PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020

FREE | JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020

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Despite DACA ruling, recipients still live with a great deal of uncertainty

Living the DREAM? COVINK: Philly tattoo studios ready to get back to work after pandemic | Page 14

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FROM THE EDITOR

Explosions in the sky T

hey start at about 8 p.m., and one I’m finding in all of these forums that neighnight kept going strong until 2 bors actually agree on. From old to new, even the ones that boast their multi-decade a.m. While they make for a great spectacle if you are lucky enough presence in the same home all agree that the nightly display has become a nuisance to our to watch from a rooftop, the way of life. sounds of mortars shooting off Even deeper are the discussions referencinto the night sky is something to ing those living with post-traumatic get used to. stress from being a war veteran or Especially, if you’re not from even someone who’s lived with gun Philadelphia. violence. PTSD is terrifying in its In the wake of ongoing protests own right and so I hope that someand demonstrations that have lastone who reads this who takes part ed over a month in the aftermath of in firing up an M-80, considers what George Floyd’s death, cities across that cacophony does to the psyche the country have taken part in a of someone who believed the first not so silent, silent protest by way time they heard it, it might be their of setting off professional-grade last day alive. fireworks into the wee hours of the To me, that’s why this is an issue. morning. While there’s no section Not all the complaints of scared of Philadelphia that isn’t subject to dogs. I’m sorry I can’t help but a fireworks show from time to time, chuckle inwardly at the people gripit’s been the rapidity of the nighting about their dog having to hide ly affair and the fact that the block under the bed because of the boom. sounds like a war zone that has res@SPRTSWTR That’s what Thundershirts are for idents old and new upset over the and there are a number of local scene, one that from a severe lack of small business pet stores that could use your sleep has caused severe anger. love if you need one.

In some sections, residents have even taken If you look at it from something we can all to the streets to seek out people setting them off, dousing water on displays that can cost align on, I actually think the fireworks are a hundreds of dollars. Facebook neighborhood good thing. Maybe not for the lack of sleep, the forums are ablaze with people furiously typ- fear of injury from all of the amateurs setting ing their frustrations, getting into epic argu- them off, or the trash from the empty mortar ments, and in some cases even threats of vi- boxes left on sidewalk corners and parking olence aimed at what was described in one as lots, but the fact that this event is bringing neighbors together. “keyboard warriors.”

People are actually talking to each other While the city hasn’t announced its plan for cracking down on firework offenders, states not just virtually but in person. I took out my like New York have already announced plans trash the other day at the same time as my to go to the source, seeking out the merchants neighbor, I asked him how he’s doing and it turned into a 10-minute conversation about themselves and imposing fines on those the neighborhood sounding like Operation caught selling illegal fireworks, like the kind that rattle your house at 1 a.m. and wake you Desert Storm.

So while they don’t really bother me, I know out of a dead sleep, forcing you to get out of bed and watch ESPN 30 for 30 documentaries they bother Philly because we’re talking about it. If there is glass half full look at it, perhaps until the sun comes up. that’s one to consider.

Oh, wait, maybe that’s just me.

Until next week, Philadelphia.

At any rate, this may be the one thing that

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020

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STATE OF OUR CITY

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STATE

The number of meals an initiative called Project Isaiah has helped to distribute throughout Philadelphia to area hospitals, food banks and the city. The nationwide effort, which partners with airline food service provider Gate Gourmet, has a quasi-local tie in that former Eagles wide receiver Cris Carter is lending a helping hand. So far, organizations like St. Christopher’s Hospital, Philabundance and more have all benefited from Project Isaiah.

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CITY Philly punks for Black Lives We have to give this shoutout to the Philly punk community, which has rallied to scream on behalf of the unjust treatment given to Black and Brown people at the hands of police. In Philadelphia, 19 bands led by Philly’s own legendary group Dead Milkmen have just dropped the second of two compilations to benefit the Amistad Law Project and the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund. The album, called 19 Notes on a Broken System, is available on Bandcamp for preview and lovers can purchase the full digital album or commemorative cassette tape (you know, cuz punk) for just $10.

200,000 The horrific number of times bullets riddled the body of a 15-year-old boy Monday night as gunfire exploded outside his home in the Francisville section of North Philadelphia. Miraculously, this young man, who was one of two teens affected by the shooting, is listed in stable condition at Temple University Hospital.

At the time of this report, the police had no suspects. Here’s hoping they found the fuckers by the time you read this.

OF OUR

17 Dan McDonough, Jr. Chairman & Publisher Kerith Gabriel Editor in Chief

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

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STATE OF OUR CITY

She said it...

“I will not allow the actions of some individuals within this organization to undermine the efforts that we are trying to make as an organization moving forward during this time. I don’t need distractions internally to take away from what we’re trying to accomplish as well.”

– The words of Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw after she viewed video for the first time of city SWAT team officers ripping off the masks of protesters and purposefully pepper spraying them in the face.

Lowering the boom Earlier this week, city officials announced that Philadelphia has canceled its massive Independence Day fireworks in concert with the Wawa Welcome America Celebration. It would be a sad thing if Philly wasn’t playing witness to a nightly fireworks display in just about every section outside of Center City. Considering the city is in dire financial straits, it looks like this is the one thing they need not worry about since the block is already providing.

OVERHEARD IN PHILLY

“Honestly? Bill Cosby getting a new trial shouldn’t make any black person say the justice system isn’t fair ever again.”

— Yeah, we’re not sure that’s exactly true considering the former high-profile actor turned convicted rapist has buckets of cash to throw at the best lawyers, all of whom have the energy to focus on this case, but we didn’t have the time, or frankly the energy, to get into it with this person in Northern Liberties, Tuesday. We’re just going to chalk it up to a lack of education and the history of black and brown people in this country when it comes to judicial proceedings and leave it at that.

NM-00428291

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020

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Breath of fresh air DACA recipients happy with Supreme Court ruling, but it's not a fix-all

A

Karina Ambartsoumian-Clough, who lives and works in Philadelphia, says while she’s happy that protections were given to Dreamers like her in the recent support ruling, it’s really “a Band-Aid” on the bigger issue that is immigration reform. | Image courtesy: Karina Ambartsoumian-Clough

JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

lthough she has – and now and economic despair in the collapsing Soviet Union. After three different appeals, a Philawill be able to retain – delphia immigration court denied the family DACA status, Philadelphia citizenship, but the Ukrainian embassy did resident Karina Ambartnot recognize Ambartsoumian-Clough’s birth soumian-Clough, 32, is techcertificate. nically stateless.

“I am stateless, meaning that there is no In a landmark decision on country in the world under the June 18, the Supreme application of a law that recogCourt ruled to block nizes me as a citizen,” AmbartPresident Trump’s COURTENAY HARRIS BOND soumian-Clough said. “The Unitplan to rescind the ed States does not have any legal Deferred Action for framework or recognition or pathChildhood Arrivway to protection for someone that is stateless. als program known as DACA, which protects undocument- The country I was born in no longer exists. ed immigrants brought to to The country that replaced it does not recognize me in the country and now doesn’t have the United States as children.

However, while this ruling any pathway for me.”

So Ambartsoumian-Clough and her famprovides some breathing ily lived undocumented in the United States space for DACA recipients, or for years, until she was an adult and learned “Dreamers,” a lot of questions she could apply to DACA, which allowed her remain about the fate of this to live and work lawfully in this country – a population.

Born of Armenian and status for which she and other recipients have had to re-apply for every two years since the Ukrainian ethnic background, statute was instituted by President Obama in she came to the United States with her parents when 2012. Researchers estimate that there are beshe was just 8, and tween 650,000 and 800,000 DACA recipients in escaped per- the U.S. A recent report by the Center for Migration Studies of New York estimates that secution approximately 218,000 potentially stateless people, or people at risk for statelessness, live in the United States.

To gain DACA status, individuals must have been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; have arrived in the United States before their 16th birthdays; have continuously lived in the United States since June 15, 2007, to the present; have had no lawful status on June 15, 2012; be currently attending school, have graduated or obtained a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate, or be an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces; and have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, among other requirements.

DACA is not a path to citizenship, and it was in legal limbo after Trump ordered it terminated in 2017. It wound its way through the courts until earlier this month when the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to maintain the program. Until this ruling, however, DACA recipients had been fretting about their uncertain status and not knowing what their futures

might look like, in addition to experiencing all the anxieties of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a sort of double-whammy of worry for these individuals.

Prior to last Thursday’s ruling, both the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) declined to comment on the status of DACA recipients due to the pending litigation.

“Philadelphia stands with DACA recipients across the country,” Philadelphia Mayor Kenney said immediately following the June 18 ruling. “DACA recipients came out of the shadows, and many of them are thriving as students and young professionals, contributing to the progress of our cities. They are a vital part of our communities. Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a huge victory for Dreamers across the country. In Philadelphia, we respect DACA recipients and all immigrants who choose to call our city home; we love them, and we will continue fighting for them and their families.”

Jorling Sarria, 24, who came to Philadelphia with his parents from Nicaragua when he was 9, became a DACA recipient at 18.

“My feeling with the Supreme Court decision, I’m just relieved and having faith that later or sooner something better will come out from DACA, because DACA is good and everything, but DACA only helps us so much.”

For instance, Sarria, who works in a tax office and even does some modeling on the side, said he would like to be able to visit Nicaragua and his roots but is unable to as a DACA recipient without special permission.

Maria Sotomayor, deputy director of the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition, a Philadelphia-based advocacy organization that supports the rights of immigrants and refugees, said that waiting for the Supreme Court ruling was incredibly taxing for DACA recipients.

“You can believe this causes a lot of anxiety and stress on both our members and also their families, especially through this uncertain time, through a pandemic where a lot of people have been left behind from support from the government, or are also having trouble just being able to feed their families or support their families or have even access to health care during this time,” Sotomayor said. “So, we find ourselves in a very difficult situation, not knowing what’s going to be happening and

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PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY being able to advocate for the immigrant community at this moment.”

