garnered attention adverse effect on their position in from Time Magazine and has been their community. Perhaps these passionate about preaching against participants live in one of the 12 the senseless homicides that occur neighborhoods in Philadelphia where nearly $300 million is spent weekly and sometimes daily in many Philadelphia neighborhoods. incarcerating people.

The Snitching Project is an attempt “In many cases, in certain neighborhoods, people have to rely to bridge the gap between both sides of the “Stop Snitchin’” on their neighbors for survival. In phenomenon. It has become that regard, if you get a reputation evident that snitching can often as someone that can’t be trusted, you’re less likely to get that kind of be just as dangerous as not. The ironic prevalence of secrecy in our help,” Dr. Frei explains. society has left those dedicated Although only in its fourth to making life better without year, the Snitching Project is examples to build on. Dr. Frei beginning to gain some answers. speaks to the “us against them If people were more exposed to mentality” with empathy as he violence in their neighborhood or recognizes some of what cause illegal activities in their homes growing up, they are likely to view people to view the police as an enemy. Now, the question remains snitching as negative. Also, while as to how to get them to stop doing approximately 1/3 of participants that. say that they listen to music with “This is our second year doing lyrics that speak against snitching, this [conference] and it’s hard to only five percent say they are find speakers with solutions,” Dr. influenced by them.

Frei says. “I hope to one day run “People’s ideas about snitching a conference where we only have start far earlier,” Dr. Frei says. “It speakers with solutions. We have seems that people who already have a mirror.

We don’t need another a negative attitude about snitching mirror.” are drawn to music that has lyrics

A Very Special Place Continued

sheltered workshop took 15 years and required philosophical, programmatic, and aesthetic changes. Now, SPIN employment specialists support over 100 people with disabilities to get competitive community employment each year.

With on location job coaching and support people with disabilities learn to become valued employees of companies across Philadelphia.

Judy Dotzman has lived the mission of SPIN since her first days an intern. Her children attended the daycare and she studied human services to become a therapeutic recreation specialist.

Yet, her calling began long before her days at SPIN’s summer camp.

“I became interested in helping people with disabilities when I was in [elementary] school,” she says.

“The kids with disabilities had to take classes in a different building and I was always bothered by it and always asking ‘Why?’ Dotzman says that she believes her values and those of the organization are seamless because they involve family.

SPIN’s motto, A Life of Possibilities, would seemingly be impossible without a sense of family.

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December 2011 I Pursuit I 34

Wishing You a Happy Holiday & NewYear!

Cheers to 2012!

From all of us at Pursuit Magazine

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