FREE | SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2020
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Image | Courtesy DJC Records
Germantown’s BL Shirelle has gone from inmate to record exec
Meet Jeantrix – the Philly fashion firm that dresses the stars. | Page 14
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FROM THE EDITOR
Almost a wrap, Philadelphia
T
he end is near. But I will say, Breonna Taylor, again because Of what, you might ask? Of we cannot forget that police ripped 20 shots 2020. We are in the ninth month into her house, hitting her eight times and ulof a hellish year that has taken timately killing her. a chunk of who we are mentally, Was it harsh to relive that? This is America. physically and for many, spiriOn top of those heavies, we are all trying to tually. Following this, just three figure out life in a new way of living. Mostly months remain in what is going everything virtually, work, school, socializto be a welcomed goodbye and a fresh start we ing. Schools, without question, have to be the worst experience on two fronts as there needs hope helps us all fare better. to be this shift to online learning for the milCOVID-19 continues to rage on throughout the country and world killing people, but be- lions of kids with learning disabilities. Not to mention with parents, some forcause the number is smaller than tunate to still be working, are now the sum of its parts we’re OK with juggling teaching their children and mass people dying on a daily. One trying to keep a paycheck. interesting thing a friend told me This isn’t an attempt to make you is that someone dies every day and feel doom and gloom, this is my opyou never hear about it. And my reportunity to let you know that so ply to him was “that’s because you many of us are in this shit togethdidn’t have to think about dying or er and we’re trudging along in the people dying every day because of a same porta potty that is this year. virus of pandemic proportion.” The pinch is being felt by all – and So we go about lives each day I’d even argue some of the one-peravoiding, distancing and disinfectcent. ing, hoping the coronavirus stays at I will say this. Personally, I think bay while we are forced to pretend this year has been a true test of reeverything is OK as we wait for a silience, I didn’t think I could do the vaccine. One that may or may not stuff I do on a daily and wake up be effective and actually stands to @SPRTSWTR and do it all over again – oftentimes, make things worse, we don’t know. I in the same exact way I did it the still contend that the flu shot works day before. Working remotely has been a chalfor some – but not for all. lenge with all of the, umm, ambient noise in Then people are forced to worry about if the background, but oddly enough it has been the color of their skin may get them killed by white people, police, or at the hands of sense- easier to manage my days in so many cases less crimes between people of their own color. too. There’s going to be a time when we look We’ve protested, rioted and looted our way back on this stretch of shit in our lifetime into so much pent-up anger and aggression that in some places like Portland, Oregon, the and are amazed at how we all managed to get through it. All the anger, all the uncertainty fight for equality rages on three months later. Either that or everyone in Portland is doped and all the confusion at how things managed up and playing some type of end of days video to get so out of control so quickly. Knowing this all I can think about are the game in real life. famous words of a bunch of brothers from Say their names? There’s not enough time or space, frankly, as this column is also run- Staten Island, who famously said: “Protect ya neck.” ning in print. You should know all of them.
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STATE OF OUR CITY
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Really, really STATE CITY bad timing PITBULL RETURNS TO PHILLY OF OUR
Amid having to figure out online learning for thousands of students in the district, shuttered classrooms and an estimated $60 million in expenses due to the pandemic, the School District of Philadelphia also has to contend with teachers – in a contract year – teachers who have the capacity to strike if demands aren’t met. A spokesperson for the district told the Inquirer they’re “optimistic that a fair agreement will be reached.” We’d love to know what leverage the District might have as teachers, who have committed to online learning for the foreseeable future, are looking for a fair shake.
We’re still trying to figure out 215’s love affair with Mr. 305, but after coming off of being the headline two years ago during the Wawa Welcome America celebration, recording artist Pitbull is now going to be a speaker at the upcoming B. PHL Innovation Festival on Sept. 16. We know this because we received a letter from B. PHL Tuesday with a subject line that read: Global Superstar Pitbull Joins B.PHL Innovation Festival’s Entertaining List of Speakers. If you love Pitbull as much as these guys clearly do, register for the festival at bphlfest.com/.
Love this mask? Join We are closing in on Week No. 2 of our new member-only platform, AltPhilly. We’re still asking for you to help us sustain Philadelphia’s alternative voice by becoming a member and taking part in exclusive content, conversations and events. Oh, and there’s some swag in there for you as well, if you’re into that sort of thing. Come see what we’re brewing via patreon.com/altphilly.
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STATE OF OUR CITY
Early Learning Services
Sept. 9
FREE PRESCHOOL
CALL TO RESERVE A SPOT, TO ENROLL, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION.
That’s the date the city has given those living for nearly two months along a stretch of Benjamin Franklin Parkway and now outside of the headquarters of the Philadelphia Housing Authority to clear out, citing health issues as a primary reason, but also that talks have come to some common ground. Recently, our cover story chronicling life on the inside of these encampments rubbed some people the wrong way inside City Hall, namely the director of Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services, who wrote a detailed response you can read in Voices of Our City this week.
He said it...
Giving children a stronger start. Addressing obstacles head-on.
We’ve received the prestigious Keystone 4 STARS designation. 5548 CHESTNUT ST., PHILADELPHIA, PA
• PreK Counts • PHLpreK
215-471-3320
Please ask us about our face to face instruction and remote virtual learning options.
“Assume that everyone around you is infected.”
* Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). A QRIS is a continuous quality improvement systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early and school-age care and education programs. Keystone STARS is a program of Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).
Since 1852, Elwyn has helped people with autism, intellectual, developmental, and behavioral challenges lead meaningful lives. As an internationally recognized nonprofit human services organization, we have always been on the forefront of innovation. To learn more, visit elwyn.org.
– Philadelphia Health Commissioner to Temple students on Tuesday, also urging them to “stay inside” their room or apartment. As of Tuesday, Temple had 103 cases of COVID-19 on campus. It should be noted that the university is the only one of the four major schools in the area to have in-person learning after students argued that they were missing out on the college experience having to go fully to online learning.
OVERHEARD IN PHILLY
“If you would’ve told me I’d be paying $33 to drink margaritas out of plastic containers made for Chinese food I would’ve called you an idiot. But here we are, in this, the new normal.” — A group leaving the Fishtown location of Loco Pez on Sunday, margarita jugs in tow. As a group that has had a Loco Pez margarita before, we can attest that this was a truly unfair case of judging a book by its cover. NM-00428291
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‘SHE WHO STRUGGLES IS A WARRIOR’ Shot by a cop as a teen, now BL Shirelle’s record label signs incarcerated artists BY RYAN K. SMITH
BL Shirelle’s record label, DJC Records, signs incarcerated and formerly incarcerated artists. Image | Courtesy DJC Records
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n 2015, a group of seven inmates at Kershaw Correctional Institution in South Carolina was sentenced to 7,150 days, or close to 20 years in solitary confinement, for shooting and releasing a rap video from a locked-down cell the year prior. The production was shot on a smuggled smartphone (which can be obtained easily by the incarcerated for the right price) and uploaded to the hip-hop culture’s premier content-aggregating video blog, WorldStarHipHop. Titled “South Carolina Inmates Film 1st Ever Music Video In Prison,” the video has garnered over 1.2 million views on WorldStar and gone viral, exposure a lot of free artists would pay good money for. Nevertheless, years in the hole looms larger than temporary Internet stardom. Today, thanks to the efforts of a local emcee and her record label, inmates have an outlet and don’t have to risk further restriction to have their voices and talents consumed by the masses. The rapper is Germantown’s BL Shirelle, and her label is Die Jim Crow (DJC), the very first nonprofit record label for currently and formerly incarcerated artists. BL Shirelle (“BL” stands for “bearded lady”) is one of the latter, having served 10 years in Pennsylvania’s penal system since a teen. A market research company supervisor by day, she serves as an artist and deputy director of DJC whose status at the label should serve as a blueprint to those who follow her. BL Shirelle dropped her debut album, “Assata Troi,” on Juneteenth (June 19) and has been making her rounds for performances – virtual and in-person. Under her direction, DJC sends artists and producers to prisons nationwide to record inmate artists for later releases. “They’re masters. They’re professionals. They’re great,” BL Shirelle shared in her sitdown with Philadelphia Weekly. “We want to help society mirror themselves and understand that we’re just regular people, and we want to change the narrative around people who are incarcerated or people who are formerly incarcerated for society. It’s not all about helping the person inside. The people out here need help, so accept us back so the cycle can stop.” BL Shirelle hails from Germantown. She lived Uptown in what she described as a crack house headed by a drug-addicted mother. Her grandmother, who lived 10 minutes away from their home off Chelten Avenue on West Oak Lane, was her saving grace as a youth. “[My grandmother] would buy us a house and my mom would tear that up and have all kinds of traffic, but she would come three times a day,” she remembered. “My grandma would come in the morning and get us ready for school, and she would leave and she would come in the afternoon, bring groceries and things like that. Then she would leave to come in at night to either do laundry or pop-ups where she would come and kick all the addicts out of the house.”
An affinity for writing struck BL Shirelle around the age of 5. She would go on to enter poetry contests, and one of her teachers actually published her first poetry book at 8. However, by the time she was 12, due to her athome circumstances, she dove into the world of drug dealing. According to her, her house was one of the top drug spots in the area and she watched a few hustlers come in and make millions selling crack in there. She decided to take over the operation to take control of the “gold mine” and shield her family from the perils of any potential beefs that outside dealers could bring to their doorstep. “I told my mom, ‘You made a lot of people rich; you bring in a lot of danger. Let me just take this whole situation over and we can keep the money in-house and it can decrease us being exposed to so much danger.’”
Being so young, BL Shirelle made some mistakes in the drug game. She would take product from anyone and sometimes not pay back her suppliers. It was because of threats that she’d received as a result that she was carrying a gun by the time she was 18. The gun led to her first brush with the law. One night, outside of her new crack spot, a friend got into an argument over a cellphone he was trying to sell. Unbeknownst to her, the friend had been on a robbing spree and stole the phone. The man he argued with was an undercover cop posing as the phone’s owner to buy it back. BL Shirelle went outside to try to calm things down when she noticed the plainclothes stranger reaching for something. She didn’t hesitate to send shots his way. Before she knew it, she was in a full-on shootout, getting hit twice in the back and leg. She was beaten, kicked and spat upon as she laid on
the front handcuffed on a ground covered by shattered glass. For this incident, BL Shirelle was sentenced to 6½ to 12 years at SCI Cambridge Springs for aggravated assault. She served six and a half years, returned home, then found herself back behind the wall 18 months later, this time at Muncy State Prison on drug charges. She lived completely different experiences during her two bids. “The first time I went, it was pretty much easy breezy because I was a kid. I didn’t lose anything. I didn’t have any responsibilities. Then, I was a lesbian who grew a natural beard, so I got a lot of attention up there. So my experience was completely different than a regular person’s experience, I’m sure, the first time,” she said. “But then, when I went back the second time, it was a stark difference because I was an adult now. I have a kid and now
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Germantown’s BL Shirelle spent 10 years in Pennsylvania’s penal system. Now she’s a record executive who gives artists behind bars another shot at a recording career. Image | DJC Records he’s displaced and I’m losing my house, my car, and my girlfriend at the time got locked up with me because she was just with me. People were dying while I was incarcerated. My grandma died six months after I was released. I lost so much the second time. I impacted so many different lives in a negative way the second time. Those three years were like 10 years to me, and the six was like two years to me.” It was during this second stint that BL Shirelle rekindled her love of writing and got into making music. She appeared at a TEDx event performing with her group and was discovered by DJC’s founder, Fury Young, who was putting together a Die Jim Crow EP featuring incarcerated artists. “I was super inspired by it, and I started writing for him for the project,” BL Shirelle said. “The first two records that I wrote, he said he loved those records, and that was the first time I was actually paid to do something as far as music went.” After her release, BL Shirelle and Fury Young were inseparable. They spent long nights discussing how to turn Die Jim Crow from a one-off EP into a full label. According to the LA Times, “Since 2015, they have recorded more than 55 collaborators in five prisons.”
SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
BL Shirelle believes that the prison population brings creativity and ingenuity to the rap world based on the resourceful nature of prison life. “All you have [in prison] is your mind,” she explained. “You don’t have a lot of outside influences. You don’t have a lot of them listening to one rapper and then writing [their] raps sounding just like that rapper. That’s not how it works. You have to rely on your mind. So it’s a lot of creativity. “There’s a certain amount of mental laziness that technology has done to people, and I see it every day because I think differently than them, just because I spent so much time away from this shit. When I went to jail, Nokias was out. When I came home, iPhones was out. So I saw the mental decay of people that can’t critically think as well as someone who’s been in for a long time and still is of sound body and mind.” BL Shirelle’s “Assata Troi,” a follow-up to her 2019 tape, “Restricted Movement 2,” is a 10-track offering that runs the gamut of vibes and subject matter. “I’m really bored with the crack rap, but I can’t help it, I get flashbacks (I’m scarred),” she spits on “Generational Curse.” On the album whose title translates to “she who struggles is a warrior,” the barbate bar slinger takes listeners on a hustler’s
journey from selling crack to her mother as a child, to being a ruthless street figure, to getting locked up and serving time, to life after incarceration. Dispersed throughout are tunes exploring intimacy with a significant other, an unjust legal system and spirituality. On the album’s lead single/video “SIGS,” she introspectively raps, “I had a demon in my soul that sank his teeth and made a hole without a filling, but I won’t talk about it. My heart got chalk around it. That’s when I thought about it.” “I want people to relate to it. I think it’s really relatable. I think there are a lot of records on the album that people can relate to. And that’s in part of a way to humanize people who have been through what I’ve been through,” she said of the album. “That helps humanize people who have been to prison, who have committed crimes, things of that nature. And in turn, if we can help humanize us, then it’d be better for all society. We’ll be reintegrated better, we’ll be able to get access to better jobs, we’ll be able to get better chances on a human level. “This isn’t policy. This is touching human-to-human, energy-to-energy. And in turn, we can have less victims of violence, we can have less victims of certain things,
because people will be more accepting of us when we come out and try it and be productive, instead of ostracizing us from society.” She added, “To make great music is also one of my top goals. It’s also to display my versatility, my rap skills, my lyricism, my storytelling, different areas that I can go into.” “Assata Troi” by BL Shirelle is available on all major streaming platforms and is available for purchase on Bandcamp. Be on the lookout for the next project she is executive producing by B. Alexis, a South Carolina inmate who is serving a 30-year sentence. Die Jim Crow is also in the planning stages of shooting a virtual reality video. You can support DJC’s current PPE drive to get masks to prisons during the COVID-19 crisis by visiting its GoFundMe page. At the end of the day, BL Shirelle just wants to continue putting out quality music. “Number one, I want us to make great music. That’s what I want.” BL Shirelle can be followed on Instagram at @blshirelle and Twitter at @blshirelle8. Die Jim Crow can be followed on Instagram and Twitter at @diejimcrow. Keep up with the label on its website at www.diejimcrow.com.
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VOICES
THE SHOUT OUT
OF OUR
CITY
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Hold off on having kids until you’re able to support them Re: “Protect our kids, Philly and…” Perhaps given all of the gun violence, “Shoot me an e-mail at...” was not the best choice of words. Yes, the facilities are awful, and what’s happening needs to be corrected. But if a couple can adequately provide for a child (meaning ensuring that the child will live in a safe, stable environment and get a good education) said child would NEVER end up in a facility. So it’s on the couple to be sure they’re ready, willing and able (meaning both people are mentally and financially sound) to support a child before a woman gets pregnant.
Otherwise, a couple should hold off until they are READY. It’s that simple. A couple needs to make SMART decisions. If they just want to have sex, they should use birth control. NO EXCUSES. Parents of kids who end up in facilities have FAILED as parents, are complicit in what happens, and don’t deserve a pass. And. The use of profanity in your paper is not appreciated. Do four-letter words please advertisers and drive circulation? Just like with a comedian, if the material is good enough, bad language isn’t necessary. Just saying.
Andrew | Center City
Do Democrats in Pennsylvania really believe in democracy? Image | Tiffany Tertipes
Depending on whom you ask, mail-in voting is super safe or ripe for manipulation.
Your turn: What are your thoughts on mail-in voting? Will you send your ballot via the postal service, or show up at a polling station this November? Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com
As Ronald Reagan famously said in 1980, There you go again. This time, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party reacts in fear and trembling to the big bad Pennsylvania Green Party by once again taking them to court to keep them off the November ballot. As though Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is afraid of Green Party presidential candidate Howie Hawkins. I doubt that, and I doubt he even knows about the Pennsylvania ballot access situation. It would be interesting to get his reaction to this, but I’d be willing to bet we’ll never get that. Probably, if you asked him, Biden might think Hawkins was a pitcher for the Wilmington Blue Rocks minor league baseball team, whom he grooved a pitch to on one opening day. The Pa. Greens were forced, by a previous court decision, to go out and secure enough petition signatures, in this time of COVID, to be on the ballot. Amazingly, they got three times the number of required signatures. Amazingly, they still are being challenged. Shouldn’t the Democrats be focused on electing their candidates rather than – to some of us, it feels like Goliath demanding the referee measure David’s slingshot for the proper size requirements. By the way, before anyone talks about the Greens “stealing” the Democratic vote, I
looked at my personal vote and it said to me that it did not belong to any one political party, it only belongs to me. It does not belong to the Constitution Party, Democratic Party, the Green Party, the Libertarian Party, or The Republican Party. If anyone has evidence to the otherwise, duly notarized, please forward it to me. At a certain age, which I’m not revealing even under executive court order, you start to wonder how many more elections you might have in which to vote. If I can’t choose who to vote for, I can’t help feeling my vote, and my voice, are being “stolen.” Perhaps, if I can’t vote for the candidate of my choice, maybe I will decline to vote. Some, perhaps, may decide to vote for the other party candidate, just out of pure anger. Some progressives, not only Greens, may see this as Big Party brutality and may consider this when they come to the polling place and/or mail in their votes. Some of us need someone to vote for, not someone to vote against. Failing that, you obtain some of the results of previous elections. So we end up with the question, do Democrats really believe in democracy or is this another case of false advertising? Further, do we really live in a democracy? For more information about the PA. Green Party, go to www.gpofpa.org.
Bob Small | Swarthmore
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Price controls rob patients of future therapies President Trump has announced a sweeping executive order that would forbid Medicare from paying more for advanced medicines than any other developed country. This price control scheme, if implemented, would sound a death knell for medical innovation – and potentially for many patients. Drug development is expensive, time-consuming and full of uncertainty. Just over 10 percent of experimental drugs that enter clinical trials ever earn the FDA’s stamp of approval. Successfully bringing a single product to pharmacy shelves can take up to 15 years and cost over $2.5 billion. Just look at the attempts to cure Alzheimer’s, the sixth-leading cause of death in America. The FDA has greenlit only four of the nearly 150 promising Alzheimer’s treatments that underwent clinical trials in the last two decades. And all those medications mere-
ly alleviate symptoms. There’s still no cure. Despite these numerous expensive failures, investors and scientists keep trying, in the hopes that a successful drug will recoup its R&D costs and make up for all the deadends along the way. Still, important scientific knowledge comes from every failed effort. And knowledge is power in pursuit of public health. This extensive research wouldn’t happen in any other nation. America’s relatively free market for medicines allows innovators to enjoy the fruits of their labor. This incentivizes investors to put more dollars toward the cures of tomorrow – and explains why U.S. labs engineer the majority of the world’s new medicines. It’s a different story in countries with price controls. When government-run health-care sys-
tems can dictate artificially low drug prices, research loses its allure. There would have been 117 fewer new drugs developed between 1986 and 2004 if the United States had imposed price controls, according to one University of Connecticut study. And price controls don’t merely hurt patients far into the future, either. They have immediate, disastrous effects. Many biotech companies don’t even bother launching their products in price-controlled nations – the marginal revenue isn’t worth the costs. Consider that Canadian and French patients can access just 56 and 65 percent of all oncology drugs invented worldwide between 2011 and 2018, respectively. Patients in the United States enjoy access to 96 percent of all cancer drugs. Anyone who has personally battled cancer, or knows someone who has, understands that quick access to breakthrough
drugs can make the difference between life or death. The Trump administration’s executive order threatens these patients. Our nation is grappling with a deadly pandemic and struggling to curb rising rates of chronic disease – it’s hard to think of a worse time to reduce Americans’ access to medicines and discourage research. Do we really want to slow cutting-edge research into COVID-19 therapies? There are more than 4,500 drugs in development right now in U.S. labs. Any of those medicines could be the cure to cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, mental illness and other ailments. But if the United States enacts price controls, there’s no telling whether these promising experimental medicines will ever reach pharmacy shelves.
Peter J. Pitts, a former Food and Drug Administration associate commissioner, is president of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest.
‘Summer Camps’ painted an incomplete picture of homeless services The “Summer Camps” story did not mention or make note of factual information about the City’s Homeless Service System and painted an incomplete and inaccurate picture of the range of services available to people experiencing homelessness. Several corrections are noted below. Flowers and her husband Leonard’s house burned down and they were two of the first residents at the encampment on 22nd and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. For context, it would be helpful if your piece noted the City has space available for couples who would like to be housed together. They are choosing to be on the street when services are available. Service days often leave the homeless with even less than they previously had, relegating them from sleeping in a tent on grass to the city’s pavement. This is not correct. Service days are simply cleanups around the people who are living on the street. Street homelessness unfortunately is accompanied often by collections of food waste, used needles, etc. that pose a health and safety threat to the people living there as well as neighbors. The City provides 72 hours’ notice. Access to unemployment, welfare or even the COVID-19 stimulus checks are inaccessible to many homeless people who arguably need assistance most. First, there are beds available throughout the system. Second, there are multiple sites
where thousands of homeless individuals are able to receive mail. In addition, several “BenePhilly” Centers are located sites that serve the homeless such as Prevention Point, Project HOME and FIGHT to provide assistance. Neither the City Council, nor the PHA seem to have any solutions for the residents of Philadelphia’s homeless encampments. This is simply not true. In fact, about 100 people so far from the camps have accepted services and placement into shelters, recovery houses, safe haven, treatment and the COVID Prevention Space. Ten more were connected to rapid rehousing just last week. There is emergency, temporary housing available still. There is room at the COVID Prevention Space for those 65 and over and/or with chronic underlying medical conditions who are at highest risk for COVID. In addition, the City has offered a number of solutions that are reflected in the agreement offers. “Give us an apartment building, we will fix it up ourselves so we can get these people off the streets. The city has buildings they’re selfishly holding onto when they could be out here helping us,” said Jonnell Flowers. “It’s a simple solution to a long overdo (sic) problem.” There are $10M worth of RFPs on the street today making CARES ESG funds available to nonprofits. Organizations that want to be part of the solution only need to apply. In addition, the Housing Authority released a draft Community Choice Registration Program recently
through which dozens of PHA properties will be made available to nonprofit organizations. Many shelters had to cut back their intake, and, beyond that, many of Philly’s homeless do not feel safe in the city’s shelters. The City has maintained intake throughout the pandemic. Intake sites screen for COVID, plenty of social distancing and remote interviews to reduce in-person contact. The shelter system has dealt successfully with efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the shelters. Of more than 6,500 participants, there have been only 120 positive cases. Our programs have de-densified beds to allow six feet between them, added bed barriers, moved to grab and go meals and have been screening people for COVID since March. In response to COVID-19, Mayor Jim Kenney’s new budget cut the funding for Philadelphia Homeless Services by 21 percent for 2021, swiping nearly $13 million from their budget. This is patently false. These funds, which had been local tax dollars, were fully replaced by CARES ESG dollars for FY21, and thus there was no net cut to OHS. During that same span of time, Philadelphia spent $260,000 on a hotel it never used, and the homeless residents of Philadelphia banded together to shelter themselves. In fact, Philadelphia has 260 rooms at two hotels dedicated to people experiencing homelessness who are at highest risk for COVID,
Liz Hersh, Executive Director of the Office of Homeless Services
SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
those over 65 years old and those with chronic, underlying health conditions deemed by the CDC as high risk. About two-dozen people from the camps have entered the COVID Prevention spaces where there are services available and a pathway to long-term housing so they do not have to return to the street or congregate sites. According to the Philadelphia Office of Homelessness, the homeless population in Philly is 5,735. This number uses the methodology established and required by the federal government. It is standardized across the country and from year to year. It counts everyone who is in a homeless shelter, transitional housing or known to be on the street. The street count hits every ZIP Code and uses navigators to reach the hidden homeless to ensure as many people as possible are counted. It is a point in time number. Over the course of the fiscal year 2019, 17,766 used homeless system services. We encourage those concerned about people living on the street to use the Homeless Hotline to connect people with help: (215) 2321984. It is available 24/7 year round. While the City struggles with a shortage of affordable housing opportunities, as do all American cities, we work tirelessly to connect those who are most vulnerable with the help they need. Editor’s note: This column has been edited due to space considerations. To read the full version, visit philadelphiaweekly.com.