Even before coronavirus hit the world, “it felt very lonely for a long time,” Ambartsoumian-Clough said. “I felt lonely, isolated…

I did not know anyone outside of me, my own immediate family [who was stateless]…It feels like you don’t belong. It doesn’t feel like you can be involved in anything. The idea of civil society, you don’t belong. Your voice is not heard.”

Ambartsoumian-Clough went to college for one year but was unwilling to take on more debt without knowing what her long-term status would be. She has worked in the restaurant industry and with nonprofits, including the one she is now heavily involved with, United Stateless, a national organization led by stateless people whose mission is to build community among those affected by statelessness and to advocate for their human rights.

“I try to remind myself everything’s going to be OK, but that’s little lies you tell yourself because I’m scared to be undocumented again,” Ambartsoumian-Clough said before Thursday’s ruling. “It’s giving me such anxiety… What’s going to happen next week? Is there any end in sight, or is it just not an option to garner any type of status?... Even with my marriage to a U.S. citizen and my family, is there any pathway for me here?

“I was brought here when I was 8…Now I’m 32. This issue has just followed me my whole life. And it feels like a Greek tragedy... I have no control over it.”

Sotomayor stressed that when people think about immigrants as essential workers during the pandemic, such as doctors, nurses, and hospital staff, that it was also important to remember that all immigrants are essential and that many were anxious about waiting for a decision on DACA while living and working through a pandemic.

“They’re working at grocery stores, cleaning, and so many other things,” Sotomayor said before the decision. “We have farmworkers who are in the field, who are also getting sick and not getting much support. So, I think it’s important to acknowledge that it goes beyond just the medical area. And then also not knowing if there’s going to be a decision happening, whether they’re going to have a job or not, and then also the well-being of their families.”

Sarria said that despite the pandemic, the limbo of waiting for the Supreme Court ruling, and the institutionalized racism in this country that has raised a recent outcry, he had been feeling optimistic that the Supreme Court would take a stance in favor of DACA and that ultimately, something better for Dreamers will come out of the decision.

“I always say it’s a great time to be alive because right now we are witnessing history,” Sarria said. “We are witnessing something new.”

Ambartsoumian-Clough said the ultimate goal should not be the indefinite extension of

7

Jorling Sarria, who has two jobs, one of which is as a model, says the knowledge that he’s not able to ever visit his native Nicaragua due to his DACA status is as unnerving as not being able to view it as a true home.

Image courtesy: Jorling Sarria

DACA, which is just a “Band-Aid on a huge problem.”

Instead, she agrees with Lilo, Sarria, and Sotomayor that Congress needs to pass comprehensive immigration reform and that these matters cannot be forgotten even amidst a pandemic. Allowing the undocumented community access to citizenship is critical, Sotomayor said.

“Racism and discrimination infect people,” Sotomayor said. “Citizenship is one of those things that are needed. But we also need to make sure that people have access to health care, education, and home security, job security, and so on, just like any other American in this country wants and deserves. The same thing [should be true] for the immigrant community.”

This story is a part of the Philadelphia Weekly Behind the Frontlines series, which aims to look at the lives of other essential workers forgotten in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Behind the Frontlines is delivered in partnership with WHYY and Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project among 23 news organizations, focused on Philadelphia’s push towards economic justice. Read more of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org\

Daiana Lilo, 20, is a DACA recipient who studies at Harvard. Lilo was born in Greece, but the U.S. government wouldn’t recognize her birth certificate because her parents are Albanian.

Image courtesy: Daiana Lilo PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020

8

VOICES

OF OUR

CITY

Up North, Jim Crow Philly The City of Philadelphia is the largest impoverished Black majority city in America. Philadelphia has a segregationist wage (slave) tax that exploits and oppresses Blacks at higher levels than whites. The Philadelphia Resident Wage Tax is 3.871 percent, while the Non-Resident Wage and Net Profit Tax will increase to 3.5019 percent. A majority of the suburban commuters are white and are employed in higher compensated industries than their Black Philadelphia residents.

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE SHOUT OUT

Blacks have the highest rates of unemployment, underemployment and poverty in Philadelphia. Blacks also own and operate fewer businesses and industries in the city.

The Wage Tax is a continuation of America’s racist and white supremacist assault on Blacks. This Wage Tax severely harms and impoverished Blacks and rewards white suburban commuters and corporations at Blacks’ expense. This is an unjust and discriminatory practice that needs to be abolished.

Hakim Fulmore | Philadelphia

Choices in Philly Image | Fábio Alves

My home is sooooooooooooooo white, we glow pale pink in the sunshine.

Several months before George Floyd was killed, at about 3am, a black man entered this home, uninvited and unwanted. Within seconds, his face and chest were up against the door, arms behind his back. He was unable to answer simple questions. My son wrestled him outside and called 911, requesting a silent response – no lights or sirens. He asked the officers to take him to an E.R. My son refused to press charges.

Two days later, the black man knocked on my door. He apologized for causing trouble. He made no excuses for being on PCP, “I made a bad decision.” He acknowledged that my son and I had choices regarding what happened next, after he accessed our home. In Pennsylvania it’s within an occupants’ rights to use whatever means necessary to protect yourself from intruders. There was a legally

loaded firearm, a sledge hammer and a 2x4 within arm’s reach. On the night, within mere seconds of the altercations beginning, those weren’t even a consideration. He asked me to thank my son for helping him. It is obvious he was raised “right” by someone who cared.

The night/early morning before the first riots in Philadelphia, my son was on duty.

A young man was shot and dying. Instead of waiting for an ambulance, my son and his partner desperately tried to save his life.

Placed in the back of a cruiser, they drove like hell to the hospital. That young man later died, he was an 18-year-old black man, shot by his peers. His life mattered to his family and my son. There was no mention of his death in the media.

Race didn’t play a role in the behavior or actions for my son in either incident.

My son is a white man and a Philadelphia police officer.

Name withheld by request

JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Philadelphia is slowly, but surely, moving toward the “green” phase of reopening the economy.

Your turn: What’s the first thing you’re going to do when restaurants, barber shops, tattoo parlors and the like are able to resume something resembling normal?

Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com

VOICES OF OUR CITY

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How to respond in unjust times “…whosoever killed a person… it shall be as if he has killed all mankind;…” (The Holy Quran, 5:32).

The event that occurred on May 25 is absolutely horrid. George Floyd was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

What started as a peaceful protest against instances of police brutality toward people of color turned into chaos. Fires raged, storefronts were destroyed and people began looting local businesses.

The original act committed by Derek Chauvin, the police officer who killed George Floyd, was unjust, heinous and animalistic.

This is not only against all training of police officers across the nation, but this is also not at all what Islam advocates for. “Islam” means peace and obedience and has never commended murder or violence in any way, shape, or form.

The Qur’an is the perfect book and provides the perfect system of society. The verse above goes against the idea of murder completely and says that if someone kills one person, it is as if he has killed all of mankind.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him) delivered his farewell sermon in Mecca, Arabia, 1400 years ago, and said that all people were born equal and that a white person was not superior to a black, and nor was a black person superior to a white.

What the Prophet Muhammad was saying is that no man is greater or lesser than another. We are created equally and supremacy of any race should not exist. It is very unfortunate that we are living in a time where history is repeating itself and dominance of one race is seen often. Derek Chauvin should not have committed this racial crime because it completely contradicts the idea of equality. His act was against his training, the society we strive for, and basic human morality.

On Saturday, May 30, protests commenced

in Philadelphia. Police cars were set on fire, the Frank Rizzo and Benjamin Franklin statues were vandalized, businesses were broken into, and many people were physically injured.

The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who was the Promised Messiah (peace be on him), strongly believed that Jihad of the pen (responding with writings) is the most amicable response to unjust times rather than destruction and violence. All of the current protests occurring are not a good retaliation to the event regarding George Floyd.

It is terrifying to know that the dangers of the protests were so close to our father, who is a Philadelphia police officer. The patrol car that he let us sit in is the same car that was set on fire in front of the Apple Store.

The patrol car that he brought to the mosque while just stopping by, is the same patrol car that numerous protesters posed in front of while it was up in flames.

We are grateful to know that it was only the patrol car. Our father had expressed that Derek Chauvin should be charged. He should be punished. Those in the wrong should always be held accountable. It is important to remember that we should always treat each other as equals.

May God show us better times and help us overcome the unjust challenges we are witnesses to and, furthermore, give us the strength to stand up to injustice against all humans. May God protect everyone of all backgrounds from prejudice and violence.

We pray that our fathers continue to strive to keep us safe and our mothers continue to teach us these valuable Islamic lessons of equality and respect at home. We pray that we all come together in unity during these hardships. Last but not least, we pray that God gives George Floyd and his family peace.

Mariam and Yusra Ahmed | Women’s Auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community | Philadelphia Chapter

9

DACA is secure today, but for stateless people like me, the future is uncertain I was born in a country that no longer exists. The country that replaced it does not recognize me as a citizen, and the country I am living in does not have a legal framework to help people like me.

My name is Karina Gariginovna Ambartsoumian-Clough. I am a stateless person and a DACA recipient under final removal proceedings. I am married to a US-born citizen, but even so, I have no path to citizenship – because I am stateless and DACA does not provide a path to citizenship.

Article 1 of the 1954 Convention in Relation to the Status of Stateless Persons defines a stateless person as someone “who is not recognized as a national by any state under the operation of its law.” According to the Center for Migration Studies, there are an estimated 218,000 non-US citizen residents who are potentially stateless or potentially at risk of statelessness in the United States across all 50 states. Spanning the globe, the stateless population in the United States includes people from 32 countries and territories with diverse races, ethnicities and religions who may be stateless owing to discriminatory citizenship laws where they are born.

As a stateless person in the United States, I do not have citizenship in any country in the world. My statelessness even prevents my US-born husband from using his rights as a citizen to petition for his non-citizen wife to obtain a Green Card. Without a nationality or legal status, it has been nearly impossible for me to gain access to identification and employment.

Thankfully, DACA provides me access to these basic human rights. Yet, the past eight years have proven that two very different administrations are willing to use DACA recipients as political bargaining chips. Being used this way prevents me from establishing any sort of confidence that any administration is willing to prioritize meaningful immigration reform that includes recognition for stateless people in the United States.

