PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 6 - 13, 2022

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FREE | JANUARY 6 - 13, 2022

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The city needs to approve more schools for the good of students

Charter school Shortage Plus: the Green Party comments on local politics | Page 8


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CRIMEBEAT

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ISN’T IT IRONIC? COP CRITIC CONGRESSWOMAN

CALLS COPS AFTER CARJACKING

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recall a friend telling me about a protestor holding a sign that read “F*** the Police” at the Columbus statue in South Philly during the brouhaha around the attempt by the city to remove the popular statue from the predominantly Italian American neighborhood. Some neighborhood men objected to her sign and told her so in South Philly’s typically earthy style. And what did the woman holding the anti-police sign do? Why, she took out her cell phone and called the police for help. Several Philly cops contacted me and noted a similar irony with Democratic Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, who has condemned the police but was quick to call the police after she was carjacked. After the death of George Floyd, Scanlon tweeted, “We have seen too many lives taken and communities devastated by police brutality and racial profiling. Action is long overdue. @HouseDemocrats are fighting for REAL reform in our country’s police departments. #JusticeInPolicing.” Scanlon was a co-sponsor of the 2021 Mental Health Justice Act, which entices state and local governments to defund the police and empower mental health specialists to act as first responders involving people with mental illness rather than police officers. Most cops

JANUARY 6 - 13, 2022 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

lot, the police officers and federal agents deobject to this vehemently. tained five people, including the suspect, who “I find it so ironic that a cop critic got carwas holding the keys to the stolen car. jacked and then up and called the cops,” One “The investigation into this incident is police officer said to me. “I wouldn’t wish this in its very initial stages, and we are continuon anyone, and I’m glad she wasn’t hurt, but ing to investigate and evaluate ya gotta laugh. Why did she call a charging decisions,” Williams said. cop and not a mental health per“Armed carjacking is a serious fedson?” eral crime. There have been a rash I replied that even someone of violent crimes like this recently, critical of the police deserves poand while there were national seculice protection and a speedy police rity implications to this particular response after becoming a crime incident, we are always working victim. The officer agreed, yet he collaboratively with our local partfound the irony amusing. ners to evaluate if cases should be Scanlon, who represents parts of taken federally. Working together South Philadelphia and suburban means more resources, more tools, Delaware County, was carjacked at more intelligence. gunpoint after attending a meeting I’ve said it before and I’ll say it on December 22nd in South Philaagain: If you pick up a gun and use delphia’s FDR Park — known loit to commit a crime, together, we cally as ‘the Lakes.’ She and a staff will come after you. And we are member were not harmed by the very good at what we do.” gunmen, who took off in her car. PAULDAVISONCRIME.COM Jacqueline Maguire, the Special On December 23rd, Jennifer Agent in Charge of the FBI’s PhilArbittier Williams, the U.S. Attoradelphia Division, added, “Anyone ney in Philadelphia, announced that a suspect was arrested and charged with willing to victimize a total stranger at guncarjacking and carrying and using a firearm point at any time, much less in broad daylight, in the middle of the day, is a clear threat to our during a crime of violence. A tracking device community. installed in Scanlon’s car led law enforcement No one who lives, works, or visits here to the stolen car to Delaware. When a group of should have to fear violent criminals targetpeople approached the parked car in a parking

PAUL DAVIS

ing them for their vehicle or any other possessions.” Mayor Jim Kenney also weighed in with a statement that read he was appalled by the carjacking. “It’s disheartening, and quite frankly infuriating, that criminals feel emboldened to commit such a reckless crime in the middle of the day in what should be a place of tranquility and peace – one of Philadelphia’s beautiful parks.” It was good to see the mayor condemn the criminals outright for once rather than blame the crime on guns, poverty and racism. To be fair, as I mentioned to the cops I spoke to, Scanlon issued a statement that graciously thanked the police. “I appreciate the swift, professional response from all of the law enforcement partners who have been involved in this matter, including the Philadelphia Police Department, Delaware State Police, and FBI. I cannot thank them enough for all they’ve done.” It has been said that a conservative is a liberal who has been mugged. I doubt that Congresswoman Scanlon will become a pro-cop conservative, but in the aftermath of the carjacking, she may become more appreciative of police officers. Paul Davis’ Crime Beat column appears here each week. He can be reached via pauldavisoncrime.com.


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FROM THE EDITOR

PHILADELPHIA’S

SUPPORT RAP SHEET

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veryone who has lived in this city only recently moved to Philadelphia: the dislong enough has heard Lincoln Steftrict attorney used to consider it worthwhile to fens’s famous description of Philainvestigate corrupt public officials.) delphia as “corrupt and contented.” The most famous piece of corruption in our The full line is, if anything, more recent history came in 1981 when three city damning. Speaking of the crooks councilmen were indicted in connection with running so many of the nation’s citthe FBI’s ABSCAM sting. The set-up, which ies in 1903, ours stood out to Steffens. seems faintly ludicrous today, involved FBI “All our municipal governments are more or agents pretending to be Arab sheiks who wantless bad,” he proclaimed. “Philadelphia is sim- ed political favors and were willing to pay big for them. Seven members of Congress fell all ply the most corrupt and the most contented.” over themselves to take the money, as Not much has changed, but it did City Council members George X. may come as a surprise to learn that Schwartz, Harry Jannotti, and Louis Philadelphia has never had a mayJohanson, all Democrats. All three did or go to jail. Baltimore has had two federal time. mayors found guilty of crimes just Carabello’s successor in the 1st disin this century. Detroit has had two, trict, Jimmy Tayoun, went to jail for as well. Washington famously had racketeering. The next man to hold one mayor go to jail not long ago that seat, Leland Beloff, did time for for drug crimes. With all of these extortion. The 7th district’s Rick Marimunicipal executives going down ano’s 2005 arrest for bribery was, unfor crimes, Philly crime aficionados til Henon’s conviction, the city’s most must be asking what Phillies fans recent incident of proven corruption were asking in 2008: Why Can’t Us? on City Council. There should really Given how often Mayor Jim Kenbe signs at the city limits that read “53 ney’s voice was heard on governDays Since a City Council Member Was ment wiretaps during the trial of Convicted of a Crime!” Of course, the @KYLESAMMIN City Councilman Bobby Henon and pending trial of 2nd district councilIBEW boss Johnny Doughtery, the man Kenyatta Johnson might require possibility that Philadelphia will join the jailed mayor club is improving, though rolling that number back to zero. What does this shameful history tell us? Sadstill far from certain. But for corrupt politicians, City Council has always been the place to ly, it seems mostly to reinforce the voters’ imbe. Henon is the latest to be convicted of misus- pression that nothing can be done. We accept ing his office for personal gain, but he is not the our fate meekly. The city is crooked, and always will be, people say. Each new indictment elicits first and will not be the last. (To the disgust of all law-abiding Philadelphians, Henon remains less outrage than the last. Maybe it was always this way. Steffens wrote a member of City Council following his convicthat by 1903, “Minneapolis has cleaned up, Pittstion.) It is hard to say exactly how many coun- burg has tried to, New York rights every other cil members have been convicted of crimes in election, Chicago fights all the time. Even St. Philly’s history. Before the 1919 city charter was Louis has begun to stir (since the elections are over), and at the worst was only shameless. adopted, the council had 190 members. Imagine the circus that would be today! But since the Philadelphia is proud; good people there defend most recent city charter was enacted in 1951, corruption and boast of their machine.” Philadelphians are a proud people, but this the rogue’s gallery has been reduced to a mere is a hell of a thing to take pride in. We can’t exseventeen. Of these, several have fallen afoul of pect the courts to remove all of the bums from the law. Victor Moore and John F. Byrne, both Dem- office: in a democracy, it’s the people’s job to ocrats, were indicted for corruption in 1963 but throw them out, too. Maybe the frustrations with our corrupt and incompetant government found not guilty. By the early 70s, investigations snared three more: Republican David Silver and have been amplified during the pandemic. MayDemocrats Isadore H. Bellis and Natale F. Cara- be now is the time another wave of reform will bello were all indicted on unrelated corruption sweep the city. It’s up to us, really. The city recharges thanks to investigations by District At- mains corrupt, but the voters don’t have to be torney Arlen Specter. (Note to those who have content.