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VOICES OF OUR CITY
Fight pandemic by expanding trade
The U.S.-Canada border will remain closed for non-essential travel until at least Sept. 21. President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau mutually agreed to seal the world’s longest non-militarized border back in March to slow the spread of COVID-19. But while cross-border road trips and shopping excursions have come to a halt, commerce has continued as usual. That’s a good thing – Canada is one of our most important trading partners. Now more than ever, we must strengthen this relationship and eliminate the existing regulatory barriers that keep American businesses from fully accessing Canada’s market and vice versa. Expanding this trade is critical in ith chron-helping both nations eemed byweather the unpreceozen peo-dented economic strain he COVIDcaused by COVID-19. e services In 2018 alone, the US m housingand Canada exchanged e street ormore than $718 billion in goods and services. Office of Canadians import more ulation ingoods from the United States than from anyogy estab-where else in the world. al govern-Americans rely on our e countrynorthern neighbors for ryone whoessential goods like fuel al housingand food products. reet count This already-strong igators totrade relationship was e as manyreinforced by the United is a pointStates-Mexico-Canada the fiscalAgreement, which went into effect earlier this ystem ser-summer. The agreement includes provisions aimed at improving agriculture, e-commerce about peo-and small-business trade. Homeless But several significant barriers remain. : (215) 232- For instance, the USMCA was intended to While theexpand American farmers’ access to the Canaaffordabledian dairy market. erican cit- Yet just as the trade deal went into effect, hose whoCanada increased restrictions that limit ey need. U.S. cheese and butter imports. The Amerbeen edit-ican dairy industry is concerned that Cano read theada may also limit access to Canada’s skim ekly.com. milk market.
Or consider the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, a government body that regulates maximum drug prices in Canada, regardless of whether the government pays for them. PMPRB does not rely on competitive markets or a medicine’s actual value when making its decisions, but rather relies on the prices in other countries that themselves often fail to recognize the value of innovation. This so-called reference pricing devalues innovative medicines, including those that come from the United States. USMCA did not seek to address chronic devaluation of U.S. medicines in Canada, and now the PMPRB is poised to adopt new sweeping regulations in January 2021 that will exacerbate the problem. One of the new rules would eliminate the U.S. from the group of seven comparator countries PMPRB uses to set drug prices. Removing the United States – one of the only nations that relies on market-forces to incentivize innovation and access – from this group of comparator countries will have the unintended effect of devaluing U.S. innovation. It takes $2.6 billion on average to bring just one new drug to market. What innovative manufacturer will launch its product in a market the size of Canada knowing that there is little hope for return on its investment? This is not just speculation. The evidence shows that Canadian patients are already paying the price of PMPRB’s new proposal. At least seven drug launches have been delayed in Canada since August 2019. The U.S.-Canada trading relationship is the envy of the world. But it’s not perfect. It is imperative that our North American neighborhood works in cooperation so that we emerge from the current pandemic poised to build the economy of the future.
Maryscott Greenwood is the CEO of the Canadian American Business Council.
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GOSSIP
PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY
NEW ARENA A SLAM DUNK I
35,000 part-time jobs? And opportunities s it me, or is my C-19 pre-autumn for Black and Brown business owners for calm – knowing the upcoming additional spaces in retail and housing Fringe Fest is mostly digi-stream(Black-owned developer Mosaic could be a ing so I won’t need to run into artists’ basements or old phone partner on the new deal)? Yet, Old City neighbors grouse (‘cuz booths to see a show, no Made in America to pace around, buzzed that’s what they do; I lived there 19 years) over too much traffic congestion, on Jay Z’s D’Ussé VSOP Cognac without considering that its narrow and Red Bull, no rush to Labor streets were always packed when Day fireworks and sweaty crowds BY A.D. around the Art Museum – being ru- AMOROSI the OC was at its lounge renaissance zenith. Shut up, Old City. OK, ined by the Philadelphia 76ers? so there’s the massive tax abateI was barely over Sixer headment-deferment that its developers Harris coach Brett Brown getting fired after we and Blitzer want the city (and you, and got swept by Boston’s Celtics in round one of the playoffs (NO, I DON’T WANT me) to pay, and the failed experiment (ask Allentown) of the Neighborhood ImproveTHE LOS ANGELES LAKERS ASSISTANT COACH JASON KIDD TO GET THE ment Zone idea planned. I still think it’s a good deal. Besides, the Sixers wouldn’t PHILLY GIG, SORRY) when I had to deal have their Penn’s Landing arena open unwith news of the 76ers’ cash-crew wanting til 2031. Surely by then, Jason Kidd will their own arena at-on-throughout Penn’s Landing, from Market and Lombard. have found another gig and we don’t have to worry about having him here. Huzzah. “Deal with,” not because of the 76ers – I’m Encampment update on their side. Who wouldn’t want a new When Mayor Kenney isn’t busy fucking African American History Museum or Inover Philly chefs by dining in Maryland, dependence Seaport Museum, both promhe is absolutely, no backing out, no staring ised by its potential owner-developers for the site? And 12,000 permanent jobs and down, no moving around, swearing, swear-
Image | Stephen Baker
SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
ing, SWEARING to all that is holy that THIS TIME he REALLY REALLY MEANS to post “formal notice at the protest camps on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and on Ridge Avenue, that the camps must resolve no later than Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 9 a.m.” The letter from the Mayor’s Office goes on to say that, “This is the third such posting for the Parkway camp,” which means, what, third time’s a charm? So Kenney’s relying on idiomatic phrases to get us through the encampment? Good. Good. Le Cavalier opens By the time you read this, Philly chef-owner Tyler Akin – a born Delawarian – will have popped the top on his elegant redo of the legendary Green Room at Wilmington’s Hotel Du Pont, heretofore to be known as the French-inspired-withNorth-African-touches Le Cavalier. Yay. Look for Akin to be a Masked Philly candidate soon. Not so fast Hey, speaking of chefs, remember I mentioned a few weeks ago that the Michael Schulson + Nina Tinari indoor restaurant empire-turned-outdoor pan-
Give the Sixers what they want
ICEPACK
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GOSSIP
PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY demic playground was borrowing space from 13th Street neighbor Tredici Enoteca until the latter was ready to pop? Schulson-Tinari might have that space for longer than expected now that Tredici Enoteca’s co-owner, Greg Dodge, has been accused of misappropriation of funds and fraud with his investors (including Dodge’s ex-wife, recent ex-wife considering their divorce was made final earlier this summer) none too happy. PTC happenings Philadelphia Theatre Company’s Producing Artistic Director Paige Price just brought on beloved director/choreographer Jeffrey L. Page as PTC’s Resident Artist, beginning this month. Plus, Price announced that PTC will revive its Terrence McNally New Play Award, initially launched in 2012, but un-awarded since 2015. “In the first year of its return,” goes Price per email, “the award is open solely to playwrights born, bred or currently residing in Philadelphia.” New music Philly’s Brian Walker usually makes moody emo punk with his A Day Without Love and its rotating band of renown. This season, however, Walker’s Without is now With, as in something sunnier, jazzier and chipper via “Where You Image | Rosita Lamberti Fit In.” Co-penned, played and vocalized by Erin Fox, the track features addition Philly fellaheen such as Alright Junior’s Jace Miller, and can buy it for a buck here https://adaywithoutlove.bandcamp.com/album/where-you-fit-in Masked Philly: Rosita Lamberti In Icepack’s continuing saga of asking mask-donning local celebrities what they’ve been up to beyond the pale during C-19, I reached out to the doyenne of Italian cuisine in Philly (Positano Coast) and New Jersey (Caffe Aldo Lamberti), Rosita Lamberti. Her hot spots – especially the mode-moderne Caffe in Cherry Hill – have been cranking at full speed, outdoors, even utilizing its traditional live jazz bands, in Old City. “I was fortunate to be able to work throughout quarantine,” said Lady Lamberti of a crew she affectionately called the “quaran-team.” Said comradery alleviated the stress brought
on by the changes her fam’s restaurants had to make due to Covid. “Unlike most people, I think I spent less time at home than more. That said, I did have the opportunity to learn Canva (a graphic design platform where users can create intricate social media graphics, etc.), for new designs and menus for the restaurants. It was new to me, and a lot of fun, since it gave me an opportunity to try something different, a creative outlet that helped keep my mind busy and less stressed.” Lamberti is also gearing up to take her first trip since March – to Long Island to see her best friend from college and her family. “I adore them all, and her youngest is my goddaughter. We normally visit each other every couple of months. I’m also hoping to take a few days off in September to spend at the beach.” The mask? Lamberti loves hers because it’s bright and colorful. “One of my good friends is the vice president at Tehen, a fine women’s clothing boutique in Cherry Hill. It is my favorite store, and the seamstress there, Leda, makes these amazing masks that are so soft and super comfortable. I have three of them that I alternate, with this one being my favorite. Plus, I love being able to support a small business, especially right now.” The first thing she’ll do when the masks come down? “You mean forever? Breathe a huge sigh of relief. We’ve only been able to serve outside for now...it’s hot! It will be a pleasure to work and walk about without having to wear the mask. I know most people feel the same away. For now, it’s necessary. Hopefully soon enough, it won’t be.” What Lamberti and the fam is up to next is, along with opening its casual-not-too-casual new pizza salon at 707 Chestnut, is refining already-existing C-19 protocol in their locations: thermal imaging camera at Caffe Aldo Lamberti scanning for elevated temperatures without contact, always adding extensions to its new decks to offer more outdoor seating. “We want to make sure our guests feel like they’re dining in an outdoor oasis, rather than just sitting on a sidewalk or parking lot.”