The DACA program is not secured from future attempts to rescind it, and without protections in place in the form of established law, the Department of Homeland Security can easily target DACA recipients for removal.

As stateless people on DACA, we are vulnerable to losing access to identification and being subjected to prolonged detention because

we typically do not have access to travel documentation. Depending on the stateless person’s country or territory of origin, it is common that the country or territory either does not exist, would not issue travel documentation and/or would not recognize that person as a citizen. This puts stateless people in a situation where they cannot be deported.

While I am grateful for the Supreme Court decision, I know that, under current law, the future for DACA is not protected, even though the program provides only a bare minimum toward the basic human rights to self-identify and legally work in the United States. I am confident that there will be further attempts to end this program under the current or future administrations. I have yet to see any leading political platform that acknowledges stateless rights or sufficiently extends and protects DACA to provide a path to citizenship.

While protecting DACA and ensuring it provides a path to citizenship would help me and other stateless people with DACA, we need specific solutions to ensure all stateless people in the United States have access to their basic human rights. The recommended solutions for the stateless in the United States exist and are laid out in the 2013 UNHCR-USA and Open Society Foundations report Citizen of Nowhere: Solutions for the Stateless in the United States. The report gives specific suggestions for each branch of government and departments to alleviate this human rights crisis. Most importantly, US allies, like the United Kingdom and France, have implemented a stateless legal framework to protect and include stateless people. Simply, the solutions and resources exist for comprehensive immigration reform, but there is lack of implementation in the United States.

The proposed Refugee Protection Act of 2013 includes a provision that would allow qualifying stateless people to apply for legal status in the United States, but the bill’s advocates have been unable to move it forward toward law.

Hannah Arendt once said that the right to have rights, or the right of every individual to belong to humanity, should be guaranteed by humanity itself, and I ask the United States government, elected officials and the American people, is the combined humanity of the estimated 700,000 DACA recipients and the 218,000 stateless people enough?

Karina Gareginovna Ambartsoumian-Clough resides in Philadelphia, PA with her husband and is a founding member of United Stateless, a stateless-led national organization with a mission to build community among those affected by statelessness and advocate for their human rights.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020

10 VOICES OF OUR CITY

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Students respond to city protests, BLM

Editor’s note: Philadelphia teacher Aubrey Stewart recently had some of her current and former students write poems about the recent protests in the city and the Black Lives Matter movement. Following are several of their works.

Using my voice

By Arlette P.

George Floyd pleaded for his life but to no surprise the words he spoke were avoided- IGNORED. Head and body to the ground begging for his life but the police acted like they didn’t even hear a sound.

Now don't get me wrong for the people who protect, I do respect, but it's the ones who neglect a person for his or her color.

Not caring if a mother is losing her child, not caring if a child is losing their father.

Imagine how you would feel being told this because what happened was ferocious.

Knee to neck – that's what's being seen.

Everyone saying that was mean, but, No! I think it's cruel for people to abandon their job rules.

In all seriousness, before you see what color a person is, don't treat them like their skin they wear is a sin, because just like them you come from a mother, just like them you grow throughout the years, and just like them you shed tears, so I'm begging you...

Freeze and think,

JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

“What am I thinking?! They’re human, just like me?”

Because we all have a voice, so we should all be able to make a choice because when it’s time to plead don’t forget red is what we all bleed.

God accepts all – whether their White, Black, tall or small.

Now let me be honest, as a kid, we are told to be silent, but I can’t anymore, this world is getting too violent.

Now as an adult you can no longer hide, you have to confide about what's going on to your kid and don’t keep the truth locked under a lid because as soon as you turn on the TV all you see is chaos.

People who try and fight to be heard, left or right, no matter where you look, it won't change the fact innocent people's lives are being took.

I think everyone is wasting their time committing these crimes.

I understand that it is said that actions speak louder than words but what happens when people are dead because of the herds.

What people are doing is a choice, But there are many other ways to use your voice.

Now with everything going on our generation is obligated to speak out loud, and we really want to make you proud, but we fear no matter the tears and words being spoken, it won’t change the crowds from making their own cities broken.

I'm begging and praying that what I'm saying is enough because right now people are losing their jobs while others are being robbed.

It's devastating that we’ve come to a point where we can’t lie and say everything is okay Because we’re afraid that another innocent person is going to die the very next day You’ll see on the news that in the ground is where they lay All because one person was too small-minded didn’t care what another person had to say.

VOICES OF OUR CITY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

I Must Ask..

Together, We Say...

Racism Ends Now

What Really Matters!

By Joshua R.P.

By Khamani D.

By Marvin T.

By Sully M.

Do you murder us because of our fear?

Or your fear?

Do you murder us because of our color?

Or your color?

Do you murder us for our protection?

Or your protection?

Do you murder us for our freedom?

Or your freedom?

A country that is named United Finding it impossible to be as such.

We are from a place of disparity.

Where we lose sleep worrying that our mothers and fathers will be sent to the graveyard.

We see you posting on social media that you are disgusted But you're too timid to take action.

We riot because human beings are murdered, on camera, in cold blood.

By men sent to protect.

We riot because our pleas have been silenced We riot because we don’t know where to place our built up anger.

Yet you riot over sports teams and it is accepted blindly Your feelings matter less than our lives.

How many black deaths do we need to witness in order for change to happen?

In order for my brothers and sisters to walk down a street peacefully?

In order for my brothers and sisters to drive legally in their car?

In order for my brothers and sisters to live like every other white American?

I will not shut up. I will not sit down.

I'll stand in front of my brothers and sisters who want change in this town.

The issue will no longer remain hidden.

You need to change the system or we will change your privileged lives.

Our color is beautifulTriumphant, powerful, undefeated.

We protest peacefully, yet we still see no change.

Crazy how you'd rather see our nation burn down Then open your eyes and put your pride to the side We scream “I CAN’T BREATHE” You hear our cries, you see our pain, And even our own president hides out and doesn't want to take any blame.

It's time America stands up and makes the change!

I must ask, “Will you stand with us?”

I say” BlackLivesMatter!”

You say “BlackLives Matter!”

Together we say “BlackLivesMatter!”

“There comes a time when silence is betrayal.”

Seeing a grown man scream for his mother, beg and plead for his life... How can you silently stand by and stare?

I say “BlackLivesMatter!”

“When the color of your skin is seen as a weapon you will never be seen in this country as unarmed.”

We have been silent for too long and it’s time we make a stand with peace and harmony – not destruction and chaos. Our weapon of choice, is our voice!

I say “BlackLivesMatter!”

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

Every day an innocent black child walks outside their home wondering “Am I next?”

I say “BlackLivesMatter!”

“Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

Every civil rights activist who witnessed this cold world before us walked so we could run. What will the story we write say?

I say “BlackLivesMatter!”

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

We are letting them tear us apart and that's showing the enemy that they will always dominate.

We need to get through this storm in unison and show them we are strong, we are powerful, and we are a united family!

I say “BlackLivesMatter!”

You say “BlackLivesMatter!”

Together we say “BlackLivesMatter!”

Bodies

By Matthew D.

White body kills Black body But no body saw a thing.

Every body has an opinion But no body has the truth.

White body thought that it could Beat the blackness out of Black body But Black body stayed black.

Black body cried out, "Some body! Please! Help!

This violates rights!.

But still, nobody heard a thing.

Why? For what reason?

Another black man dead for no sudden move A white cop kills a black dude and it ends up on the news When something like this happens My brain turns to fumes White if everything was turned around?

What if it was the white cops getting gunned down?

Wouldn’t they tear up the town?

For respect and glory At this point, no one has a say to the story Why when a black person gets pulled over They have to fear for their lives Not knowing when they get pulled over Their gonna make it get out of there alive To go home to his wife and kids To have a make memories and have a good time It’s the end of the racist world and this is a sign The system is against us, so we need to band together.

There’s no reason to hate when we all bleed the same color Instead of fighting, let’s just all love each other But I would be lying if I said I didn’t have my doubts This isn’t the first attempt at ending racism, But here we are again, that’s what this is about.

I’m disappointed How can you not see we are all humans?

There ‘s really nothing different about us all But when a racist talks trash and is killing our brothers and sisters I understand the brawl.

Because blacks are tired Of this endless fight and being called names they don’t wanna be called Racism ends now!

We are all equal!

So let’s stop and make it right, Everybody ball up a fist for black lives.

Racism ends now!

Family Tree

By Kelmaris D.

I'm tired of seeing them fall.

I'm tired of this all.

Them lined up protected by plastic And us into ashes.

We go as far as night.

They go as far as white.

Them holding us down by the neck.

We are begging for our breath.

Open your eyes and see.

What they have done to me.

Pleading please!

Don't kill me!

My eyes bleed.

But I won't flee.

So stand here with me.

Roots growing beneath this family tree. #Black Lives Matter

11

Black lives matter, what is that?

Black lives matter, is that evil ?

Black lives matter, what is that changing?

Black lives matter, are they helping America?

Black lives matter is about educating one another.

Black lives matter is bringing unity and justice to all.

Black lives matter is putting an end to ignorance.

Black lives matter is an unsilenced change our world needs.

Black lives matter is making everyone equal.

Black lives matter grabbing a person's mind and wrapping It around the fact that everyone has the same rights, throwing prejudice away.

Being judged by the color of your skin, will be no longer.

Black lives matter is about creating peace, but we will erupt like an earthquake for you to hear our voice.

Black lives matter just as much as yours do.

From George Floyd, Fredy Gray, Ayiana Jones, Amadou Diallo.

Falsely accused, tortured, innocent, murdered.

But who's paying the consequences.

Only a paid judge gets to choose.

My Daddy

By Lalany L.

July 6 was the day my daddy died.

I had to watch him take his last breath while those bullets took his life.

By the time he got to the hospital I knew daddy’s soul followed God's light.

But the cop knew what he was doing.

He didn’t even hesitate twice.

I watched him die from the backseat.

I knew I was scared for my life.

Do you know what it feels like to stay awake at night because you feel someone is plotting to take your life?

They put me in this crazy place I don’t know if I can make it out alive.

Why did you take my daddy’s life and had to ruin mine.