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 6 - 13, 2022


STATE OF OUR CITY

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STATE

JURASSIC QUEST AT THE CONVENTION CENTER

CITY

NATIONAL HOT TODDY DAY

The largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit in North America is back, bigger, and better than ever when Jurassic Quest opens at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for a two-week run January 15-23. Jurassic Quest will include more than 100 life-like dinosaurs, dinosaur themed rides, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities, a “Triceratots” soft play area for our littlest explorers, bounce houses and inflatable attractions (socks required), photo opportunities, and more. Walk through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods to see the dinos that ruled on land, and “deep dive” into the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit to come face to face with the largest apex predator that ever existed – a moving, life-size, 50-foot-long megalodon. Tickets are timed entry and start at $19, available online or on-site, and include a 100% ticket refund guarantee in the event of a show cancellation or postponement for any reason. More information at jurassicquest.com.

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OF OUR

Image | Jurassic Quest

Assembly Rooftop Lounge, Center City’s rooftop lounge with panoramic views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, City Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, recently transformed for the season into Alpine Heights, a modern ski lodge-inspired pop-up running through Saturday, February 26. To go along with the cozy themed pop-up is a bevy of winter warmers for imbibers to enjoy including the Alpine Toddy ($15) prepared with Jameson Whiskey, ginger liqueur, fresh lemon, and infused with earl grey tea. Hours of operation: Tuesday through Saturday 4 pm – 10:30 pm.

Image | Courtesy of Assembly Rooftop Lounge

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The current number of homicide victims year-to-date under Mayor Jim Kenney and District Attorney Larry Krasner’s leadership. This represents a 25 percent increase over the same time last year and is higher than the annual number of homicides that took place in 2007 through 2019. The city ended 2021 with a horrific 562 murders.

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Contributors: A.D. Amorosi, A. Benjamin Mannes,Jesse Bunch, Paul Davis, Timaree Schmit, Ryan K. Smith, Stu Bykofsky, Eugene Zenyatta. Intern: Genevieve Wittrock

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VOICES

THE SHOUT OUT

With no major holidays for a while, the cold will drag on.

Your turn: What do you do to enjoy the winter lull? Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com

OF OUR

CITY

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The Cream Cheese Crisis Is At Hand As a PR and marketing aficionado, I have to salute Kraft Heinz for not letting a cream cheese crisis go to waste. I applaud Kraft Heinz for its “Spread the Feeling” campaign as a response to the nationwide schmear shortage caused by a home baking and breakfast boom, then exacerbated by a cyberattack. Together they sidelined a major ingredient supplier, which made my beloved white blocks an endangered species on empty shelves at my Publix supermarket. And to make matters worse, the shortage comes during cream cheese’s high selling season, when consumers are busy making cheesecakes (sorry I’m on a diet) and other desserts (ditto) for which cream cheese is a major ingredient. Seeing an opportunity to make something out of nothing, my City of Brotherly Love Brand responded with a message of empathy for disappointed shoppers like me and my wife Rita by promising to make things right. Once I was a news reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, hardly a cheesy newspaper in that lovable city. The good news is the brand will reimburse shoppers up to $20 for buying alternatives to cream-cheese desserts. Here’s the voiceover on the 45-second TV spot from agency GUT’s Miami Office reported by Jon Springer in Ad Age: “Having a hard time finding cream cheese

on shelves means having a hard time putting cheesecakes on tables, and we get that . . . so let’s do this. Turn that famous cheesecake into those famous brownies. End your meal with a family fight over the last holiday cupcake. Share some cookies—anything that will make you feel anything in that cheesecake-shaped hole in your holiday heart.” The spot goes on to introduce a website, www.spreadthefeeling.com, where consumers can exchange a receipt for an alternative dessert for a limited number of $20 digital gift cards. Kraft’s generous offer comes with a potential reward for the brand in the form of rich first-party consumer data. Shoppers’ names— and thanks to the receipts, what they buy. According to Ad Age, cream cheese consumption skyrocketed with the onset of the pandemic in 2020, when hunkered down consumers like me ate more meals at home. Kraft Heinz said consumption soared by 18% in 2020 and has remained at elevated levels with the return of demand in the foodservice channel. Among the issues facing cream cheese availability in the U.S. was a cyberattack affecting Schreiber Foods, a Wisconsin-based dairy processor (It wasn’t clear if Kraft Heinz and Schreiber do business together). The incident sidelined production and distribution in October, and its effects unfortunately have reverberated throughout the food world.