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DRESSING THE STARS
Jeantrix makes a name for itself in celebrity fashion
Philly fashion artists Nyce and Homm want to inspire the masses by creating and combining fashion, art and film to give people a fun experience of textures, colors and images. Image | Ricky Codio (@RickyCodio) SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
ing from J Philadelph fashions o one of th styled by B “We gr Jay-Z and so closely short of tremely e have our c mental mo ion artists Black-o rix was fo and Hom brother to lik B), wh family. Th with Blue for the pa of pieces elaborate look that has been s years, suc Jordan, A Lil Nas X Jeantrix a Fifth Aven man Marc Iced Tea. To see m social me website w Nyce an inspire th fashion, a rience of t with just 2004, the pass a bro a-kind lux film and a PW rec Homm to fashion. Let’s st early day in 2004 w ers. Wha How did y We crea stores tha anything a was too pl spice thin was differ with no jo ered artsy us, so we ate the typ
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n July 31, Beyonce released Clothing from Jeantrix has been seen on many celebrities over the a short film via the Disney+ years, such as Janet Jackson, Michael B Jordan, Alicia Keys, Lil Kim, streaming service titled “Black Missy Elliot, Lil Nas X, Lizzo and many many others. is King.” The film features Image | Ricky Codio (@RickyCodio) breathtaking visuals synced to music inspired by “The Lion King” and also features clothing from Jeantrix, fashion artists from the Philadelphia area. You can check out their fashions on the song “Already,” worn by one of the featured artists, Shatta Wale, styled by Beoncia Dunn and Zerina Akers. “We grew up listening to music from Jay-Z and Beyonce, so for us to be working so closely with their team now is nothing short of a dream come true! We are extremely excited, honored and humbled to have our clothing featured in such a monumental moment in music history,” the fashion artists from Jeantrix said. Black-owned wearable art brand Jeantrix was founded by Nyce (Deric Crawley) and Homm (Muhammad Abdul-Basit, brother to the recently deceased rapper Malik B), who are no strangers to the Carter family. The duo has been working closely with Blue Ivy’s personal stylist Emmanuel for the past five years, designing a variety of pieces for Blue from sneakers to a more elaborate “Black Barbie” leather jacket look that went viral in 2016. Their clothing has been seen on many celebrities over the years, such as Janet Jackson, Michael B Jordan, Alicia Keys, Lil Kim, Missy Elliot, Lil Nas X, Lizzo and many many others. Jeantrix also has collaborations with Saks Fifth Avenue, Dr. Martens Footwear, NeiOne of your latest projects is to have man Marcus, Mont Blanc and even Arizona We came up with the name in a cheesy clothing featured in Beyonce’s “Black is Iced Tea. way. In the very beginning, we made a list of King,” but you’ve actually been with the To see more of their work, check out their different names and none really stood out. Carter family for some time now, working We decided to keep it simple and create a social media page @Jeantrix or visit their closely with Blue Ivy’s personal stylist Embrand where the name says it all. At the time website www.jeantrix.com. Nyce and Homm said their objective is to we mainly embellished jeans with paint and manuel for the past five years, designing a patch working, and because of this, we would variety of pieces for Blue from sneakers to inspire the masses by creating and combining fashion, art and film to give people a fun expe- often say that “our jeans are doing tricks,” so a more elaborate “Black Barbie” leather jacket look that went viral in 2016. we took words from that saying and rience of textures, colors and images. Starting How have you been able to cultiwith just one pair of customized sneakers in also incorporated one of our favorvate these relationships with not 2004, the brand naturally evolved to encom- ite movies at the time, “The Matrix.” BY EUGENE only the Carter family, but also From all of that the name “Jeantrix” pass a broader range of art, including one-ofZENYATTA many other entertainers? Why do a-kind luxury apparel, canvases, sculptures, was born! you think these collaborations Now, some 16 years later, Jeantfilm and art installations. have been so successful? PW recently caught up with Nyce and rix is known around the world for It’s all about networking! We actually met its eccentric apparel and has collaborated Homm to talk about Jeantrix and everything with many celebrities and fashion titans. Emmanuel through social media before he fashion. started working with Blue Ivy. He had been Let’s start with talking a bit about the How did you achieve this level of success? on our Facebook list for a while and was very It took many years of hard work and reearly days of Jeantrix. The brand started familiar with our brand, so by the time he got in 2004 with one pair of customized sneak- jection to reach the level where we are now. the job with the Carters, he remembered us When we first started, we would participate in ers. What prompted you to start Jeantrix? from many years ago and reached out because all the major fashion events in Philadelphia. How did you come up with the name? the project he was working on matched our Whether it was putting our clothing in someWe created Jeantrix at a time when retail aesthetic. It was because of the early networkstores that we shopped at didn’t really sell one else’s show, creating our own shows or ing that we did with many stylists and entrejust attending a fashion show, we were on the anything artsy or creative. Everything we saw preneurs that we were able to create working was too plain for our liking, and we wanted to scene! For us it was all about networking and spice things up a bit and wear something that creating working relationships with people relationships with many celebrity stylists before they became famous. We believe that was different. We were also in high school that had similar goals and passions. After a these collaborations have been successful bewith no jobs, so any clothing that was consid- few years, the name began to grow within the ered artsy at the time cost way too much for fashion industry, and Jeantrix actually turned cause many celebrities and fashion stylists nowadays want something that is different us, so we decided to grab some paint and cre- into a movement which was all about self-exthan what the larger fashion brands have to pression. ate the type of clothing we wanted to wear.
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offer. They want clothing that is exclusive, rebellious and creative and something that makes a statement; that’s what our brand incorporates into everything that we create. How has the pandemic and all of the ensuing closures impacted your business? Have you had to adjust your marketing strategy or operations? When the pandemic first began, many people weren’t working and weren’t thinking about purchasing new clothing, they only wanted to purchase “essentials.” During that time, all retail brands saw a decline in purchases, so we adjusted our approach with our customers and made it more about them. We decided to help our communities by donating a percentage of sales to local food banks, increased our engagement with our online audience, began creating more online content and even offered payment plans for those that wished to continue purchasing during this time. It was because of this new approach that we were able to keep business going. How would you describe the Philly fashion scene? A lot of times, when fashion is being discussed, you hear about New York, L.A. and other places around the world. Is Philly also becoming a fashion hot spot? Fashion in Philadelphia was very redundant when we first created Jeantrix. As mentioned, it was because of this redundancy that we actually created Jeantrix. However we have noticed that in the past few years the fashion scene in Philadelphia has begun to take off! We would call the fashion scene today very eccentric. The new generation has gotten extremely creative with their clothing, sneakers and even their hair. It’s very reminiscent of the fashion scene of the ‘80s, when everyone wanted to express themselves however they felt, without judgment. As it should be. What’s ahead for Jeantrix? Any big plans that you can discuss here? We actually have a few different things in store for this year. We’ll be releasing a new collection of hand-painted and printed items this fall to our website www.jeantrix.com. We’re collaborating with a foreign leather goods company on a small collection of leather bags to be released just in time for back to school. Right now, we’re also in the process of creating some exclusive online content for Dr. Martens footwear. Lastly we have also teamed up with a charity to help raise awareness about domestic and street violence. Our goal with the charity is to increase the Peace Love & Happiness in our local communities as well as around the world. What are the best ways for people to keep up with everything Jeantrix has going on? To keep up-to-date with our shenanigans, check out our Instagram page @Jeantrix, our Youtube channel JeantrixTV and as mentioned earlier you can check out our clothing exclusively on our website www.jeantrix.com.
PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2020
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MEET
Local filmmaker finishes movie about a pandemic – during a pandemic
ADAM LIPPE A
Jacob Westerfer plays a dental patient in Adam Lippe’s new film about a pandemic that was finished during an actual pandemic. Image | CJ Patton
SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
the top film critics in America while movie about a pandemic, being featured in a TV ad for Examinthat was finished during an actual pandemic? It’s 2020, er.com appearing all over the country. Beginning in 2013, Lippe began so, sure. Phoenixville’s Adam writing a horror-comedy, “Wait, Wait, Don’t Kill Me,” about a mysterious viLippe recently put the finrus that gets loose in inner-city Philaishing touches on “Wait, delphia. When the government tries Wait, Don’t Kill Me,” a horror-comedy about a viral pandemic unleashed in to shut down the spread and realizes it can’t, it decides to fence off the loNicetown. Most of the film was shot in cals and let everyone die. Slowly, but Germantown. surely, he secured financing Talk about timely and reland cast the movie out of New evant: The film is about a viral pandemic and how the BY EUGENE York, shooting the SAG New Media film in Philadelphia. government/military exploits ZENYATTA The completed movie, the local populace, specifically which Lippe wrote, produced because of their race and povand directed, was shot in fits erty, by deliberately letting it and starts over a period of several run wild in Nicetown. Lippe’s interest in film began early on, and he began years. The film also incorporates footwriting film criticism at the age of 15 age shot both during the Pope’s and while attending Riverdale Country the DNC’s visit to Philadelphia, which coincidentally supported the movie’s School, first in direct competition with his school newspaper, and eventually notion of a city being blocked off by elaborate fences and large amounts of for the paper itself. He made his first security. “Wait, Wait, Don’t Kill Me” movie, “The Stranger,” a dark, satirical drama, at the age of 16. In college, was completed in late March, amid, as we all know, an actual worldwide viral both at Hampshire and Emerson, he pandemic, and was recently released. continued his interest in macabre huPW recently caught up with Lippe to mor, making short films and music talk about his new film. videos, as well as directing live televiYour new film, “Wait, Wait, Don’t sion versions of his comedic sketches. Kill Me” is about a virus running After returning to film criticism in 2002, writing for various magazines rampant in Philadelphia – quite the timely theme for a movie these days. and websites, he became a full-time But you actually started writing it critic and columnist in 2008, first for back in 2013. How did you come up the Columbus, Ohio, paper Outlook Weekly, and then his own website, A with the idea for the film? I was having a conversation with Regrettable Moment of Sincerity, in someone who wanted to make a zom2009. That led to his reviews appearbie movie, and I said, “Everyone ing on Rotten Tomatoes and becoming makes zombie movies, why not just a member of the Online Film Critics make a virus movie instead? That way Society, as well as being named one of
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Tony Cheng and Keet Davis appear in ‘Wait, Wait, Don’t Kill Me,’ which was recently released. Image | CJ Patton you can specifically design the disease and what it does to the body, and determine how humans react to it.” If people are in a zombie movie, the audience knows that either there are fast zombies or slow zombies, but that the zombies are just after people for their brains and there’s an undead factor to it. In “Wait, Wait, Don’t Kill Me,” there’s no undead, there’s diseased people and there’s the military trying to capitalize on it. Because the film takes place in Nicetown, which is primarily Black, Hispanic and poor, the military knows that they can ignore the disease’s effects and, in fact, encourage its spread, without suffering any consequences. When you started writing, did you think you’d actually see something similar play out inreal life? My original concept was to play around within the viral pandemic genre, like “Contagion,” “Outbreak” or “The Crazies,” and tweak it by both making the film more openly comedic, sort of in the vein of “Shaun of the Dead,” but also make it seem less far-fetched by having serious undertones, so I integrated social commentary and satirical elements as well. There’s something about “Shaun of the Dead” that I wanted to emulate specifically, which is that if you took the zombies out of that film, you’d have a serious movie about guy who is tragically unobservant about his surroundings. So, in “Wait, Wait, Don’t Kill Me,” there are people living their regular lives, struggling, and the disease is like a pile
on, an additional stress that they either adapt to or they don’t. The villains are based on, “what if Roy Cohn and Joseph McCarthy were lovers,” and have no care in the world, other than exploiting the situation. They are uninterested in the effects that their decisions have on the people we come to care about throughout the film. They openly discuss subjects like quarantines, high death counts (and hiding said death counts from the press), and fencing in the locals specifically because they are ethnic and poor. These scenes were supposed to be darkly comedic and pointed. The actors played it with the callousness it was designed to have, but now the scenes are often, almost, appalling. A friend watched one scene recently and said, “It plays like I could’ve been listening to a hot mic left on at some DC brainstorming session.” To directly address your question, I never thought there would be any sort of parallel to real life, because the movie is deliberately absurd. I wanted to see how relatively normal people would react to such ridiculous scenarios and if they could handle them with maturity and resourcefulness. The film wrapped up in March. Talk a little about the challenges of getting it finished.With the coronavirus hitting the U.S. hard at the time, did you feel pressure to get it done, both in terms of the timeliness and the logistical issues, given all of the closures and restrictions?