I know you can feel the pain in my eyes when we watched him die These visions repeat. I can’t get it out of my mind.

I’m going crazy, daddy please, give me a sign.

Because I don't think I can make it through this America alive.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020

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GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

ICEPACK

Budget baby steps L

Now let’s see if the film office gets its dough back

rather than the stately, sooky decoet’s do a little late-June, rum of Butcher & Singer (then Striped post-Solstice, early-summer Bass). Gives you the chills, right? spring cleaning here at IceSecond: Do you know how many pack, shall we? emails and texts I got from those NOT First: The mayor’s mad, included in my Icepack switcheroo last bad, proposed budget for week, “Masked Philly”? Tons. TONS. the next fiscal year isn’t in Many Philly brand names quite pocket as yet, but hearwere genuinely hurt that ing that some of its original they were not included in Kenney Cuts – necessary cash

BY A.D. my Ice questionnaire as to for affordable housing, arts AMOROSI what famous Philadelphians and culture, and more – were did – preferably out of the orin transition made me smile. dinary – during COVID-19’s Especially seeing that the Affirst three months’ worth of quaranrican American Museum would win tine, and what might life be like witha full restoration of the $350,000 alloout the mask. cation the mayor had cut in his initial Going into Code Green as we will spending plan – this was a part of my recent cover story on making sure City this week – kinda-sorta – the mask will Council made the mayor see the benefit still be a thing (hopefully), and many of you will still shelter at home, no matter of reinstating money to Philly’s arts, how many restaurants that shouldn’t culture and film. are adding dining alfresco for your eatLet’s see if Councilpersons Gilming pleasure (I get that desperate times ore-Richardson and Oh can push hard enough to get Sharon Pinkenson’s require desperate measures, but, let us Greater Philadelphia Film Office the not conduct ourselves like a slob). Anyannual cash that Kenney wants to trim way.

Starting next week, I’ll include a away. Do you really want Atlanta and photo of a Philly name in a mask with Pittsburgh to get all of the films and film crews meant for Philly? Just think each Icepack, letting us know what of “The Sixth Sense’’ shot at Primanti they’re up to – this mask thing is going to last longer than you think. Embrace Brothers with Bruce Willis slobbering coleslaw and fries out of his sandwich that.

JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY Jenkins on CNN Hey, so six-season Philadelphia Eagles’ superstar (fuck you, Big Balls Pederson and Jeff Lurie, for not resigning), top-tier activist and Players Coalition co-creator Malcolm Jenkins just got a great gig with CNN as a regular contributor, not just for sports, but, for commentary about race relations and being black in America. This dovetails handsomely into his new film production company Listen Up Media, and its documentary “Black Boys” (https://www.blackboysfilm.com/) due out for autumn.

New artwork Starting Thursday, June 25 (and running into August), queer artist of color Adam Chau examines “queer culture in the digital age.” Using traditional blue-andwhite aesthetics, the material used in the artworks are derived from smartphone batteries to make a connection between ceramics and technology at The Clay Studio. Nearly 100 iPhone tiles and 10 large plates will be featured online and in-person at The Clay Studio – see it here come Thursday (https://www. theclaystudio.org/exhibitions/sent-adamchau).

Sweat$ songs Philly’s David Bowden – R&B sensation Pink Sweat$ to most of us – is starting the summer season with a quietly soulful song of protest, “Not Alright” and an announcement that his debut LP, “The Prelude,” is coming July 17. His spring wasn’t bad either, as his most recent tracks before “Not Alright” – “Ride With Me” and “Cadillac Drive” – were both featured on writer-star Issa Rae’s HBO series, “Insecure’s” fourth season and its Atlantic label soundtrack.

Menaker music Speaking of mod and moody, Philly area R&B, local songwriter, producer and vocalist Lia Menaker made June her own by releasing her debut five-song EP “I Am Kyrøs” as a self-described sort-of “self-exploration.”

Think Yazoo meets Moses Sumney on the icy

electro blues tip.

‘Gay Guyde to Poker’ Butch Cordora has long been a force in Philadelphia LGBTQ media, starting with his “In Bed with Butch” cable program and the creation of a stark and sensual calendar (Straight and Butch). Now, Cordora is conquering the publishing world the June 26 release of “The Gay Guyde To Poker: Use Your Minority as a Weapon.” Butch started writing the boo about seven years ago, and sought to turn this “historically heterosexual pastime” on its head, from the “perspective of an out gay man.” A big poker player at table games in the Gayborhood and the casinos of Philly and Atlantic City (“where I’m 99 percent of the time, the only gay person at a table of 11”). Butch always felt like an outsider the tables, and used that to his advantage.

“For people who already play poker, even at a beginners level, they may find about half of the book kind of boring as I go through the steps on how to play poker. I get a lot of compliments on the simplistic way I teach in person, so I thought I’d parlay that into this book. I’ll say things like ‘a seven is higher than a six’! lol.. but people really appreciate that.

“And the same goes for Texas Hold ‘Em. (Gotta learn how to play poker first; then transition that into Texas Hold ‘Em.) It’s all very kindergarten, but I thought it was important since this is my first book about poker.

“But, the other half of the book is Image | Chris Liverani all about the way I myself perceived the game. The poetry of poker. How it’s a metaphor for life. What you learn by being patient.

My personal tricks and tips on how to win (which I’ve never told anyone until this book.)

The importance of table manners, etc. And I think that’s what a lot of poker players (even pros) can learn and take away from this book.

My personal slant and mantras on this amazing beautiful game.”

@ADAMOROSI

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020

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PEOPLE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

COVINK Philly tattoo shops eager to reopen after pandemic shutdown

T

heir employees are medical- questioned the delay with little word on their ly trained by the American “personal services” sector, until receiving Red Cross. Their facilities have clearance last week that body art shops, along months’ worth of personal protec- with barbers, spas and zoos, could reopen beginning June 26. tive equipment stocked. And they Now, starting tomorrow, tattoo shops will can see less than a handful of cusbegin maneuvering the extended closure’s imtomers each day.

So why are they one of the last pact on their independent storefronts and independently-contracted artists alike. businesses to reopen from COVID-19 In a craft bound by restrictions? already-meticulous sanitation That’s the question Philadelphia BY MADISON guidelines and trademarked by dilitattoo shop owners and artists have KARAS gent one-on-one artistry, shop ownasked for three months. ers and artists are graciously accept“We’re more prepared to open up ing the reopening they feel is overdue, while than any barber, any salon, any nail salon, speculating what the future of their trade may anything like that,”said Bryan Holland, 39, be after COVID-19. co-owner of Electric Temple Tattoo in Brew“I feel stoked, I feel really fortunate actualerytown. “... We’re trained almost like a nurse. ly,” said Dylan Carr, 23, who will be reopening Any retail store that’s opened up, we’re going the shop he co-owns, Crown and Feather Tatto have less people go into our shop than them, too in South Kensington. “It seemed like they and we’re going to be safer about it. We can do were going to keep kicking it down the road.” a lot more than any retail store, any restauThe pandemic forced Carr to temporarirant that’s opened, depending on how it’s ly close Crown and Feather just about nine opening. We’re going to have less people than months after co-founding it as a nascent proa grocery store or any clothing store go into our shop at one point. We can have guidelines gressive studio last year. Originally, they didn’t expect the shutdown to last longer than and open up safely, but it’s not my call.” a month. But as it kept getting extended week For weeks, walk-in and private Philadelby week, they donated the shop’s masks and phia tattoo shops waited for the city to move surface disinfectant to local hospitals, which into Gov. Tom Wolf’s green phase to reopen are now restocked for reopening. after they closed in March with other city “I think, in general, tattoo shops are a non-essential businesses. While watching relittle better equipped to handle these sorts of tail and restaurants gradually reopen, they

JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY things,” said Nick “The Tailor” Solomon, 35, again. co-owner of Crown and Feather.

“I just want to keep serving the community with tattoos,” Romolini added.

Solomon doesn’t see the shop’s normal proAnd for his clients, Katie Skretowski, 26, cedures changing much for reopening, outside of clients now having to wear masks them- from Audubon, New Jersey, who has two apselves, not bringing along guests and follow- pointments to reschedule, said she’s “just looking forward to getting back in there.” ing social distancing in waiting areas, he said.

At Hunter Gatherer Tattoo in University The city’s general reopening guidance, Mayor Kenney’s Safer At Home plan, outlines City, artist Dana Jones believes strongly in resafety recommendations for businesses to fol- turning to business as usual.

The only thing that may be different is how low, like routine cleaning, frequent handwashing and distancing between people – practices tattoo artists, as trade workers, approach already stringent in typical tattoo shop op- managing their cash flow, she said.

“Let’s say you work at a busy shop, has a erations. At many shops, artists’ booths are normally six feet apart, some artists choose to lot of foot traffic, that kind of thing,” added Jones, 47. wear masks and single-use supplies are used “If that dries up, for every tattoo, like what do you do? health-care facilities.

That’s the nature of That’s why seeing tattooing, it’s not a businesses such as guaranteed income, dentist offices reopen you have to make last month frustrated your income. Even besome artists, who can ing booked out a coutake similar facility ple months, having precautions, such a plan B is not someas requiring clients thing that a lot of peobook appointments ple take seriously.” in advance to control And while tattoo how many are seen at artists are passionate a time. about their work and “I know everybody unlikely to ever conis on the fence about sider an alternative, whether or not things the pandemic made should open up too it more of a common quickly, but I figured point of discussion, as long as you’re takshe said. ing the right precau“The first month tions, like keeping or two, you kind of your distance from think like, ‘Should people, and as long as I really be pursuing everything is clean, this?,’” said Jennifer I mean, I don’t realRahman, 36, an artist ly see the big deal,” at Hunter Gatherer said Alyssa Vache, Chris Romolini of Forever Valentine Tattoo Tattoo. “In the end, 23, from Pipersville, soon will be scheduling clients. Image | there’s no retirePennsylvania, who’ll Courtesy Chris Romolini ment plan, there’s be visiting Carr for no health insurance, an appointment Satthere’s just nothing but whatever you make.” urday.

