PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 3, 2020

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How Philly can save, not shoot, mentally ill people

Send in the shrinks Deals and steals: PW’s Gift Guide has you covered this holiday season. | Page 15

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sioner Dr. Thomas Farley has said the COVID ar and restaurant owners were dealt another bad hand this week transmission is coming from all sorts of places: “within households,” “at brunch” [at] “parwhen they were told to suspend all ties amongst college students,” “weddings, on-site sales of alcohol at 5 p.m. on funerals and baby showers,” “restaurants,” the biggest drinking night of the “offices,” “carpools,” “social gatherings,” and year. The announcement came “a little bit of everywhere,” because “people Monday afternoon from Pennsyldon’t know where they got it from.” vania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Sounds like he covered all the bases.

Levine, who apparently thinks having a beer “This is a big story,” said Ben Fileccia, dior a glass of wine at a restaurant with dinner rector of operations & strategy for the PRLA. (on Thanksgiving Eve only) might give you “I talked about it on Fox News with Neil COVID. Cavuto last week. That’s how [expleThe one-night suspension of tive]-up 2020 is. I’m so left-leaning, I alcohol sales was implemented sometimes fall out of my chair, but Wednesday at 5 p.m. in an effort to here I am talking on Fox News. stop the spread of the virus. Cases “It’s going to take us years to get of COVID are up across the city. over this stigma of restaurants beThe sale of to-go drinks was aling an unsafe place when there’s no lowed at bars and restaurants and data out there that says we are.” people could stay after 5 p.m., but if Last week, WHYY reported there they did, they had to stick to non-alhas been a recent rash of drug coholic beverages. I don’t know overdoses in the city caused by peoabout you, but a little buzz helps me ple accidentally snorting fentanyl forget how cold I am sitting outside thinking what they were doing was in late November. cocaine. Since Nov. 12, the PhilaGov. Tom Wolf and Levine delphia Medical Examiner’s Office passed this order down to address had confirmed three people had the typically larger crowds that like died by overdose and had worked at @ RUFFTUFFDH to gather the night before Thanksarea restaurants and bars. The city giving, but I fail to see how it difhas been trying to get fentanyl test fered from the mandates that are strips into the hands of workers in the service already in place. No more than four can be at industry to warn them about doing fentana table and nobody can be inside. Not only was there little incentive for Philadelphians to go yl-laced cocaine, but it is becoming increasout in the first place, but they don’t have many ingly difficult. Businesses now have curtailed hours of operation, fewer people on staff, options anyway. while some have shuttered altogether.

John Longstreet, President and CEO of the And let’s not forget the $1.3 billion in coroPennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, said: “Common sense tells you that this navirus cash promised to bar and restaurant owners packaged in the form of the CARES will just push people into less safe environAct that was used to fill a gap in the state budments.” get rather than for its intended purpose. The From what he’s seen, public spaces that are bipartisan move to divert those funds to balenforcing and actively practicing social disance the state budget instead of offering relief tancing, mask wearing, sanitation and contact to restaurants signals to people like Fileccia tracing are the safer option. and Longstreet that policymakers don’t care “They’ve actually exacerbated the probabout distressed, small businesses and can’t lems by pushing these private parties out relate to their turmoil. of restaurants and dining rooms, hotel banWe keep hearing that government officials quet rooms, catering halls, and where they were doing all the CDC protocols into places are counting on us to do the right thing, but their definition of “right” is so subjective. where they’re doing none of the protocols – like backyards and other unlicensed venues,” While I’m hopeful all of our small businesses will weather the storm, it still seems like a lot Longstreet said. of them are being left out in the cold.

In recent weeks, Philly Health Commis-

and help us make it.

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JENNY DEHUFF

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 3, 2020

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STATE OF OUR CITY

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New addition Congratulations to Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper and wife Kayla on the arrival of their second child, a baby girl!

The couple took to Instagram to announce the birth of Brooklyn Elizabeth Harper last weekend.

Their son, Krew, celebrated his first birthday in August.

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Philadelphiaweekly.com @phillyweekly NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Dan McDonough, Jr. Chairman & Publisher Jenny DeHuff Editor in Chief

STATE

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GOBBLE, GOBBLE For more than a week now, we’ve been warned by officials repeatedly to only spend Thanksgiving with the people living under our roof. For many, that’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when the pandemic has kept many people separated from their families for so long. For those of you who are deciding to welcome people into your home for the holiday or go to someone else’s, here is some advice from NBC10’s medical expert Dr. Arnold Baskies: – Get a COVID test beforehand – Drive alone if possible – Travel at non-peak times – Keep the guest list small – Dine outdoors if possible Regardless of how (or if) you celebrate this Thanksgiving, we’d like to see how you got creative, whether it was with loved ones in person or virtually. Send us your photos at mail@philadelphiaweekly.com and they might just end up in the paper.

John Montesano Art Director

Alan Bauer Managing Editor

Contributors: A.D. Amorosi, Tom Beck, Courtenay Harris Bond, Resolve Philadelphia, Timaree Schmit, Ryan K. Smith, Kerith Gabriel, Eugene Zenyatta. Intern: Zachary Bard.

To contact the news department: mail@philadelphiaweekly.com.

Ed Lynes Chief Revenue Officer Stephanie Hawkins Michael Chambers Controller Director of Circulation Signature Supporters: Ted Kazantzis

To purchase advertising in Philadelphia Weekly, contact Sales at 215-543-3743, ext. 104, or sales@philadelphiaweekly.com.

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STATE OF OUR CITY

LEVEL PLAYING FIELD? When the new COVID-19 restrictions went into effect Friday night, guests dining indoors in Philly restaurants were asked to take it outside. Everyone scooped up their stuff and found a spot on the sidewalk. But some observers noticed that a few select restaurants with a little extra cash flow had erected something resembling an indoor-outdoor dining room. These look like heated, closed-in events tents that differ little from the inside of a restaurant. Some places even had installed PVC sheeting for insulation. So, how is that scenario any different from dining inside?

Is there anything safer about these outdoor bubbles (literally, in some cases) than being in a dining room? And how is it fair to the bars and restaurants that don’t have the dough to retrofit their outside spaces? Food for thought.

1,100

That’s how many nurses recently reached a contract deal with their employer, Einstein Medical Center in North Philadelphia, after threatening to go on strike. The nurses complained of insufficient staffing levels during a surge in COVID-19 cases, not enough PPE, and demanded other workplace protections.

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“Everyone who has ever visited Philadelphia has had the exact same experience. Friends drag you to bars and make you order a citywide. You smoke cigarettes outside and they point out all the garbage on the street like it’s a cool thing.

You eat food that makes you sick.”

– Posted by u/zerosuminfinities in r/philadelphia reddit

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Mental health pros should be first responders to some 911 calls

INTERVENTION E

NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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E

arlier this month, many eyes were on Philadelphia due to its pivotal standing in deciding the 2020 presidential election. The week prior to the city acting as a key player in the selection of Joe Biden as president-elect, the nation watched Philly for a much different reason. It had become the latest American locale to erupt in civil unrest following the Oct. 26 police killing of 27-year-old father of 10, Walter Wallace, Jr. in West Philly. He was acting erratically with a knife in his hand when officers Thomas Munz, Jr. and Sean Matarazzo fired seven shots each from 10 feet away as Wallace’s mother pleaded on the street with them. You’ve probably seen the video by now.

Wallace’s death hit home for this reporter not only because he was a fellow Black man.