We actually finished shooting quite some time ago. Post-production processes tend to be slow on low-budget films because you have to carefully budget what you can afford to do and in what order. We wanted to hire the best people we could afford, but since they often have multiple projects, I had to manage our processes around what they were able to fit into their schedules. For example, the sound mix, the last major piece, was literally finished the week that Pennsylvania was shut down. It was just an unfortunate coincidence. Independent filmmakers face a lot of challenges that big studio productions don’t, especially in terms of resources and funding. What were some of the biggest hurdles you had to overcome in making “Wait, Wait, Don’t Kill Me”? When you don’t have money, you have time, lots of it, so you can plan. And there were long periods of planning. Some of these plans couldn’t materialize because so much time had passed (at one point, there was a nearly 18-month gap between shooting days). And because of the time passing, people dropped out of the film, so although we started with a full crew, by the end I had to perform multiple crew jobs myself because I couldn’t afford to replace every person. To accommodate the schedules of remaining cast and crew, I had to create obscenely complex shooting schedules out of necessity just so we could get everything finished. Are you happy with the way the film
turned out? Would it have been better/different if you weren’t facing a real-life pandemic? For a first film, despite all of my writing, producing and directing mistakes, I am happy with the film. There are so many reasons that the movie should be utterly incoherent and unwatchable. [Some who see it may argue that, despite our efforts, it still is both of those things.] We had more than 40 speaking parts, about 40 locations, and about 100 extras. This was a far bigger film than I probably should have ever made my first time out, and yet the movie is still funny, strange, unsettling, sweet, and gross. Sometimes all at once. How can people see the movie? The movie started playing via The Colonial Theatre’s virtual screenings and will be there for at least the next few weeks. Also, current information will always be available on waitwaitdontkillme.com/. What’s the future hold for you? Any new projects in the works? I wrote a script, something much, much smaller than “Wait, Wait, Don’t Kill Me.” It’s basically three characters in a room screaming at each other. Comparatively, it will be a breeze to make. If I had to describe it, I’d say it was a mix of “Oldboy” and David Mamet’s “Oleanna.” It’s bound to make people uncomfortable. When it’s safe to shoot a movie again, whenever that is (2022?), it’ll be my next project.
PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2020
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THE RUNDOWN Image | Nathan Ansell
How we’re taking it to the roof in 2020
The city might be preparing for limited indoor dining, but the folks at Visit Philly also have provided a list of rooftop dining and drinking options. Head over to visitphilly.com for all of the details and a complete list, but here are some of our favorites that offer a bird’s-eye view of the city. As always, check with the establishment before heading over for all of the details.
IMAGE: VISIT PHILADELPHIA
The Continental Midtown
Sunset Social
High atop West Philly’s Cira Center, Sunset Social offers drama and relaxation in equal measure. The fast-casual menu includes a selection of bowls, burgers and fries, plus beer, wine, and frozen and bottled cocktails that patrons can enjoy along with the epic view. 129 S. 30th St. Sunsetsocialphl.com
SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
Stephen Starr recreates the success of his first restaurant, the original Continental in Old City, with this sibling restaurant just off Rittenhouse Square featuring a rooftop lounge that’s the spot’s pièce de résistance. Partially enclosed so that it’s serviceable yearround, the deck area is quite popular during warmer months. Rooftop seating is limited, so don’t sleep on making a reservation. 1801 Chestnut St. | Continentalmidtown.com
Assembly Rooftop Lounge
Brauhaus Schmitz
Attico
Revolution House
Nine floors above street level, the Assembly Rooftop Lounge at The Logan, Philadelphia’s Hotel beckons bar-goers year-round with modern luxe seating nests and firepits. As if picturesque views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway weren’t enough, craft cocktails, charcuterie and cheese plates add to the appeal. For 2020, reservations are recommended but not required. 1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway | Assemblyrooftop. com
Perched on the 16th floor above the Cambria Hotel, Attico is the largest rooftop restaurant and bar on Broad Street. The stylish year-round outdoor balcony offers prime views of the city that go well with the spot’s crab melt, pork coppa steak, selection of delicious cocktails and more. Reservations are recommended. 219 S. Broad St. | Atticorooftop.com
Diners at this authentic German beer hall earn their roofdeck views, which lie 70 steps up (with the bathroom 70 steps back down). Once up high, though, guests can admire stellar city views, dig into hearty lunches and dinners with modern, approachable twists, and wash it all down with a choice of 30plus beers on tap and a bottle list so big it knocks the lederhosen off of any beer fan. 718 South St. | Brauhausschmitz.com
On warmer nights, patrons of Old City’s Revolution House take advantage of the spot’s roof deck, one of the few in the neighborhood. The full menu of comfort food and creative cocktails can be ordered from the higher perch. Tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Revolution House, 200 Market St. | Revolutionhouse.com
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The Exhibits
The Exhibits consist of professionally shot videos and 360-degree photos, plus artist talks for each exhibition included in the Da Vinci Fest series. Exhibitions are presented in collaboration with DVAA Members, Jefferson University, Philadelphia Sculptors, and The Library Company of Philadelphia. The Exhibits will be on view in-person from Oct. 11 to 26, and will be on view digitally beginning Oct. 22.
How we’re attending Da Vinci Fest Live Named after Leonardo da Vinci, Da Vinci Fest Live will be a captivating event for all ages as it explores the wide-ranging disciplines mastered by the group’s namesake. Inspired by this Renaissance polymath’s unquenchable curiosity, Da Vinci Fest Live – running from Oct. 22-29 – will celebrate how creativity flourishes at the intersection of disciplines through virtual events, installed exhibitions, and creative activities for the public – both at home and in-person. Here’s a rundown of all that’s happening, but head over to davinciartalliance.org for all of the details.
The Mural
DVAA has been working with Mural Arts Philadelphia in partnership with Fleisher Art Memorial, Bella Vista Neighbors Association and Friends of Palumbo Park to install a new mural on the side of the group’s building at 704 Catharine St. Good news: The Mural opens before the festival. After a competitive selection and design process, “Innovation Lights the Way” by muralist team Sammy Kovnat and Maria Roman opens on Oct. 11 at noon in-person.
The Market
The Market consists of a silent auction and art and craft bazaar where patrons can collect handmade artworks and bid for a chance to win services and products from local businesses! These curated items will be available online from Oct. 22 at 6:30pm through Oct. 29.
The Hive
The Hive is an interactive archive where all Da Vinci Fest programming will be located for at-home viewing. The Hive will include at-home art activities, stories about the intersection of art and science, fun and informative demos by Bresslergroup, Music Not Impossible, The Philadelphia Insectarium, The Franklin Institute and more! The Hive will be digitally available beginning Oct. 22, after the Da Vinci Fest Live stream.
The Da Vinci Derby
The Da Vinci Derby is the premier event of the Da Vinci Fest Live stream that will be broadcast on Oct. 22 at 6:30pm by a Philadelphia-based sportscaster. Participants of all ages are invited to transform a 7-inch block of wood into a Derby car to compete for awards in speed and creativity. The live-stream will include commercial interludes from programming partners which will be accessible after the live-stream on The Hive. The Da Vinci Derby is open for all to participate.
PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2020
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Philadelphia Virtual StorySLAM: SILENCED
Prepare a five-minute story about suppression. Interrupted, talked over, censored, shushed. Pleading the Fifth about your sister’s boyfriend, your friend’s new haircut, your mother-in-law’s famous jello salad. Being told to hold your tongue, hush your mouth, or button your lip. Or the time you pushed back, shouted out, and brandished your words as weapons. Regale everyone with tales of words eaten…or spoken. Presented by The Moth. Tuesday, Sept. 15, 7:15 – 9:15pm | $10
Eventbrite.com is packed with upcoming virtual events that will be a blast. Here are some of our favorites.
Virtual events that demand your attention Anti-racist action planning: A guide to targeted and persistent resistance
This workshop is based on the “Open Letter to White People” by presenter Dr Eleonora Bartoli and is open to everyone. In this “Open Letter,” which serves as a framework for this workshop, Bartoli writes, “As white people, we tend to think of ourselves as ancillary to the movement (for racial justice), and so what we are really asking is how we can support it. But we (white people) are not just part of the movement, we don’t just belong to the movement, we have primary responsibility to the movement. We are essential to the movement because we are white supremacy; so nothing is going to change if we don’t do something about ourselves.” Bartoli is a licensed psychologist and consultant in Philadelphia. Wednesday, Sept. 16, 6 – 7 | Free
SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
The City of Philadelphia and Arts and Culture Leadership Town Hall
The arts are important to the city’s economy and to its communities. However, the operations, work and livelihood of Philadelphia’s arts and culture sector have been deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the city continues to make progress in the fight against COVID-19 and safely reopen, the leaders of Philadelphia’s arts and culture organizations are invited to participate in a discussion on their unique needs and concerns for reopening the arts in Philadelphia. Thursday, Sept. 17, 11am – noon | Free
Mystery on Main Street
EY Design Studio PHL invites you to participate in solving a mystery on Main Street. Polish up your magnifying glasses and be ready to think creatively through user-centered design, development and research lenses as you investigate a UX problem. We’ll kick off the evening with opening remarks. After a brief introduction, we will team up and get down to business. Ready to help solve the case? Tuesday, Sept. 22, 6 – 7:30pm | Free
Educating Philly Workers on 2020 Election Changes
This year was already destined to bring forth significant changes in how elections in Pennsylvania were conducted. With the introduction of no-excuse vote-by-mail and new, modern voting equipment, voters across the commonwealth faced a learning curve. The coronavirus pandemic has complicated election plans and put a premium on protecting the health of voters and poll workers. While the postponed primary election was mostly smooth, there’s still work to do to ensure no worker has to sacrifice their ability to earn a paycheck or their health to exercise their right to vote. Thursday, Sept. 10, 4 – 5pm | Free
The Virgin Poetry Showcase
This night will feature performances from an array of local artists paying homage to the alignment of stars. This will not be your average poetry show, not even virtually! A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to a Philadelphia based nonprofit Path to Greatness. Friday, Sept. 18, 7 – 8:30pm. See eventbrite.com for tickets info and more.
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Away It’s a new month, so that means new shows on Netflix. Here are a few of the ones we’re most looking forward to watching. Check out netflix.com for the full list.
Hillary Swank stars in this original drama series set in space. While the reviews are mixed, we’re fans of space stuff, so we’ll be checking it out. We’ve also been a fan of Swank’s since “Boys Don’t Cry” and “Million Dollar Baby,” so there’s another reason to watch a show about stuff going wrong in space. It starts Friday.
Our picks for the new Netflix shows
My Octopus Teacher
OK, the title made us look this one up. It’s about a filmmaker who forges an “unusual friendship” – Netflix’s words, not ours – with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest. It’s out on Sept. 7, if you’re as intrigued as we are.
The Devil All the Time
Perhaps the most-hyped release this month, the movie takes place after World War II and follows a cast of characters (it’s an all-star lineup of actors playing these characters, by the way) all the way up to the Vietnam War period. These characters apparently go after a guy who’s just trying to protect his family. It’s out Sept. 16.
The Social Dilemma
Talk about timely. This documentary explores the dangers and impacts of social networking – a topic that’s all over the news these days. So, do social media companies really take advantage of their users? We’re going to watch to find out. The film debuts on Sept. 9.
American Barbecue Showdown
In a month that Netflix seems to be, to us, really heavy on the, um, heavy, we’re going to make sure to see this show, which starts on Sept. 18. Cooks compete to cook the best barbecue. Hey, there might be some drama, but nothing like the heavy suspense these other shows likely will bring.