Though, if anything, the COVID-19 closure While unable to practice tattooing, some brought artists at Philadelphia tattoo shops artists created in different mediums during closer together, Rahman added. the closure. “[Tattoo shops] are definitely not in the top Carr helped one of his clients illustrate a rung of considered as a business in a city,” poetry book, while Chris Romolini at Forever Valentine Tattoo in South Philadelphia made Jones said. “If they weren’t a productive part custom shoes and paintings for commission to of a community, then they wouldn’t flourish, but since they do, one could consider them an clients. essential business.”

“Besides construction or renovations …

As for Holland, he doesn’t have any worries this has been the longest I’ve ever stopped tattooing,” said Romolini, 25, who didn’t receive about Electric Temple or the trade.

“We’ll be fine,” he added. “I mean, in generhis independent contractor unemployment al, tattooing, you know, one of the oldest procheck until this month.

Romolini won’t start tattooing again until fessions. We’ll always survive and maintain.

I don’t see it going anywhere. Especially our he can finish rescheduling the months’ worth of client appointments he had to cancel, he shop. It’s just about how invested you are in the craft.” said. He hopes the clientele will be honest about any illness with him and that he’ll be as @MADRAEKARAS busy as he was pre-shutdown when he starts

PEOPLE

15

Nick ‘The Tailor’ Solomon of Crown and Feather believes tattoo studios are readily able to ensure clients’ safety.

Image | Courtesy Nicholas Solomon

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020

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PEOPLE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

5 Questions: LocalMember.co Temple group connecting businesses, consumers amid COVID crisis

I

t’s no secret the coronavirus and all fort. Where did the idea come from? Why did Temple alumni and students decide to of the resulting closures have taken a heavy toll on local small businesses. get involved and help local businesses?

The idea behind LocalMember.co started Temple University alumni and current students saw the crisis and then two weeks into the COVID-19 quarantine. We noticed local businesses were adaptstepped in to help. ing to the COVID-19 restrictions The goal of the project, and wanted to share the new ways called LocalMember.co, is to

BY EUGENE to support them. It was exciting to make it easier to support local busiZENYATTA see local businesses adapt by selling nesses during their time of need. merchandise, discounted gift cards, The group is aggregating all the and unique experiences. We found ways people can support local businesses into one place (merchandise, gift cards, it overwhelming to determine what business was offering each service. Instead of baking promotions, etc). Recently, it highlighted local banana bread during our quarantine, we built black-owned products and services.

Want to help? Visit LocalMember.co to find a website aggregating the local businesses information and made it easy to find. out more.

I’m best friends with fellow Temple UniverPW recently caught up to Ryan Oliveira and the rest of the team to talk about its efforts sity alumni, who are the first two people I contacted to make convert this idea to a reality. and how local businesses and consumers are After adding 100 businesses to LocalMember. responding. co, we realized how useful this website could Take us back to the beginning of this ef-

JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

PEOPLE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

17

The Temple team at LocalMember.co already has connected more than 5,000 consumers with more than 400 businesses. Image | Courtesy LocalMember.co be. I reached out to my contacts in the Management Information Systems Department in Fox Business School, requesting help from current students. We received an overwhelming response of students asking to join the team. Currently, 16 of our 18 team members are a mix of Temple University graduates and students (Class of 2013 - Class of 2023). The other two being my brother and girlfriend who have been a huge help in bringing this project to life.

Simply put, we love local businesses and what they have to offer. We love the local restaurant offering an intimate and salivating experience, the boutique selling quirky gifts, or salons making you feel special everytime you leave. Local businesses are what make Philadelphia a truly unique city. We want to help keep them around, we have already seen businesses who have closed because of COVID. Our expertise is technology and marketing which is an area that some local businesses need help with, which is why we built LocalMember.co. This is especially important as society continues to become more digitized.

There’s a business element and a consumer element to the effort. Let’s start with businesses. Do you pick the businesses that appear on the site or can they self-nominate? Which businesses can participate? Is there a fee?

Our directory is free and the mission is to make it easier to support local. We are always adding businesses to our directory, but businesses can request to have their business page and highlights added via our website (https:// www.localmember.co/business/) to expedite the process. Each business page hosts all the ways (with their links) you can support that business. We link to their e-commerce store, gift card options, donation pages or special offerings.

Highlights are a way businesses can showcase what they have to offer. We highlight specific merchandise, (hats or mugs), promotions, (specialty cocktails, outdoor seating) or more.

Every week we organize select highlights and businesses into specialized blog posts/guides helping make it easier for the consumer to discover and support local.

Now for the consumers. What do they find when they visit the website? In what ways can they help local businesses?

The consumer finds all the ways they can support local businesses in one place. When using LocalMember.co, people can search by location, support method (gift cards, memberships), search for their business, or browse one of the specialized guides. Consumers make an impact by simply supporting local.

The directory makes it easier to buy local – rather than going to the supermarket and supporting a national coffee brand, LocalMember. co users can easily shop from Philadelphia local coffee roasters in one place. The next stage of LocalMember.co is our “local membership,” where we provide weekly updates on local initiatives and push out surveys. Locals can sign up at https://www.localmember.co/ member-2/.

You’ve been up and running for a little over a month now. Is it working? What’s been the response from both businesses and consumers? How many people/businesses are using the site?

We officially launched May 11! We have received great feedback and traction so far. We have connected over 5,000 locals, added 400plus businesses to the directory and shared 600-plus highlights. LocalMember is making an immediate impact.

We were recently featured in “TheSkimm,” which has elevated the awareness of our project, on a national level.

How do you see this playing out over the next few months? How long will the site be up and running and helping local businesses?

LocalMember.co is here to stay. In today’s environment with the impact of COVID-19, it is more important than ever to support your local businesses and community. The directory has proved to be a strong first step in helping support local.

We plan on expanding the directories’ capabilities with the continued focus of making it easier to support local. For any passionate Philly locals out there, they can help us move LocalMember.co to the next stage by becoming a member.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020

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COVID-19

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE RUNDOWN Image | Nathan Ansell

How we’re ending Pride Month....

As Pride Month comes to a close, and the economy begins to reopen, it’s a great time to look at restaurants in the Gayborhood. Visit Philly put together a list of terrific places to eat in the Gayborhood. You can visit visitphilly.com for a complete list, but here are a few of our favorites. Just be sure to call ahead or check out the restaurants’ websites to find out what’s available in terms of pickup, delivery, dining, etc.

Mercato

Chef Evan Turney creates a market-themed contemporary Italian menu at this cheery BYOB hotspot that highlights fresh, local ingredients.

Don’t miss the cheese board, fontina-stuffed meatballs and short rib ragu. Mercato, 1216 Spruce Street | mercatobyob.com

Charlie was a sinner.

Opa

Opa’s modern Greek food brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Sansom Street. Diners can create a meal of mezedes (small plates) with options like grape leaves stuffed with ground beef and walnuts, beef meatballs with crispy shallots and tzatziki, and spreads like fava bean hummus and melitzanosalata (charred eggplant). Fire-kissed entrees, including lamb gyros, grilled octopus and bright vegetable sides, allow the experience to feel rich without being too heavy. Opa, 1311 Sansom Street | opaphiladelphia.com

Image | Nathan Ansell

JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Hip, candlelit and craft-cocktail-laden are all perfect ways to describe this vegan restaurant in the heart of the Gayborhood. The small plates that line the menu feel indulgent without requiring a single animal-based ingredient, and the ambitious cocktail menu is impressive enough to keep even committed carnivores content. Charlie was a sinner., 131 S. 13th Street | Charliewasasinner.com

Indeblue

Most of Philly’s Indian restaurants tread a well-worn path of take-out standards, but Indeblue ups the game with Indian-inspired dishes like the samosa chaat with tamarind chutney, crispy cauliflower, vegetarian options and meaty entrees. On select days, diners enjoy their meals alongside live sitar and tabla music. Indeblue, 205 S. 13th Street | indebluerestaurant.com

Alpen Rose

This elegant 40-seat steakhouse introduces a meat-forward option to Michael Schulson’s string of restaurants along 13th Street, which include Asian-inspired spots Sampan and Double Knot.

His dry-aged meats, cooked over a wood-burning hearth, are paired with classic sides and appetizers like beer-battered onion rings, Parker House rolls and shrimp cocktail. Contemporary and classic cocktails and an extensive wine list further elevate the steakhouse experience. Alpen Rose, 116 S. 13th Street | alphenrosephl.com

Lolita

Open since 2004, the Mexican outpost Lolita started things off for Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran.

The menu consists of tacos, tostadas and vibrant authentic dishes. Catch happy hour every Sunday through Thursday to score awesome drink-and-snack specials. Lolita, 106 S. 13th Street | lolitaphilly.com

COVID-19

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

We’re all thrilled to be able to go to a restaurant and – finally – be able to eat at the restaurant. Inside or outside, it isn’t home, and for that, we’re grateful. But there are a few changes to dining out, even when the city goes “green.”

Here are some dos and don’ts.

19

Don’t share food

If you can’t polish off that plate full of loaded fries by yourself, ask the kitchen to divide it up before bringing it to your table. If you’re dining out with friends or family you haven’t been self-isolating with, consider the days of sharing appetizers, desserts and the like to be over. Order for yourself, eat your own food, and don’t let anyone share it.

How we’re dining out....

Don’t be ‘that’ person

Do ask questions

Do tip

Do be patient

You know the person we’re talking about. The one who shows up without a mask. The one who ignores social distancing rules. The one who refuses to follow the restaurant’s rules that are designed to keep everyone safe. If a restaurant wants to take your temperature before seating you, either go along with it willingly or find a different place to eat.

In case you’ve been completely oblivious to what’s been going on in the world, you know that restaurants have been slammed by the coronavirus closures, and they’re likely to be operating on a much smaller scale even when reopening. It’s been a financial disaster for workers who weren’t making all that much even during “normal” times. Tip 20 percent of your bill. If you’re challenged by math, use the calculator on your phone to figure out the proper amount. Don’t be a jerk.

When you arrive – better yet, before you go – ask the restaurant about its health safeguards. Will you be waiting in a crowded area for your table? Does it use disposable menus? Are the tables at least six feet apart? Is hand sanitizer available? Don’t be shy, and don’t be afraid to find another place to eat if you don’t like the answers.

