PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021

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Mayor Jim Kenney has failed Philadelphia.

It’s time for him to go.

} N G I S E {R

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EDITORIAL

TIME FOR HIM TO

Mayor Jim Kenney should know when to step down. The evidence is stacked against him.

M

ayor Jim Kenney has failed miserably in his duty to protect and serve the citizens of Philadelphia. He should resign.

Kenney and his administration repeatedly have proven to be ineffective at best, incompetent and dangerous at worst. There is no rational reason to expect that decision-making and leadership will improve. It’s time for a change.

When homeless encampments popped up last year, the city’s response was tepid and indecisive. City-imposed “deadlines” to vacate the camps were ignored and pushed back.

All the while, homeowners near the camps endured weeks of harassment, trash and violence. And the homeless? Well, the encampments are gone, but one doesn’t have to look far to see that homelessness remains a blight on the city.

When protests broke out over the killing of George Floyd, the city’s response was uncoordinated, uneven and unjust. Don’t take our word for it: Ask the city’s own controller, who just last week issued a scathing report that notes there was a “failure of leadership.” Mr. Mayor, should everyone just be happy the cops didn’t drop a bomb from a helicopter? Is that the standard now?

And how’s that murder count looking?

The city recorded 499 homicides in 2020 – the highest count in decades. Don’t forget that the number had been 502, but then fell after, according to the city, an unidentified web designer’s “mistake” was “corrected.” Sure. Oh, and this year isn’t looking any better since, as of this writing, the city is at or ahead of last year’s homicide pace. If the total is approaching 500 again in December, might there be another “mistake” that has to be “corrected?”

During the COVID pandemic, Kenney shut down the city’s previously flourishing hospitality industry while jaunting off to dine indoors at a Maryland restaurant.

His “Gee, I’m sorry if I hurt anybody” tweet was both arrogant and insulting. As for the heavy-handed lockdowns the city implement-

ed, they were based more on politics than actual science – only adding to the justifiable anger felt by so many workers who lost their paychecks and small business owners who have seen their life’s work taken from them by an overreaching city government.

Then there’s the coup de grâce: The national embarrassment that was the city’s plans to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. In its infinite wisdom, the city, without bothering to ask relevant questions (Umm, do you, like, have any experience with, say, health care?) handed over its vaccines to a ragtag bunch of misfits.

As most anyone else would have anticipated, it was a disaster.

Almost 3,000 residents have died from COVID-19. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, doctors, nurses and more, for almost a year now, have been risking – and in far too many instances, losing – their lives to save their fellow citizens. The vaccine is a lifeline – literally, by definition, a lifeline. Kenney had to get this right.

He didn’t. Not by a long shot. Any leader with a conscience who failed so absolutely on such a life-or-death task already would have stepped down.

One can argue that Kenney alone isn’t solely responsible for all of the incompetence. The city certainly does. Managing Director Brian Abernathy took the hit for the misguided protest response. Acting Deputy Health Commissioner Dr. Caroline Johnson has resigned following the Philly Fighting Covid debacle.

Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw still has her job, but we’re pretty sure we know what will happen to her if Kenney needs yet another scapegoat. Indeed, it seems like the responsibility always falls to someone other than the mayor.

That’s wrong and needs to end now. As the saying goes, the buck stops with Kenney. Ultimately, he is responsible for the health, safety and welfare of all Philadelphians. But Jim Kenney can’t or won’t do his job.

Mr. Mayor, do the honorable thing: Resign.

Philadelphia needs and deserves someone better suited to lead our city.

PHILLY IS REOPENING: LET CUSTOMERS KNOW YOU’RE READY AND OPEN. Philadelphia Weekly is ready to help your business rebound from the lockdown.

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021

4

STATE OF OUR CITY

Former Montgomery County District Attorney and one-time state Solicitor General Bruce L. Castor, Jr. doesn’t have much time to put together his defense of former President Donald Trump during his Senate impeachment trial next week. News broke Monday that Castor, along with Alabama criminal defense lawyer David Schoen, would both rep Trump as he defends himself against charges he incited the riot on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

Castor recently joined the Center City-based law firm van der Veen, O’Neill, Hartshorn, and Levin.

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

BACK IN THE STATE SPOTLIGHT

OF OUR

CITY

Image: ‘Philly D.A.’ | Dogwoof

STRANGER THAN FICTION

Dogwoof Sales, a U.K.-based film distribution company, has taken the rights on a Sundance eight-part film series by filmmakers Ted Passon and Yoni Brook titled, “Philly D.A.,” based on our own Larry Krasner.

Dogwoof describes the docu-series as taking place “inside the election and tumultuous first term of the most controversial district attorney in the U.S. and his mission to upend the criminal justice system from within.

“Radical civil rights attorney Larry Krasner leads a band of activists attempting to end mass incarceration by taking over the agency at its center: the district attorney’s office.

When he unexpectedly wins the election, an unprecedented criminal justice experiment unfolds.”

Hold onto your seats and remember that truth is stranger than fiction.

FAT CHECK FOR FILM CHOPS

One lucky lady will be the recipient of a $5,000 award for the best feature-length screenplay or TV pilot through the Greater Philadelphia Film Office’s new “Set in Philadelphia” screenwriting competition. Open to all female screenwriters with ties to the region, the prize is available to the first 25 submissions that meet the criteria and are submitted by March 1. Winners will be announced in the spring. For more information, visit https://film.org/sip and happy writing.

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John Montesano Art Director

Alan Bauer Managing Editor

Ed Lynes Chief Revenue Officer Stephanie Hawkins Michael Chambers Controller Director of Circulation

Contributors: A.D. Amorosi, A. Benjamin Mannes,Jesse Bunch, Signature Supporters: Paul Davis, Timaree Schmit, Ryan K. Smith, Ted Kazantzis Stu Bykofsky, Eugene Zenyatta.

Intern: Zachary Bard.

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

Jenny DeHuff Editor in Chief

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STATE OF OUR CITY

JOAN SHEPP’S

‘WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE’ Joan Shepp this week announced her Women of Substance and Style event in honor of Black History Month. Shepp will recognize 21 Black women whom she considers monumental to the Philly community and use her social and website platforms to promote African-American, female-owned small businesses in the city. The mission in February is to drive donations to World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides meals to people in the wake of natural disasters.

Check out Shepp’s posts to find out who’s made it and to support the businesses.

Non-Fiction Bookstore Offering Self Discovery since 1972

What Nor’easter?

Garland of Letters is a South Street staple, and has been providing tools for self-discovery since 1972. At Garland, you may find incense and incense burners, sage for smudging, oil diffusers, sterling silver and gemstone jewelry, soy and beeswax candles, natural crystals, rocks and minerals (both polished and rough), Himalayan salt lamps, journals, greeting cards, yoga mats, meditation cushions, singing bowls, authentic hand-made dream catchers, prayer beads, drums, wind chimes, mobiles, didgeridoos, flutes, essential oils, perfume, thangkas (Tibetan traveling altars), Tibetan prayer flags, posters, statuary from various spiritual traditions and more!

527 South Street Philadelphia PA 19147 Facebook.com/Garland-of-Letters-Bookstore - (215)923-5946 - 12noon-7pm

A snow emergency and the threat of up to eight more inches on Monday night didn’t keep this swimming pool closed on the roof of the Kennedy House in Center City. Amid all the black and white and grey around it, the baby blue pool stands out strong as captured from many more stories up by Redditor “Sombotik.” Polar plunge, anybody?

NICE RACK

HE SAID IT Here are Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley’s comments on the Philly Fighting COVID mess and Deputy Health Commissioner Dr. Caroline Johnson’s resignation. Note he said “mistake” four times in two sentences. Then, go check out page 3:

“As leader of the health department, it’s my responsibility for everything that happens in the health department.

Dr. Johnson was essentially involved in this but there is no decision that is made entirely by one person. Working with this organization was a mistake by the department.

I acknowledged that mistake and we’re working hard to both improve our processes so we don’t make similar mistakes like that in the future and to fix any problems caused by that mistake.”

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021

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FEATURED

PHILLY COPS ARE DEFUNDING THEMSELVES Demoralized, stats show police are quitting their jobs in record numbers

BY STU BYKOFSKY

Image | ShotbyWave

FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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nti-cop critics may not have to actually “defund the police.” Philadelphia police are depopulating their own ranks in an unprecedented dash for the doors.

More Philadelphia police officers have put in for DROP this past year than in any year in the past decade, except for one, which indicates deep dissatisfaction in the ranks.

In 2020, 135 officers filed for retirement, trailing only the 159 officers who put in for retirement in 2018.

However, 114 cops put in their papers in January 2021 alone, a number that is greater than the total for most years. The combination of 2020 and January 2021 totals a record of 249. If January is a harbinger, 2021 will shatter all records.

There are about 6,300 sworn officers on the force, plus 800 civilian employees.

What’s driving most of the fleeing cops out of a job they used to love is a sense of betrayal. I’ll get to that in a minute.

DROP is the taxpayer-funded, controversial Deferred Retirement Option Plan. In exchange for picking a retirement date no more than four years in the future, the city worker gets a six-figure payoff at retirement, in addition to a regular pension.

Introduced under Mayor Ed Rendell, the pension-plus program was designed to: a) cajole city workers into retirement; b) entice invaluable veterans to stay on a while; c) provide the city with a predictable schedule of retirement; d) all of the above.

DROP enablers say d).

Things went seriously wrong when the program, designed for employees, was glommed by elected officials – hel-lo City Council – for whom it was never intended. Even worse, receiving the massive DROP payout required an “irrevocable” promise to leave. Many politicians took the money, “resigned” for a day, and then returned to their jobs.

That’s why it was controversial, and after years of debate, angry editorials and even angrier newspaper columns, loopholes for the political class were closed, blocking elected officials from carving up the Golden Goose.

Many of the officers who now have enrolled in DROP will be leaving in about four years.

Most are counting the days.

The number of officers who have recently signed up is “well above average,” said Ron Stagliano, an elected labor trustee on the pension board. He spent most of his 33 years on the force with the detective bureau.

So many cops put in for retirement, there was a rumor in the ranks that DROP enroll-

ments were suspended until March. That was denied by Fran Bielli, executive director of the pension board, who provided the retirement statistics used here.

The root of the rush to retirement, said Stagliano, 70, was the George Floyd protests/ riots, organized to condemn police brutality.

Mixed in with these national protests by Black Lives Matter were local progressive groups often demanding defunding police. In some extreme cases, such as Minneapolis, elected officials actually voted to dismantle the police department.

The Minneapolis Council was OK depriving their constituents of police protection, but in

7

a display of rank hypocrisy, they hired private security for themselves when they felt threatened.

Council President Lisa Bender said – are you sitting? – calling 911 when your home is broken into “comes from a place of white privilege.” No, this was not satire.

“Some officers perceive a lack of respect for police and a lack of support for police from the public and from their own department,” said Stagliano.

I asked: From their own department?

“Correct.”