I’m Thinking of Ending Things
If you like horror movies, you might want to check this one out, although it seems like more of a psychological thriller than one with chainsaw-wielding zombies. It’s about a woman who gets stuck at her boyfriend’s family on their farm during a snowstorm. No doubt the farm is miles from anything and the power goes out, or something. It starts Friday.
PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2020
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Fantasy Figures Q: I’ve been married for 30 years to the I know for a fact that he’s still seeing these same man. I have dealt with his tantrums, his women while forbidding me from having even screaming, and his fits. He’s always had anger online conversations – to say nothing of relamanagement issues. He strangled me once a tions – with another man. Neither of us can few months after our son was born make it on our own. I don’t know and never did it again. I would have what to do. Why wouldn’t he want left otherwise. He’s had relationan open relationship? ships with other women but always – Divorce Invites Serious Conseswore it was just online. quences Or Real Distress Then, a few years back, I got into Your husband doesn’t want an online relationship with somean open relationship, DISCORD, one online. I never actually met this because he doesn’t want you to person, just as my husband claimed have the same freedom he does. he’d never met the women he was And while he doesn’t want to be sextalking to online. I had opened up ual with you for reasons that have to this person about our troubles nothing to do with erectile dysfuncand I talked about my husband’s tion, he doesn’t want you seeking anger issues and some other private sexual attention – much less sexual things. This person encouraged me fulfilment – in the arms or inboxes to have an affair, but I kept putting of other men. Which means your @FAKEDANSAVAGE husband sees you not as a human him off. Finally, I told him I did it, I had an affair, it was great, etc. It being like him, i.e. a person with wasn’t true, but it seemed like that’s needs and feelings and agency, but what he wanted to hear. About 30 minutes afmore like a car he keeps in his garage and reter I told him, I got a call from my husband! fuses to drive and won’t let anyone else take This person had sent it all to him! All of our for a spin. conversations, everything, every detail. My You’re not a car, of course, and you’re not husband flipped out but we worked it out and his property. You were also faithful to him moved on. even as he cheated on you – even after he asThen a few months ago, right at the start saulted you – and you stayed in this marriage of the pandemic, I found out that my husband despite being deprived of sex and other forms has been speaking to othintimacy. But even if you er women. I also found guys had been fucking on out that he’s been meeta daily basis for the last ing other women in hotel 30 years, DISCORD, even rooms in other cities, and if your husband wasn’t all this time I believed an abusive asshole with him about never meeting anger issues, you would with anyone in person! still have every right to He claims he has erectile indulge in sexual fantadysfunction but it was sies that don’t involve clear from the messages I your husband and every saw that he is having sex right to explore those fanwith these other women. tasies on your own time. So he’s somehow fucking Partnered or not, monogother women despite the amous or not, we are all erectile dysfunction that entitled to a zone of erotic prevents him from fuckautonomy. ing me?!? You say divorce isn’t I’m beside myself bea viable option for you, cause over 30 years we DISCORD, so I’m gonna built a life together and recommend a different now I don’t know what d-word: detach. Make my future is going to look peace with your circumlike because of this. I can’t stances and the best of provide for myself monyour living situation. etarily. I still work full time but if I lose this Don’t go searching for evidence that your husjob or retire, Dan, I will have nothing. And band is cheating on you, just accept that he is. we both have medical issues. I don’t want a Don’t feel the need to confront him about his divorce because a secure future for both of us fucking hypocrisy, just accept that he’s a huge really does hinge on us remaining together. fucking hypocrite.
DAN SAVAGE
“Think of fantasies as sexy little movies we screen for ourselves in our heads and kinks or fetishes as optional plot points and/or props.”
es
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PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY
And then, DISCORD, just like your husband, go and do whatever and whoever you want. You don’t need his permission to seek attention elsewhere. And if being honest about the attention you get elsewhere upsets your husband – if being honest swapping dirty texts with other men makes your husband and your homelife unbearable – then don’t be eing thesehonest about it. Just as he made an effort to be aving evendiscreet to hide the scale of his cheating and ng of rela-his hypocrisy from you, DISCORD, you can be of us candiscreet to avoid conflict on’t knowand drama. t he want Get back online, DISCORD, go make a new us Conse-friend. And just because that last guy turned out n’t wantto be a sadistic asshole DISCORD,who drew you out to nt you toblow up your life, that he does.doesn’t mean the next to be sex-guy you meet online is that havegoing to be a sadistic e dysfunc-or vindictive asshole. u seekingBillions of people get ess sexualonline every day to chat or inboxeswith strangers and mileans yourlions of people share a humanexplicit fantasies with rson withstrangers every day. gency, butWhile revenge porn is ge and re-definitely a thing – and else takedefinitely a crime – it’s almost always jilted you’re notIRL lovers who lash out ul to himlike the way that assfter he as-hole did. If it was even marriageremotely common for her formspeople to be exposed ven if youto their spouses the ucking onway you were exposed r the lastto yours, DISCORD, if ORD, evenit happened even .01 nd wasn’tpercent of the time, we hole withwould hear about it constantly. We don’t beou wouldcause it isn’t. y right to But to be on the safe side, DISCORD, you ual fanta-might to keep it anonymous. Don’t share your t involvereal info with someone you only wanna swap and everyhot fantasies with and never intend to meet those fan-in person. And when your husband is being own time.an asshole or just generally getting on your t, monog-nerves, DISCARD, you can fantasize about the we are allstatistical likelihood that you will outlive your e of erotichusband by many years. Because orgasms aren’t the only sweet release. orce isn’t for you, Q: I just read your advice for CATMAN, the ’m gonnaperson who asked if there was a name for his differentspecific and newfound fetish: he wants to marh. Makery a submissive bisexual guy and then pick r circum-up and dominate submissive women together e best of with his guy. As I read it, I wondered, is this situation.a sexual fantasy or is it a fetish? Then I wonyour hus-dered what the difference is between a fantasy that he is.and a fetish. Is there one? Does it matter? about his – Knowingly Investigating Newly Kinky e’s a hugeYearnings What CATMAN described – what CAT-
MAN was looking for – was a relationship. He was fantasizing about his perfect partner and wondering if he was out there somewhere. Since literally everyone does that, KINKY, I wouldn’t describe fantasizing about a perfect partner/partners as a fetish or a kink. Vanilla or mildly kinky or wildly kinky, we all want that perfect match, i.e. a person or people whose sexual desires and/or relationship goals parallel our own. And a lucky few manage to find someone who comes really close. People don’t just fantasize about sex, of course; people fantasize about dream jobs, dream vacations, dream weddings. (Wedding fantasies aren’t about who you’re marrying but how you’re marrying them, e.g. a destination wedding, a traditional wedding, a non-traditional wedding, etc.). But when it comes to sex, KINKY, fantasies are best understood as scenarios or situations that incorporate important elements of a person’s sexual desires – desires that may involve kinks or fetishes or may not. Think of fantasies as sexy little movies we screen for ourselves in our heads and kinks or fetishes as optional plot points and/or props. The natural follow-up question: What’s the difference between a kink and a fetish then? While people often use those terms interchangeably, KINKY, they mean different things. Dr. Justin Lehmiller recently unpacked the difference on Sex & Psychology (www.lehmiller.com): “Kink is a very broad concept that encompasses pretty much any form of sexual expression that falls outside of the mainstream. This includes the eroticization of intense sensations (such as mixing pleasure and pain), playing with power differentials, deriving pleasure from inanimate objects, role playing, and more... [whereas] fetishes involve heightened attraction to certain objects (like boots and shoes) and/or body parts beyond the genitals (like feet and armpits).” So, all fetishes are kinks but not all kinks are fetishes. I hope that clears things up!
“Your husband sees you not as a human being like him, i.e. a person with needs and feelings and agency, but more like a car he keeps in his garage and refuses to drive and won’t let anyone else take for a spin.”
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THERE’S ALWAYS MORE OF SAVAGE TO LOVE! Read: PhillyWeekly.com Have a question?: mail@savagelove.net
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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2020
Men’s Virility Restored in Clinical Trial; 275% More Blood Flow in 5 Minutes A newly improved version of America’s best-selling male performance enhancer gives 70-year-old men the ability and stamina they enjoyed in their 30’s. America’s best-selling sexual performance enhancer just got a lot better. It’s the latest breakthrough for nitric oxide – the molecule that makes E.D. woes fade and restores virility when it counts the most. Nitric oxide won the Nobel Prize in 1998. It’s why “the
it’s the key to superior sexual performance. And this new discovery increases nitric oxide availability resulting in even quicker, stronger and longer-lasting performance. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study (the “goldstandard� of research) involved a group of 70-year-old-men. They didn’t exercise. They didn’t eat healthy. And researchers reported their “nitric oxide availability was than HALF of a man in peak sexual health.
 � 31-year-old man! “It’s amazing,� remarks nitric oxide expert Dr. Al Sears. “That’s like giving 70-year-old men the sexual power of 30-year-olds.�
WHY SO MUCH EXCITEMENT? Despite the billions men spend annually on older nitric oxide therapies, there’s one well-known problem with them. They don’t always work. A very distinguished and awarded doctor practicing at a prestigious Massachusetts hospital who has studied Nitric Â?Â? Â?  nitric oxide‌ leads to impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation.â€? In plain English, these older products may increase levels of nitric oxide. But that’s only half the battle. If it’s not bioactively available then your body can’t absorb it to produce an erection. Experts simply call it the nitric oxide “glitch.â€? And until now, there’s never been a solution.
NEXT GENERATION NITRIC OXIDE FORMULA FLYING OFF SHELVES Upon further research, America’s No. 1 men’s health � € ‚ ƒ �   � He’s combined those nutrients with proven nitric
oxide boosters in a new formula called Primal Max Red. „ Â
Â… Â? performance. Primal Max Red contains a bigger, 9,000 mg per serving dose. It’s become so popular, he’s having trouble keeping it in stock. € ƒ Â
Thousands of people listened to him speak at the recent Palm Beach Health & Wellness Festival featuring Dr. Oz. NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath recently visited his clinic, the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine. Primal Max Red has only been available for a few months — but everyone who takes it reports a big difference. “I have the energy to have sex three times in one day, WOW! That has not happened in years. Oh, by the way I am 62,� says Jonathan K. from Birmingham, AL.
HOW IT WORKS Loss of erection power starts with your blood vessels. ƒ nitric oxide is made. The problem is various factors THICKEN your blood vessels as you age. This blocks availability causing the �  †
sustaining a healthy erection. How bad is the problem? Researcher shows the typical 40-year-old man absorbs  � � ‚   � ‚ ‡ ˆ ‰ � To make matters worse, nitric oxide levels start declining in your 30’s. And by 70, nitric oxide production is down an  � Primal Max Red problems. Combining powerful nitric oxide boosters and a proven delivery mechanism that defeats the nitric oxide   � † Š enough space here to fully explain how it works, so Dr. Sears will send anyone who orders Primal Max Red a free special report that explains everything.
MORE CLINICAL RESULTS Nutrients in Primal Max Red have logged impressive results. In a Journal of Applied Physiology study, one resulted in a 30 times MORE nitric oxide. And these increased levels lasted up to 12 hours. “I measured my nitric oxide levels, you can buy a test kit from Amazon,� reports 48-year-old Jeff O. “Monday night I showed depleted.�
A new discovery that increases nitric oxide availability was recently proven in a clinical trial to boost blood ow 275% Then he used ingredients in Primal Max Red and, “The „  Tuesday very excited. My nitric oxide levels measured at the top end of the range.â€?