Like me, Walter Wallace, Jr. was stricken with bipolar disorder and was seemingly in the throes of a manic episode. Like Walter, I’ve also had run-ins with the police while manic that did not end in my favor. Though I’m lucky that the Upper Darby police had tasers drawn instead of guns when they kicked in my bed-

room door, there have been quite a few Black mental illnesses are 16 times more likely to be individuals with a serious mental illness who killed after being approached by law enforcement (though it has been reported that Walhave been killed by police. lace, Jr. was prescribed Lithium as his treatThere’s Dontre Hamilton in Milwaukee, who was killed after police approached him ment). Also that year, the Illinois chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness conwhile sleeping on a park bench. There’s cluded that almost half of the people who die Tanisha Anderson, who was killed after beat the hands of police have some kind of dising slammed on the pavement by Cleveland ability, a number heavily populated by police. Saheed Vassell was killed in people with a serious mental illness.

Brooklyn as he aimed a metal pipe at According to Mark Salzer, a psypeople like a gun. In September, DanBY RYAN chologist and professor at the College iel Prude – who was naked and bleedK. SMITH of Public Health at Temple University, ing as he walked down a Rochester, there are a few explanations for why N.Y., street – died after three officers police interactions with the mentally put a spit hood on him, pinned him ill end so badly so many times. down and restrained him. All of these people “First, police are trained to respond to poand others needed help from professionals but tentially risky situations in an aggressive were killed instead.

However, the police harming the mental- manner that is intimidating in order to get people to back down and obey orders,” he said. ly ill isn’t just a Black issue. According to the “People in mental health crises may not be Washington Post’s database of police killings by on-duty officers since 2015, 1,332 people thinking clearly or able to attend to what is behave been killed during a mental health crisis ing communicated, and, therefore, might not (23 percent of all cases). Most of them were obey orders communicated in this way. Police then feel threatened and react as they have white. In 2015, the Treatment Advocacy Cenbeen trained – with deadly force. ter found that people with untreated serious

7

“Second, many people with mental health issues also have trauma histories that make them especially reactive to aggressive policing tactics, as well as upset by the mere presence of people in uniform and carrying weapons.

Specialized training for police to detect behavioral health issues and respond in less threatening ways have been developed, and many Philadelphia police officers have received such training, but not enough to prevent these incidents from occurring.”

Walter Wallace, Jr.’s family and legal representation are rightfully calling for sweeping police reform. One of their main goals is to see every Philly cop equipped with a taser, so they have a less-lethal option of subduing mentally ill suspects.

But tasers may not be the answer either.

Speaking from experience, a taser is still a very violent, traumatic response to a person who needs care. Though rare, tasers can also be deadly. In July, officers Joshua Taylor and Brandon Dingman of the Wilson PD in Oklahoma were charged with second-degree murSEE CRISIS, PAGE 8

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 3, 2020

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FEATURED

CRISIS, FROM PAGE 7 der after they used a taser 50 times on 28-yearold Jared Lakey, who died as a result.

When a person is experiencing a manic episode of extreme paranoia and fear, the police’s very presence could escalate the situation and how the cops react is unpredictable.

Even if the encounter doesn’t end in calamity, it is common for officers to take an ailing person, handcuff them and lock them up in a cell instead of taking them to a hospital for treatment.

So, what is the answer? I think we need to ask why police are the first responders to 911 calls concerning people having a mental issue. Judging by what we know, it seems that police aren’t receiving adequate training when it comes to dealing with the mentally ill. According to reports, varying by state, officers receive four to 12 hours of mental health training. A 2015 survey conducted by Police Executive Research Forum notes that recruits only receive eight hours of crisis intervention and de-escalation training, respectively, compared to 58 hours of firearms training.

Salzer said mental health professionals can decrease the risk of violent or deadly outcomes in some situations based on two factors: “First, they present themselves differently.

They do not wear uniforms, carry weapons, and appear to be a threat. That is a huge issue for those who have experienced trauma and violence in their lives. Many individuals with behavioral health issues have come to trust mental health professionals in ways that they may not trust police.

“Second, mental health professionals have been trained in de-escalation strategies, which helps cool the person and situation down.

They speak calmly, take time to listen and empathize, and offer hope and alternatives to whatever the individual may be experiencing,” he said.

One measure that has been put in place in some communities nationwide is the implementation of the “Memphis Model.” Departments send all or some of their officers to crisis intervention training (CIT), where they learn to identify mentally ill individuals and get them to treatment. However, out of 18,000 of the nation’s police departments, only about 2,700 have adopted this model.

Some believe that police should be taken out of the equation in the event of mental health crises unless they are needed. Instead, mental health professionals should be on call to handle the situation. One American city that has set a shining example to the rest of the nation in this respect is Eugene, Ore. In 1989, the city put in place a program called Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets (CAHOOTS) where unarmed mental health workers are dispatched on 911 calls instead of police for non-violent incidents.

The program came out of the White Bird Clinic, “a collective founded in 1970 that originally had strong links to counterculture activists, and now provides a range of health,

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY education and community support services.”

CAHOOTS responded to 24,000 calls in 2019 and only needed police backup 150 times.

Furthermore, CAHOOTS was shown to have saved the Eugene Police Department an average of $8.5 million per year from 2014 to 2017.

A couple cities, such as Denver and Aurora, have followed suit by launching similar pilot programs.

According to Salzer, there are resources that exist in Philadelphia for behavioral crises, but they are not a part of the emergency response system. He also does not advocate for the complete removal of police from the equation given certain situations.

“Philadelphia does have mobile crisis teams that deal with behavioral health issues already. For example, the agency that was providing services to Walter Wallace Jr. had a crisis team that could have responded if called.

The problem that many places are facing is how to get behavioral health experts and resources included as part of the emergency response system (i.e., 911 system). This is what Eugene, Ore., has figured out how to do. This is all very doable,” he said.

“I would say, however, that I would not be inclined to completely remove police from certain emergency response calls, especially those involving aggression, threats, or weapons. Many mental health professionals, myself included, have been in situations where aggression has occurred and some force is needed. Instead, I would encourage the mental health crisis teams take the lead in such calls with options for nearby police backup as needed.”

In response to Walter Wallace, Jr.’s death, Mayor Jim Kenney and Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw announced the expansion of a pilot program where behavioral health specialists are placed into the police dispatch center to “better evaluate calls for mental health concerns.” Another call has been made by The Rev. Mark Tyler of Mother Bethel AME Church to increase the number of mental health professionals, as well as create a hotline similar to 911 to circumvent contacting the police during a crisis.

Is that enough, though? How far are Philly and other cities from replicating the CAHOOTS model and tailoring it to the needs of their residents? Something’s got to give so that we, the mentally ill, are cared for in times of cerebral chaos instead of being subjected to a premature, violent death due to our afflictions.

If you happen to experience a mental health crisis or know someone who is and want an alternative to 911, the PA Department of Human Services suggests calling the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for intervention. There is also the SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline which can be reached Monday through Friday from 8AM to 8PM at 1-877-726-4727. In Philadelphia, there is the 24-hour Mental Health Delegate Hotline which can be reached at 215-685-6440.

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NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

R

CRIME BEAT

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PHILLY’S WRECK-IT RALPH

9

Ralph Cipriano’s journalistic assault on the mayor, DA, police commissioner and the Philadelphia Inquirer

R

alph Cipriano is the journalistic bane of Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

His website, www.Bigtrial.net, offers the veteran reporter’s take on the city’s liberal leadership and the near-lockstep media. One recent post about the late Joe Frazier and the 21 other dead people who voted in the 2020 election received more than 80,000 hits.

Cipriano was born in Waterbury, CT, and attended the University of Missouri Journalism School. He worked for Connecticut newspapers, the Albany Times-Union and the Los Angeles Times before being hired by the Inquirer. He was assigned to the religion beat, where his stories on Archbishop Bevilacqua led to his firing and his successful lawsuit against the newspaper. (You can read about this at www.ralphcipriano.com).