In an email statement, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said many departments, not just Philadelphia, are experiencing “significant increases” in officers leaving the force, “not entirely unexpected given the year that we’ve had.”

Due to high levels of civil unrest, demands to defund the police, and staffing shortages caused by the pandemic, “officers of all ranks and experience levels have been tasked with working long hours in often hostile environments.”

All this has “damaged morale,” but Outlaw said officers “have my unwavering support during these difficult times.”

Since she seems to understand the problem, she ought to understand the remedy: City leadership standing firm in support of good cops, who are the majority. And she, personally, needs to turn her words into deeds and better connect with those she commands.

Stagliano spoke on the record for attribution because, as an ex-cop, he does not fear retribution.

With help from him, and others, I reached a half-dozen active officers who had filed papers for retirement, and DROP. Since they remain on duty, they feared possible retribution and asked for anonymity, which I granted them. I also altered a few biographical details to protect their identities.

The first name I use for each is not his real name.

SEE POLICE, PAGE 8

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021

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Image | Chris Henry

POLICE, FROM PAGE 7 In the words of Blake, a 32-year veteran who is turning in his gun and his badge, “I didn’t sign up for this.”

Meaning what?

The contempt and the disrespect, he told me. He sees himself as someone who goes into

FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

the community to protect and serve, yet is viewed by many as an alien aggressor.

The community takes one bad action by one bad cop and magnifies it into everything done by all cops, he said.

“I don’t need constant pats on the back,” he said, “but I’m not going to put up with being spit at.”

A native of South Philly, Louis has spent

half of his 50 years on the Philadelphia police force, but he sort of stumbled into it. He had a good job in wholesaling, but joined a friend who was taking the police department entrance exam.

“He said it was a good job because of job security and the pension, and the next thing you know, I was a cop.”

The father of two spent most of his time in the narcotics bureau, “trying to get young people off the street, but it’s almost impossible,” he told me.

“The fact is you keep arresting the same individual over and over – not petty crime, I’m talking violent offenders – people with a history of violence...I’m now locking up the children and grandkids of people I locked up 10 or 20 years ago,” he said.

“If you have whole families involved in crime, why wouldn’t you try to fix that? That’s the D.A.’s job. My job is to arrest them. Their job is to convict.”

Louis complained of the “lack of respect, both within the department and from the community.

“And now, with the D.A.’s office,” he said, “Larry Krasner just does not trust any police officer in the city. I don’t want to get locked up and fired just for doing my job.”

Louis mentioned Police Inspector Joseph Bologna, who was fired and prosecuted for assault by the D.A. for actions during a melee.

Charges against the former high-ranking officer were tossed at a preliminary hearing in January, but the vindictive Krasner said he planned to refile charges. An email seeking comment was not answered by Krasner’s office.

As I talked to the cops, I remembered something I first heard from Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson.

“Each day you put on the badge, you may save a life, take a life, or give a life.” It’s an awesome responsibility.

When Charles was young, he interrupted college to satisfy his taste for adventure by joining the military. Now approaching 60, this father of four traded one uniform for another thinking, “I could be a half-decent cop. I think I can do something about the crime problem.”

He said it was “kind of like being a superhero.”

He can’t believe that any more.

“I feel the department is at a crossroads,” he said, “and is not being true to the core tenets of policing.”

Cops are supposed to go after criminals, he said.

“That’s what we do, hold the line against criminal activity.” Doing that is “a contact sport” and arresting someone who does not want to be arrested is sometimes not pretty, and the officer gets judged by a snippet of videotape that might not show what caused the officer to use force.

“Society wants us to be able to arrest people, to disarm people and bring a chaotic situation to heel with a few magic words, with no fighting and no discord. That will never

be,” he said.

“Society doesn’t understand that police officers are reactive,” he said.

“We must give away the first punch, the first shot. If you act first your actions are being called into question” by superior officers who may never have worked the streets.

He scoffed at City Council’s recent ban on “non-lethal” tactics such as tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets.

“When the bricks start flying and people are getting hurt, what are we going to do?” he asked.

Mark is a little over 50 with a little more than 20 years on the job, mostly in patrol in Center City and Southwest.

“Everyone’s against us. No one has our back,” he told me.

Mark has a college degree, and sort of drifted into police work after working for the judicial system.

“No one condones what those jackasses did in Minnesota,” and elsewhere. ing lives i “No one condones it, but we have to pay forgal drugs the violen it,” he said.

“A lot of guys I know are not going to do theficking.

Back in DROP,” he said.

“They think they are going to get zinged byministrati Kenney” in the new contract this summer, soJ. Shea a would ide they’re going to split. ing drug “Morale is terrible across the board.”

Mayor Kenney’s office said it could not re-with a nex spond to an email request for comment before “Drug crime ar press time.

At 50, Bob has 25 years on the job. Married,Shea said. with kids, the native of the Northeast became “From a cop because he wanted to help people andolence in open-air d because he has pride in his hometown.

Before moving into investigations, he en-can cities, joyed being a street cop because “every dayviolence, brings a different challenge and you may beply their able to make a difference in somebody’s life.” across ou He had no intention of retiring, “but afterby violent the events throughout the city over the pro-zations th tests, the lack of support that was expressedhuman lif and suffer for the police by the leadership…” with our Which leadership?

“The city officials, meaning the mayor, theners, DEA district attorney, and, quite honestly, the po-guarding our comm lice commissioner herself,” said Bob. “They put cops in a no-win position. And Jonatha Krasner puts more effort into arresting copsCharge of than into getting illegal firearms off thesion, adde vision’s lo street.”

Morale is at an all-time low, he said, and heeral, state to work to doesn’t expect anything to change.

“You used to know coming to work youspecificall could rely on upper management. At thiscides plag point in time, it doesn’t appear that way. It’sand Delaw failed leadership from the top, and when that “Gun vi ing organ happens, the cops are demoralized.”

And when that happens, they leave in re-sponse by law enfor cord numbers, which they are doing now.

Stu Bykofsky served the Philadelphiajointly to Daily News as an editor, reporter and col-investigat umnist for nearly 50 years before retiringers.” in 2019. He now publishes at the centrist The DE stubykofsky.com. Follow him on Twitter @flood Ame oids, hero StuBykofsky

CRIME BEAT

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9

DEA PHILLY: Combating the nexus between illegal drugs and violent crime

T

he opioid epidemic is running often the same criminals responsible for the parallel with the COVID-19 epi- high rates of assault, murder and gang activdemic. Vaccines promise an end to ity in our cities. According to the DEA, these the COVID-19 epidemic, but sad- criminals employ fear, violence and intimidaly, there is no vaccine to end the tion to traffic drugs, and in doing so, exacerdeadly opioid epidemic. bate a drug crisis that claims more than 70,000 The opioid epidemic is destroy- American lives every year.

I reached out and spoke to DEA Supervisoing lives in America, as the trafficking of illery Special Agent Patrick J. Trainor at the DEA gal drugs leads to deaths from overdoses and the violent crime associated with drug traf- Philadelphia Division and asked him about Project Safeguard and other issues of conficking. cern.

Back in October, Drug Enforcement Ad“We have an enforcement group that’s comministration Acting Administrator Timothy J. Shea announced that Project Safeguard prised of agents and Philadelphia police officers who assist the Philadelphia would identify and prioritize ongoPolice Department and the state’s ing drug trafficking investigations Gun Violence Task Force in inveswith a nexus to violent crime. tigations involving drug-related “Drug trafficking and violent crime, such as murders, strongcrime are inextricably linked,” arm robberies and aggravated asShea said. saults,” Trainor said.

“From the extreme levels of vi“It was a violent year in Philaolence in Mexican cartels to the delphia with the homicide numbers open-air drug markets in Ameribeing pretty disturbing.” can cities, drug traffickers employ Trainor noted that the opioid epviolence, fear and intimidation to idemic has been horrific across the ply their trade. Neighborhoods country, and Philadelphia has been across our country are terrorized hit particularly hard. by violent drug trafficking organi“There are synthetic opioids, zations that have little regard for which are pharmaceuticals like human life and profit from the pain Oxycontin and Percocet, and then and suffering of our people. Along you have heroin, which is a semiwith our law enforcement partPAULDAVISONCRIME.COM synthetic opioid,” Trainor exners, DEA is committed to safeplained. guarding the health and safety of “Many people who develop an opioid addicour communities.”

Jonathan A. Wilson, the Special Agent in tion did not start with injecting heroin. Many Charge of the DEA’s Philadelphia Field Divi- people were prescribed legitimate prescripsion, added, “The DEA Philadelphia Field Di- tions for treating pain, but the drugs are advision’s long standing partnerships with fed- dictive. People developed addictions to these eral, state and local law enforcement allow us drugs, and while most doctors will cut you off, some doctors will continue to prescribe the to work together in combating violent crime, specifically drug-related shootings and homi- drugs for money, sex or other things.

“So if you’re buying these pills to avoid cides plaguing major cities in Pennsylvania getting sick, it can get ridiculously expensive. and Delaware.

Very often, people will make the transition “Gun violence, often linked to drug trafficking organizations, requires an aggressive re- from pills to heroin, which is readily available sponse by law enforcement. The DEA and our in Philadelphia and could be purchased for as law enforcement partners continue to work little as $5 a bag.”

And as Trainor notes, opioids are not the jointly to leverage all available resources in investigating violent, drug-trafficking offend- only illegal drugs being trafficked in Philadelphia. There is also methamphetamine. ers.”

“For a very long time, Philadelphia was the The DEA states that the traffickers who flood America with deadly drugs, such as opi- East Coast capitol of methamphetamine production,” Trainor said. oids, heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine, are

PAUL DAVIS

Local DEA officials are fighting both the drug epidemic and the violence that often accompanies it.

Image | Courtesy of the DEA Philadelphia Division “Until the late ‘90s or early ‘00s, methamphetamine was dominated by Italian organized crime and outlaw motorcycle gangs.

That whole market is now dominated by Mexican drug trafficking organizations.”

Trainor said the cartels produce methamphetamine in record amounts due to their access to significant amounts of the precursor chemicals used to manufacture it.

“We have noticed in our region an overabundance supply of methamphetamine. It’s very cheap, which is indicative of how much of it there is. At one point, 20 years ago, a pound of methamphetamine would cost at minimum $10,000. You can get pounds of methamphetamine now for $2,000 or $3,000.

And the purity level is through the roof.

“A significant amount of methamphetamine is supplied by the same organizations that are selling and trafficking illegal opioid drugs, such as heroin or fentanyl. People who are dealing with opioid-use disorder, using a drug like heroin or fentanyl, very often will take a stimulant like methamphetamine to try to stave off withdrawal symptoms. The Mexican cartels had an incredibly audacious plan to dominate all of the drug trades.”

The DEA in Philadelphia and across the country is fighting the good fight against drug trafficking and violent crime.