Restaurants have been closed. Some reopened for pickup and delivery. Now they’re just ramping up to hopefully one day return to full service. Chances are, they’re out of some stuff. They’re working out new policies and procedures to keep everyone safe. Not everything will go perfectly. Give everybody a break and chill out if something doesn’t go exactly as you wanted it to.

Don’t touch unnecessary things

Items that are passed around that might not be thoroughly cleaned after each touch should be avoided. Think everything from menus (check out the restaurant’s menu online before you arrive, if possible) to the pen the waitstaff brings you to sign your credit card receipt. Speaking of paying, try to avoid cash when possible. Even back in the good ole’ pre-virus days, we all knew cash carries a ton of germs.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020

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COVID-19

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Health impacts of climate change in Philadelphia Featured presenter Alexandra Skula is the public health preparedness analyst for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Division of Disease Control. She manages the department’s climate change and health initiatives, including development of a climate and health adaptation plan, and coordination of the City’s Climate Change and Health Advisory Group. She will focus especially on extreme heat and air quality concerns. Please RSVP to NWPhillyCAN@gmail.com to receive Zoom link.

Presented by Northwest Philly Climate Action Network. Free | Thursday, June 25 | 7pm

Even though things are loosening up a bit, most events are still taking place virtually. Here are a few that we’re excited to share with you. Visit eventbrite. com for details, registration and more information.

Virtual events we’re tuning in to see....

The Heart & Soul of Magic

Philadelphia Virtual Speed Dating | Do you Relish Virtually?

It's all about who you Relish - in a virtual way!

We think the best relationships are forged when we are comfortable, relaxed and free of pressure. The perfect opportunity to have an afternoon or night in, maximizing the number of potential matches you meet all while being your relaxed best. It’s traditional speed dating events with a virtual twist. Presented by Relish Dating. $19 – $22 | Sunday, June 28 | 6:30 – 8:30pm

JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

The Heart and Soul of Magic is the nation’s first Virtual Magic show that features an entire cast of African-American magicians. All proceeds from the show will go to support the efforts of the Associated Black Charities in eliminating race-based structural barriers and advance long-term solutions that create new opportunities for African Americans to thrive financially and build a stronger economy for all.

Hosted by Ran’D Shine, the show will feature Cameron Braxton, Benjamin Barnes, Anthony Ware and Philly’s own Joshua Messado. Donations appreciated.

Saturday, June 27 | 7-9pm

Disability Pride Virtual PA

Disability Pride Virtual PA is a 30-day celebration of disability pride and the 30th anniversary of the ADA. It kicks off on June 27 with a virtual flag-raising pep rally with a welcome address from Gov. Wolf, followed by a month-long calendar of accessible virtual events, workshops and participatory activities ending on the 30th anniversary of the ADA, July 26. Presented by Disability Pride Philadelphia, Inc. Free | Saturday, June 27 | 11am

Dance 4 Hope Zumbathon

For immigrant families, the COVID-19 crisis is an impossible challenge and it’ll take all of us to help them through it, as 90 percent do not qualify for public aid. At this special event, a few of the supported families will share their stories of resilience through the COVID-19 situation, and their gratitude for our contributions. Donate on GoFundMe and get ready to Zumba via Zoom: gofundme.com/f/dance-4hope-zumbathon. Any donation will help and you can participate in all three parts of the event or whatever time works best for you. They have instructors from all around the world and no dance experience is necessary. Sunday, June 28 | 9am – 2pm

Open Forum on Race

Awareness is the key to humanity rising. This event is designed to have everyone more aware in their relationships with regard to race. They will look at a model that is impactful and empowers people along their path of discovering how to build relationships across racial barriers. Attendees will be presented a model to work with and questions to engage with.

Any amount of donation is greatly appreciated and will be used to continue this work that uplifts our communities. Sunday, June 28 | 6 – 8pm

COVID-19

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21

Education

Remote learning in some form might be here to stay. Staggered in-school time for children to reduce class sizes might take place. College? Even before the pandemic, online degrees were becoming more popular, both for convenience and due to the high costs associated with the more traditional path. All of which leads to questions about access to technology, government oversight and even child care.

Life around the U.S. and city might be loosening up a bit following the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be going back to the way things used to be. Here are some of the changes we all might have to get used to in the “new normal.”

How things will change in the ‘new normal’....

New rule: There are no rules

Rent/mortgage forgiveness. Debt cancellation.

Guaranteed government income for every American. A loss of individual choice and liberty as the government takes them away for the “greater good.” We’ve seen elements of all during this pandemic. Chances are, some form of these things we probably never seriously considered prior to COVID-19 will stick around.

Preparedness

Some might call them survivalists. Some might call them hoarders. But chances are we’re all going to adapt some of their practices. We’re not talking about stockpiling automatic weapons and thousands of Meals, Ready to Eat. We are talking about setting aside a corner in the basement for a few extra rolls of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and other essentials “just in case.”

New heroes

Some of the glam might fade from movie stars and athletes. Instead, society might start to value those who contribute to the greater good. Frontline workers were rightfully applauded for their work during the pandemic. Science and other expertise became more valued. Don’t believe us? At this writing, there were almost 2,000 items on eBay featuring Dr. Anthony Fauci – everything from T-shirts to coffee mugs to photos

Voting

Is there a need for people to leave work, travel to a polling place and stand in line to cast a ballot? No, and there hasn’t been for quite some time now.

Not only will mail-in ballots become more popular, but technology exists that can allow people to vote electronically. Is it secure? How many of you already bank online?

Health care

Again, even before the pandemic, we were seeing innovation, such as greater use of telemedicine. Again, costs were a driving factor. But what about public health? Odds are you’ll see an even greater push for some type of universal coverage, cheaper medicine and greater preparedness at all levels of government for this type of pandemic.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020

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Blowing Up – Dinging Phone Really Exacerbating Q: I’m committed to my male partner and he’s committed to me. (I’m a woman.) But we Semi-Serious Depression You say it doesn’t bother you – it both understand we need to flirt and that we will both want to sleep with someone else at doesn’t totally bother you – that this some point. We live together, we have a dog, woman texts your partner day and night, DPRESSD, which strikes me as and neither of us believes in marodd. Because that shit would drive riage. We plan to purchase a house me up the wall. in the coming months.

Blowing up someone’s phone Here’s the issue: He met a womat all hours of the day and night an at work. He’s not sexually atscreams “I HAVE NO BOUNDARtracted to her at all. She, however, IES! I AM INCAPABLE OF BEING would love to blow him. She’s in CONSIDERATE! I HAVE NO SELF an unhappy marriage and has no CONTROL!” Even if you were in a friends. place where you felt better about They exchanged numbers when your partner getting some attenmy partner was transferred and tion elsewhere, the shit this woman now she texts him constantly. It is pulling would still be annoying, doesn’t totally bother me. But not unsettling, and totally bothersome. only does she text him at all hours And this shit should be disqualof the day and night, but she conifying – meaning, your partner tinuously tells him he’s the hottest man she’s ever met. She sends him @FAKEDANSAVAGE should’ve shut this woman down already. He should’ve told this nudes, which I’ve seen, and wants woman to knock it off and, if she to suck his “huge dick.” (It is huge.)

But even though I know he’s not sexually didn’t knock it off, he should’ve told her to attracted to her, I’m still feeling threatened. I fuck the fuck off and blocked her number.

If he tried to shut her down and she kept have extremely low self-esteem right now and I’m struggling with depression. I’m speak- texting him, DPRESSD, then I have to wonder why he hasn’t ing with a therapist blocked her number and I’m on meds. already. Assuming But the meds have he’s telling you the made me gain about truth about not being 50 pounds, which attracted to her – and doesn’t help with the it sounds like he is – depression. he may have allowed I get the need and this to go on because desire to flirt. But he enjoys feeling right now I’m not desirable and/or he confident enough doesn’t want to hurt to be OK with him her feelings. If it’s being sexual with the former, make it another person even clear to your partner if it’s just texts. And that you wouldn’t I feel this way knowhave a problem with him finding someone ing he has no plans to be with her! He continelse to swap flirty sext messages with, so long ues to tell me he has no desire to spend his as it’s someone who can sext in moderation life with anyone else but me. Yet he’s suddenand at appropriate times. If it’s the latter, ly hesitant to buy a house. I guess I’m asking DPRESSD, make it clear to your partner that WTF should I do?

DAN SAVAGE

“Even if you were in a place where you felt better about your partner getting some attention elsewhere, the shit this woman is pulling would still be annoying, unsettling, and totally bothersome.”

JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

SAVAGE LOVE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY this shit is hurting your feelings and, as his partner, you expect him to prioritize your feelings over his former coworker’s feelings.

All that said, DPRESSD, even if the thought of your partner going off to play with another woman didn’t make you feel insecure, you wouldn’t want your partner getting blown by this particular woman. Even if your partner has never said, “Don’t text me at all hours of the day and night,” that’s no excuse. No one wants their phone or their partner’s phone blowing up at 3am; that’s not a boundary anyone should have to articulate to set and, articulated or not, no one with any common sense would do that. (And, holy crap, if this is how this woman behaves in pursuit of your partner’s big cock, how is she gonna behave after she gets a taste?)

As for the house issue, DPRESSD, press your partner to clarify his sudden hesitancy.

It may have nothing to do with your relationship; it’s entirely possible that he’s freaked out by the state of the world – because, my God, who isn’t? – and he’s having second thoughts about sinking his savings into a house. Depression often puts the worst possible spin on things; it can lead us to reject a calming truth someone is telling us in favor of an alarming lie we’re telling ourselves. Don’t fall into that trap.

And finally, DPRESSD, please talk to your doctor about switching out your meds. If weight gain is a side effect of the ones you’re on now and weight gain is making you more depressed, then it doesn’t make sense to keep treating your depression with the meds you’re on now. A different med might give you the same benefits without this particular side effect.

affirming, and the last thing that person needs is for someone else to decide they shouldn’t be having sex or even wanting to have sex. As for the all-clear you’re waiting for, well, that could be a long time off, seeing as COVID-19 rates are spiking all over the country. If you decide you can’t wait for the all-clear, please consult the New York Health Department’s safer sex/ harm-reduction recommendations for people who want to have sex during this pandemic.