Cipriano has also written books about Philadelphia lawyer James Beasley Sr., Philadelphia hitman John Veasey, and former State Sen. Vincent Fumo. His latest book is Doctor Dealer: A Doctor High on Greed, a Biker High On Opioids and the Woman Who Paid the Ultimate Price, written with George Anastasia.

“Bigtrial is a trial balloon that’s been blown up a couple of times,” Cipriano said.

of sources that had previously failed to have “I was hired by the Beasley law firm after I couldn’t find a job in journalism, amazingly, critical stories about Krasner published in the Philadelphia Inquirer. after I sued my own newspaper for libel. Jim “Yeah, we all agree we need criminal justice Beasley Jr. hired me to write a book about his dad, James Beasley Sr., as his dad represented reform. Yeah, we all agree that a guy carrying a joint shouldn’t be in jail, but Krasner has no me in my case against the Inquirer. I loved the guy. I started to write a book with him about discernment,” Cipriano said.

“He has let violent criminals out his favorite cases. I interviewed him of jail. He sees his whole mission as a bunch of times and then he died. being a champion for criminals.”

The son decided to go ahead anyCipriano said Krasner thinks way, so it turned into a biography. criminals are the victims of the “The son suggested I go down justice system because of poverty to the courthouse and write someand racism and that he doesn’t care thing for their website. So I started about true crime victims at all. writing a legal blog in 2009. Peo“The blog has a law-and-orple started tuning into it because I der base fandom, which is kind of was covering the Fumo case. Jim weird, as in my last two jobs I was Beasley wanted to do more courtknown for writing about police bruroom stuff on a different website tality. The cops hated me then, so that would link to the Beasley Law it is sort of amusing to me that I’ve Firm, so we added George Anastacome all the way around. sia during a mob trial in 2012, and “I’ve always been a registered Inwe became Bigtrial.net.”

Cipriano said Beasley was pay- PAULDAVISONCRIME.COM dependent and I’ve been ‘a pox on both your houses’ kind of guy,” Ciing him and Anastasia to cover the courts until 2016, when he stopped funding the priano said.

“I was a classic liberal reporter when I site. Anastasia left, and he lost his sponsor, came to this town. I have definitely become but Cipriano decided to go on. more conservative or libertarian in outlook.”

Philly cops started reading the site when CiI asked him about Police Commissioner priano began writing about District Attorney Outlaw.

Larry Krasner. Cipriano discovered a wealth

PAUL DAVIS

“Outlaw is totally incompetent. Kenney didn’t do any of the normal hiring processes.

He was looking for a Black female as he was concerned about the optics, and that’s what he got. I sent her 30-page crime fighting plan to three or four high-ranking law enforcement officials, including one who was willing to be quoted on the record, and they called it a B-minus sociology paper.

“Her boss, Kenney, is a complete traitor to everything he used to believe. I used to think I knew him to a degree when he was a city councilman, but this guy – I don’t recognize.

He’s a leftwing lunatic,” Cipriano said.

The Inquirer has become a Democratic house organ, Cipriano says, and Philadelphia Magazine is identical editorially to the Inquirer and nearly every other media outlet in Philadelphia.

“It’s ridiculous. There is no difference in point-of-view at all,” Cipriano said.

“How can you run a democracy when no one is watching the store?”

Here at Philadelphia Weekly, we will be covering city government with a critical eye.

Paul Davis’ Crime Beat column appears here each week. He is a Philadelphia writer who has written extensively about organized crime, cybercrime, street crime, white-collar crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 3, 2020

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VOICES

OF OUR

CITY

Message to Kenney: Reconsider restrictions Dear Mayor Kenney, I am writing to express my concern regarding the new COVID-19 restrictions that went into effect Nov. 20. I am a resident of South Philadelphia and have called this city home for the past seven years. I fully recognize the dangers of the novel coronavirus and support measures designed to safeguard public health.

However, blanket business closures are not the answer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, COVID-19 is primarily thought to spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. This information highlights the importance of avoiding large crowds and wearing masks.

When I frequent the businesses in my neighborhood, I see that precautions have been implemented accordingly. Customers wear masks and capacities are limited. Surfaces are frequently cleaned, even though surface contamination is thought to be a less common method of spread. When these guidelines are in place, I find it hard to believe that going to a restaurant, exercising at the gym, or visiting a museum are risky activities. Our businesses are following the rules, and now they are being punished. Maybe some will survive until Jan. 1. But many won’t.

Furthermore, I am deeply concerned about the impact that these closures will have on the mental health of our citizens. In many ways, I have been extremely lucky this year. My husband and I both still have jobs. Yet, even in these best of circumstances, there are challenges. My husband works at a life-sustaining business and has continued to report to work every Monday through Friday while I work from home. For several months at the start of the pandemic, I spent my days in solitude,

and it took a toll. Going to the gym has been my saving grace and the only reason I have to leave the house besides essential trips like picking up groceries.

I don’t need to point out that many people work from home now, and many of them are alone. This is not to even mention all of the people who have lost their jobs completely.

Solitude is the best case scenario during this pandemic, and I speak from experience when I say that it’s a pretty terrible best case scenario. These restrictions will take away our only escapes, and to what end? Those who are irresponsible about the spread of this virus will continue to be irresponsible.

Others may criticize me for wanting to go to the gym or go out for coffee, saying we are safer at home. I don’t deny that there is some risk of exposure in going out. I have chosen to take that risk in order to maintain my mental health. But more importantly, I am transparent with others and respectful of different comfort levels. I keep my mask on and remain cautious where other people are involved.

Many people will not want to go out at this point. But with these new measures, we don’t even have a choice.

I urge you to reconsider these restrictions.

I agree that we need to wear masks and have capacity limits on gatherings. But the businesses that make this city so special (and that have followed the CDC guidelines from the beginning) are already hurting. Please don’t sign their death warrants by enforcing more closures.

And please don’t isolate us in our homes.

Physical health is vitally important. But so is mental health and financial health. Please give your business owners and your residents the opportunity to care for all three.

Emily Medina | Philadelphia

Not the time to go after music platforms The live music and performance industry has taken a massive hit during the pandemic.

For those of us who make our living putting together large gatherings, finding ways to keep the music going hasn’t been easy.

Thankfully, we’ve been able to use a host of free online platforms to bring performances to our audiences and keep our community engaged.

It is our hope that our political leaders will recognize the value of these technologies to our industry. While the DOJ was working on its recent lawsuit against Google, small busi-

ness owners across the state – including ours – were actively leaning on their tools for support. And we sincerely hope to continue to do so.

This is likely the worst time to go after the technology platforms that are keeping our music community connected. These tools have not only allowed us to persevere, but they will likely remain a crucial part of our business model for the foreseeable future. I hope that political leaders from both sides of the aisle will do their part to allow us to continue our access to these free services.

Karen Lauria Saillant | The Fire

NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE SHOUT OUT

“If peo instructi ed, staye themselv precautio IN THIS rights are are free the reaso Maybe th act like a Image | krakenimages

The holiday season is upon us, and soon Santa will be making the rounds.

Your turn: Pretend you’re Mayor Kenney.

What are you asking Santa to bring you this year?

Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com

“Defin to kill bu Philly an rant to e

“I feel sensitive He’s not restrictio the last w spread o pressure officials t business

“Keep of Philly, makes W some Ma

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VOICES OF OUR CITY

11

CLOWNING AROUND Judging from your comments on our Instagram post, you either loved last week’s cover or you hated it. Here’s a sampling of what you had to say.