Paul Davis’ Crime Beat column appears here each week.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021

10

VOICES

OF OUR

CITY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE SHOUT OUT

Mannes doing good work I want to commend A. Benjamin Mannes for his excellent article detailing the struggles of our local restaurants and especially for highlighting the disgraceful way Dennis Fink

was treated by a corrupt, incompetent health inspector. Also, his op-ed on Krasner and Philly’s soaring murder numbers was a real eye-opener. Keep up the good work, PW!

Donovan Farr | Tacony

The buzz on social

Comments are flying on PW’s social media channels. Below is just a sample. Join in the discussion by following us on Instagram or Twitter: @PhillyWeekly.

PW’s story on local GOP Chair Martina White “Really? She signed that atrocious letter in which the PA GOP urged our Congressional reps to object to the electoral votes from this state and disenfranchise millions of voters, and in your interview she flatly refuses to say

FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

that Donald Trump, who openly and on the record advocated for supporters to storm the capital, is guilty of a crime. Seems like she’s all about games that support her ambitions.”

– jphistory PW’s story on the local restaurant scene Order regularly, tip heavily. Philly will build back strong. – xerohr PW’s recent “Our Flag Unfurled” photo share THIS IS WHAT IT IS ABOUT! SOVEREIGNTY OF AMERICA! – peachrose12

Image | Tom Wolf

Recently, the city has come under fire for its handling of both last year’s protests and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Your turn: Given all that has transpired over the last year or so, is it time for Mayor Jim Kenney to resign?

Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com

Pennsy Industry issued th Gov. Wol 2021-22 le enacting gy indust wage incr There’s pandemic for Penns While the ber appre Wolf’s foc ing Pe overcome demic era agree th that will i ployer ta and the co business i monwealt best mean this goal these pro only serve economic As we a one-year m virus’s fi ance in th wealth, across a of indust ue to str pandemic state’s ene on our eco ing contin gas reserv low throu vital feed PPE, med vaccine – dients in deliver th from petr puts one competitiv We are als highli negatively mate. Lin the state’s is one of mentation

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VOICES OF OUR CITY

Wolf’s proposals are bad for business Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding Gov. Wolf’s announced priorities for the 2021-22 legislative session – which include enacting an additional tax on the energy industry and a government mandated wage increase: There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has created numerous challenges for Pennsylvania’s employers and workforce.

While the PA Chamber appreciates Gov. Wolf’s focus on helping Pennsylvania overcome the pandemic era, we do not agree that policies that will increase employer tax burdens and the cost of doing business in the Commonwealth are the best means to achieve this goal. In fact, these proposals will only serve to slow our economic recovery.

As we approach the one-year mark of the virus’s first appearance in the Commonwealth, businesses across a wide range Image | SecretName101 of industries continue to struggle. The pandemic has highlighted the critical role the state’s energy supply and infrastructure has on our economy, as an emphasis on teleworking continues. Pennsylvania’s prolific natural gas reserves have helped to keep energy costs low throughout the state, and oil and gas are vital feedstocks to manufacturing sanitizer, PPE, medical equipment, and shipping the vaccine – and, most notably, one of the ingredients in the coronavirus vaccines used to deliver the molecule into the body is derived from petrochemicals. Higher energy taxes puts one of the Commonwealth’s greatest competitive advantages at risk.

We are also concerned about other proposals highlighted by the governor that would negatively impact the state’s business climate. Linking a much-needed reduction in the state’s Corporate Net Income Tax – which is one of the nation’s highest – to the implementation of mandatory unitary combined

reporting is not the way to move Pennsylvania forward. This complex, overly broad tax reporting system will lead to increased costs putting Pennsylvania job creators at a greater competitive disadvantage. Rather, we encourage lawmakers to enact substantial state tax reforms that are based on the principles of competitiveness, fairness, predictability and simplicity.

Additionally, the administration’s aggressive proposal to more than double the state’s minimum wage to $15 will increase labor costs and lead to further job loss. As many of our members can attest – especially the small business community – government wage mandates threaten the vitality of businesses and job growth, and this is especially true as they continue to struggle in the pandemic landscape. A report by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that a $15 minimum wage could lead to as many as 3.7 million lost jobs. Rather than continuing the push for misguided minimum wage hikes, lawmakers should pursue policies that target support to low-income earners without risking jobs.

As we collectively aim to jumpstart our economy and rebuild the Commonwealth’s workforce, it is counterintuitive to place additional burdens and hardships on the same people we’re relying on to drive our economic recovery forward. In addition to looking at possible funding support, there needs to be a focus on policies that don’t come with a monetary cost but would provide significant relief to job creators – such as much-needed targeted liability protections, which would help a multitude of industries, including small businesses, nonprofits, childcare providers, as well as the education and medical communities.

While this effort was opposed by legislative Democrats and vetoed by Gov. Wolf last session, we are hopeful these much-needed protections will be enacted in the near future.

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021

GOSSIP

Image | Bruce Emmerling

FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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ICEPACK

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CAN YOU SMELL WHAT COMCAST IS COOKING?

Telecom giant lays the smack down with latest moves

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ne lawyer who visited Jeffery platforms, pay special attention to Comcast’s Epstein in jail days before his even newer acquisition now that the ink has suicide (Hey, isn’t that from dried (yup, I said “ink”).

“Godfather 2?”); one MontgomYes, I know everyone on the stock exery County DA who declined to change is all GameStop and AMC Reddit inarrest Bill Cosby in 2005 after An- vestor-weary, but it’s Comcast whose eyes got drea Constand filed her lawsuit the biggest prize during that same bull rush: against the Cos (hey, doesn’t that sound like Its NBC/Universal behemoth and its new Peasomething DA Krasner would do?); the men cock entertainment, news and sports streamcharged to lead Trump’s legal defense team er just struck a deal with World Wrestling in the upcoming impeachment trial: Come Entertainment Inc. for exclusive rights to all on down, Philly’s Bruce L. Castor and David WWE Network content in a five-year deal valSchoen. If there is shiftiness to be had, the ued at $1 billion-plus. The independent WWE footprints of Castor and Schoen’s are muddy app shuts down. The scrawny Peacock and and still warm. And no matter if you’re on the brawny, impossibly broad-shouldered Vince Left, Right or what you believe in regard to a McMahon get into the skin ring together. constitutional matter such as impeachment, “The Showcase of the Immortals” and “WresWTF is with Trump and lawyers? Does Trump tleMania” both start airing on the huge digichoose guys like Rudy Giuliani and Castor tal screens inside the glass-enclosed Comcast to make himself look less goofy or guilty? A Tower, and WWE Royal Rumblers Daniel Brythought. Carry on. an and Charlotte Flair will soon appear on Comcast news YAWWWRRRR MONNNTHLY BILLLLLLLL Let’s talk local business. The one corporate TO CRUSSSH YOOOUUUU WITH OVERRRventure in Philadelphia that kept its pricey, RRRRRAGE CHARGES, BRUTHERRRRRRRtowering Center City office space RRRRRRRR. Image | Marilyn Paige and staff intact, and even flourished Calling out Kenney

BY A.D. during COVID quarantine; all this I will have more to say about this. while other lockdowners died on BUT – allowing Mayor Kenney to AMOROSI the vine, vacated their downtown throw top-tier Police Chief Danielle offices like a zombie, pencil-pushing Outlaw under the bus SOLELY for (yeah I said “pencil”) cast of “Fear the responsibility of tear-gassing the Walking Dead,” and generally went all Black Lives Matter protesters last summer PPP? Comcast. Yes, its Universal theme parks WITHOUT BEING MADE TO SPEAK TO and movie theater ducats declined. But – their THE CHARGES (so says the City Controller’s stocks jumped high due to gaining over half a Office and its claims of “lack of leadership at million new broadband buyers (this couldn’t the highest levels”) is as FUCKING TREAhave anything to do with Mother Jones’ reSONOUS as Trump inciting rioters to storm port where Comcast employees were told to the D.C. Capitol. Is anyone prepared to imupsell internet to low-income households peach this overflowing clown car gathering? www.motherjones.com).

Does anyone in Democratic or Republican city Of course, they’re set to make more mongovernment have the stones to call out such ey this summer now that Xfinity has created insurrection? Let’s watch. home internet data thresholds with many New Freedom Theater CEO families losing access to free, unlimited data.

In short, sharp news where all things The (The change occurred Jan. 1, but overage fees Roots happen all the time, Ahmir “Questlove” won’t start until July) with only 1.2 terabytes Thompson used the skills he learned in film of data a month. Use more than that ... BOOM classes at Philadelphia High School for the … $10 for every additional 50GB of data with Creative and Performing Arts for his directoa maximum charge of $100. DOUBLE BOOM. rial debut, the 2021 documentary, “Summer And while the creepy, European Comcast of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not division acquired the Sky multi-network, Be Televised),” which was among the openers which then acquired StudioCanal film and at this week’s virtual Sundance Film Festitelevision properties, means a run on Padval. (So was Southwest Philly’s Lee Daniels dington bear ephemera across all Comcast at Sundance for his upcoming “The United

m

GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY States vs. Billie Holiday” flick with cast members Andra Day and Da’Vine Joy Randolph.)

Longtime, occasional Roots rapper Karl Jenkins – Dice Raw to you – who made a second career for himself as a theater playwright, actor and producer with plays such as “The Last Jimmy” and “Henry Box Brown: A Hip Hop Musical” – is now the new CEO of Philly’s legendary Freedom Theater and all of the allBlack theatricality it brings. Currently acting as a presenter, along with his crowning at Freedom Theater, Jenkins has gathered partnerships with Annenberg Theatre and Mural Arts to further Freedom’s agenda. Good on him. And great for Freedom, which has long needed a provocative push to get back to the place of promise and invention for which they have been beloved for 55 years.

Chinatown campaign To help celebrate the upcoming, extended Chinese Lunar New Year (Feb. 11-26) during the still-raging pandemic lockdown, Philadelphia’s Chowbus – which rightfully bills itself as THE sole delivery app for authentic Asian food and groceries in the area – is offering cool restaurant recommendations.

Chowbus started an “Ai Love Chinatown” promotional campaign (Ai means love in Chinese) that gives money back to independent local Chinese businesses with each purchase.

Quinlan music Just for laughs, Philly vocalist-songwriter Frances Quinlan of always-steamy Hop Along fame, made her debut solo album, “Likewise,” last year around this time, and has returned through winter’s chill for two hot 2021 remixes from said LP: “Now That I’m Back,” with ChiTown’s NNAMDÏ, and “Lean,” with Canadian producer Ryan “Nothing to do with THOSE Hemsworths” Hemsworth. Boing. You go, girl.

Masked Philly: Teddy Sourias In Icepack’s continuing saga of asking mask-donning local celebrities what they’ve been up to, beyond the pale, during COVID19’s pandemic, I reached out this week to Teddy Sourias, the boss of the Craft Concept Group – which means he has his fingers in the pies (and bratwursts) at BRU Craft & Wurst, Tradesman’s Tinsel, Finn McCool’s, Blume, Sueno and Uptown Beer Garden.