Tom Madden is an author of countless published articles and five books, and is the founder and CEO of TransMedia Group.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 6 - 13, 2022


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FEATURED

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

PHILLY’S DE FACTO CHARTER SCHOOL BAN CREATES

A BALOONING WAITLIST

With less than a month left for students to apply for a spot in one of Philadelphia’s 85 public charter schools, a dearth of new school openings is making a lengthy waitlist even longer. Editor’s note: This article was originally published by Broad + Liberty.

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t’s been more than three years since the Philadelphia Board of Education last approved a new public charter school. With no end to the freeze in sight, what amounts to a de facto ban on new public charter schools is causing headaches for tens of thousands of families that are waiting for a spot as demand for seats grows. In Philadelphia, there are fewer than 120,000 students enrolled in traditional public schools. Enrollment has declined by about 10,000 students since the outset of the pandemic. Meanwhile, public charter schools have seen a roughly 25 percent increase in enrollment since 2014, according to Lenny McAllister, Chief Executive Officer for the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools. The School District of Philadelphia says there are now an estimated 70,000 students who have taken advantage of school choice to attend one of 85 brick-and-mortar charter schools in the city. But the waitlist for families to enroll in public charters continues to grow. With no increase in the supply of seats, a greater number of students who apply before the Jan. 24, 2022 deadline will never gain a spot in their school of choice. The last charter school to open in Philadelphia was Hebrew Public, a bilingual Hebrew and English elementary school that received approval in May 2018 from the then state-run School Reform Commission. Weeks

JANUARY 6 - 13, 2022 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

later, responsibility for managing Philadelphia’s schools transitioned from a state-run school board to local control after 16 years of state control, with blessings from the administration of Governor Tom Wolf, according to WHYY. In its current makeup, the Philadelphia School Board has not approved applications to open any new charter schools. When it unanimously rejected five new schools at a meeting this past March, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported member Mallory Fix Lopez said all five applications had “glaring holes.” “They thought that was the soft spot” But public charter school advocates are not convinced that every single charter application in recent years has had such fatal flaws. David Hardy, co-founder of Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia charter school, says it’s the politics surrounding public charters that’s changed. Along with co-founder Janine Yass, Hardy created the single-sex school in West Philadelphia for the benefit of underserved boys. It opened in 2007 with the goal of improving college enrollment from graduating African-American high school students. Boys’ Latin now boasts that 98 percent of its students have been accepted to college. This is far above the 76 percent overall graduation rate in the city in 2020, according to a report from the School District of Philadelphia, which includes both traditional public school and public charter school students. Hardy told Broad + Liberty that Boys’ Latin had support from the School Board. But before the school opened its doors in 2007, it had to overcome challenges from legal groups. At the time, the American Civil Liberties Union and Women’s Law Project raised complaints of the school only serving boys. “There is no justification for offering kids different opportunities based on their gender,” said ACLU Attorney Mary Catherine Roper, according to UpNorthLive. For Hardy, the outrage over gender discrimination was a veiled excuse. “They thought that was the soft spot,” Hardy recalled to Broad + Liberty. He says the core issue was that these interest groups didn’t want a new charter school. Back in 2006, Hardy noted Philadelphia already had fourteen single-sex public charter schools, equally split between boys and girls. Philly Magazine ranked all fourteen among the top 30 best-performing high schools in the city.


FEATURED

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY “That’s the normal playbook,” said Hardy. “They don’t come out against it being a charter school, they approach you for some other reason. But the opposition is there nevertheless.” No friends to school choice Lenny McAllister, CEO of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, believes the shift started in 2014 with Governor Tom Wolf’s winning bid for election. “The Wolf Administration has not been a friend to school choice,” McAllister told Broad + Liberty. He pointed to special interest groups and unions, including the Pennsylvania State Education Association, supporting Wolf’s successful bid to unseat sitting Republican governor Tom Corbett. The PSEA, which represents more than 180,000 teachers and other education professionals, is the largest union for public employees in the state. It, along with other Pennsylvania education unions, has donated millions to Wolf since 2013, according to a report from the Commonwealth Foundation. In Philadelphia, local teachers’ unions have made similar, though smaller contributions to Mayor Jim Kenney’s political career. The mayor was a major advocate for dissolving the School Reform Commission and restoring local control for the district. Among others, a PAC for the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers donated over $10,000 to Kenney, according to the Inquirer. The PFT and the state-run SRC clashed several times as the commission unanimously voted to refuse renewal of the city’s teachers’ contract. “[Kenney’s] years of consistent support for traditional public schools and educators,

and his vision for a better Philadelphia for every child make him the clear choice to be the next mayor of Philadelphia,” said PFT president Jerry Jordan in a statement endorsing Kenney’s campaign over opponents such as school-choice advocate State Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia). During their mayoral primary, Kenney “lashed out” at Williams’ attempts at “boosting the number of charter schools in the city,” criticizing Williams for accepting donations from the pro-charter Philadelphia School Partnership. The PFT PAC also made a larger contribution to Councilwoman Helen Gym in 2015, who has also advocated for traditional schooling. Philly Magazine reported that this $23,000 donation earned the federation a $1,500 fine from the city Ethics Board for being an excess “pass-through” donation. Not coincidentally, state union interests also favor traditional public schools and strongly oppose charters. A PSEA report from 2000 reflected the union’s desire to unionize charter school employees, but also alleged that charter schools were “draining funds from the regular public schools,” a frequent barb of charter school critics. Governor Wolf has repeatedly made similar claims using wording similar to “draining funds.” He also endorsed several bills from Pa. Democrats in the state legislature to slash funding for charters, including House Bill 272. “When the charter school law was drafted, the intent was to bolster our education system,” said Wolf earlier this year. “Instead, that outdated law has become, in some cases, no more than a license for draining funds from traditional schools while providing a

poor education to students.” McAllister accused Wolf of “picking sides” in the education debate. He said that while Wolf targeted underperforming charter schools, the governor had far less criticism for failing public schools. “Governor Wolf has made it a point to pick winners and losers in education,” said McAllister. Local control favors traditional public schools Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney has also stood against charter schools. During his reelection campaign, in a May 2019 primary mayoral debate, the mayor said the city should have “fewer” public charters. The mayor is responsible for nominating candidates for the nine-member Philadelphia Board of Education. In December 2020, Kenney nominated three Philadelphia School District graduates to fill vacancies. Attorney Brian Leinhauser, of MacMain, Connell & Leinhauser, agrees the growing influence of unions and public interests are driving Philadelphia’s de facto ban on charters. Leinhauser told Broad + Liberty the positions from these special interests often contradict their mission statements. “The communities served best by education choice are kids who live in underperforming districts. Most of those kids are minority kids,” said Leinhauser, who has worked to advance charter school applications in Pennsylvania. “And yet, the ACLU thinks charter schools are bad.” Lenny McAllister adds that public charter schools disproportionately serve poor communities. Roughly two-thirds of students at public charters are eligible for free or reduced