“If people would have listened to their instructions when COVID first started, stayed indoors, socially distanced themselves and took the necessary precautions, WE WOULDN’T STILL BE IN THIS SITUATION!! If you think your rights are being taken from you and you are free to do what you want, YOU are the reason we need another lockdown.

Maybe this time you will listen and not act like a bunch of jackasses.”

“Definitely he’s a clown. He’s trying to kill businesses in Philadelphia. Close Philly and he goes to a Maryland restaurant to eat again.”

“I feel like this is really tacky and insensitive to the major issues at hand.

He’s not the first mayor to implement restrictions like this and he won’t be the last with the amount of community spread occurring. We do need to apply pressure to him and other government officials to pass aid relief for people and businesses that are struggling.”

“Maybe we should be demanding another stimulus for small businesses “Keep putting Democrats in charge and their employees rather than mock of Philly, and this is what you get. He those trying to save lives. This scorn is makes Wilson Goode Look like an Awe- very misdirected, and isn’t helpful to the some Mayor!!” situation.”

“He’s trying to push small businesses out of the city taxing them to death and keeping them closed. It’s a fucking joke.”

“If they are shutting these places down, they should be more strict with Target, Homegoods, Home Depot, Walmart, Lowes! All of these big box stores do not monitor how many patrons enter and how they wear their masks! They do not enforce social DISTANCING. Shop small y’all! We soon will have no small businesses or lovely restaurants!”

“This is a very myopic way of reporting on such a broad and multi-faceted issue.... i guess the good news is that it’s pretty obvious how one-sided this is and how clearly PW is trying to get at your emotions so they get more ‘views.’”

“Oh good to know that Philly weekly is an anti-science publication. Unfollowed!!”

“I feel for these businesses but there “Why was I still following this page?? is a flip side. I and many do not wish to be inside a building to eat. It is too risky, Time to fix that.” plus many of us just can’t afford it. The “What a shitty take on a tragic global feds have to release funds to all of us so pandemic. ” we can get through this.”

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 3, 2020

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GOSSIP

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Icepack is grateful for a bunch of stuff this holiday

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NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

hat is the Icepack version ning (not just game victories, but personaliof A.D. Amorosi grateful for ties: PLEASE?! I’M GETTING SO TIRED OF this pandemic Thanksgiving SEEING DOUG PEDERSON’S HANG DOG holiday? I’m pretty happy EXPRESSION) Philly team, the Union, won a that eastern wild turkeys – Major League Soccer Coach of the Year (Jim the wild sort most prevalent Curtin), a MLS Goalie of the Year award (Anin Pennsylvania, along with dre Blake), will head into the 2020 Audi MLS other game birds – don’t get COVID. I’m grateCup Playoffs as top seed the day after I write ful that I stocked up on just as much Art in the this. I’m grateful Meek Mill hasn’t forgotten Age Sweet Potato Vodka as I did their hand about rap, what with all those social justice sanitizer. (Oh wait. Does my martini taste a initiatives that busy him as of late, and that he tad antiseptic? Who cares?) had time to drop the “Quarantine Pack” EP. I’m grateful that most of the protesters I’m grateful that a slew of bars along must have found an aunt in Jersey, or a Frankford Avenue won’t make its crews, grandfather out of state, or a cousin they hacooks, customers or bartenders wear masks, ven’t spoken to in forever as there’s an eerie NOT because I’m looking to eschew C-19 safecalm across Broad Street this week, one only ty protocols – hell, I wear a mask in the showbroken by Two Streeters who forgot that the er; then again, I always did – but rather, it’s 6abc/Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade was FRANKFORD AVE., maaaaaaan. That’s outcanceled. (Now where do Rick Williams, Celaw, baby. I should add here that, though I’m cily Tynan, Adam Joseph and Karen unhappy with Mayor Kenney not givRogers go?) ing Philly restaurateurs their desired I’m grateful to see that the Police “seat at the table,” as stated by the Save

BY A.D. Advisory Commission, Philly’s civilian AMOROSI Philly Restaurants Coalition and its oroversight board, is getting on the back ganizer, Nicole Marquis, I’m not for the of the Use of Force Review Board to get nameless-then-blameless Philadelphia to meeting on a regular schedule as it hasn’t Restaurant Owners Against Lockdown, LLC, – met, like at all – in just over a year. Plus, the which claims to represent a certain group of PAC is pushing for the UFRB to investigate dining space owners in the city. I don’t trust any shootings of dogs in its officer-involved anyone hiding their face – pandemic masks database. Do that. aside. So I’m grateful. Good. Happy ThanksI’m grateful that Joan Shepp just started giving. carrying BALENCIAGA at her shop. (OK, I New movie let something personal slip in, damn it). I’m While we wait for Philly film news of a grateful that one of America’s best live bands, more secular nature – LeBron James and Philly’s The War on Drugs, just released a Adam Sandler’s “Hustle” for Netflix – to drop live album, released it on guitarist Adam more lens time in town, there is something Granduciel’s own Super High Quality Recordsacred and cinematic coming out of Philly. U ings label, and had the balls to name it LIVE of P grad Jonathan Sanger, a producer on the DRUGS in all caps. film version of Mel Brooks’ “The Producer” I’m grateful that the still-freshly opened and Philly-based philanthropist J. Eustace dough salon, Vinny Gallagher and Davide LuWolfington are the big bucks behind “Cabribrano’s Pizzata Pizzeria in the old Gusto space ni,” an independent film about Francesca on 22nd Street in Fitler Square, is light, airy, Cabrini, the Italian nun who aided her fellow risen like five times over, innovative and tasty immigrants in achieving health care and legal as all-get-out. (I’m just pissed that PP’s not representation and became America’s first Italian Market-close).

Saint for her good deeds. “Cabrini” is set to be I’m grateful that the only consistently win- shot in New York, starting mid-2021 and will

GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY be directed by Alejandro Monteverde, People’s Choice Awardee at the Toronto International Film Festival with his first feature film, Bella.

Masked Philly: Laura Lizcano In Icepack’s continuing saga of asking mask-donning local celebrities what they’ve been up to, beyond the pale, during C-19’s pandemic, I reached out, this week, to Philly-based Colombian singer-songwriter Laura Lizcano.

Philadelphia Weekly readers may know the sweet-and-sour, jazzy singer and songwriter for her recently released, first full LP, “Heart.” But, A.D. has been on her somnolent, folky tone since her 2018 live EP, “Chance on Me,” and forever found the Lizcano sound graceful, haunting and endearing. As “Heart” was recorded in pre-pandemic settings, what Lizcano has been doing since C-19’s shutdown is taking on art forms beyond music.

“I’ve been making collages and writing mesostic poems,” she said, presenting one of her favorite poems written during quarantine: tRansformation is part of the Human condition we Often resist change Image | Courtesy Laura Lizcano but our Power lies in our ability to Adapt quickLy the apOcalypse forced us to build a coCoon and wE cannot yet undeRstand what we will become in the After

When it comes to the mask, Lizcano finds wearing them absolutely necessary.

“I have actually embraced it as a fashion item, and often color-coordinate my masks with my outfits. Wearing masks properly is a sign that you care for your community. I’m really disheartened to see all of this fussing over masks. That is so selfish. Wear the mask because you don’t want to bring the virus home to the people you care about.”

Along with being an avid hand-washer, the singer knows her mask is solid, as her mom bought it for Lizcano.

“She’s a microbiologist, and has been busy doing COVID-19 testing.”

While she cannot wait to be able to hug all her friends, she said: “Go to Tattooed Mom and have a citywide,” and embrace the live music community with new songs, from “Heart” and beyond.

“Released during pandemic times, under some really strange circumstances, ‘Heart’ has brought joy to a lot of people”, Lizcano said.