I spoke with Sourias early on in the dreaded 2020 restaurant lockdown for a PW cover story and knew then that Sourias was crazed with figuring out how to efficiently create a curbside take-out plan from scratch. Yet, the guy was at home with a family. So what happened?

“COVID-19 has given me time to spend at

home with family, which is always a beautiful thing,” said Souiras.

“My wife and I have recently become re-focused on fitness and our health, so I designed and built-out a home gym in our basement.”

Along with staying fit and getting buff, Sourias, on personal and professional levels, found that the added open time allowed him to be more creative, inventive and detailed with all projects he had going on in all areas of his life.

“Seriously, this time has been about diving deeper, going above and beyond, and working harder than ever – real opportunities for reflection and re-thinking things in progress as well as what’s coming up in my next chapter.”

That meant everything from executing a pop-up Christmas in July as well as the innovative menus for their new, Mexican-American restaurant, Sueno.

In fact, Sourias’ mask was created by one of Sueno’s employImage | Courtesy Bailey Walker and Adam Laub ees, Esteban, for the opening of their pop-up.

“It really left a mark on my heart because Esteban did this on his own accord, with his own money, because he was so excited about what we are all working on together. It’s comfortable to wear, breathable and a great gift from a great employee.

Better yet, it was an unexpected surImage | Courtesy of Teddy Sourias prise and such a nice gesture I won’t ever forget.”

When (if) the masks come down, Sourias will hang onto the face covering that Esteban sewed for him “as a reminder of the struggles we faced during 2020 and 2021.” He says he’ll check on his staff, friends and family. Then, hit the road and travel.

“Each year I try to get away to recharge, spend time with those important to me. With the pandemic, this wasn’t possible. So I can’t wait to take a trip to Greece to see my family.

I’m really looking forward to opening up our exclusive speakeasy that we’ve been working on for nearly two years. I’m excited for the restaurant industry to slowly, surely step back into normalcy.

“I’m excited that as we see better days ahead, a lot of the connections that were made during the pandemic can continue and even expand. Midtown Village business owners and Center City restaurateurs came together in new ways to support each other and help each other; our community grew stronger, and I hope and look forward to that continuing.”

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MUSIC

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READY FOR MOTHER LEEDS? Philly band is unleashing its music upon the world

Drexel University-based Mother Leeds recently released its debut album, but already is working on new music for future projects. Image | Aaron Monro aaronmonro.com

FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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MUSIC

MASSINISSA

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other Leeds is finally ready out and still working on getting our music out to unleash its music upon the there, but, overall, the feedback has been posworld. Now, the question is: itive.

Will the world be ready for Sam: We took the home studio route, so we Mother Leeds? had plenty of time each recording session to The Drexel University-based flesh out the songs and build upon the foungarage-prog band, founded dations we create. We have a good friend who mixed and mastered each track. He also gave

by Jack Guerrieri and Nick Espersen in 2017, recently released its debut album, “Before the us feedback on production choices.

What are the best ways for people to get Fall.”

After serving in the military, Espersen felt the album?

Jack: The album can be streamed just the strong desire to explore his creative side.

A life of discipline and uniformity has mor- about anywhere (Apple music, Amazon music, Spotify, Bandcamp, Soundcloud phed him into someone who strives and Youtube). We want to get physito push the boundaries of artistic cal copies made at some point. expression. As primary lyricist, he

BY EUGENE Where do you find inspiration provokes self-reflection through his ZENYATTA for your music? own understanding of the natural Nick: For the majority of “Before and artificial world. With Sam Ansa The Fall,” most of the inspiration on bass and Espersen behind the drums, the rhythm section guarantees tex- came from observing humans and their relature that tests the average approach to song- tionship with the natural world. Whether I’m writing. Vocalist and lead guitarist Guerrieri in the city or in the woods, I like to listen and provides harmonies to put the listener in a observe. I analyze interactions I have or witness and try to make sense of it. This is the dream-like state.

Mother Leeds worked relentlessly over the product of that process.

What’s the Philly music scene like these past two years to ensure each song on “Before days, and how does the Fall” is perfect.

Mother Leeds fit The album gives lis- Garage-prog band Mother Leeds recently released into it? Are you big teners a taste of the its debut album, ‘Before the Fall,’ now available fans of any local band’s unique sound on all streaming platforms. Image | Aaron Monro acts? and a glimpse at aaronmonro.com Sam: Prior to what the future holds COVID-19, the overfor this group. all Philly music PW recently scene was thriving caught up with with an awesome Mother Leeds to talk DIY scene. There about the new album were plenty of stuand what’s ahead for dent-run spots all the group. over where new Talk a little bands had a place about the early to perform. They’re days of the band. now collectively on How did the band hiatus, but plenty get together? Was it of local bands are a great fit from the still releasing music. beginning, or did it Some of my personal favorites are RFA and take some time for chemistry to develop?

Jack: Nick and I met at Drexel in a music Joy Again. Hopefully, sometime in the future, we will be able to perform with them. theory class back in 2017. What started out as You already are writing more music, so study sessions became jam sessions. Those became weekly band rehearsals. Since we have what’s ahead for Mother Leeds? Another similar influences and music tastes, the chem- album? Live concerts once the pandemic passes? istry was there from the beginning. Once Sam Sam: We already have enough material for joined us in 2019, we knew we found the missing component. As a group, we try not to let another album, but we’re in no rush to release anything. We’ll probably drop another album anything dictate how or what we play. I think this year with maybe a few singles in between. that’s why we continue to play together.

Once the pandemic and lockdowns subside, “Before the Fall” was just released, but we’ll play live. We’re proud to be a part of the you’ve been working for two years to get it DIY scene, and we’d love to play with other ready. Talk a little about the writing and production process. How have your fans re- bands. At the end of the day, we’re in it to have fun and connect with people. acted to the album?

What are the best ways for your fans to Nick: We like to approach songwriting differently each time. Sometimes Jack will write stay connected to what you’re doing?

Jack: If people want to know what we’re music and lyrics on his own, other times Jack up to, Instagram and Bandcamp are probably and I will write music and lyrics together, or we’ll write music and I’ll put my own lyrics to their best bet. We give updates on Instagram.

Feel free to follow us @motherleedsmusic. it. It’s fun to switch it up. We’re just starting

LIMO SERVICES

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BUSINESS

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COOKING UP

SUCCESS Philly entrepreneur Aaron Anderson partners with Big Rube on ghost restaurants

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While businesses were closing during the pandemic, Philly entrepreneur Aaron Anderson was expanding his franchises. Image | Courtesy of Aaron Anderson

FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Fishtown and Subaru Park, in hile nearly half of Black-owned busi- summer 2020, Anderson opened annesses were forced other franchise in Philadelphia and to close during the is in negotiations for one in New pandemic, Phila- York.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, delphia entrepreneur Aaron An- Anderson credits his mother, a sinderson found creative ways to not gle parent of five, with his unyielding strength, discipline, only stay open, but also humility, passion and to grow, adding to his persistent need to be of number of franchises by

BY EUGENE service to those in need. pivoting and adapting to ZENYATTA Anderson’s foray into current trends. being a business ownNow, Anderson, franer – the very first in his family – chise owner of four The Original Hot Dog Factory restaurants in started with the launch of his own screen-printing company in 2009, Philadelphia, has partnered with Union Printing.

Chef Reuben Harley (“Big Rube”) Anderson’s success with Union to launch three Big Rube’s Kitchen ghost restaurants – cooking facil- Printing provided not only finanities designed for takeout only – in cial stability, but also the experience needed to open his first Philadelphia. Customers can order food online and through delivery restaurant franchise in March 2020. His immediate success withservices from one of three new locations: Center City, University in The Original Hot Dog Factory organization led to him becoming City and Subaru Park.

In addition to his four Original an area representative, trainer for Hot Dog Factory locations in Cen- new franchisees and obtaining a ter City, The Bourse Food Hall, percentage of company ownership.

P

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BUSINESS

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY His keen interest in technology prompted him to become an investor in the pharmaceutical application QwikScript and flight simulator application Flype.

These strategic investments contribute to his growing financial portfolio and further strengthens his parent company Axxeum LLC, which was formed in 2018.

In line with his desire to give back to the community, he became a member of Philadelphia’s Chamber of Commerce and The Pyramid Club. Anderson is an investor in Storehouse, a cannabis chain in New Jersey, and is finalizing a deal to become majority owner of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, a professional baseball team in Maryland.

PW recently caught up with Anderson to talk about his new business ventures.

PW: How did you and Big Rube get together and decide to launch the ghost restaurants?

AA: I was very fortunate to meet Chef Big Rube in Philadelphia at a cooking event, and after tasting his Aaron Anderson has partnered with Chef Reuben Harley delicacies, I immediately (‘Big Rube’) to launch three Big Rube’s Kitchen ghost started to follow him on restaurants. Image | Courtesy of Aaron Anderson social media. I wanted to keep a close eye on his happenings because his food was just so good! and this forced me to become very indepenWe kept in touch, and after about one year of dent to help my mother around the house and knowing each other, I approached him with with my siblings. I grew up in the Logan secthis business idea and we decided to go into tion of the city, which was heavily plagued by business together. I learned about the ghost violence and still is to this day. However, these kitchen concept when I launched my other very humble surroundings shaped me to be franchises and figured this would be an ex- the extremely ambitious man that I am today.

I have also developed a passion and drive to cellent route to go with Chef Big Rube, and so far, it has been exactly that, a big hit – and we make a difference and to help others to overcome obstacles that may seem insurmountcouldn’t be happier. able.

PW: When do you think they will launch, I was determined to make a better life for and how can people get all of the details – myself and my family by staying out of trouincluding how to order? ble and prospering in education and business.

AA: There are currently two Chef Big Rube’s Kitchen locations that are up and run- My diligence, focus and perseverance have, in turn, afforded me the opportunity to not only ning. One is located at 3300 Fairmount Ave. help my family but to give back and encourage and the other is at 1308 West Girard St. others that they too can do the same thing.

Customers can order online on all delivery PW: While a lot of businesses were closapps including Grubhub, UberEats, DoorDash ing during the pandemic, you were opening and Postmates. businesses. It was a bold move, but you sucWe are planning to open several other locations to accommodate the entire city and tar- ceeded. Why do you think you were able to thrive while others struggled? geting nationwide chains this year.

AA: We opened our Original Hot Dog FranPW: You were born and raised in Philchises in the midst of the pandemic when evadelphia. How has growing up in the city erything was shutting down last February and shaped your life?

AA: As the one of five children raised by a March. My first location at the Subaru Park Soccer Stadium in Chester closed immedisingle mother, my life has been anything BUT ately and wasn’t given a chance to get off the easy. My father died when I was very young

ground. So, I decided then to open another location in Center Center located at 125 N. 15th St., and this turned out to be a great decision.

We focused on the delivery apps-based system and take-out orders by installing individual kiosks where customers can social distance and order in a safe, fast and effective manner.

We also catered to first responders in the area by providing quicker service and making sure we met their every need as far as their orders.