(Google “New York Health,” “coronavirus,” and “sex.”) To quickly summarize: You can minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting COVID-19 by wearing a mask, not eating ass, using condoms, and using a glory hole.

Q: I’ve been dating someone long distance for seven months. I’ve been transparent about my need for an open relationship.

Recently this gentleman asked me to tell him if I slept with someone else. I agreed because I’m not sleeping with anyone at the moment due to COVID-19. But since March, I’ve been having phone sex with a long-term booty call who lives across the country. Neither knows about the other and neither one knows I’m bisexual.

No big deal, right?

I’m a first responder in a male-dominated field and I put up with enough bullshit without the men in my life knowing I eat pussy. How much of an asshole am I for not disclosing what I don’t need to?

– Not Banging (Other) Dudes You’re being an asshole – to yourself. Hiding your bisexuality from the men you’re dating increases your odds of winding up in a relationship with someone who judges, shames, or hates you for being bisexual, NBOD, and why on earth would you want to do that to yourself ?

Disclosing your bisexuality ups yours odds of attracting a guy who fetishizes your bisexuality, of course, but it’s easier to weed those guys out early than it is to leave (or divorce) some guy who reveals himself to be biphobic after you’ve made a huge emotional investment in him.

As for the phone sex… you should disclose that too. If Mr. Seven Months can’t handle you having phone sex with some other guy, NBOD, he certainly won’t be able to handle you sleeping with someone else. And if he can’t handle that, he’s not the right guy for a woman who wants/needs/requires an open relationship.

“Hiding your bisexuality from the men you’re dating increases your odds of winding up in a relationship with someone who judges, shames, or hates you for being bisexual.”

Q: I met someone I connected with during quarantine. We’ve all but committed to screwing our brains out after we’re given the allclear. But she recently suffered a devastating loss. We will meet, on her terms, most likely very soon.

I know I should follow her lead, but should I avoid sex even if she wants to have sex? I don’t know if sex will help or hurt. Is being chaste and supportive the right move? Can sex help in a time of loss? I just don’t want to be the asshole someone winds up writing to you for advice about.

– Looking Over Sexual Timing wondering Follow her lead – that’s a good impulse – and if she wants to have sex after you’ve met in person and after you’ve made it clear to her that there’s no rush, LOST, and if you want to have sex after you’ve met her in person, go ahead and have sex. Some people find sex after a devastating loss to be healing and

THERE’S ALWAYS MORE OF SAVAGE TO LOVE! Read: PhillyWeekly.com Have a question?: mail@savagelove.net

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020

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Activist art

These creative reminders to wash your hands and maintain social distancing were spotted in West Philly. Have a photo you'd like to share?

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MARKETPLACE FOR RENT

EMPLOYMENT

Apartments for Rent

General Employment

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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

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE For Sale

Steinway Upright Piano $6400. Excellent condition.

Ron 215-200-5821 NOTICE Public Notice AT&T proposes to replace an existing 20’ traffic light pole with a new 30’ traffic light pole and install a top-mounted antenna at 34.6’ near 66 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA (20201058).

Interested parties may contactScott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

MAINTENANCE TECH Must have knowledge of plumbing, painting & some electrical. Prior maintenance exp. necessary. Salary commensurate with exp. Email: nsgprop@gmail.com 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 Mondayʼs 9am - 12pm or online at trafficplan.com.

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break up?

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                                                            

                                                                   

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

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

Move to Media,PA Minutes from Center City on the Septa R-3 Rail Line Seven New Single Homes Starting at $469,900 2500 SqFt on ½ acre lots includes Gas Fireplace, Deck, Finished Basement

Tony DeCicci REALTOR

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

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@PhillyWeekly JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

PW REAL ESTATE To advertise in this section contact Sales 215-543-3743 ext. 104 or sales@philadelphiaweekly.com

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REGGIE Cat-friendly

$1199 / 1br - Onsite/Virtual Tours, Elevator, AC, Hardwood floors,Dishwasher, Microwave. 5000 Woodbine Ave. Visit your new apartment home by taking a self-guided tour with Asia today! Please call us at (215) 879-1900 to set up your personalized tour through our outstanding community. Our cat-friendly apartment homes in Wynnefield are conveniently located near shopping and dining along City Avenue and neighboring Lower Merion Township. Our Wynnefield apartment homes are also just minutes away from the beautiful Fairmount Park. Our pet-friendly 1 and 2-bedrooms feature huge floor plans, air conditioning, hardwood floors, eat-in kitchens, and more. Students and faculty enjoy the convenience of living in walking distance to Saint Joseph’s University. University Shuttle buses are available to students during school hours to Bryn Mawr and City Avenues, and an escort service is available to walk students to the door of our Wynnefield apartment homes after hours during the school year. Those who drive will appreciate our on-site garage parking. Looking for an apartment in Wynnefield? Schedule your personalized Virtual tour today or Self Guided tour. The Metropolitan Wynnefield! Apartment homes for living.

Sylvania Gardens

$950 / 500ft2 - Sylvania Gardens - Studios Feat. H/w Floors, Updated Kitchen, Pets OK. 424 South 48th St. Studios $950, One Bedrooms $1050. Distinct, charming yet affordable large apartment complex situated in the heart of University City.

All units included heat, hot and cold water, and cooking gas.

Dogs and cats are permitted at no charge. On-site laundry facilities and 24 hour maintenance. One mile to University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and University of the Sciences. 10 minutes to Philadelphia Community College and University of the Arts. 20 minutes to Temple University.

Public transportation and shopping close to property.

For more information and/or to schedule a showing call 215-771-1036. Living room. Walk-in closet. Range / Oven.

Refrigerator. Garbage disposal. Yard. Ceiling fans. Double pane / Storm windows. Cable-ready. Intercom system. Hardwood floor. Tile floor. Granite countertop. bergerproperties.org/ sylvania_gardens.

Modern and hip

$1930 / 1br - 768ft2 - ֍ Apartment Home in Philadelphia, Bark park, Online Payments Available. 4601 Flat Rock Road. If you’re looking for a modern and hip space to call home, then look no further than Apex Manayunk. Located in Philadelphia, we feature modern 1, 2, and 3-bedroom loft style apartments and townhomes, many with dens. Our 2 and 3-bedroom townhomes have a fun and industrial feel. That’s because Apex Manayunk expertly blends three brand-new buildings with four historic textile mill structures to create one of the region’s most exciting luxury apartment communities. Upgraded One, Two and Three Bedroom Loft Style Apartment Homes and Townhomes, many with dens. Huge walk-in closets with ample storage. Marble master baths, some with deep linen storage.

9’ ceilings with large windowed walls featuring unobstructed views of the river, canal or courtyard. 48-hour Maintenance Commitment. Bark park. Online Payments Available. Vivint Smart Home Features in all Apartments. Upgraded Gourmet Kitchens with Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Countertops and Breakfast Bar Seating. Game Room with Billiards Table, Shuffle Board, and more. Livewithjrk.com.

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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.

Resident concierge

$1297 / 1br - 525ft2 - Private Study Room, Resident Concierge, Car Charging Station. 5450 Wissahickon Ave. The Avenue at East Falls brings vibrant luxury living to the city’s historic East Falls neighborhood. Steps from Fairmount Park and overlooking the Philadelphia skyline, our iconic 1950s-era residence is newly renovated, complete with a new swimming pool, our GOFit Fitness Center, and updated apartment interiors. Easy access to public transportation and minutes from Center City, the best of Philly is yours to enjoy. Property Amenities: GOChat BusinessCenter. Private Study Room.

Parking Available. Swimming Pool. Outdoor Kitchen. Fire Pit. Dry Cleaning. Resident Concierge. Car Charging Station. 24/7 Go Fit Center Complimentary Classes. Community Kitchen.

Game Room. theavenueateastfalls.com.

Dog park

$1175 / 1br - AC, Balcony, Fitness Center, Courtyard, PET FRIENDLY (2746 Belmont Ave.) FREE WIFI IN LOBBY. On-Site Maintenance/ 24-Hours Emergency Service. Off Street Parking. Garage Parking Available. Close to Restaurants. PET FRIENDLY/DOG PARK. Spacious Floor Plans. 24-Hour Fitness Center. Laundry Facilities in Every Floor. Professional On-Site Management. Dishwasher, Microwave, Garbage Disposal.

Gas Range. We are within walking distance of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), and conveniently located near the shopping, gourmet restaurants, and exciting nightlife of Bala Cynwyd, Manayunk and Narberth. Our apartment homes will provide you easy access to City Avenue, I-76 and major Highways and Routes. This means you’re just minutes away from St. Joe’s, University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson University, Drexel University and Philadelphia University. As well you’ll find yourself eleven minutes away from Center City and five minutes away from the gorgeous Fairmount Park. Twenty-Five minutes to KOP. (215) 879-1900.

New kitchen

$1499 / 1br - Hardwood Floors, New kitchen, W/D, Storage, Pets Welcome, Nearby Train! 118 Montgomery Avenue.

Apartment Features: Air Conditioning. Kitchen Island. Walk-In Closet. Microwave, Dishwasher. Gas Range. Refrigerator w/ Ice Maker. Washer/Dryer. Quartz Countertop. Tile Backsplash.

Hardwood Floors. Ceiling Fans. Tiled Bath. Stainless Steel Appliances. Storage Available. Accent Walls Available. PET FRIENDLY Community Features: Off Street Parking. Garage Parking Available. BBQ Area. Private Courtyard. Walk to Train.

Walk to Restaurants. Jogging Trail. Convenient Shopping.

24 Hour Maintenance Service. Online Payments. Onsite Management. Yourmetropolitan.com.

Updated in Pennsport

27

$1450 / 1br - 700ft2 - Beautiful updated 1 bdrm apt in Pennsport. 2nd near Federal. Welcome to this fresh updated 1 bdrm 2nd floor (walk-up) apartment in friendly Pennsport!