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lunches regardless of ethnic background. Like other charter advocates, McAllister sees school choice as a major civil rights issue. McAllister’s argument is based on the pursuit of happiness and right to self-determination. “How do you determine happiness? How do you pursue happiness? If you can’t do that in education, you’re limited in any other aspect of your life.” For McAllister, public charters are “the only guarantee of school choice for any child across America.” While private schools have entrance exams and often hefty price tags, entrance to public charters hinges on a lottery system. As for overcoming the opposition to charters, Leinhauser sees large hurdles. The question is how to fund districts without taking money away from charters. “It would require a dramatic shift in thinking away from how education works in Pennsylvania,” Leinhauser said. “There’s 500 school districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. That’s 500 superintendent salaries, all six figures.” Leinhauser pointed to other states larger than Pennsylvania that organize schools at the county level. He argued that bigger school districts, and fewer of them, would amount to fewer administrative positions. But David Hardy of Boys’ Latin says the issue of the city school board’s refusal to expand charter schools is more fundamental. “They don’t want to approve any charter schools because the charter schools perform better than they do.” Rick Rickman is a reporter for Broad + Liberty. @RRickman20

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 6 - 13, 2022


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OPINION

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

The Green Party of Philadelphia Denounces Corruption of Local Elected Officials

The Greens offer different priorities

Image | Courtesy of Green Party of Philadelphia

JANUARY 6 - 13, 2022 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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hiladelphia City Councilmember Bobby Henon joined the long list of local elected officials who have been convicted of corruption. In 2015, Councilmember Henon was in discussions about renewing an agreement between Comcast and the City of Philadelphia. The agreement would, among other things, increase internet access for low-income Philadelphia residents and students. One might assume that a City Councilmember would view themselves as a civil servant, but the federal jury’s recent decision in Henon’s case suggests otherwise. Audio and text exchanges revealed that Councilmember Henon had gone to bat, not for his constituents, but for his powerful labor leader friend and campaign donor John Dougherty. Recently, the following local Democratic elected officials have gone to jail: • City Treasurer (2005), • PA State Senator (2014), • PA Representatives from Districts 198, 191, and 192 (2015), • U.S. Congressman (2016), • PA Representative from District 197 (2016), • Philadelphia District Attorney (2017), • PA Representative from District 190 (2018), another PA Representative from District 190 (2019), and • Philadelphia Sheriff (2019). Philadelphia has seen so many examples of political corruption in recent years that we wonder if local politicians remember that they are not supposed to work to enrich themselves and their campaign donors—they are supposed to work to advocate for and protect us.


OPINION

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY Sadly, corruption is endemic to corporate political parties and political systems that prioritize profit before people. Councilmember Henon will likely not be the last corporate politician to use his connections and political leverage to benefit his own career and that of the powerful entities that fund his campaign. History shows us that corporate Democrats and Republicans are beholden to their corporate sponsors, not to the people they are meant to represent. The Philadelphia Democratic Party dominates local politics, and yet their elected officials frequently fail to live up to their stated democratic values. Councilmember Henon is just the latest example. “I am seldom surprised at the rampant corruption within the Philadelphia Democratic Party since the 1970 Abscam investigation sent three Democrats on City Council and two Democrats in the U.S. Congress to jail,” said Chris Robinson, a Green Party member from Ward 59 (Germantown). “Of course, many questions from the Henon/Dougherty conviction remain open,” Robinson said. “Green Party members would like to know what measures Mayor Jim Kenney (Democrat) will propose to plug the leaks in our city’s ethics laws, and what ethics proposals will appear in the platform of any of the eight Philadelphia Democrats who are often spoken of as candidates for Mayor in 2023? They have all been quite silent.” Democrats and Republicans have a business-as-usual culture that manifests in their policies, party structure, and how their elected officials conduct themselves in the workplace. Hence, corrupt Henon funnels money to his donors and considers it good economic policy. In contrast, the Green Party has a grassroots culture that manifests in our policies, party structure, and culture. Green Party policies include campaign finance reform to make elections more fair and democratic, a locally administered universal health care system, and local and regional initiatives in sustainable economic development. Our national

party is largely managed, not by untouchable bureaucrats, but by delegates from our state parties that are elected at the state level. You don’t see Green Party officials indicted for corruption scandals. All this to say, the Green Party is a viable alternative to the two dominant parties. The Green Party of Philadelphia recently requested that Mayor Kenney nominate our endorsed candidate, Richard Garella, to fill the open position as the minor political party member of the Philadelphia City Commissioners. Garella is eminently qualified and is a champion of election integrity, proven by his involvement in the Election Verification Network and his role as co-founder of Protect Our Vote Philly. Local organizations joined the Greens in our request that Mayor Kenney choose a progressive candidate; instead, he chose a Republican. Recent local elections point to Philadelphians’ desire to see truly progressive answers to our city’s problems. The Green Party of Philadelphia and many of our endorsed candidates for local office have proposed a variety of solutions to solve inequality and corruption. We have advocated for a democratically elected civilian review board of the police. We denounced and miliated against the construction of the SEPTA fracked gas power plant in Nicetown. We have proposed community-based land trusts of currently vacant homes to combat housing insecurity. And we joined and supported advocates for housing justice at the James Talib Dean camp in 2020. These examples speak to the Green Party’s priorities. We invite our neighbors to reject the political corruption of the corporate duopoly and demand that local officials be the type of civil servants our communities need. Jarrett Anderson is a member of the City Committee of the Green Party of Philadelphia. The Green Party is on Twitter @ GreenPartyofPHL and Facebook @GreenPartyOfPhiladelphia.