I didn’t have any prior restaurant experience.

However, my prior experience in business taught me that the only constant is change and in order to thrive, one must adapt quickly to change by staying focused, committed and pivoting to stay afloat.

PW: You’ve come a long way and experienced a lot of success. What advice would you have for someone at the beginning of his or her journey? What are the keys to accomplishing so much?

AA: The best advice that I could give someone is to surround yourself with others who are positive, focused on goals and success and God-fearing. We are only as strong as those that we surround ourselves with. Having a mentor will also provide invaluable support in shaping one’s career. Never be afraid to reach out to someone who is doing what you want

17

to do and ask for advice.

Unlike when I was growing up, social media has made it possible to contact whomever you want to reach. Take advantage of this access and ask for an in-person or virtual meeting. With these astounding advances in technology, it is now possible to reach anyone around the world with a click of a button. Also, I would say research and do your homework! One should know as much information as possible about the field in which they are vying to go into.

Being extremely knowledgeable will make the difference between success and failure.

And last but not least, never let a ‘no’ stop you. You will receive plenty of ‘no’s but all you need is one ‘yes!’

Quitting is never an option and we all make mistakes.

Mistakes make us sharp and aware of what to avoid next time. Setbacks are only setups for success!

PW: You’ve mentioned that you have plans to run for office in Pennsylvania.

Are there any details you can share about that or any of your other future endeavors?

AA: I have several exciting plans in the works. I am in the process of becoming a majority owner of a minor league baseball team, The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in Waldorf, Maryland. I am also in the process of developing a national business educational platform to empower others to achieve their dreams. I also have plans to write an autobiographical memoir about my life to show others that their beginning does not dictate their ending.

As far as my political aspirations, I have those plans on hold for now as I embark on my other goals. However, I still want to hold public office in some fashion to be a part of the change that we are all hoping to see in the city of Philadelphia as we are seeing an unprecedented crime rate during the pandemic.

I believe this is because people have lost hope in these trying times and are resorting to violence and illegal means to find a way to feed their families.

However, there is no excuse to break the law and not to be a law-abiding citizen…That is why I have dedicated my life to being a positive force by striving to be a pillar in the community.

We must instill hope in the city that I have come to love so much. I was born and bred here, and if my story can change one life, then I know my mission was not in vain.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021

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THE RUNDOWN

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THE RUNDOWN Image | Nathan Ansell

Valentine’s Day – Old City style

Show your love for the ones you love and Old City businesses this Valentine’s Day. Be sure to check with the businesses before your visit, wear a mask, keep your physical distance, and follow all federal and local safety guidelines and protocols. And, if your business has a Valentine’s Day special coming up, email PW at mail@philadelphiaweekly.com by Monday to make our already-long, still-growing roundup of Valentine’s Day specials in the city to be published next week.

Tipsy History: A Love Story

Midnight Lunch Studio Midnight Lunch Studio will be selling a carefully and thoughtfully curated Valentine’s Day gift box featuring a dainty white gold heart necklace, organic candies and chocolates, a candle and other festive goodies and accessories. $78 each. Additionally, they will be selling luxury floral arrangements Feb. 12-14, in-store only. $49 each. 20 S. 3rd Street | midnightlunchstudio.com

FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Love is in the air at the Betsy Ross House this Valentine’s Day weekend. For the most unique date in town, grab your plus one and join Betsy, herself, for Tipsy History: A Love Story Friday, Feb. 12 through Sunday, Feb. 14. You’ll hear a love story for the ages when you meet a young Betsy Ross just after her elopement with husband John. Then, couples will head into the house for a special love-themed tour and finally, a walk around the corner to Art in the Age to warm up with a delicious, handcrafted cocktail, featuring that most patriotic of ingredients in Betsy’s time … chocolate! 239 Arch Street | historicphiladelphia.org

Kick Axe Throwing

Is there anything more romantic than tossing sharpened objects with a loved one? Of course not. So here’s a Sweet Axe Valentine’s Deal: For $159 you get a private range and bottle of champagne. 232 Market Street | 800-850-6756 | kickaxe.com/philly

Paris Fit Studios

If you’re planning to indulge this Valentine’s Day, you’ll need to find a way to work off those extra pounds. Look no further than the Couples Membership, $143, which includes access to over 200 classes all month long, two 30-minute group training sessions, and entry to the Fit For Love Contest: The couple with the best results by Feb. 29 will win two one-month free gym membership at Paris Fit Studios and a sponsored date night. 221 Vine Street, Suite B | getparisfit.com/

Hitched & The Groomsman Suit

Take a Valentine’s Day photo in front of Amberella’s love and wedding inspired art mural located outside of The Groomsman Suit and Hitched on 2nd and Arch Streets. Tag each brand on social to be featured. 61 and 65 N. 2nd Street | tryhitched.com thegroomsmansuit. com

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19

Chocolate & Beer: A Valentine’s Event

Looking for a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and Meet Quaker History? Join Arch Street Meeting House for an extraordinary craft beer and Cadbury chocolate tasting on Friday, Feb. 12 at 7pm. Designed for two, enjoy a relaxing evening for you and your sweetheart as ASMH staff and volunteers create an amazing, personalized experience by handdelivering your Valentine’s treats the day before the event. Tickets include a variety of craft beer from Conshohocken Brewing Company, Duclaw Brewing Company, and Breckinridge Brewing Company, as well as candies from the delicious and Quakerfounded, Cadbury Chocolates. Note: They are only able to deliver within the Philadelphia Metro area, including Philadelphia County, Lower Bucks, Montco, and Upper Delaware County. If you are outside of this delivery radius and interested in this event, you may arrange a pickup from Arch Street Meeting House.

320 Arch Street | historicasmh.org/events

BONeJOUR Pet Supply

Don’t forget your furry friends this Valentine’s Day. BONeJOUR has Valentine’s cookies, Valentine’s Bocce’s Treats, Valentine’s party collars with hearts, and Valentine’s toys (champagne and roses). 53 N. 3rd Street | 215-574-1225 | bonejourpetsupply.com

Kindred Collective

Want to spruce up your wardrobe?

Need a neat new accessory? How about a little something for your home? You can find it all and save with 14 percent off storewide on Valentine’s Day in-store and online.

149 N. 3rd Street | 215-845-5647

Mere Argyris Fashion Studio

When selfies just aren’t good enough, you’ll want something a bit more professional. Mere Argyris is offering a Valentine’s Day couples photoshoot to either give as a gift to someone or purchase for yourself. $80. 15 N. 2nd Street, Suite 106 | mereargyris.com

NE Flower Boutique

Gotta have flowers for Valentine’s Day, right? They’ve got a long-stem roses bouquet, heart shaped arrangements (fresh roses and “forever” roses options available), an I Love U box, and many more arrangements from which to choose. 60 N. 2nd Street | 267-5707707 | neflowerboutique.com

The Wellness Refinery

The Wellness Refinery will be offering Galentine’s & Valentine’s Day-themed self-care gift sets ranging from $50-$90 and featuring fresh floral bouquets and eucalyptus from Myrtle & Magnolia for purchase on weekends. Also, they are bringing back their discounted two-person, private, infrared sauna sessions. 216 Church Street, 1st Floor | 267-4573980 | wellnessrefineryphl.com

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021

20

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Tradesman’s and BRU Craft & Wurst

Bru and Tradesman’s are both offering a $100 package that includes a 5-foot Philly cheesesteak, an order of wings, french fries and a bucket of beer for the table to share – this special is also good at the private reserved tents! Both locations have outdoor tents with private TVs and heaters, plus, inside, they have a TV wall, a projector and multiple other TVs to view. Indoors for Tradesman’s: Watch the game in four different spaces, two different levels, and on multiple HDTVs plus a giant 10-foot media wall about the main bar. Indoor for BRU: Watch the game from seven TVs plus a projector for ample views. 1322 Chestnut Street | (267) 457-3994 | tradesmansphl.com | 1318 Chestnut Street | (215) 800-1079 | bruphilly.com

Are you ready for the Big Game this Sunday? Will you be looking to pig out while watching Brady and Mahomes toss the pigskin?

We’ve rounded up some great packages for you.

Are you ready for some football – and great food?

Craft Hall

SET NoLibs

Germantown Garden Grille Hunnies Crispy Chicken

El Camino

Philadelphia’s largest restaurant is back open and with a brand-new BBQ menu perfect for game day eats!

The game will be on with the sound throughout the entire facility. Come hungry for one of the best deals in Philadelphia with a package for $65 that includes the Game Time Tower with Buffalo Wings, Glazes Spare Ribs, Fried Cheese Curds, French Fries and Nachos – plus standard open bar (excludes premium spirits). Available for up to four people. Make your reservations by calling (267) 297-2072. 901 N. Delaware Ave. | crafthallphilly.com

Germantown Garden Grill, Hunnies Crispy Chicken, Glu Hospitality and Vesper present the Big Game under the stars in a private heated poolside Igloo and private cabanas with a $50 per person minimum with access for the igloo for an extended period of time from 6pm to the end of the game. Food specials and the menu includes everything from big cuts of steak to the red hot buffalo goodness Hunnies Crispy Chicken and everything in between. Look for beers on draft and bottle, game-day cocktails, hot drinks and more. For info, call/text 267-2140086. 1029 Germantown Avenue | gggrill.com

FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Philadelphia’s newest sports hot spot SET NoLibs in the heart of Northern Liberties hosts their first Big Game day watch celebration with big screen televisions throughout the entire dining room, plus access to televisions in the covered dining tents and at the outdoor streetery. Look for food and drink specials, including a platter for sharing at the table with your squad, including chips and salsa, four different kinds of wings (Thai Chili, Soy Garlic, Salt and Pepper, Sesame Chicken), tater tots, guacamole, season waffle fries and one beer tower that serves six pints – all for only $100 per package. 1030 N. 2nd Street | set-hospitality.com | (267) 761-9480

El Camino will offer the game on the big screens inside and outside for indoor and outdoor viewing, with the sound on and the drinks pouring. Don’t miss heated covered outdoor dining that even includes heated seats for red-hot game day action. Look for signature BBQ and Tex Mex cuisine, cocktails and 30-plus choices of beers in draft, can and bottle. (215) 925-1110 | 1040 N. 2nd St. | elcaminophilly.com

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21

Wonderspaces reopens

Philadelphia’s largest new cultural attraction is back! Wonderspaces Philadelphia is celebrating its reopening and one-year anniversary with the debut of new installations that include Akousmaflore by Scenocosme, Thank You Bags

by Reed van Brunschot, and a new VR film: Notes on Blindness: Into Darkness by Peter Middleton, James Spinney, Arnaud Colinart and Amaury La Burthe. The new artworks join popular returning exhibits, including the glowing Submergence

by Squidsoup, the sunrise and sunset of Sun by Phillip Schutte and the colorful Body Paint by Memo Akten. Tickets are for timed slots and are on sale now at philadelphia.wonderspaces.com.

From spaces reopening after the pandemic closed them to news about restaurants, films, music and more, we’ve found a number of things we think will interest you.