Featuring great amenities like hardwood floors, exposed brick, ceiling fans, stainless steel kitchen, sun-filled bedroom with walk-in closet. Located walking distance to Washington Ave. Pier, Federal Donuts, several restaurants, movie theater, Queen Village, South Street, Italian Market, Target shopping center and more! Plentiful street parking (no permits) provided on Front Street and park under 95 when it snows! Landlord pays heat & water. Tenant responsible for hot water, gas (cooking) & electric. Coin-operated laundry in basement ($2.50/ load). Available late August 2020. One year lease required.

Background check and credit reports performed on all applicants. Minimum score of 700 required. Application fee $50 per applicant. Contact Natalie via text or phone (between 9am-9pm) at 215-284-7056 to set up appointment (mask required).

Fitness center

$2400 / 1br - 1046ft2 - Fitness Center, Walk to Center City, Equipped Kitchens, Terrace. 1600 Callowhill Street near Callowhill Street. A PHILADELPHIA ICON. This is a 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, approximately 1046 Sq. Ft. Originally built amidst a sea of immense factories that made up the Callowhill branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, Sixteen Hundred is an incarnation of the city’s manufacturing heritage. The newly updated Sixteen Hundred is timeless, modern, and distinctly Philadelphian. Features: Original Brick Walls. 14’ Ceilings.

Expansive Windows. Open Loft Layouts. Equipped Kitchens.

Studios, 1 Bedrooms & 2 Bedrooms. Generous Closets.

Exposed Beams and Columns. Panoramic Views Available.

Community Amenities: Walk to Center City. Roof Lounge. Ride the Broad Street Line. Fitness Center. Terrace. Bike Storage.

Visit the Museums. Community Room. Roof Deck & Patio.

Ground Floor Retail. Cl.greystar.com.

Sports sim

$1520 / 438ft2 - STUDIO APT CENTER CITY- BUSINESS LOUNGE, GYM, ROOFDECK, SPORTS SIM. 1338 Chestnut St. near Broad Street. This is a Studio, 1 Bath, approximately 438 Sq. Ft. Be a part of it all at Griffin – masterfully renovated apartments located along the Avenue of the Arts in the heart of Center City. With all-new finishes and features, complemented by a smart collection of amenities, Griffin is your canvas for artful Philadelphia living. Features: Keyless entry. Washers and dryers. Mecho-style blinds. Wood cabinets.

Carpeted bedrooms. Stainless steel appliances. Engineered hardwood flooring. Quartz countertops. Freestanding kitchen islands. Designer backsplashes. Luxurious bathrooms with quartz countertops and glass showers. Spectacular city views.

Modern kitchens. Community Amenities: Onsite management team. 24-hour front desk. Walking distance to dozens of Center City shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions.

24-hour maintenance. Private conference space. Historic character. Shuffleboard. Catering facility. State-of-the-art fitness center open 24/7. Billiards. Resident business lounge.

Golf simulator. Onsite bike storage. Valet laundry. Outdoor kitchen. Indoor-outdoor rooftop clubroom. Concierge service.

Fire pit. Prominent Avenue of the Arts address. Panoramic views. Cl.greystar.com.

Near Center City

$1850 / 2br - 985ft2 - Lease Today, Pets OK, Near Center City. 6100 City Ave. 855-459-6293. The Point at City Line is located on City Avenue. Lease today! This two bedroom, two bathroom apartment features private balcony and a washer and dryer! Community Features: Swimming Pool. Reserved Parking. Covered Parking. Professionally Managed. Sun Deck.

Dry Cleaning and Laundry Service. Our prices can change daily, price listed is based on today’s availability. Call for details.

Short or Long Term Lease Available. Roof Deck. Controlled Access. Cardio Room. Fitness Studio. E-Lounge. Garage Parking. Easy Freeway Access. Elevator. Renters Insurance is Required. Minutes from Restaurants, Shopping, and Much More. Credit Cards Accepted. Outdoor Grill Area. Concierge Service. TV Lounge. Community Lounge. Bike Racks.

After-Hours Emergency Maintenance. Easy Access to Public Transportation. Package Acceptance.

Midtown

$1725 / 2br - 2 Bedroom – Midtown Center City (201 S. 13th). 2 Bedroom – 1 Bath, unit. Vinyl Laminate flooring, with carpeted bedroom. Kitchen nook. RENTAL FEATURES. Range / Oven. Refrigerator. Heat: baseboard heating. Hardwood floor.

COMMUNITY FEATURES: Vintage building. Controlled access.

Pmcpropertygroup.com.

Exchange Building

$1580 / 1br - 563ft2 - 1 Bedroom – 1 Bath. W-D In-Unit.

Center City (1411 Walnut St. Exchange Building). 1 Bedroom Apartment home with Hard Wood Floors; Central Heating; Central Cooling; Microwave; Building Features Exercise Room and Front Desk. The original home of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange. Known for its popular restaurants and nightlife spots, Midtown Philadelphia is a fun and exciting place to live. Just steps away from some of Philadelphia’s best culinary experiences, you will revel in the hustle and bustle of Center City life! RENTAL FEATURES: Living room. Range / Oven. Refrigerator. Microwave. Heat: forced air. Central A/C. Double pane / Storm windows. Cable-ready. Hardwood floor.

COMMUNITY FEATURES: Vintage building. Elevator. Doorman.

Fitness center. Near transportation. Pmcpropertygroup.com.

Modern amenities

$1710 / 1br - 700ft2 - 1 Bedroom – Midtown Center City – Modern Amenities (220 S. 16th St.) 1 Bedroom Apartment home with Hardwood Floors; Central Heating; Central Cooling; Microwave; Building Features Laundry On-Site. Known for its popular restaurants and nightlife spots, Midtown Philadelphia is a fun and exciting place to live. Just steps away from some of Philadelphia’s best culinary experiences, you will revel in the hustle and bustle of Center City life! RENTAL FEATURES: Living room. Range / Oven. Refrigerator. Microwave. Heat: forced air. Central A/C. Double pane / Storm windows. Cableready. Hardwood floor. COMMUNITY FEATURES: Vintage building. Elevator. Near transportation. Pmcpropertygroup. com.

Bi-level Apartment

$2000 / 3br - 1258 S. 20th St, Unit B - Beautiful Bi-level Apt w/ Center City Views! 1256 S. 20th St. Available AUGUST 1!

Don’t miss this incredible bi-level 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment in Point Breeze – just minutes from our own OCF Coffee House, On Point Bistro, Tuck Barre & Yoga, Graduate Hospital and more! You will enjoy hardwood floors throughout, central air/heat, ceiling fans, recessed lighting, intercom system, an abundance of closet space and more! The first floor includes an open floor plan living room/kitchen area complete with a pantry closet, granite countertops and breakfast bar, subway tiled back splash, garbage disposal and stainless steel dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator and electric range. Beyond the kitchen is the first full bathroom with a cool gray custom tiled shower and spacious bedroom with a closet.

The second floor includes a bedroom in the rear with a large closet, second full bathroom with a warm colored custom tile shower, laundry room with full size washer/dryer and front bedroom with a large closet. Finally, continuing up the stairs you can end your day watching the sunset on your own private roof deck! Ocfrealty.com

Tree-lined street

$1695 / 1br - 480ft2 - Availability on Tree Lined Street in Center City. 2027-31 Arch. Bay Widows in Bedroom. Wood Plank Flooring. Quartz Countertops. Dishwasher. Garbage Disposal. Microwave. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Complementary MetroFitness Room. Maintenance on Call. Desirable Location.

JAR Reinhold Residential Real Estate LLC. metropolitan-living. com.

Rittenhouse

$1160 / 400ft2 - Center City Charm! Spacious Studio Brownstone in Great Location! (Philadelphia/ Rittenhouse/ Center City) 271 S. 15th Street. Welcome to 1433 Spruce Street, a charming brownstone, home to a fantastic studio apartment! This unit is a must see for those looking to experience everything that Center City has to offer! 15th & Spruce is conveniently located in Center City, just blocks from Rittenhouse Square and steps away from Philadelphia’s best parks, bars, restaurants, and shops! This apartment features unique vintage details, a flat utility fee, on-site laundry, and intercom entry. Available Mid-July! $1160/ month. $35 for Utilities (Includes heat, water, gas, sewer, and trash removal. Resident is responsible for electric, cable, and internet.) Visit westburyphilly.com for more information.

Decorative Fireplace. Hardwood Flooring (current carpeting will be replaced with wood flooring prior to move in).

Kitchen Peninsula with Breakfast Bar. Claw Foot Tub. Built-in Bookshelves. Linen Closet. Large Windows. Ceiling Fan. Air Conditioning. Gas Cooking. Cable Ready (Comcast or Fios).

On-site Laundry. 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

New condo

$1700 / 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 private laundry room and individual heating and air conditioner units. This building is conveniently located in the Center City district, just across from PA Convention with plenty of restaurants and nightlife to choose from, walking distance to shopping mall, Greyhound Bus Station, Jefferson Train Station and still bustling Reading Terminal Market.

Available immediately! Come take a look – you will love it.

Proof of income required. $50.00 for credit history check and processing fee. $1700.00 per month plus utilities. Please call Kin at (267) 912-7888.

Luxury community

$2800 / 1br - MicroSuite AVAILABLE NOW! 3737 Chestnut Street. New and vibrant apartment rentals on Chestnut street in University City are here – at 3737 Chestnut! Another luxury community by Korman Residential Properties. Experience the excitement of high-rise University City apartments, located in one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic neighborhoods!

Enjoy stunning views of the city and river from our stylish, pet-friendly, modern rentals at 3737 Chestnut. Take a virtual tour on our website or contact us to schedule a video call tour.

Bicycle storage room. Spacious walk-in closets. Yoga studio.

Private rooftop lounge. Porcelain, marble, and tile accents in kitchens and baths. Entertainment and media room with large LED TV. Deck with beautiful landscaping. Wood cabinetry.

Controlled Access. Bosch stackable washer and dryer.

Ground-floor retail, Hildebrandt Early Learning Center next door. Fitness Center. Livekorman.com.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 25 - JULY 2, 2020

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