She has been working as a teaching artist for the Philadelphia Lullaby Project and for a new project called Mighty Songs.

“Through both of these initiatives, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with children and families and share the joy of songwriting with them. Even though it’s all through Zoom, I’m very grateful to still have a creative link to the Philly community. It’s truly such a joy to be able to create new songs with total strangers.”

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Safaridesignss Looking for a gift of custom made jewelry this holiday season? Or maybe you want to reward yourself with not only some jewelry, but lip gloss or press-on nails.

Safaridesignss has you covered.

Nina Anderson started her business in 2016.

“I always wanted to be a fashion designer,” she said.

“I love being the only person with something, so that made me want to start my own line of fashionable items. I started out making choker necklaces and gradually went onto making lip gloss, jewelry, and press-on nails. I taught myself how to do each task by watching YouTube videos and doing research on the materials I’d need.”

Safaridesignss is different from others in that you can really get what you want, not what someone else has designed.

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So what is the most popular item at Safaridesignss?

“My most popular product is my press-on nails,” Anderson said.

“Press-on nails are a quick alternative to getting your nails done at a shop that can be glued on or held down with adhesive tabs.”

Ready to check out Safaridesignss? You’ll see all it has to offer and can make purchases on Instagram: @Safaridesignss.

Chestnut Hill Cleaning The holidays can get messy. Fortunately, there’s one company in Philadelphia who can help you clean up.

Chestnut Hill Cleaning offers mainly commercial cleaning, as well as residential service, window and carpet cleaning, and even snow removal throughout Philadelphia.

As a bonus, Chestnut Hill is offering 15 percent off its services throughout the holiday season. Just mention you saw its ad in Philadelphia Weekly to claim the discount.

The company is Black-owned by a young entrepreneur who mainly hires other people who are young. Giving back to the community is very important to Chestnut Hill Cleaning, and one way is through its Sky Is The Limit Program. The program instills the ideas of entrepreneurship to school-age children. Chestnut Hill teaches them the basics of being an entre-

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY preneur through the use of various sporting activities and classroom instruction.

“It’s important to me, because I remember my path to entrepreneurship was always kind of trying things out and hoping they work without too much real guidance,” said Jonathan Williams, who founded the company when he was just 16 years old.

“I want the future generation of entrepreneurs who may not see a line of work that’s usually pushed to them know that it’s possible to start their own business, as well as how to maintain it.”

Reach out to Chestnut Hill Cleaning today for more information or to get a free quote.

You can find them at Chestnuthillcleaning. com, or call them at 215-919-9328.

Omorose Natural Products Omorose in Egyptian means beautiful. And you will look and feel your best when you use hair care products from Omorose Natural Products.

Omorose Natural Products started when founder and CEO Katrisha Tinsley noticed just how badly she had damaged her hair. Katrisha searched for high quality natural hair products that would help restore the much needed moisture, strength and shine to her hair but found no such products. She began to research and experiment with various natural ingredients to make her own hair products until she created a combination that worked wonders and she began to see an immediate difference in the overall health of her hair. Wanting other women to share in this new found joy and reap the benefits of using her products, Katrisha became inspired and thus the Omorose Natural Products Hair Care line was born.

Omorose now carries a wide variety of products for both men and women, including a number of kits for hair growth and retention, beard grooming and more. All of the products are 100 percent natural, work well on all types and textures of hair, and even are safe for children. Top-selling products are its Hair Growth Serum, Hair Growth Starter Kit and Hair Growth and Retention Bundle.

Want special deals and offers? Subscribe to Omorose’s mailing list and Text VIP Club.

Also check out Omorose’s holiday day sale starting on Black Friday for 40 percent off using discount code HOLIDAY40, plus a free gift, while supplies last.

If you want to improve the health of your hair, contact Omorose Natural Products at their website, omorosenaturalproducts.com, or call 800-592-6291. Omorose is open Monday to Friday, 11am-5pm. To stay up-to-date, follow Omorose on Instagram or Facebook.

GIFT GUIDE

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So make the right choice this holiday season and buy a great gift for friends and family – or maybe just treat yourself.

Check out Scented Sandals online, or follow them on Instagram. They also can be reached at (267)-388-1298.

Monster Pets If you’re looking for a pet store that treats you like family, you have to check out Monster Pets. The family owned store has served the community for 20 years, and employees know their customers – and their customers’ pets – by name.

When you step inside Monster Pets, you’ll find an array of pet food and supplies, as well as small animals, birds, reptiles and tropical fish.

They have something for everyone, all at low prices. And, unlike the big box stores, Monster Pets caters to each customer individually and its staff is genuine. They don’t have an exact script to read from and are big enough to serve the community, but with a friendlier, more inviting atmosphere.

Recently, Monster Pets has undergone a number of improvements and additions. New management and its team of amazing people are here for the love of the store and its customers.

The tropical fish department has been completely remodeled into a truly amazing aquatics experience. Step into 1,200 square-feet of every tropical fish you could imagine, from African Cichlids to Fancy Goldfish. The store also has brand new, state-of-the-art self dog washes.

Even better, regular customers can easily gain rewards just for shopping. The Monster Pets Club Card offers rewards such as free bags of dog or cat food, $25 coupons and more.

It’s a simple points system and not hard to attain, like some other stores.

If you’re looking for holiday savings and sales, Monster Pets has you covered. In addition to its Black Friday Sale, there will be ongoing holiday sales throughout the season that will offer fantastic discounts off of already low-priced items.

Stop by to check out Monster Pets today.

You can find them at 1946 S. Columbus Blvd., or call them at 215-336-9000.

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THE RUNDOWN

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THE RUNDOWN Image | Nathan Ansell

Comedy, theater, vegan food and much more

East Passyunk Small Business Saturday

East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District will take part in Small Business Saturday with discounts, specials and more from the district’s dynamic mix of retailers, services and eateries along the Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 28. From creative boutiques, to acclaimed restaurants and stellar bars, East Passyunk Avenue makes gift-giving enjoyable, fun and rewarding. And in this time of uncertainty, it’s particularly important the community supports these independently owned establishments. For more information about Small Business Saturday or a complete list of business along East Passyunk Avenue, go to visiteastpassyunk.com.

We rounded up several events you might want to check out as the holiday season opens. As always, check with the venue first, especially if it’s an in-person event, to make sure it’s still happening, if changes have been made or if there are new COVID rules in place.

Primary Plant Based

Plant-based diets have transcended the bubble of fleeting diet fads and entered the mainstream dining experience – and Philly is embracing the movement.

That’s why Chef Mark McKinney is launching a vegan pop-up restaurant within a restaurant: The new concept, titled Primary Plant Based, will share a kitchen and operate out of Khyber Pass Pub in Old City. The health-forward pop-up, with major Asian and global influences, will launch in early 2021 for takeout through Khyber Pass Pub and delivery through DoorDash. Khyber Pass Pub | 56 S. 2nd St. | 215.238.5888 | www.khyberpasspub.com

Off Mic Comedy School Northern Liberties Holiday Pop-up

Northern Liberties Business Improvement District kicks off the holiday season with the debut of Northern Liberties Holiday Pop-up, starting on Black Friday for two weekends, Nov. 27-29 and Dec. 3-6, from 1pm to 6pm. This brand-new, sociallydistanced holiday shopping event will feature 15-plus small local businesses and makers from around the Philadelphia region popping up with gifts, decor, fashions, treats and more in eight retail locations along N. 2nd Street. For a full list of vendors, dates and locations, visit explorenorthernliberties.org.

NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Philadelphia’s first all-virtual stand-up comedy school is teaching people how to spice up their virtual holiday celebrations with a new workshop called “Toast and Roast.” Led by comics and show producers Spark Tabor and Cynthia Marie, the half-day, fast-paced, interactive workshop will immerse participants in the basics of making toasts (saying nice things about people) as well as tips on roasting (saying mean, but funny, things). Immediately following the workshop, participants will show off their new skills in a live Zoom show open to the public. Registration: $75. Saturday, Dec. 12, 4-8:30pm. offmiccomedyschool.com

The Wolves

After a six-month delay due to the global pandemic, Philadelphia Theatre Company is excited to present the highly anticipated production of “The Wolves,” streaming Friday, Nov. 27 to Sunday, Dec. 20. Sarah DeLappe’s 2017 Pulitzer Prize finalist, Relentless Award winner, and 2015 Kilroys List Pick introduces audiences to nine young women from a competitive high school soccer team. Relatable and resilient, this pack of adolescent warriors will push and train for the nationals, while also navigating a growing understanding of their complicated world. Audiences can view the play online, through a dedicated streaming link. More information can be found at philatheatreco.org or by calling the company’s virtual box office at 215-985-0420.

Blue Stoop fundraiser

Blue Stoop will present its winter fundraiser, Words of Revolution; Words of Solace. Join it for a special event on Dec. 5, from 7-9pm featuring readings from 10 of the most exciting voices writing in and around Philadelphia today. This is not another typical Zoom event – in fact, this will be an innovative video program produced by award-winning Philadelphia cinematographer Aly Spengler. Tickets for this event are $20-$100, sliding scale. To purchase tickets, visit www.bluestoop.org.

THE RUNDOWN

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Philadelphia Online/ Virtual Game Night

Let’s Roam’s Virtual Game Night makes it easy for you to have an epic game night. You’ll take on five rounds of fun games through Let’s Roam’s next-level video call software. Virtual games you’ll experience include trivia: 8,000-plus questions, 60-plus categories, including Rom-Coms, History, 90’s Music, Disney, and more. Many more games as well. Monday, Nov. 30, 7-10pm. Free.

With a new round of closures hitting the city, we’ve turned, once again, to online events to keep us entertained. Here are a few we found on eventbrite. com. Go there for all of the details, and to see many other events coming soon.

Check out these Philly hidden gems – online There’s No Place Like Home: Fun in Philly

Irene Levy Baker, author of “100 Things To Do In Philadelphia” and “Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia,” will help you plan a staycation and make sure you never waste your free time doing laundry. Hear stories about where to have adventures, including good places to social distance, secret destinations even long-time locals don’t know about, where to create fun family memories and how to help restaurants survive with limited capacity. Tuesday, Dec. 1, 6–7:30pm. $5 to $21. Online event.

The City of Sisterly Love Online Experience

Join uplifting, inspiring and empowering women across Philadelphia for free weekly online circles. This is an online space where Philadelphia women come to empower themselves, be seen and celebrated. Come and slow down, listen to your hearts and express your inner truth. It’s free. You’ll receive Zoom details after you register. Thursday, Dec. 3, 7:30-8:45pm

Do Children Have a Right to Be Healthy?

On average, children in the U.S. are less healthy than children in Western Europe and other nations.

Every society pledges to support the growth and development of children, so why are there differences in outcomes? Some have argued that it is a matter of rights – the U.S. is the only country in the world not to sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a document largely drafted

by U.S. representatives. Join for a discussion and lecture. Presented by The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Tuesday, Dec. 15, 6–7pm. Free. Online event.

Virtual Bingo Night benefitting the Historic Belmont Mansion

You are invited to join in the fun on Friday, Dec. 4, at 8pm for an entertaining, laugh-filled Virtual Bingo Night. Everyone will be distanced, but social and fun with Philly comedian Coleman Green for a comedy event benefiting Belmont Mansion and the Underground Railroad Museum. Purchase your ticket now for $20 (plus fee). Presented by AWHS & The Historic Belmont Mansion.

Unapologetically Ambitious

Join this PWC Philadelphia Storytelling Series conversation with author Shellye Archambeau on her book, “Unapologetically Ambitious.” Archambeau will recount how she overcame the challenges she faced as a young Black woman, wife, and mother – climbing the ranks at IBM and subsequently founding her own company; MetricStream. Tuesday, Dec.1, 1:45–3:30pm. $45-$65. Online event.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 3, 2020

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MUSIC

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CATCHING UP WITH SARA HENYA The Philly fantasy-pop harpist recently released new music

BY EUGENE ZENYATTA

Philly-based Sara Henya discovered the harp at age 16 and hasn’t put it down since. Image | Laura Geositz

NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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MUSIC

Sara Henya is a singer-songwriter and think science fiction and fantasy fans are excited to see someone combining their favorite harpist based in Philadelphia. Her music can best be described as fantasy-pop, combining things in a new way. They might not know what I’ll do next, but they know that they’ll the fun of pop music and the ethereal sound see themselves in it. of the harp. She incorporates imaginative, Your music has been described as “fantafairy-like visuals that allow her audience to interact with her otherworldly character. sy-pop,” which combines the fun of pop music with the ethereal sound of the harp. How Her melodic and complex artistry echoes the did you come up with that combination? complex nature of her lived experiences with Honestly, I just make the kind of music that Tourette Syndrome, using music to transport into the enchanted sceneries detailed in her I want to listen to. I tried for a long while to be a serious folk musician, but I love listening to many tattoos. pop music. I just needed to be brave enough to Henya’s debut EP, “Small World Alchemy,” released two years ago, received widespread make something that I liked, without trying to pander to anyone in particular. radio play on folk and alternative programs 2020 has been a challenge in so many such as “Out of the Woods,” “Power Folk,” ways, but, this sum“Womenspace,” and Ramer, you released your dio 104.5’s “Live at 5.” single, “Circle.” Your As well as touring music follow-up single, “Panvenues around the East cakes,” came out Nov. Coast, she has created 20. Did the pandemic a large and dedicated impact the producfollowing, which is espetion of these singles or cially seen at science-ficotherwise affect your tion conventions like career? How have you Balticon and Arisia. Respent your downtime? cently, fans have enjoyed The pandemic defiher livestream shows. nitely ruined the sumThis summer, Henya mer tour I had planned. released her first single Actually, I was planning of the year, “Circle.” on putting out anothOn Nov. 20, she released er folk album, but with her highly anticipated my downtime, I startfollow-up single, “Paned recording pop songs cakes.” She is inspired and had an epiphany. It by artists such as Jotook me a while to find anna Newsom, Grimes, producers to work with Hannah Diamond, and remotely, but I’ve built Sara Barielles. Her dea team I feel really good but album is available about. “Pancakes,” and now on all platforms. the upcoming music PW recently caught I’m producing, have so up to Henya to talk much energy to them. about her new music Sara Henya recently released her latest You’ve performed and how she came up single, ‘Pancakes.’ Image | Laura Geositz extensively in Philawith the fantasy-pop delphia and the surstyle of music.

Let’s go back to the beginning. When and rounding area. What’s the Philly music scene like? Is it generally supportive of arthow did you first become interested in music? ists such as yourself? Are you a fan of any I’ve been singing as long as I can remember, local artists? and my mom’s side of the family is very musiPhilly has such a huge DIY music scene cal. She started to teach me piano when I was that really helped me get off the ground. Over really young, and I took various instrument the years, I’ve played shows with and received lessons throughout my childhood, ranging from trombone to piano to classical singing. great advice from people like Jesse Gimbel I found the harp at age 16 and haven’t put it and Lia Menaker. Pre-COVID, I also had a great time at a Miss Cantaloupe show, another down since. fairy group like myself.