Image | Come Together by Michael Murphy, photo by Airi Katsuta

Catching up with upcoming events, reopenings and more Flory’s Flame

The National Museum of American Jewish History will screen the 2014 documentary, “Flory’s Flame,” about the National Heritage Fellowship Award winner and legendary Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) singer and songwriter Flory Jagoda. The screening will be followed by a short panel discussion and Q&A with Jon Lohman, longtime friend of Jagoda, director emeritus of the Virginia Folklife Program, and founder of the Center for Cultural Vibrancy; and musician Susan Gaeta who apprenticed and toured with Flory Jagoda for two decades. The one-hour documentary weaves the life story of Jagoda with her 2013 Celebration Concert at the Library of Congress. Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 1pm. | nmajh.org

Rex 1516

Philadelphia’s home for elevated Southern-inspired cuisine has expanded its service hours to include daily lunch takeout and delivery, along with a new all-day menu boasting travel-friendly Southern comfort foods and additional vegetarian and vegan options. Rex 1516’s new all-day menu from Sojourn Philly Culinary Director Lucio Palazzo and Rex 1516 Executive Chef Craig Meyers is now available MondayThursday 1-8pm, Friday and Saturday noon-9pm and Sundays from noon-8pm. Lunch service will be takeout and delivery only with outdoor dining available from 5pm to close daily. 267-319-1366. rex1516.com

Clarissa Eck: Moonlit Lives “Moonlit Lives” is a new exhibition on display at The Clay Studio featuring works by Clarissa Eck. An artist known for her detailed, spiritual art, Eck’s pottery typically depicts intricate animal forms and is rich with hermetic symbolism. Her solo exhibition features works that seek to connect our spirits with their animal and plant relatives; bridging the gap between human and nature, tame and wild. This exhibition will be on display at The Clay Studio’s Gallery Feb. 6 -28. theclaystudio.org

The Dutch

Chef Lee Styer’s popular breakfast and lunch eatery with a focus on reinventing the Pennsylvania Dutch classics is delving into the world of southern fare in honor of Black History Month with Mom Mom’s Soul Food Pop-Up benefiting a local charity led by Philadelphia-based Chef Kevin Watters every Friday in February. West Philadelphia native Kevin Watters has been the Chef at The Dutch since April 2016, cranking out Dutch and Pennsylvania Dutch classics to locals and tourists at the bustling South Philadelphia café. For February, Watters has crafted a soul food pop-up as a nod to Black History Month, and has named the event “Mom Mom’s Soul Food Pop-Up” in remembrance of his grandmother Lillian Lewis, who was 81 when she recently passed, and was known in her community as “everybody’s Mom-Mom.” The takeaway meal consists of a platter with two sides, cornbread, and one meat, all for $35 per person. thedutchphilly.com

Philadelphia-based Chef Kevin Watters will be hosting Mom Mom’s Soul Food Pop-Up every Friday in February at The Dutch in honor of Black History Month. Image | Courtesy The Dutch PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021

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“I wish it was talked about more,” says new pregnant before being cleared to have sex and mom Gabby. end up with kids 11 months apart. The hor“You get warned about lots while pregnant, mones, bonding and watching my husband but commentary on your sex life after birth love on our baby is such an aphrodisiac. Even boils down to ‘it’ll hurt the first few times’ and after having had an unplanned c-section I just ‘keep a towel nearby in case you leak.’ wanted him all the time because he was such “It’s like I’ve gone through a metamorphoa great supportive partner and an amazing sis and have to relearn who I am,” says the father. He literally had to keep reminding 36-year-old Philly resident, saying that not me that we weren’t cleared to have sex. Four only does her body feel different – like it needs months later, my drive is still higher than to be “retrained,” but on an emotional level. what it was going into pregnancy and I want She says she’s “more risk averse, less imto have another baby already. Hormones realpulsive. Which has broad life implications but ly are something! also impacts my perceptions of sex.” Gabby Mother of 3: Between nursing and my says she used to be comfortable husband’s “accidental” biting, my taking sexy pictures and posting brain ceased recognizing feeling them online, but now she’s hesiin my nipples. It wasn’t until I left tant and even shy about looking him and dated someone else that at her friends’ sexy content. “And the sensation returned. Freaky. the porn that used to turn me on Also, I was embarrassed by my doesn’t anymore.” saggy lower abdomen until a part“Pregnancy was incredibly diffiner specifically stroked it and comcult on my sex life,” she says. plimented me on having a body “I thought I was supposed to feel that tells a wonderfully human storadiant and “the sexiest I’ve ever ry. PS: I’m so fucking glad to have felt. Instead, my body didn’t feel my tits back! like my own and I stopped recogJenna, 35: When I was pregnizing myself in the mirror.” nant, I felt so confident in my body She adds that postpartum it’s – for the first time in a long time. better, “but still not 100 percent You feel like you have some sort @TIMAREE_LEIGH there. The shape of my body is of universe-ordained permission different,” Gabby says, describing to let that big round belly hang changes to her hips, rib cage, stomach and vaout because you’re growing a human being in gina. there. My husband loved how I looked preg“I have to relearn what turns me on and nant. Seeing me that way made him feel very what feels good.” virile and the sex was fantastic. With my first She says pelvic physical therapy is helpful, pregnancy and birth experience, I went full-on but it was something she only heard about mother goddess. from a friend, that no doctor or midwife had However, 29 1/2 hours of labor with an 8 lb. mentioned it.

10.5 oz. baby whose head was in the 96th per“It’s surprising how little the doctors focus centile for circumference, and the fact that my on the mother after birth,” she says. water never broke and he was a caul birth, Gabby is far from alone in having her body means my pelvic floor went through a lot. It and sexuality dramatically impacted by pregwasn’t clean and it wasn’t pretty. The tearing nancy and childbirth. I put out a call on social and the scar tissue caused me to have pretty media for experiences and was overwhelmed serious pain when we tried to have sex, FOR by a deluge of replies. It was clear that it was AN ENTIRE YEAR. My husband was increda huge topic and something that very few folks ibly patient and gentle. We took things slowly, had the opportunity to discuss freely. Here are and we basically had to stick to missionary or a few of the MANY responses, heavily edited spooning but even then, sometimes the pain for brevity. was so bad, I had to tearfully ask him to stop.

AG, 34: I can totally see how people get My body definitely changed after pregnan-

TIMAREE SCHMIT

SEX WITH TIMAREE 23

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cy/birth. While I had a new appreciation for it, and I was proud of what it had done, I was shaped differently. I’m pregnant again, this time at 16 weeks. I’m hopeful that it brings me back in touch with my body again, and that I’ll feel that awe, power and appreciation I felt the first time. Maybe I’ll find some grace, peace and forgiveness for it, too.

Emma: Pregnancy had me feeling like a teenage boy. Sex multiple times a day, either with my partner or myself, especially during the second trimester and somewhat into the third. Probably had sex eight weeks after birth...and it sucked and was painful. I went to pelvic floor PT for five months to help with scar tissue from the tearing and just abdominal tightness. Since recovering and healing, ve sex andpositions that used to feel good now don’t and The hor-positions that I never cared for are now awehusbandsome! siac. Even Holly, 39: I have a 13-year-old son. Before tion I justbeing pregnant, I would consider myself sexwas suchually active. After having him, I would say it n amazingtook about four months before I was interestremindinged in having sex again. Within a year after sex. Fourhaving him, my sex drive has gone to basically gher thanzero. I did talk to my doctor. He told me it was nd I wantjust due to having a young child and that it ones real-was normal and would go away in time. Well, here we are, years later, and my sex drive is g and mystill basically zero. biting, my Kay: Pregnancy after the first trimester ng feelingwas amazing! My hormones were pumping until I leftand I couldn’t get enough. Toward the end of else thatmy third trimester, I became a squirter. Each . Freaky.time I went to L&D thinking my water had ed by mybroken, only to be told I must have peed. I ntil a part-didn’t. t and com- After pregnancy, sex was difficult. I had ng a bodytorn and had stitches...my husband was used uman sto-to my high libido and I was stressed because I ad to havehad to stop working for six weeks – so money was tight. Then I thought breastfeeding was was preg-so “natural,” but I was struggling. Physically, n my bodyI felt different, but mentally, I was different, long time.too. Compartmentalizing is amazing, but at a some sortcertain time it takes too much energy to open ermissionup the right suitcase to enjoy your sexuality. elly hang Tiel: My coming out story happened when n being inI was pregnant the first time. The hormone oked preg-surges made me really take a look at exactm feel veryly how attracted I was to all the genders and h my firstbe honest with myself for the first time. Like ent full-onhonest enough to come out to my family.

Jessy, 39: The first half of my pregnancy th an 8 lb.sucked and it affected my sex drive because I e 96th per-just felt like shit almost all of the time. Once ct that mythat let up, I because incredibly horny and aul birth,needed sex at least daily. I was growing a huh a lot. Itman and felt empowered, radiant, etc. he tearing Once the baby was born, I wasn’t allowed to ave prettyhave sex for six weeks, which was honestly a sex, FORrelief. I didn’t put pressure on myself to try to as incred-engage sexually because the doctor had said ngs slowly,so, and I was so tired and working to nurse sionary orand care for an infant, as well as recover from s the painsurgery. Slowly, I got my libido back. m to stop.

As a parent, I’m pretty much tired all of the pregnan-time. By evening, I’m often too exhausted to

have sex. Daytime sex is much more exciting these days (though I’ve always been a fan). I nursed for 18 months. The first months were painful on my breasts and especially on nipples, so what was once a super pleasurable area became a no-touch zone. Watching porn where there was any nipple play was an immediate turn off during that time because I associated breasts with my son.

Ann, 33: One thing that I never anticipated is vaginal tenderness after a C-section delivery. Apparently it has nothing to do with the way you deliver and everything to do with hormone changes while breastfeeding. I had no idea! After recovering a bit, I went to my doctor for an IUD insertion and the nurse was impressed I didn’t flinch when it was inserted.

I didn’t feel that at all, but when she inserted the speculum I cringed hard. I was shocked and confused. It still takes a lot longer to warm up before sex since I’m still breastfeeding.

Anakis: Having a change in sexual habits throughout pregnancy and postpartum isn’t unique, but being polyamorous with two male partners and being involved in the BDSM/ kink community is a little less than typical.

Once I became pregnant, I decided to set up new boundaries, not wanting to cause my

body any unnecessary harm, and therefore dropping a lot of the BDSM side of my relationship. The shift in pace, along with the anxieties of having sex while pregnant, slowed our sexual relationship down significantly, but we managed to find intimacy and connection in other ways.

Early postpartum intimacy felt like losing my virginity again, a bit scary, but very exciting. With my sexual primary, we would do whatever we could get away with leading up to intercourse until I was cleared by my doctor to do whatever I was comfortable with.

My breasts have grown much more sensitive and I found nipple stimulation much more pleasurable while pregnant and postpartum.