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Image | Courtesy of Green Party of Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 6 - 13, 2022


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GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Predictions and Changes

Plus, Jerry Blavat’s adventures

ICEPACK

S

everal days after the young month of Dry January will probably only last Mummers’ PC strut along Broad another few minutes after this because, quite Street (save for my home area, frankly, I’m going to need a real cocktail real South West Philly’s Monopoly bad. board dis to Kenney and KrasTSA tom-foolery ner, God love SWP and all things So, as we exchanged one year for another, Kingsessing, yo), it’s about time Philly made national news for having its TSA that Icepack and I welcomed you discover two sharp knives hidden inside a to 2022. Darth Vader teddy bear at a Philadelphia InSo, hello. Stay dry this week. ternational Airport stall. What I got from this At first, I thought I wanted to craft a set of is that, “Wow, if they only really looked hardwily smart-assed predictions for the next 359 er,” this area’s not-so-keen transportation days to come at Icepack’s top. BUT. THEN. inspectors would find the bag of mushrooms AH. Things are so loopy as to the fates, imI hid within the batter of Auntie Em’s cinnamediate or otherwise – of variants, of swift mon soft pretzels at 30th Street’s train station, shifts in what we call law and-or order – that and the Kiss of Death, KGB 4.5mm caliber lipmaking any prognostication-ish call, stick pistol I stuffed inside the saujokey or not, is an act of sheer doosage at Vetri’s Fiorella. fus-ness. Pen & Pencil Update BY: A.D AMOROSI Philly predictions Remember the name Nantambu Instead, I’ll just professionally Chavis. That’s the person that Bobbi guess that the Eagles will make the Booker and Raphael Tiberino have Super Bowl (I’m stopping here, for now, as brought in to re-jigger the culinary direction to who shall win). I don’t see anything good and merry new menu at the old Pen & Pencil coming for or from the 76ers for another year, Club, “a person I have always respected both so ask me again in like August. That outdoor personally and professionally in I have always group dining igloos will eventually be re- enjoyed the food and ideas that this gentleman placed by thin individual dining tubes with has created as a culinary artist,” noted Tiberilarge rubber gloves. That Philly’s parking no. So no hot dog water jokes. Cone Rangers will spoil all fun, and eventuBetty White ally take to attacking those with actual cones I’m not a massive Golden Girls apologist, - ice cream cones – of which they do not ap- or network tv fan, but if you have any life prove and find suspect (somebody had to take and blood in your tiny heart, you are beyond down Rocky Road, right?) That nearly every fucked-up-sorry that Betty White died benew Wawa which opened in the last 24 months fore 2021 turned to 2022. So, celebrating her will have to close because shoplifting will still life with marionettes ala That Golden Girls be cool/legal for some time to come, and who Show!: A Puppet Parody on January 11 at the really wants to work there anyway, honest. Merriam Theater is either a very great thing That Philadelphia’s ban on pre-hire marijuaor a truly sorry thing. Pick a side. na testing will eventually include cocaine and Old City Changes MDMA, because, seriously, who is just smokFor anyone who still cares about a glossiing pot in these pandemic situations. That the ly, organized clubland (as opposed to Philly’s

JANUARY 6 - 13, 2022 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY


GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY muskier DIY warehouse space events, impromptu outdoor raves or parties at St. Lazarus), it looks as if the last night of Recess in Old City was New Year’s Eve, a party precipitating its move to a narrower, but higher ceilinged address along 8th and Arch Street. Speaking of Old City closings and openings, flush in the face of Omicron, here comes 222 Market Street’s freshly opening Frame (and its reverse ‘R’ in its spelling) which pops wide its doors on January 12. Billed as a late-night dining concept and a sultry social hub with globally inspired cuisine and cocktails, Frame sounds verrrry much like the sorts of lounges that came about during that historic area’s 90s food/ drink renaissance. I was there in the first place and it was fun. Then. OK. Sure, why not try it again. A backwards R is not as bad as a Z in place of an S, so, Frame is safe. MASKED PHILLY: Jerry Blavat In Icepack’s way too-long, way overly complex and continuing saga of asking mask-donning local celebrities what they’ve been up to, beyond the pale, during C-19 – from lock down to the current re-opening, present-day un-masking and re-masking, worrying about Delta variants, freaking out about Fauci’s call for a potential third round of vax shots mere five months after the last, new mask and vax card mandates, ignored or not ignored (I mean why did I wait in line at the Convention Center if you’re not asking to see my card?), the possibility of mix-and-matching vaccines which is weird, AND NOW, YEAH OF COURSE, the whole worldwide B.1.1.529 Omicron variant scare, so welcome to ROUND THREE, I reached out, this week, to Jerry Blavat. The Boss with the Hot Sauce, My Man Pots and Pans, and the Eternal Yon Teen born and bred in South Philly has been busy during the pandemic. Before ringing in New Year’s Eve at Bally’s Atlantic City with Philly’s Legendary Blue Notes, Blavat spent 2021 doing radio events such as the innovative Lost Dedica-

tions’ showcase on WXPN with Ben Vaughn in July and reopening his bar-club, Memories in Margate, for the summer in May. Blavat once told Image | Courtesy of me that “People Jerry Blavat see me doing the radio show live from Memories on Mixcloud and getting 40,000 hits from across the globe.” What Blavat did during the C-19 pandemic was up his already prodigious exercise game – at home when he had to, at the gym when it was allowed. “I always ride my bike around town – difficult because you can’t always find places open for coffee, then a donut, of course. I look for places to stop for my morning ritual and read the newspaper. I do work out at home, 20 minute abs, the ball, my inversion table where I go upside-down, but it’s not like an hour and fifteen minutes at a gym. Anytime I can get into gym is the best.” The most positive thing Blavat did during quarantine is meet neighbors where he lives, the Society Hill Towers, and throw 6 pm happy hours. “We go to the benches, we’re distanced six feet apart, I get pizzas from Stella, a couple of cases of wine from Moore Bros. and I share the wine and the pizza with my neighbors,” said The Geator. Blavat, cool with masks and vaxxes, told me during a holiday dinner at Modo Mio about his upcoming first live party back at the Kimmel Center since Covid, January 21’s Jerry Blavat & Friends event with its usual large live orchestra (“we’ll always be the only live event around that replicates the records with full original orchestration), and singers such as Gary US Bonds, Darlene Love and Jerry’s old friend from the teen angel days in South Philly, Frankie Avalon. “Frankie’s never done one of my parties in the past, so this one is special. Then again, A, they’re all special. I can’t wait to get back in front of my live audiences that love this music most, the music I love the most.”