You grew up in the science fiction and What are the best ways for your fans to fantasy community and have developed a keep up-to-date with you and your music? strong following at science fiction convenMy Instagram (@sarahenya) is really where tions. What attracted you to this communiyou want to be. You can get updates about my ty, and why do you think so many science music, but I also post my digital collage art fiction fans are also fans of your music?

Of course I love science fiction and fantasy of myself in other-wordly places. Next, you definitely want to subscribe to my YouTube conventions for the pop-culture aspect, but channel to see the music video for “Pancakes” they are also incredibly open-minded people.

(Youtube.com/sarahenya). I also play liveAt conventions you can wear whatever you stream shows on my Facebook: (facebook. want, take on whatever name you want, and com/sarahenyaharpist). be your true self without fear of judgment. I

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WORLD AIDS DAY

2020

Every year on Dec. 1, we recognize World while prevention technology has dramatically AIDS Day. improved and a diagnosis now means more of Started in 1988, “It’s an opportua manageable chronic issue than a nity for people worldwide to unite death sentence, our city is still disin the fight against HIV, to show proportionately impacted. support for people living with HIV, In 2017 – the year for which data and to commemorate those who is most recently available – around have died from an AIDS-related ill460 people were newly diagnosed ness,” according to National AIDS with HIV in Philadelphia, a rate Trust. In 2020, it holds a unique that is five times higher than the significance as we battle not only national average and 50 percent this decades-long epidemic but anhigher than the rate in New York other, faster-moving one.

City. There are an estimated 1.2 In September of 1981, Philadelmillion Americans living with HIV phia doctors diagnosed the first lotoday; around 30,000 in the Greater cal case of what would later come Philadelphia region alone. to be known as AIDS. This was a Of course, the impact does not few months after New York and fall evenly among our city’s deni@TIMAREE_LEIGH Los Angeles had seen incidents of zens. As AIDSVu points out: “Phil“mysterious outbreaks of pneuadelphia is a key example of how mocystis pneumonia and Kaposi’s sarcoma HIV disproportionately impacts Black Ameramong gay men,” according to the Encyclopeicans. According to the most recent census dia of Greater Philadeldata, Black people acphia. count for 43 percent of Initially, Philly’s the population of Philtransmission rate was adelphia, yet in 2017, 64 low, with only seven percent of people living reported cases that with HIV and 70 perfirst year. But by 1983, cent of new diagnoses the epidemic took hold, in Philadelphia were growing wildly and among Black men and continuing its spread women. Further, the to New Jersey, Delarate of Black women in ware and onward. Since Philadelphia living with then, more than 600,000 diagnosed HIV is sevAmericans have died en times that of White from the illness, which women.”

AIDS Fund Philly On AIDSVu’s inpoints out is more than teractive map of HIV all the combat deaths across cities in the since the start of the U.S., the severe imfirst World War. pact of the disease on Much has changed our region is obvious, since then in terms of as is the wide variaour understanding of AIDS, as well as outtion in infection rates from ZIP Code to ZIP comes for the people who acquire it. And Code. Up in Somerton, also known as 19116,

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“Over 600,000 Americans have died from the illness, which AIDS Fund Philly points out is more than all the combat deaths since the start of the first World War.”

AY

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for example: about 268 people out of every 100,000 are living with HIV, but in Center City’s 19107 ZIP Code, the rate is over 4,000 out of 100,000.

Due to COVID-19, World AIDS Day 2020 will be largely celebrated virtually – through online events like Philadelphia FIGHT’s Virtual Prayer Renewal and photo sharing projects like Action Wellness’ Heroes Wear Red campaign. Yet, there is much to celebrate and a lot of promising infrastructure in place already.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of activists in Philadelphia since the early 1980s, we have a surprising number of resources available for HIV education, testing, medical care, help navigating insurance, community amaticallysupport, and even ns more of food and housing sue than aassistance, all deis still dis-serving of signal d. boosting. Below is which datajust a sample. e – around EDUCATION, diagnosedCONDOMS & ia, a rateMORE: r than the Access Matters: 0 percentSexual and reNew Yorkproductive health mated 1.2training, communig with HIVty-based programs, he Greatergrants and testing. e. https://www.act does notcessmatters.org/ ity’s deni-1700 Market St., out: “Phil-Suite 1540 Philaple of howdelphia, PA 19103. ack Amer-Phone: (215) 985nt census2600 people ac- Do You, Philly: percent of Resources aimed at n of Phil-young men for prein 2017, 64venting a variety of ople livingSTIs, finding free condoms and getting PrEP, d 70 per-as well as information if you test positive. diagnoseshttp://doyouphilly.org/ hia were GALAEI: A queer Latin@ social justice ormen andganization with HIV prevention, trans and ther, theyouth specific programs and grass roots orwomen inganizing. https://www.galaei.org/ Phone: 412iving with808-5710 V is sev- MEDICAL CARE: of White Philadelphia FIGHT: Community health centers specifically for people with HIV, beVu’s in-havioral health, education, research and rentp of HIVal relief. https://fight.org/ Multiple locations. in the Mazzoni Center: STI testing, primary vere im-care, gender affirming care, counseling and disease onmore. Find even more HIV resources on their s obvious,website: https://www.mazzonicenter.org/ de varia-resources/hiv-resources-philadelphia-area ode to ZIP1348 Bainbridge St. Philadelphia, PA 19147. as 19116,Phone: 215-563-0652

0

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WELLNESS SERVICES: Action Wellness: Everything from case management and assistance after being released from prison to help with housing, pregnancy care, testing and programs that help people with chronic illness get back to work. https://www.actionwellness.org/ 1216 Arch St. 6th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107. Phone: 215-981-0088 Bebashi: Started specifically to serve the needs of low-income people of color living with HIV, this organization has expanded to include medical case management, support groups, breast health and help with food insecurity. https:// www.bebashi. org/ 1235 Spring Garden St. Philadelphia, PA 19123.

Phone: 215-7693561 Family Service Association of Bucks County (FSABC): Drug and alcohol treatment, a food pantry and a slew of health and educational programs, serving Bucks County in multiple locations. https:// www.fsabc.org/ Phone: 215-7576916 FUNDRAISING AND AWARENESS PROGRAMS: AIDS Fund Philly: Our local connection to the AIDS Memorial Quilt that also provides emergency financial support to those living with HIV. For a great list of HIV resources check their website https://www. aidsfundphilly.org/partners/service 2628 Orthodox St. Philadelphia, PA 19137. Phone: 215731-9255 HOUSING: Pathways to Housing: In tandem with Action Wellness, participants receive help with transportation to appointments, medication management and assistance in housing for those who are experiencing chronic homelessness. https://pathwaystohousingpa.org/housing-people-hivaids 5201 Old York Road, 4th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19141.

Phone: 215- 390-1500

“Philadelphia is a key example of how HIV disproportionately impacts Black Americans.

According to the most recent census data, Black people account for 43 percent of the population of Philadelphia, yet in 2017, 64 percent of people living with HIV and 70 percent of new diagnoses in Philadelphia were among Black men and women.”

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■ RESIDENTS IN 4 STATES CASH IN: The phone lines will be ringing off the hook. That’s because for the next 48 hours, packages containing actual Gold Vault Bricks still loaded with four 5-ounce Jumbo State Bars layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold minted by the Federated Mint are being shipped to residents in 4 states. These are the only Gold Vault Bricks known to exist and everyone wants them. That’s because they’re still loaded with Jumbo Gold Bars bearing the name of The First Bank of the United States of America and the state they were once destined for.

And here’s the best part. If you live in one of the 4 states listed in today’s publication you cover only the minimum gold fee set for state residents of just $49 per ounce. That’s a real steal because residents living outside of the designated 4 states must pay $124 per ounce if any remain.