FREE BONUS TESTOSTERONE BOOSTER Every order also gets Dr. Sears testosterone boosting formula Primal Max Black for free. “If you want passionate ‘rip your clothes off’ sex you had in your younger days, you need nitric oxide to get your erection going. And testosterone for energy and drive,� says Dr. Sears. “You get both with Primal Max Red and Primal Max Black.�
HOW TO GET PRIMAL MAX To secure free bottles of Primal Max Black and get the hot, new Primal Max Red formula, buyers should contact the Sears Health Hotline at 1-800-966-1480 within the next 48 hours. “It’s not available in drug stores yet,� says Dr. Sears. “The Hotline allows us to ship directly to the customer.� Dr. Sears feels so strongly about Primal Max, all orders ‰
Â? ‹ ÂÂŒ
me back the bottle and any unused product within 90 days from purchase date, and I’ll send you all your money back,� he says. The Hotline will be open for the next 48 hours. After that, the phone number will be shut down to allow them to restock. Call 1-800-966-1480 to secure your limited supply of Primal Max Red and free bottles of Primal Max Black. You
Š � … Ž ‘ ’ “‘ ” ‘ ‚•”” – … busy, but all calls will be answered.
THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. RESULTS MAY VARY NM-00438835
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NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE
WHEREAS, on November 09, 2009, a certain mortgage was executed by Cherry L. Savage, as mortgagor in favor of Bank of America, N.A. as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder ofDeeds of Philadelphia County in Mortgage Document ID 52146138 (“Mortgage�); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 1627 Conlyn Street Philadelphia, PA 19141, parcel number 135N03-0323; 171142800 (“Property�); andWHEREAS, the Property was owned by Cherry L. Savage, by virtue of deed dated June 29, 1959and recorded July 1, 1959 in Book CAB 1099; Page166; andWHEREAS, Mortgagor/Record Owner Cheryl L. Savage died on March 2, 2016 intestate and is survived by no known heirs; andWHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“Secretary�), pursuant to an assignment recorded on July 30, 2015 in Document ID 52947454, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; andWHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Mortgage (paragraph9 (a)(i)), as died on , and that upon the death the entire principal balance becomes due and owing, and that no payment was made, and remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this Notice; andWHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of August 22, 2020 is $207,017.98 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable;NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, l2 U.S.C. 3751 etseq., by 24 CFR Part 29, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on in Misc. , in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, notice is hereby given that on October 13, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the Southeast Entrance of Philadelphia City Hall located at Broad Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107all real property and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises will besold at public action to the highest bidder: ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, described according to a Plan and Survey thereof made by Joseph F. Delany, Esq., Surveyor and Regulator of the Fifth District, on the Fourteenth Day of April, A. D. 1936, as follows, to wit:SITUATE on the Northeasterly side of Conlyn Street {50 feet wide} at the distance of one hundred fifty-three feet six inches Southeastwardly from the Southeasterly side of 17th Street (60 feet wide}, in the Forty-ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.CONTAINING in front or breadth on the said Conlyn Street eighteen feet one inch and extending of that width in length or depth Northeastwardly between parallel lines at right angles to said Conlyn Street, one hundred feet to the Southwestwardly side of a certain twenty feet wide driveway, extending Northwestwardly into 17th Street and Southeastwardly into 16th Street (60 feet wide).BEING No. 1627 Conlyn Street.TOGETHER with the free and common use, right, liberty and privilege of the aforesaid driveway as and for a passageway, driveway and watercourse at all times hereafter, forever, in common with the other owners, tenants and occupiers of the lots of ground bounding thereon and entitled to use thereof.BEING parcel No. 135N03-0323; 171142800.The sale will be held on October 13, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the Southeast Entrance of Philadelphia City Hall located at Broad Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $207,017.98 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date. Ten percent (10%) of the highest bid is the deposit required at the sale.The amount that must be paid to HUD by the mortgagors or someone acting on their behalf so that the sale may be stayed is the total delinquent amount of $207,017.98 as of August 22, 2020, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner’s attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement.There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.When making their bid, all bidders, except the Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling ten percent 10% of the Secretary’s bid as set forth above in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check made out to the Secretary of HUD. Each oral bid need not be accompanied by a deposit. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of ten (10%) percent must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within thirty (30) days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier’s check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyance fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of thepayment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the depositsof the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them.The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for fifteen (15) days, and a fee will be charged in the amount of $150.00 for each fifteen (15) day extension requested. The extension fee shall be paid in the form of a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due.If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder’s deposit will be forfeited, and the Commissioner may, atthe direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer the Property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder.There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein.KML LAW GROUP, P.C.Foreclosure Commissioners(215-825-6305)
Legal Notices Notice of Public Sale: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart, 456 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia PA 19123 (215)922-3715 to satisfy a lien on September 21th, 2020 at approx.6:00 PM: www.storagetreasures.com: A071 Gerry Dumani B190 Andrea M Leonard
25
go ‘round and ‘round
or. . .
Go Solo. Locating investment properties in Center City is a full-time job. Solo Real Estate is a family-owned business that’s been helping investors find and manage Center City properties for decades. If half-hearted help from part-time brokers has your head spinning, call Solo Real Estate.
Call us at 215-564-7656 or visit solorealty.com. 2017 Chancellor Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
Legal Notices
Legal Notices
AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to modify an existing wireless telecommunications facility on the building located at 1 Scott Way, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19113 (N39° 52’ 26.0� and W75° 15’ 34.0�). AT&T Mobility, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the proposed undertaking may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under National Historic Preservation Action Section 106. Comments pertaining specifically to historic resources may be sent to Impact7G, Inc., Attention Ms. Madeline Sarcone at 9550 Hickman Road, Suite 105, Clive, IA 50325 or call 515-473-6256. Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice.
Notice of Public Sale: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart, 501 Callowhill St., Philadelphia PA 19123 (215)627-3510 to satisfy a lien on September 14, 2020 at approx. 6:00 PM: www.storagetreasures.com: 1075 Irvin Frazier
PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2020
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REAL ESTATE
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REGGIE All about location
$1,350 / 2br - Cozy 2BR Apt in South Philadelphia EZ access to Center City. Location. Location. Location. Just park your car and walk or take public transportation everywhere. Imagine yourself living in this centrally located, 2-bedroom apartment in the trendiest, most sought after neighborhoods in South Philadelphia. Convenient and Safe. In unit, front load Washer/Dryer. Central Air. Within walking distance to South Street, Italian Market, shops and restaurants of East Passyunk Square, Center City, local Medical Schools and Hospitals (Pennsylvania Hospital, Jefferson Hospital, Graduate Hospital. etc.) Easy access to Broad Street subway, shopping, restaurants, cafes, bars, Geno’s and Pat’s Steaks. Minutes from I-95, I-76 and I-476 and all the Stadiums. Free municipal PARKING LOT across the street with proof of residence. Tenant pays for electric and gas. $10/tenant for water. Non-smoking, no pets. First month rent and 2 months security deposit. Proof of income required. Credit check a must. Minimum 1 year lease required. 1103 East Passyunk Ave, 3rd fl. Text: (215) 531-3987.
Midtown Philly
$1,550 / 1br - 563ft2 - One Month Free!! + $500 MI Credit!~1 Bedroom~1 Bath~Center City (1411 Walnut St.). 1 Bedroom Apartment home with Hard Wood Floors; Central Heating; Central Cooling; Microwave; Building Features Exercise Room and Front Desk. The original home of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange; Known for its popular restaurants and nightlife spots, Midtown Philadelphia is a fun and exciting place to live. Just steps away from some of Philadelphia’s best culinary experiences, you will revel in the hustle and bustle of Center City life! Living room. Range / Oven. Refrigerator. Microwave. Heat: forced air. Central A/C. Double pane / Storm windows. Cable-ready. Hardwood floor. COMMUNITY FEATURES: Vintage building. Elevator. Doorman. Fitness center. Near transportation. (215) 284-7750.
Renovated apartments
$2,200 / 1br - 737ft2 - 1 Bedroom Apartment Center City- Rooftop, Gym, Business Center. Be a part of it all at Griffin – masterfully renovated apartments located along the Avenue of the Arts in the heart of Center City. With all-new finishes and features, complemented by a smart collection of amenities, Griffin is your canvas for artful Philadelphia living. Features: Carpeted bedrooms. Stainless steel appliances. Wood cabinets. Mecho-style blinds. Freestanding kitchen islands. Keyless entry. Modern kitchens. Designer backsplashes. Washers and dryers. Engineered hardwood flooring. Luxurious bathrooms with quartz countertops and glass showers. Quartz countertops. Spectacular city views. Community Amenities: Shuffleboard. Onsite bike storage. Billiards. Concierge service. Fire pit. Golf simulator. 24-hour maintenance. Panoramic views. 24-hour front desk. Catering facility. Historic character. Valet laundry. Walking distance to dozens of Center City shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions. Resident business lounge. Onsite management team. Indoor-outdoor rooftop clubroom. Prominent Avenue of the Arts address. State-of-the-art fitness center open 24/7. Outdoor kitchen. Private conference space. (833) 695-9442
Private balcony
$1,850 / 2br - 985ft2 - Lease Today, Pets OK, Near Center City. 6100 City Ave. This two bedroom, two bathroom apartment features a private balcony and a washer and dryer! Apartment Features: Private Balcony. Walk-in Closet. Refrigerator, Microwave, Dishwasher & Electric Stove. Roommate Friendly Floor Plan. Dishwasher. Vertical Blinds. Furnished Options Available, Call for Pricing. Disposal. Linen Closet. Washer and Dryer in unit, Pre-wired for internet and cable. Extra Storage. Air Conditioning. 855-459-6293. /thepointatcityline.com
Want to list your apartment with Real Estate Reggie? For only $75, you get 100 words to describe your place. For only $125, you get 100 words, plus a photo. Need something more or different? Reggie can make it happen. happen Deadline is every Monday at 10 am for Thursday’s issue. Email him at REReggie@philadelphiaweekly.com for details.
Rittenhouse studio
Center City views
Modern amenities
Bright studio
$1,025 Lovely Rittenhouse / Fitler Square Studio, Center City (22nd and Locust St.) Rittenhouse / Fitler Square Area - 22nd and Locust Street. Lovely Studio Apartment - $1,025 per mo., Heat, Hot water & Gas included. Available for Lease Date starting October 1st or Before. www.RobinApartments. com. Heart of Center City Philadelphia - Two blocks to Rittenhouse Square Park and Schuylkill River Trail, Beautiful Bay Windows with Excellent Sunlight, Handsome Built-in Shelving, Ornamental Fireplace, Laundry Facilities Available, Within the UP & Drexel Shuttle District, Walking distance to University City - UP & Drexel & Hahnemann Hospital, Cable & Internet-ready, Maintenance included, One cat allowed, Packages accepted at RE office for your convenience. Telephone our office at 215-567-3325 and Jared or Charles will be happy to help! $1,710 / 1br - 700ft2 - 1 Free Month!! 1 Bedroom – Midtown Center City – Modern Amenities (220 S. 16th St.) 1 Bedroom Apartment home with Hardwood Floors; Central Heating; Central Cooling; Microwave; Building Features Laundry On-Site. Known for its popular restaurants and nightlife spots, Midtown Philadelphia is a fun and exciting place to live. Just steps away from some of Philadelphia’s best culinary experiences, you will revel in the hustle and bustle of Center City life! Living room. Range / Oven. Refrigerator. Microwave. Heat: forced air. Central A/C. Double pane / Storm windows. Cable-ready. Hardwood floor. (215) 284-7750.
Spring Arts Point
$2,100 / 3br - 1566ft2 - Gorgeous Condo Unit for Rent in Center City of Philadelphia, PA (Spring Art Point/ 1 Block from Spring Garden St). 1121 Hamilton St near 11th Street. Gorgeous 3 bedrooms, 3 & 1/2 full baths Bi- bevel-condo unit in the burgeoning Spring Arts Point neighborhood. Beautiful granite and stainless custom kitchen opens to the spacious and open living/dining area. Awesome counter and cabinet space plus pantry. Stainless steel appliances. 9’ ceilings and large, plentiful windows, Hardwood floor on the first level with a large bedroom. Second-floor featured soft carpet with two bedrooms and two full baths. Lovely Spring Arts Point condominium community. There is a parking space available behind the building if you need it, fee $120 which management company charges every space in the parking lot. Available immediately! Come take a look- you will love it. Proof of income required.$50.00 for Credit history checked and processing fee. $2100.00 per month plus utilities. Please contact Kin: 267-912-7888.