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12

THE RUNDOWN

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THE RUNDOWN Image | Nathan Ansell

FOOD & DRINK

Flavors of Philly food tour

Discover Philly's most popular food favorites while getting a taste of the city's rich history and culture! Eat like a local on this fun, casual, Philadelphia themed tour that all of “youz” are sure to enjoy! This delicious and entertaining tour takes place in the heart of Philadelphia and includes 5 stops. Make room: this is not only a tasting adventure, but a meal that includes classic Philly eats like cheesesteaks and cheese whiz fries, tomato pie, soft pretzels, and two sweet treats from the world-famous Reading Terminal Market! Get the scoop on Philly’s food history with quirky stories about how some of these iconic foods came to be, and walk away with food in your tummy and some insider tips about the best places to eat like a Philadelphian. This one-of-a-kind tasting experience brings you to where the locals really eat -- low-key, no-frills, independently owned gems that share the uniquely unpretentious vibe of the city. This tour is served up with a generous side of humor, Philadelphia history, and a helping of beautiful architecture that includes an up-close look at City Hall—the second-largest municipal building in the country! More information on eventbrite.com.

Reading Terminal Market Vax Mandate

Reading Terminal Market Corporation announced its response to the City of Philadelphia’s new COVID mandates. Due to its distinction as an essential grocery business, the Market will not restrict building access based on vaccination status so long as customers are wearing masks. Those choosing to dine inside the Market will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. The Center Court seating area will be stanchioned off to provide a designated entrance and exit and diners

JANUARY 6 - 13, 2022 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

will be required to provide physical or digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination. At this time, other communal seating areas will not be open due to staffing shortages. High top dining tables will be available outside along Filbert Street as weather permits. Individual businesses within the Market that offer table or counter seating are responsible for checking vaccination status at their location. Customers wishing to order takeout and enjoy their food outside the Market will not be required to show proof of vaccination. Pickup and delivery options are available for most merchants and can be found on local delivery apps as well as Mercato.com.


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THE RUNDOWN

13

Dry January

Look for over two dozen hand-crafted, wellmade, delicious and jewel colored mocktails this January for Dry January at Harper's Garden and Rosy's Taco Bar in Center City, Juno in Spring Garden District, Craft Hall in Northern Liberties/ Fishtown, and Lola's Garden in Ardmore. Each mocktail was created by (or under direction of) FCM Hospitality Beverage Director Matt Deutsch. Each retails for $6, but during each property's new Dry January Mocktail Happy Hour they will be discounted to $5. Dry January started in England in an attempt to encourage a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle. It has become a global trend, with people across the world setting the goal of putting alcohol aside for the first month of the year. This is the time of year people want to hit the reset button and tend to focus on a “new year, new me” attitude. Some available mocktails are below. Image | Courtesy of Harper’s Garden

FOOD & DRINK Harper’s Garden 31 S. 18th St.

Moon Drop Lemonade: Moondrop Grape, Fresh Lemonade Blackberry Ginger Soda: Blackberry, Strawberry, Ginger, Lime, Soda Fig Vanilla Palmer: Fig, Vanilla, Fresh Lemonade Lemon, Fresh Iced Tea Mulled Hot Cider: Hot Apple Cider, Cinnamon, Star Anise, Lemon, Ginger

Craft Hall 901 N. Delaware Ave. Strawberry Lemonade Peach Palmer Apple Cider Spritzer Cranberry Splash

Juno 1033 Spring Garden St.

Non-alcoholic flavored margaritas: Blood orange, strawberry, pineapple, spicy, mango, blackberry, hot honey

Rosy’s Taco Bar 2220 Walnut St.

Non-alcoholic flavored margaritas: Passionfruit, mango, blood orange, strawberry,habanero, pineapple

Lola’s Garden, 51 St. Georges Rd., Ardmore

Blackberry Ginger Soda: blackberry, ginger, lime juice topped with soda Spicy Pineapple: grilled pineapple juice, lemon juice, f resno pepper extract Cucumber-Basil Butterfly: lime juice, muddled cucumber and basil and finished with butterfly pea tea Fig-Strawberry Lemonade: strawberry syrup, fresh lemonade Spiced Apple Cider: apple cider, ginger, cinnamon, clove, star anise, lemon

Image | Courtesy of Figo Ristorante

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 6 - 13, 2022


14

THE RUNDOWN

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Philly Kanaval Ball

Philadelphia public radio station WXPN announced today that Win Butler, co-founder of GRAMMY award-winning rock band Arcade Fire and New Orleans’ annual Krewe du Kanaval event, and noted Latin GRAMMY-winning Haitian DJ/producer Michael Brun have been added as DJs for Philadelphia’s first Kanaval Ball. This free, indoor festival will take place Sunday, March 20, at The Fillmore Philadelphia. Kanaval Ball will cap WXPN’s year-long exploration of Haiti’s influence on the music and culture of New Orleans with a recreation of the New Orleans celebrations that take place prior to Mardi Gras. New Orleans-based, world renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and the prominent Haitian bands RAM and Boukman Eksperyans, will perform, as will the Haitian folkloric dance company Nadia Dieudonné & Feet of Rhythm. The public is invited to attend the free, all-ages Kanaval Ball. Mardi Gras and Carnival-themed attire is encouraged, but not required. RSVP at http://wx.pn/kanavalball.

MUSIC Caribbean Blend at Trilogy Nightclub

Every Sunday! Caribbean Blend featuring Music by: The Party Alliance, Roger Culture, DJ Master Rich, DJ KY + special guest DJs. Hookah Available; playing the best in Reggae, Soca, Dancehall, Afrobeats & Kompa. More information on eventbrite.com.

The Eighteen Hookah Lounge

Afro Trap Saturdays @ The Eighteen Hookah Lounge. Come enjoy the best Afrobeats, Reggae & Hip-Hop every Friday. Doors open 11 pm, RSVP for reduced admission, 6850 Elmwood Ave. More information on eventbrite.com.

Sad & Boujee Dance Party Underground Arts, Jan. 8. This is not your average emo party - spinning everything from My Chemical Romance to Megan The Stallion to Machine Gun Kelly. More information on Facebook.com.