It was very reassuring knowing that I was loved and seen as beautiful even when I felt unrecognizable compared to my pre-motherhood body. Overall, I am still making peace with the body motherhood has given me. It took awhile for me to stop mourning my pre-pregnancy shape, and some days I still miss it. Even if my breasts may never be as round and perky as they once were, they are able to perform the miracle of feeding my daughter. My stomach may never look the same but why should it? My body did something so complicated and complex, it’s difficult

“Pregnancy had me feeling like a teenage boy. Sex multiple times a day, either with my partner or myself, especially during the second trimester and somewhat into the third.”

to fully comprehend. Motherhood really is a superpower, so I try my best to be patient with myself and embrace the “mom-bod” I have earned.

Hillary: As a fat woman, I’ve struggled with body image my entire life. This, as one might imagine, played a role in how I felt about my body during sex and while pregnant.

I think, oftentimes, it was hard to feel “in the moment” for a lot of things because I was so worried about how I looked. Pregnancy as a fat woman was difficult because of physicians, not even myself. However, I had an incredibly easy pregnancy. I started to feel frustrated with the lack of support and representation of fat pregnant bodies in the media, so I started taking photos of myself. And it actually became this empowering thing, loving the amazing things my body was doing, how capable and strong it is. Sixteen hours of labor, one 8 lb. baby later, I felt strange in this new body all over again. I struggled with feeling sexy, sexual, and even just an identity beyond being a walking milk machine for a tiny baby. I found a creative outlet in makeup and began to find passions again and also just to focus on what my body had accomplished.

Kristy: Having a traumatic birthing experience, hemorrhage, made me furious about how we treat and talk (or not talk) about women’s health during and after pregnancy. This anger fueled me to speak out more, which has led to me feeling more empowered, and I think this played a huge part in how I expect to be treated now. I refuse to allow this beautiful, though slightly broken, body to be objectified or unappreciated. After giving birth, I know the true strength of a woman, and I appreciate it more.

Tea: I have been extremely lucky, nothing much changed in my body because of the two pregnancies and childbirths. I didn’t gain any weight, I didn’t get any stretch marks and I recovered really quickly from both. My sex drive has always been very high, and this never changed. Actually now I feel more sexual than ever, and we are trying more new things than ever before (such as group sex with other people).

With kids, I care even less what other people think about me and this has been very good for my sexuality as well. I did get some permanent problems with pooping as I had to be cut in both childbirths, but this is something that no one else can notice unless I tell them.

Beth, 47: After my second child was born, my sex drive was zero. I felt like no one warned me that having children would be the greatest challenge to my relationship, sense of self and stamina.

I felt washed up. Things improved once the kids got a little older. My husband and I started working out, hanging out and having more fun. Thankfully, the embers were fanned into a flame and after 18 years with the same partner, we have more fun now than ever.

Have a question for Timaree? Send an email to asktimaree@philadelphiaweekly.com.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021

24

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Alleyway activity Workers move about on the 1700 block of Chancellor Street in the Rittenhouse neighborhood in late December. Talya Amati Lewis, a street photographer who spends a lot of time in Philly and New York, snapped this because she said the back alleys of Philly draw her in “as this gritty infrastructure of the urban landscape where many may peer down but few will venture.� Have a photo for the Big Pic? Email it to news@ philadelphiaweekly.com or tag us on social at #PWBigPic.

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Apartments for Rent

13TH & LOCUST AREA1 BR, 2nd fl. front, a/c & carpet $950 + util. Available Immediately. 215-384-4202

8500 BUSTLETON AVE. Corner of Evart St. Winter Special 1 & 2 BR $875 - $1,200. Water & gas included. 215-742-2261 Grant Garden Apartments Winter Special, upgraded 1 & 2 BR, 1 BA. $800 - $1050 includes water. Laundry rm on site. Off of Blvd. 215-464-6411

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 February 9th, 2021 at approx. 6:00 PM: www.storagetreasures.com: E462 Anthony Bayne C346 Katharine Knott G634 Corey Palmer

Houses for Rent

Career Opportunity

23XX BONSALL - RANCHER 2BR, 1 BA, handicap accessible, recently renovated. Call 215-467-0495

Now Hiring Maintenance Technician Ingerman Management Company is seeking a Maintenance Technician with 2+ years of construction - maintenance experience for our Willows at Wissahickon Property in Philadelphia, PA. We offer, full medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits.

Company-paid life and AD&D insurance. 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Paid time off. Apply online ingerman.com/careers

SOUTHBROOK House & apt. for rent. No pets. $1300/mo.+ utils. Call 215-4320333 or 215-858-6569.

Windows

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

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Call Eileen

215-465-7525 General Employment

FLAGGERS ($12.50/hr) Traffic Plan seeks Flaggers to set up and direct traffic around construction sites. A valid PA driver license and clean driving record a must, good pay and benefits. If interested please fill out an application at 510 Hertzog Blvd, King of Prussia, PA on MondayĘźs 9am - 12pm or online at trafficplan.com.

PREP COOK 40 hour shifts available for immediate hire. Must have experience. Good candidates will advance to the cooks line. Apply in person: The Dining Car, 8826 Frankford Ave. or Email: Thediningcar@aol.com

SECRETARY/ LEASING AGENT - F/T Located in Springfield/ Norristown. Pleasant person with good phone skills, to show apts., process applications, minimal secretarial work.

Email resume to: nsgprop@gmail.com or Call 732-886-6830

General Employment

Legal Notice

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

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL DIVISION No. 200200611 CUBEYOND SOLUTIONS, LLP

Public Notice

Defendant.

AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to modify an existing telecommunications facility on an existing smokestack located at 7500 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania 19119 (N40° 3’ 53.9� and W75° 11’ 48.5�). AT&T Mobility, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the proposed undertaking may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under National Historic Preservation Action Section 106. Comments pertaining specifically to historic resources may be sent to Impact7g, Inc., Attention Ms. Casey Radke at 9550 Hickman Road, Suite 105, Clive, IA 50325 or call 515-4736256. Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice. NE 852/CR

If you wish to defend, you must enter a written appearance personally or by attorney and file your defenses or objections in writing with the court. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you without further notice for the relief requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you.

YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.

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CASHIER/ BARTENDER P/T second shift.

Apply in person: The Dining Car, 8826 Frankford Ave. or email: Thediningcar@aol.com

DELI HELP NEEDED Including Grill person, Counter help, Cashier, all positions. Exp req'd. Deli located in South Phila. Call 856-905-4830

DRIVERS AllThree's Luxury Sedan & Taxicab looking for professional drivers. High income.

Set your own hrs. Please call M-F. 10a-4p. 215-333-1111

WAITRESS/ WAITER FT/PT Day & Night Shifts.

Apply in person: The Dining Car 8826 Frankford Ave. or email: Thediningcar@aol.com

MAINTENANCE TECH Must have knowledge of plumbing, painting & some electrical. Prior maintenance exp. necessary. Salary commensurate with exp. Email: nsgprop@gmail.com

classifieds@philadelphiaweekly.com PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021

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REAL ESTATE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY                                                                                     

                                                                                  

                                                                            

                                                                        

                                                                                   

                                                                                      

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FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

REAL ESTATE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

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You can either

go climb a

tree or. . .

REAL ESTATE

REGGIE Historic neighborhood

Go Solo. If you’re ready to move up to a bigger house, and the thought of dealing with real estate agents has you up a tree, call Solo Real Estate.

We can move you up at a price you can afford. So when you’re ready to put down new roots, give us a call.

$1,575 / 399ft2 - Center City Studio. 1401 Arch Street. Located in Philadelphia’s historic Center City neighborhood, One City offers modern elegance with timeless grandeur. With views of Philadelphia’s City Hall, and just steps away from Philly locations such as the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Reading Terminal Market and Love Park. One City offers the most discerning residents the ultimate living experience. Inside this historic building, located at 1401 Arch Street, each apartment residence holds unique original features coupled with contemporary sophistication. Thoughtful design details include custom built-in storage, stainless steel appliances, and modern connectivity offering luxury and convenience to a range of lifestyles. Control is always at your fingertips with your app based smart home features including keyless entry. With community spaces for every activity One City offers multiple lounges and entertainment experiences.

Our tech-connected fitness center, lobby lounge, and roof top sky lounge with demo kitchen enhances your city life.

Immerse yourself in the historical architecture, modern convenience and innovative charms that One City has to offer. Be one with the city. Amenities Include: Guest Suites.

Fully Equipped Kitchens. Additional Storage Available. In Unit Washer & Dryer. Rooftop Sundeck. Custom Built-In & Historic Detailing. Interior & Exterior Entertainment Lounges. Stainless Steel Appliances. Quartz Countertops.

Dapper Lounge. Smart Thermostat. Bike Storage. Call: (844) 204-7536.

New two-bedroom

$1,600 / 2br - 930ft2 - Brand New 2 Bedroom Condo for Rent in Center City. 211 N. Camac Street. Brand-new 2 bedroom condominium with 1 full bath in the heart of Center City. Gorgeous custom-kitchen with granite countertop and stainless appliances, opens to the spacious living/dining area, premium hardwood floors throughout . Additional features include a private laundry room and individual heating and air conditioner units. This building is conveniently located in the Center City district, just across from PA Convention with plenty of restaurants and nightlife to choose from, walking distance to shopping mall, Greyhound Bus Station, Jefferson Train Station and still bustling Reading Terminal Market. 267-912-7888.

Close to everything

Call us at 215-564-7656 or visit solorealty.com.

2017 Chancellor Street Philadelphia, PA 19103

$1,300 / 1br - 800ft2 - Amazing Condo unit for Rent at 1010 Race St. Come see this bright and spacious 1 bed corner unit at 1010 Race Street! Close to everything you need including convenience stores, grocery stores, public transit, shopping, bars, restaurants, and more. This is the ultimate urban living location! This is a condominium for anyone looking to live in the heart of downtown Center City. Beautiful and spacious 1 bedroom 1 bathroom condo with tall ceilings, exposed wood beams, exposed brick, hardwood floors, HUGE three windows, providing tons of natural light. The cozy kitchen has plenty of cabinet space and has an opening to the living room for easily handing food or drinks. The unit features refrigerator, washer, dryer, central heating and air conditioning. 267-912-7888.

Steps from Center City

$2,945 / 2br - 1181ft2 - Spacious Two Bedroom Just Steps Away From Center City (Available Now)! 1000 South Broad Street. Experience Philadelphia’s newest square. A location with a rich and storied history, Lincoln Square is a unique destination at the crossroads of Center City and South Philly, just steps away from all that Philadelphia has to offer.

Amenities Include: Package Delivery Locker System. Openair Lounge. Media Room. Resident Guest Suite. Conference Rooms. Dog Wash Station. Grills. Rooftop Fireplace Hearth.

Fire Pits. Yoga Studio. Rooftop Fitness Area. Bike Workshop and Bike Storage. Call: (833) 295-9823.

Want to list your apartment with Real Estate Reggie?