Residents snap up Gold Bars issued in 4 States

Heavy Gold Vault Bricks loaded with valuable Jumbo State Bars layered in 24 Karat Gold are up for grabs as thousands stand to miss the deadline to claim the gold bars; now residents in 4 states can claim the Gold Vault Bricks for themselves and keep all the valuable bars found inside just by covering the minimum gold fee set for state residents within the next 48 hours “It’s like a modern day gold rush,” said Mary Ellen Withrow, emeritus 40th Treasurer of the United States of America.

That’s because actual Gold Vault Bricks™ still loaded with four 5-ounce Jumbo State Bars layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold bearing the name of the First Bank of the United States of America™ and the state they were once destined for are up for grabs as thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the gold. Now any resident of those states can claim the Gold Vault Bricks for themselves and keep all the valuable gold found inside. That’s four massive bars weighing a full 20 ounces of high demand bullion copper layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold in all.

And here’s the best part. If you live in one of the 4 states listed in today’s publication you cover only the minimum gold fee set for state residents of just $49 per ounce which totals $ 980 for the full 20 ounces locked away inside these gold vault bricks. That’s a real steal because residents living outside of the designated 4 states must pay $124 per

(Continued on next page)

Who gets the Jumbo Gold Bars: Listed below in bold are the states that get the gold. If you live in one of these states immediately call the State Distribution Hotline at: 1-800-749-6917 GB1628

AK AL AR AZ CA CO CT Delaware FL GA

HI IA ID IL IN KY KS LA MA ME

MD MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE New Jersey

New York NH NM NV OH OK OR Pennsylvania RI SC

SD TN TX UT VA VT WA WI WV WY R1007C

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

(Continued from previous page) ounce which totals 2,480 if any remain.

“As special counsel to Federated Mint I earn my pay delivering breaking news.

And today’s announcement confirming the release of Gold Vault Bricks to the general public is as big as it gets. Believe me, I know how valuable these Gold Vault Bricks are to resellers, collectors, dealers and anyone else who gets their hands on them,” Withrow said.

“So my advice is this, anyone who gets an opportunity to get their hands on one of these Gold Vault Bricks better jump at the chance before they’re all gone,” Withrow said.

“These Gold Vault Bricks loaded with massive 5-ounce Jumbo State Bars layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold make the most impressive gifts for Christmas, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and any other occasion, especially for that hard-to-buy-for person,” Withrow said.

According to Ms. Withrow, since thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the gold, today and tomorrow are intended as a “special 48 hour release” for the benefit of persons living in; NJ, DE, NY and PA. This gives residents of those states a fair chance to claim the Gold Vault Bricks and all the valuable gold loaded inside for themselves.

But, Ms. Withrow added, “The Gold Vault Bricks are only available as inventory permits during the special 48 hour release and once they’re gone, they’re gone.” The emeritus Treasurer added, “Remember this, these Gold Vault Bricks contain a full 20 ounces of high demand bullion copper layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold and we have no power to stop dealers, resellers, collectors and the like from buying up all the Gold Vault Bricks they can get their hands on and reselling them for a big profit,” Withrow said.

Anyone who fails to obtain them during this special 48 hour release may be forced to buy them later in the secondary market from a dealer, reseller or collector at a hefty premium. ”We already know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of agents are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30am this morning.

We’re going to do our best, but with just 48 hours to answer all the calls it won’t be easy.

So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all,” Withrow said.

“That’s why Federated Mint set up the State Distribution Hotlines in order to make sure residents in the 4 designated states listed in today’s newspaper publication can get them now,” Withrow said.

The only thing readers of today’s newspaper publication need to do is make sure they live in one of the 4 states listed in today’s newspaper and call the State Distribution Hotlines before the special 48 hour release ends midnight tomorrow. $

NEVER BEFORE SEEN: THESE FIRST BANK OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA JUMBO GOLD BARS ARE THE ONLY ONES KNOWN TO EXIST

VALUABLE: THESE ARE THE FOUR 5-OUNCE JUMBO GOLD BARS SEALED AWAY IN EACH GOLD VAULT BRICK BEARING THE STATE DESTINATION

How much are the Gold Vault Bricks worth: The answer is, it’s impossible to say. But, it would be foolish for anyone to try and determine the value of these Gold Vault Bricks based on today’s price of gold. Here’s why. Gold, silver and all precious metal values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees. But what we do know is that these are the only Gold Vault Bricks still loaded with four 5-ounce Jumbo State Bars known to exist. In fact, the value of the pure 24 Karat Gold layered content is just a bonus for anyone lucky enough to get one of these Gold Vault Bricks because there’s no telling how much the actual collector value could be worth. That makes the minimum gold fee set for state residents of just $ 49 per ounce which totals $ 980 for the full 20 ounces locked away inside these Gold Vault Bricks a real steal since residents living outside of the designated 4 states must pay $124 per ounce, which totals $ 2,480, if any remain.

Why the vault fee is so low: Since thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the gold, Federated Mint has re-allocated Gold Vault Bricks to be sent out in the next 48 hours. That means the gold is up for grabs and now residents in 4 states can claim the Gold Vault Bricks for themselves and keep all the valuable bars found inside. These are the only Gold Vault Bricks known to exist and everyone wants them. That’s because they’re still loaded with four 5-ounce Jumbo State Bars layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold bearing the name of The First Bank of the United States of America and the state they were once destined for. That’s four massive bars weighing a full 20 ounces of 24 Karat Gold and valuable bullion copper in all. And here’s the best part. If you live in one of the 4 states listed in today’s publication you cover only the minimum gold fee set for state residents of just $ 49 per ounce. That’s a real steal because residents living outside of the designated 4 states must pay $124 per ounce if any remain.

FIRST LOOK INSIDE THE GOLD VAULT BRICKS: Pictured above are the Gold Vault Bricks containing the only Jumbo State Gold Bars known to exist bearing the name of the First Bank of the United States of America and the state they were once destined for. State residents are rushing to get them because the Gold Vault Bricks are still loaded with four 5-ounce Jumbo State Bars layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold. To claim you Vault Brick, just call 1-800-749-6917 GB1628 before the deadline ends.

Everyone lucky enough to get them better hold on to them because there’s no telling just how much they could be worth.

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FEDERATED MINT, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. FEDERATED MINT, PO BOX 1200, MASSILLON, OH 44648 ©2020 FEDERATED MINT

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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 December 14th, 2020 at approx. 6:00 PM: www.storagetreasures.com: A060 Sadie Burgdorf C269 Jason Ciesienski D402 James Harbaugh D443 Michael Mahone D457 Michael Perekupka E461 Jeffrey Mchugh G631 Ashley Dugan

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                                                                                      

                                                                                   

                                                                             

                                                       

                                                                                       

                                                                                    

“QUARANTINE IS KILLING ME! I CAN’T STAND THE INSIDE OF THIS APARTMENT ANYMORE!” -Literally Every Young Person in Philly Philadelphians have been trapped in their house for months. Work from home, eat at home, live at home. They’re craving a change of scenery.

Don’t wait for them to start searching online.

Give PW readers a reason to move today.

Contact sales@philadelphiaweekly.com today to get your property listed.

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Looking to Move Up?

600 Addison St 19147 Two Bedroom, two bath from $2,100 A premium location in Society Hill for spectacular, new construction rentals in this boutique building. Full size elevator service to all floors. Site finished, hardwood floors; Samsung appliances; stone counters; custom window treatments; glass shower doors; soaking tubs; washer/dryer in each unit. Walkscore calls this location Paradise with a score of 99. The perfect location to enjoy all that Center City has to offer.

Tony DeCicci REALTOR NM-00445986

484-902-8880 office 610-724-3088 cell

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@PhillyWeekly PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 3, 2020

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