JANUARY 6 - 13, 2022 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Eight-part music series on Love’s Labor Lost

“Love’s Labor Lost” will be the theme of a special eight-part classical music series offered to members and the public-at-large at the KleinLife: Montgomery County Dr. Gabriel and Alma Elias Center in Elkins Park beginning Thursday, Feb. 3. The series will be led by Professor Gerald Tremblay, a psychotherapist and opera aficionado. Tremblay says that the series will delve into three operas-French, Italian, Czech and the vicissitudes of love imbued with beautiful music. “We will view, discuss and analyze the ups and downs experienced during loving relationships along with enjoying some wonderful opera music,” he explains. The cost is $75 per person for all eight Programs. For additional information and to reserve a place in the series, contact Gail Korostoff at 215-635-5244 or email gkorostoff@kleinlife.org.


THE RUNDOWN

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15

Mixtape: P.W.Prichett paintings

“Mixtape”, an exhibition of paintings by P.W.Prichett at the Muse Gallery Philadelphia, is an upbeat and feelgood tribute to the qualities in visual art that parallel music composition: rhythm, harmony, beat, and vibe. Two distinct but connected stylistic approaches are presented together in this solo show. A highly graphic black & white series of freestyle paintings, with playful shapes reminiscent of marine creatures, insects, or micro organisms are featured alongside a second series of methodically constructed abstract color works, whose quilt-like bands of vibrant hues are built within enigmatic shapes, all on radiant bronze backgrounds. Fun for all and comes with a music playlist. Jan. 5-30 at The Muse Gallery, N. 52 street. Opening reception Jan. 7 at 6 pm.

Images | Courtesy of Muse Gallery Philadelphia

CULTURE HOT•BED’s MICRO•GALLERY: Philadelphia Psychotronic Electric Caverns Film Society HOT•BED’s MICRO•GALLERY is pleased to present an immersive neon installation titled “Electric Caverns” by Alissa Eberle. Eberle, who last showed at HOT•BED in summer 2021’s “SUMMERHOUSE,” returns with a never-before-seen installation and a selection of unique hand-bent neon artworks. Inspired by show caves, themed motel rooms, and nostalgia, Eberle’s installation invites reflection on the eeriness of passing time, psychedelic and paranormal occurrences, and the intersection of humans and nature. The constructed space is designed to exist between dimensions, celebrating and augmenting the strangeness of the natural world. The installation and related works will be on view until Feb. 19. More information on eventbrite.com.

The beginning of a new era! Things are back to normal with a new membership structure and the traditional bimonthly screenings will resume on January 10 with PPFS member Matt Inglese choosing the surprise film. Admission is $5 for non-members, free for members. Doors at 7:00 / Trivia at 7:30 / Movie at 8:00ish. The Philadelphia Psychotronic Film Society is officially sanctioned by Brian Thomas, Propaganda Minister of the Sinister for Chicago’s Psychotronic Film Society. WARNING: The content of what we’ve come to know as psychotronic films runs the gamut from talking dogs to violent assaults. There will always be a warning of some sort on all PPFS event pages. More information on facebook.com.

Yiddishe Nightingale

Lyric Fest presents Yiddishe Nightingale, a special concert on the history of the American Yiddish Theater on February 8 at the Academy of Vocal Arts. Featured in this unique hour-long program is a showcase of fascinating repertoire that hails from the Ashkenazi traditions of many Central European countries—all kept alive and re-envisioned here in America. Tickets and info at lyricfest.org. Zalmen Mlotek, Artistic Director of the award-winning National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene in New York City, will host from the piano, while mezzo-soprano and Cantor Elizabeth Shammash and baritone and Cantor Thom King share in song and story. Supertitles with song translations will be displayed during the performances.

Co-là-breith sona dhuit*: Robert Smith’s 300th Birthday Celebration

Join Carpenters’ Hall on January 14 to celebrate Robert Smith’s 300th birthday. The Scottish architect, born in 1722, built many famous landmarks across Philadelphia, including Carpenters’ Hall. A Scottish-themed celebration will be held to honor the anniversary of his birth, with special guest Chris Thomson, Counsellor with the Scottish Government USA, and Bruce Laverty, an architecture curator at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. They’ll discuss Smith’s impact and life as visitors can enjoy some Scottish music, dancing, and whisky. Ticket purchase also includes a copy of the illustrated coffee-table book Robert Smith: Architect, Builder, Patriot 1722-1777 by Charles Peterson. Tickets $75, more information on eventbrite.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 6 - 13, 2022


NICE RACK

SEX WITH TIMAREE

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RESOLUTIONS

of taking a steamy shower, shaving, and Feel free to make 2022 about getting to the moisturizing feel like a sensual indulgence? gym, eating healthy, picking your battles or whatever brings you joy. I support you in How about laying down with your favorite toy your endeavors. But this here is a sexuality in freshly washed sheets, with dimmed lights column so we’re going to chat about and a saucy soundtrack? Invest in ways you can resolve to improve quality sex toys and accoutrements your relationship with your lovers that set the mood. If you make time and partners and — more imporfor these kinds of lavish solo expetantly — yourself. riences, you might find you stop 1. Prioritize pleasure settling for mediocre bangs. Don’t stress about how often 2. Make time for sexual health you’re getting it on, or whether Navigating healthcare in Ameryou’re keeping up with the Joneses ica can be a dystopian hellscape, on erections, squirting, g-spot orthat is true. But in this new year gasms or whatever. Focus on doing we’re doing our best to keep this things that feel good to you. Ask for vehicle in good working order. Anytouch in the way that you like it, thing that improves your overall switch things up if what you’re do- DR. TIMAREE health is going to be beneficial to ing is boring or uncomfortable. your sexual bits, so yeah that whole Instead of approaching sexual getting lots of movement, eating @TIMAREE_LEIGH situations as a time to perform your nourishing foods, staying hydrated, skills or to hurry and slowing down up and get off, use on the poisons is exploratory touch. probably a good Rather than sticking idea. with tried-and-true We’re also gonmethods, examine na do our regular your partner’s body health checks, like like it’s the first making time for time and see what breast and testicutypes of sensation lar self-exams, as and what locations well as STI screenprovide unexpected ing and annual PAP pleasure. There are many highly sensitive smears. You probably need to ask for a full bits of terrain that often go unexplored. panel of STI testing because most doctors Same goes for your own body. Set aside time don’t assume you want that. Best case scenarto seduce yourself. Create situations that feel io: they find nothing of concern. But another decadent and sexy to you, even if — no, espereally good scenario is they find out and you cially if — you’re by yourself. Does the ritual can get treatment.

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“Set aside time to seduce yourself. Create situations that feel decadent and sexy to you, even if — no, especially if — you’re by yourself.”