For only $75, you get 100 words to describe your place. For only $125, you get 100 words, plus a photo. Need something more or different?

Reggie can make it happen. happen Deadline is every Monday at 10 am for Thursday’s issue. Email him at REReggie@philadelphiaweekly.com for details.

Granite countertops

$1,595 / 1br - 764ft2 - Luxury Art Deco Building in Center City - Limited Time Specials. 117 N. 15th near Arch/ Cherry. Great Views. Spacious Floor Plan. Wood Plank Flooring. Granite Countertops. Stainless Steel Appliances.

Garbage Disposal. Microwave. Dishwasher. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Pet Friendly (Restrictions Apply). State-of-the-art Fitness Center. Indoor Basketball Court. Roof Deck with Amazing City Views. Conference Room. Resident Lounge/ Multi-Purpose Room. On Site Maintenance. 24/7 Lobby Attendant. Convenient Location. Up to Two Months Free!

Net effective rent includes applicable special. Deposit must be made on or before 1/31/21. Move-in within 30 days.

Metropolian-living.com.

Pet friendly and luxurious

$2,215 / 1br - 860ft2 - Pet Friendly Center City Luxury Apartments Available Now! 300 Alexander Court. Features: Walk-In Closets. Custom cabinetry in Kitchens. Stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops in Kitchens.

Views of Center City Philadelphia from select apartments.

Open-concept floor plans. Spacious studio-, one-, two-, and three- bedroom apartment homes available. In-home washers and dryers. Wood-Like Flooring throughout apartment. Oversized windows for extra light. Picturesque terraces and balconies in select apartments. Community Amenities: On-Site Underground Parking Garage. Bike Storage with Mechanic Station. 2nd Floor landscaped terrace with BBQ Grilling Stations. On-Site Management.

Fitness Center with Cardio Equipment. Package Receiving.

Penthouse and Townhomes available. Valet Laundry Service Available. Pet Grooming Station. Public Art Landscaping. Roof Terrace with Observation Deck. Storage available. 24-hour Concierge. Refreshing, Spa-Inspired Indoor Pool. Access controlled garage parking. Children’s Play Room. Smoke Free Building. TV Lounge. Lavish Community Clubroom with Demonstration Kitchen.

Pet Friendly. Pet Policy: The Alexander is a pet-friendly community. Call Now: (215) 596-4234 x 104.

Surrounded by culture

$1,385 / 1br - 500ft2 - Delightful 1 bedroom - Center City.

235 S. 15th Street. Beautifully restored mid-rise building just steps from Center City’s Avenue of the Arts! Vida.

1600 Walnut is surrounded by the performing arts and numerous other cultural venues. Known for its popular restaurants and nightlife spots, Midtown Philadelphia is a fun and exciting place to live. Just steps away from some of Philadelphia’s best culinary experiences, you will revel in the hustle and bustle of Center City life! FEATURES: Fully-equipped kitchens with dishwashers and breakfast bar. Marble baths. On-site laundry. Washer & dryer in select units. AMENITIES: Fully-equipped fitness facility. Resident bike storage. Secure package room. On-site property management. Pet friendly. SERVICES: Online resident portal featuring rent payments and work order entry for your convenience. NEIGHBORHOOD: Local attractions include Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, Walnut Street shopping, and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Local universities include Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Jefferson University. Rittenhouse Square Park Farmer’s Market, Parc, Rouge, Dandelion, Garces Trading Company, El Vez, and Sampan offer exceptional dining within a few blocks. Easy access to Market East SEPTA station and SEPTA bus routes, routes I-95 and 76. (267) 896-5838.

Two full baths

$3,000 / 3br - Center City Townhome 3 Bedrooms. N. 22nd. St. near Race. 2 Stories. 3 Bedrooms. Over 1800 Square Feet. 2 Full bathrooms, 1 Powder Room. Eat In Kitchen. Living Room/Dining Room Area. Hardwood Floors.

Fireplace. Central AC. Patio. Laundry Room. 1 Parking Space. No Pets. No Smoking. Lovely property, outstanding landlord, fabulous neighborhood. (610) 667 - 1122 x 101.

Rittenhouse life

$1,564 / 1br - Live the Rittenhouse Life! 1bdrm in the Heart of Center City! Welcome to 1809 Spruce! Home to a lovely one bedroom in a charming brownstone. This apartment is a must see for those looking to experience everything that Center City has to offer! 1809 Spruce Street is conveniently located in Center City, just one block from Rittenhouse Square and central to Philadelphia’s best parks, bars, restaurants, and shops! This apartment features unique vintage details, a flat utility fee, on-site laundry, and intercom entry. Apt 1RE, Available Now! $1564/month (Includes heat, water, gas, sewer, and trash removal. Resident is responsible for electric, cable, and internet.) Call today to set up a tour! (215) 735-8030. 1809 Spruce Features: Spacious Closets. Large Windows. Ceiling Fan. Air Conditioning. Gas Cooking. Cable Ready (Comcast or Fios). On-site Laundry with easy to use pay from your phone app. Secure Intercom Entry. 24 Hour Emergency Maintenance. Complimentary Package Acceptance Service. Awesome Center City Location. Easily Accessible Public Transportation/Bike Share. Running, Walking & Bike Path nearby. Cats & Dogs Welcome! Blocks away from CC Dog Parks. Online Maintenance Portal and Rent Payment.

Online Application and Lease. No Move-in Fee.

Ready for tenants

$975 Cozy Studio in Center City with Easy Access Highway.

1324 Locust Street 802. This 8th floor studio apartment is ready for tenants! Enter into the carpeted apartment and be greeted with large windows for natural light and high ceilings. Your tiled bathroom with tub/shower combo is on the left when entering. Electric stove and mini fridge are in the kitchen. The furniture currently in the unit is an additional fridge, table and 2 chairs. (These can be removed if tenant wants!) Nice closet space is next to the kitchen area. The open floor plan has nice molding and panel detailing. You’ll be right in the center of the action in the Arts Condominium. Just steps from Broad Street’s Avenue of the Arts, offering some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment in the city, this unit has all you need to live comfortably. There’s public transportation to anywhere just outside your door, building amenities including a fitness center, laundry room, 24-hour desk attendant, hair salon and free internet in the lobby, common room with couches and meeting space, and much more right around every corner! About The Neighborhood: Centrally located just off Broad Street, and walkable to a long list of convenient and fun neighborhood favorites. The iconic Avenue of the Arts is home to big names like the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, Wilma Theater, University of the Arts, Suzanne Roberts Theatre, amazing eateries like City Diner, Sumo Sushi, Big Gay Ice Cream, Giorgio on Pine, Volvér, and hotspots such as Woody’s, Fox & Hound, Howl at the Moon, and MUCH more! Jg-realestate.com.

True luxury

$3,444 / 3br - 1500ft2 - Truly Luxurious Center City Apartment - 3 BR/2.5 BA - UNRIVALED. 12th Street near Vine Street. Goldtex Apartments | 315 N 12th Street. This spacious, brand new 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom is the definition of luxury. Amazing features include: Dramatic 14’ ceilings. Built-in kitchen appliances, including wine fridge.

Quartz counters. LED overhead lighting and ceiling fans.

Exotic hardwood flooring throughout. Extra-large master bedroom closet. Washer/dryer in apartment. Building amenities include: Rooftop pool and hot tub. Rooftop fitness center. Rooftop deck. Resident lounge. 24-hour concierge. Pet friendly. Bicycle storage. Onsite available parking. You have to see this place in person! Call today for a tour. (215) 883-1025.

Best shopping

$1,595 / 1br - 740ft2 - ONE BEDROOM, CENTER CITY, Move In Specials!. 1900 Arch. Center City Philadelphia offers the region’s best shopping, restaurants, and cultural experiences. Home to the Rittenhouse Square, Logan Square, and City Hall districts, Center City is the perfect choice for those looking to work or attend school in the city. Location, lifestyle, and luxury! This 14-story rental community features more than 300 1- and 2-bedroom luxury apartments in Center City’s Logan Square neighborhood. Located just steps away from the new Comcast Center, 1900 Arch offers a resident roof deck, a public courtyard, a state-of-the-art fitness center, resident lounge, and an underground parking garage. Features: Hardwood floors throughout. Modern, fully-equipped kitchens with granite countertops, GE stainless steel appliances, glass tile backsplash, Grohe gooseneck faucets, under-mounted sinks, and breakfast bar. Full-size Bosch washer and dryer in each apartment.

High-efficiency, individually controlled A/C and heat. High ceilings and expansive double pane windows with natural lighting. Custom window shades. Cable-ready. High-speed Internet. Amenities: State-of-the-art fitness center with flat screen TVs. Entertainment lounge featuring Wi-Fi, leather club chairs, billiards, shuffleboard, and gas fireplace.

Fully furnished resident sky deck. Resident courtyard with fire pits. Dog-walking and pet-sitting services available. Resident bike storage. Bike-share program.

Green roofs. Elevator. Pet friendly. Dog Park. Services: Front desk attendant. 24-hour emergency maintenance.

24-hr doorman. On-site property management. Valet underground parking. Package-acceptance service.

Grocery delivery available. Laundry and dry-cleaning delivery services. On-site merchants. Online resident portal featuring rent payments and work order entry for your convenience. Neighborhood: Local attractions include Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, Walnut Street Shopping, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and Schuylkill River Park. Situated closely to the Comcast Center, One Liberty Place, Two Liberty Place, and Logan Square. Local universities include Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Jefferson University. Rittenhouse Square Park Farmer’s Market, Parc, Rouge, Dandelion, Garces Trading Company, El Vez, and Sampan offer exceptional dining within a few blocks. Easy access to Market East SEPTA station and SEPTA bus routes, and routes I-95 and 76. (267) 634-0472.

Near Temple

$1,100 / 2br - Two Bedrooms available for rent near Center City (1210 N. Carlisle St.) Two bedroom two bathroom apartment available near Temple University.

Close to all public transportation, Fresh Grocery, Aldi, laundromat right across the street. Each bedroom has its own private bathroom, closet, and also sharing kitchen/ living room. $1100/month. Water included. First month, last month, and one month security deposit. $60 credit check required. Please call to schedule an appointment.

(201)-889-0583.

Center City view

$1,995 / 1br - 1175ft2 - Center City View in This 1Bd. 1.5Ba. Bi Level Loft Den. The Packard. 317 N. Broad Street. In-Unit Washer/dryer. Dishwasher. Garbage disposal. Wood floors. Granite countertops. Stainless steel appliances.

New fitness center. Business center. Community room.

24 hr. front desk. 24 hr. emergency maintenance. On-site management. Attached garage parking ($225/month).

Located near Drexel. All this in a great location plus free membership to METROFIT. Philadelphia’s largest residential fitness facility complete with a fully restored 1928 basketball court, stretching room and showers located just a few blocks away at The Metropolitan!

Conveniently located in downtown Philadelphia with easy access to public transportation and all major highways.

Stop by today! 267-606-9246.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | FEBRUARY 4 - 11, 2021

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