Avenue of the Arts
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$1,200 / 1br - Center City/Avenue of The Arts/ (Avenue Of The Art’s/Rittenhouse Sq/ Brownstone Mansion). One (1) Bedroom- 1 Bathroom Brownstone Mansion. $1200 Per Month Plus Electric and Gas - Gas Heat, Central Air, Intercom System on each floor. Pet Free and Smoke Free Building. Your New Home Features: Hardwood floors throughout Entire Apartment. Washer and Dryer In Unit. Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances- Self Cleaning Oven- Microwave. Spacious 1 Bedroom with Large Closet space and Tons of Natural Sunlight. Walk-in Closets. Full Ceramic Tile bathroom. Privacy provided by the Video-Phone-Intercom from both floors to building entrance! 1522 Pine Street - Your New Home! – Simply Must Be Seen- Terms are Flexible - Live in this restored- newly renovated 1860s Victorian Brownstone Mansion near Rittenhouse Square, Avenue of The Arts, Center City and the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts. Walk to all Center City Offices & City Hall. Subway and Buses within one Block! Paid Parking available at your Front Door. 215-386-4200.
$1,498 / 1br - One Bedroom Apartment with Center City Views! (15th & Spruce/Center City/ Rittenhouse). 271 S. 15th Street. One Bedroom Apartment Features: New Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances and Quartz Countertops. Hardwood Floors Available. Sweeping City Views of the Gorgeous Philadelphia Skyline. Spacious Storage, Pantry, and Linen Closets. Air Conditioning and Ceiling Fans. Abundant Windows Throughout Apartment. Building Features: On-site Laundry with Easy to Use Card Operating System. Secure Intercom Entry. Front Desk Attendant. 24 Hour Emergency Maintenance. Complimentary Package Acceptance Service. Historic Art Deco Features. 21 Floors with Elevator Service. Awesome Center City Location. Easily Accessible Public Transportation/Bike Share. Running, Walking, and Bike Path nearby. Cat Friendly. No Move-in Fees. 215-735-8030. $995 / 317ft2 - Bright Studio with Walk-in Closet & Secure Entry - Center City. 1324 Locust St. 1522. This studio is in the Arts Condominium, just off center city’s Avenue of the Arts, and walking distance to anything that you could possibly need! With a long list of restaurants, entertainment, and shopping right outside your door, as well as quick public transportation to anywhere in the city, you’ll be in the center of everything! This sunny studio is on the 15th floor of this luxury building. Amenities include a 24-hour front desk attendant, elevator, laundry and fitness facilities, as well as a salon and common area for tenants to enjoy. This unit has wall-to-wall carpeting, a walk-in closet, large windows that flood the space with natural light, and provide stunning views of the city. The bathroom is tiled and has a full tub and lighted vanity with storage below. Schedule your showing today! About The Neighborhood: An ideal Center City location, The Arts Condo building is right in the heart of Midtown surrounded by the city’s best restaurants, cafes, theaters, galleries and other entertainment. Many grocery options. Walkable to almost everything. The Broad Street subway line is a half block away; City Hall just two blocks away, and a PATCO train stop right across the street. jg-realestate.com.
Large and renovated
$1,675 / 1br - 800ft2 - Large Renovated 1BR apartment in Center city/Old city! (Fashion District). 726 Market St , Apt 406. Gorgeous Large 1BR apartment in the heart of Philly available NOW! The unit features hardwood floor throughout, large kitchen with stainless steel kitchen appliances, including microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal. Central A/C and heat. Tall ceilings. Exposed brick wall in the living room. Washer and dryer in the unit. Big windows which bring tons of natural light (the windows are facing South direction). Please note: the bedroom has an open ceiling. Additional storage space is available for $150 per month. Gym and Steam room in the building! Close to everything! Within 5 min of walking to Jefferson train station. Plenty of parking lots around the building. Walking distance to everything! Trader Joe’s is within a few blocks, as well as Century 21, Fashion District, China Town, local bars and restaurants. VIDEO TOUR IS AVAILABLE! Call or Text NOW! (267) 884-5045.
Available now
$1,290 / 400ft2 - Large Studio Apartment Home – Midtown Center City – Immediate Move in (201 S. 13th). Bedrooms: Studio. Bathrooms: 1 Bath. Lease Duration: 1 Year. Deposit: $500. Pets Policy: Cats & Dogs OK. Laundry: Shared. Floor: 9th. Property Type: Apartment. Range / Oven. Refrigerator. Heat: baseboard heating. Update Kitchen, Granite Countertops, Hardwood floor. (215) 284-7750.
Luxury living
$4,165 / 4br - 2050ft2 - Top Tier Luxury Living In Philadelphia Center City Town Home! 300 Alexander Court near Wood Street. Discover the definition of exceptional living at The Alexander. Here, at our high-rise Philadelphia apartments, you will find the perfect blend of modern design and enduring style. The Alexander will feature luxurious homes with unique configurations and unmatched amenities, all in a smoke-free environment. Enjoy upscale urban living from the rooftop deck, the lavish courtyard or by simply letting our on-site concierge assist with making your everyday a little more extraordinary. Live in a walkable, pet-friendly residential neighborhood near museums and parks. Classic, warm, and inviting – find your future at The Alexander. Features: Picturesque terraces and balconies in select apartments. Views of Center City Philadelphia from select apartments. Wood-Like Flooring throughout apartment home. Openconcept floor plans. Walk-In Closets. In-home washers and dryers. Spacious studio-, one-, two-, and three- bedroom apartment homes available. Stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops in Kitchens. Custom cabinetry in Kitchens. Oversized windows for extra light. Community Amenities: Public Art Landscaping. Fitness Center with Cardio Equipment. On-Site Underground Parking Garage. Penthouse and Townhomes available. Bike Storage with Mechanic Station. Package Receiving. Storage available. 24-hour Concierge. Refreshing, Spa-Inspired Indoor Pool. Pet Grooming Station. TV Lounge. Pet Friendly. Access controlled garage parking. Valet Laundry Service Available. Roof Terrace with Observation Deck. 2nd Floor landscaped terrace with BBQ Grilling Stations. Smoke Free Building. On-Site Management. Lavish Community Clubroom with Demonstration Kitchen. Children’s Play Room. Call Now: (215) 596-4234 x 21 or Text 21 to (215) 596-4234.
New condo
$1,700 / 2br - 930ft2 - Brand New 2 Bedroom Condo for Rent in Center City. 211 N. Camac Street, 1st Floor near Race Street. Brand-New 2 bedroom condominium with 1 full bath in the heart of Center City. Gorgeous custom-kitchen with granite countertop and stainless appliances, opens to the spacious living/dining area, premium hardwood floors throughout. Additional features include a private laundry room and individual heating and air conditioner units. This building is conveniently located in the Center City district, just across from PA Convention with plenty of restaurants and nightlife to choose from, walking distance to shopping mall, Greyhound Bus Station, Jefferson Train Station and still bustling Reading Terminal Market. Available immediately! Come take a look you will love it. Proof of income required. $50 for credit history check and processing fee. $1700 per month plus utilities. Please call Kin: 267-912-7888.
Charming Rittenhouse studio
$1,100 / 1br - Charming Rittenhouse Square Studio, Center City (20th and Chestnut St.) Heart of Center City Philadelphia - Just two blocks from Rittenhouse Square, Cable & Internetready, Good Sunlight, Laundry Facilities on-premises, Within UP & Drexel Shuttle District, Walking distance to University City - UP & Drexel & Hahnemann Hospital, Maintenance included, One cat allowed, Packages accepted at RE office for your convenience, Robin Apartments management graded A+ by University of Pennsylvania student survey eight years in a row, Leasing October 1st or before. Apartments can be viewed BY APPOINTMENT M-F 9:00 - 5:30, For additional information and viewing please call 215-567-3325.
Secure entry
$2,000 / 2br - Huge 2BD Unit in Center City w. Secure Entry - Wonderful Place! 1001 Chestnut St 903W. We are scheduling both in-person and virtual tours for this listing. When scheduling, please let us know which your preference is. Available NOW. This sunny two-bedroom apartment offers hardwood floors, large windows, high ceilings, and a wide-open layout in a fantastic location! Walk right in and be welcomed by bright natural light, a breakfast bar off the kitchen with granite countertops overlooking your spacious living room, two sun-soaked bedrooms, and a large bathroom with a full tub and great storage space. Victory Condos amenities include on-site laundry, fitness center, 24-hour front desk attendant, and even a Starbucks in your building. Schedule your showing of this wonderful space today! About The Neighborhood: Live right in the heart of Center City Philadelphia! Close to the PA Convention Center and steps from City Hall, Dilworth Park, Love Park, Reading Terminal Market, PAFA, The Avenue of The Arts, you’ll be near a long list of convenient, walkable spots for shopping, dining, and entertainment, including Smokin’ Betty’s, MilkBoy, Sweetgreen, Morimoto, Jones, Strangelove’s, and more! Jg-realestate.com.
Elegance and comfort
$1,478 / 1br - One Bedroom Shiplap Apartment with Center City Views! (15th & Spruce/Center City/ Rittenhouse). Welcome! Perfectly situated at 15th and Spruce, this classic high-rise offers elegance and comfortable living in an absolute must-see location. This historic landmark is conveniently located in Center City, just steps from Philadelphia’s best parks, bars, restaurants, and shops! Directly across the street from the Kimmel Center and just a short walk to Rittenhouse Square and City Hall, the building provides one of the best locations in Philadelphia! Available Now! Starting at $1,478/ month. $130/month Flat Utility Fee Covers Heat, Water, Gas, and Electric. Receive first month’s rent free when you move in before October 15th! Call today to set up a tour! 215-735-8030. One Bedroom Apartment Features: Updated Kitchens. Hardwood Floors Available. Sweeping City Views of the Gorgeous Philadelphia Skyline. Spacious Storage, Pantry, and Linen Closets. Air Conditioning and Ceiling Fans. Abundant Windows Throughout Apartment. Front Desk Attendant. 24 Hour Emergency Maintenance. Complimentary Package Acceptance Service. Historic Art Deco Features. 21 Floors with Elevator Service. Awesome Center City Location. Easily Accessible Public Transportation/Bike Share. Running, Walking, and Bike Path nearby. Cat Friendly. No Move-in Fee.
University City
$1,700 / 2br - NEWLY RENOVATED 2BR 1BA APT MINUTES TO DREXEL, PENN & CENTER CITY! (UNIVERSITY CITY). 437 N. 40TH STREET 3A. PROPERTY DETAILS: 2BR / 1BATH unit in intimate, brand new 19-unit building. Ideal social distancing living near campus and hospitals - private units, brand new. Brand new! Walk to HUP, PENN, DREXEL. Intimate brand new 19-unit building. PRE-LEASING NOW! AMENITIES: Co-working and Study Lounge. Free WiFi (Basic WIFI provided and upgrades available for private service.) Yoga and Relaxation Rooftop. Just you! Private and clean unit. Bike Parking. 15 minute walk to UPENN and Drexel. 1/2 the price of the tall glass towers nearby! Brand new loft apartments. Exposed ducts, central air, granite counters, breakfast bars, and stainless steel appliances. Private washer/dryer in every unit. Elevator building. Enjoy the roofdeck, study lounge, and weight room. Actual bathtubs for relaxation and real functioning windows throughout for fresh air and sun. Pets okay (non-aggressive, trained, and super quiet). Professionally managed. 40spring.com
PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2020
I Am Jazz available with Xfinity On Demand
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