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SEX WITH TIMAREE

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In terms of healthier sexual behaviors: nothing is without risk. What we can do is minimize the danger, incrementally moving towards behaviors that keep us safer. Advocate for yourself by asking your partners to get tested for STIs. Use condoms and dental dams, especially if you’re not absolutely certain of your STI status. If anyone pushes back on your requests and doesn’t respect your concerns, go back to resolution 1 about being your own best lover and not settling for these trifling, bad lays. 3. Figure out birth control If the kind of sex you’re having could lead to pregnancy, let’s stop playing around with methods that aren’t totally effective and stop settling for contraceptives that make us feel bad. What works flawlessly for one person may cause awful side effects or be wildly unrealistic for another person, so let’s figure out what birth control makes sense for your body and your life. Since 2018, there have been major advances in fetus-preventing technology, and not all of the new methods are well known, so do some reading and chat with your doctor. Make it easy to keep your supply filled by having prescriptions mailed directly to you. 4. Find and state your boundaries Before a hookup, explicitly state what you’re down for and what is not on the table.

Say out loud how you will communicate if you’re not digging something and want to move on. If there are areas of your body that are not up for grabs today or sex acts that are off the menu — and conversely — things you really want: say it from the jump. This not only gives direction to your partner on how to please you but also prevents awkward and icky moments of someone acquiescing to things they don’t really want to do because y’all didn’t explicitly discuss it. Normalizing these kinds of conversations is great because a lot of us don’t take the time to ask ourselves what we want, much less to make it known. Despite the protestations of people who are probably not that great in bed, asking before doing something sexual can be sexy as hell. Confidently asking, “can I touch you there?” or “can I taste you?” is generally well received. Anyone who disregards your stated boundaries can be yeeted into the sun. As always, refer back to resolution 1 about being your own best lover, your most reliably high-quality fuck. Because when you know that you have everything you need to please yourself, you won’t settle for fake orgasms, unpleasant touch, or disrespectful dorks. Have a question for Dr. Timaree? Send an email to asktimaree@philadelphiaweekly.com.

“Nothing is without risk. What we can do is minimize the danger, incrementally moving towards behaviors that keep us safer.”

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REAL ESTATE

RIGHT NOW, IT’S A SELLER’S MARKET, SO WHY NOT JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON AND SELL YOUR HOME FOR TRIPLE WHAT IT’S WORTH? Give PW readers a reason to move today. Contact sales@philadelphiaweekly.com today to get your property listed.

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MARKETPLACE Legal Notices

WHEREAS, on May 19, 2011, a certain mortgage was executed by Emily A. Guidotti, as mortgagor in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS MORTGAGEE, AS NOMINEE FOR URBAN FINANCIAL GROUP INC., ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County in Mortgage Document ID 52358553 (“Mortgage”); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 1221 Dickinson Street Philadelphia, PA 19147, parcel number 012435900(“Property”); and WHEREAS, the Property was owned by Emily Guidotti and Vincent Guidotti by entireties by virtue of deed recorded November 4, 1983 in Book: 00877 Page: 149; and WHEREAS, Record Owner Vincent Guidotti died on July 13, 1998. By operation of law title vests solely in Emily Guidotti and Vincent Guidotti is hereby released of liability pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1144. Emily Guidotti died on July 18, 2018 intestate and is survived by her heirs-at-law, Vincent Guidotti, Jr., Joseph Guidotti, Anthony Guidotti and Maria Edelstein aka Maria Guidotti; and WHEREAS, 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 December 27, 2016 in Document ID 53153253, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Mortgage (paragraph 9 (a)(i)), as Emily A. Guidotti died on July 18, 2018, 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; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of September 30, 2021 is $349,185.91 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;

common with the owners and tenants and occupiers of the other lots of ground bounding thereon and entitled to the use thereof. APN: 012435900

Containing in front or breadth on said Dickinson Street 16 feet 6 inches and extending of that width in length or depth Northward between lines parallel with said 12th Street 67 feet 3 inches.

Being known as 1221 Dickinson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 The sale will be held on January 19, 2022 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 $349,185.91 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 $349,185.91 as of September 30, 2021, 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 the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of 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, at the 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.

Together with the free and common use, right, liberty and privilege of the certain 2 feet wide alley which extends Northward into Wilder Street as and for a passageway and watercourse at all times hereafter forever, in

KML LAW GROUP, P.C. Foreclosure Commissioners (215-825-6305)

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, l2 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR Part 29, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on September 29, 2011 in Misc. Instrument #: 52395684, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, notice is hereby given that at January 19, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the Southeast Entrance of Philadelphia City Hall located at Broad Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 all real property at or used in connection with the following described premises will be sold at public action to the highest bidder: The land hereinafter referred to is situated in the City of Philadelphia, County of Philadelphia, State of PA, and is described as follows: All that certain lot or piece of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, described according to a survey and plan thereof made by Charles F. Puff, Jr., Surveyor and Regulator of the 2nd Survey District on 04/26/1916 as follows to wit: Situate on the North side of Dickinson Street (50 feet wide) at the distance of 232 feet Westward from the West side of 12th Street (50 feet wide) in the 1st Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

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$18/Hr. Starting Pay

sell your ex’s stuff.

Immediate Positions Available Paid Training / Benefit Package Match of salary with experience! Flexible Shifts Available Safety Bonus Incentives

APPLY IN PERSON Monday Through Friday • 9:00am to 3:00pm 4201 Tacony Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 | 215-992-8000 Apply Online: www.philly.totalbusco.com

General Employment

GENERAL AND TREATMENT FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED Open your heart and home to children of all ages New Foundations, Inc. 215-203-8733 www.nfi4kids.org FLAGGER Traffic Plan seeks Flaggers to protect our clients and the motoring public by setting up work zones and controlling traffic. A valid driverʼs license is a must. Good pay and benefits offered. If interested, please fill out an application online at www.trafficplan.com. Windows

HAPPY WINDOWS

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 January 11th 2021 at approx. 6:00 PM: www.storagetreasures.com D443 Michael Mahone

classifieds@philadelphiaweekly.com

SELL WITH PW Classifieds

Shutters, 2-Inch Wood, Pleated Shades, Roman Shades, Drapes, Verticals, Mini-Blinds

Discount Price With Installation

Call Eileen

215-465-7525

Sell with PW Classifieds

classifieds@philadelphiaweekly.com

classifieds@philadelphiaweekly.com

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 6 - 13, 2022


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