PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MARCH 4 - 11, 2021

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The (Philadelphia) gospel, according to the Rev. Luis Cortés Jr. City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart talks protests, police and the city’s ‘failure of leadership.’ | Page 3

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FROM THE EDITOR

A one-on-one with Rebecca Rhynhart

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f you remember, George Floyd was history of corrupt public officials going to jail murdered on a Monday. Protests or being accused of all sorts of sleazy crimes, broke out in major cities across the Rhynhart admitted a lot needs to change withcountry and turned violent the very in her own party. next day, on a Tuesday. It wasn’t until “I do believe in the Democratic Party. I am three days later – that Friday in May a Democrat. I think we need good Democrats – that Philadelphia officials had their and I think it’s a fight I have on a regular basis with the Democratic Party. I stand up to the first planning meeting ahead of a Saturday Democrats all the time here in the city…We scheduled protest downtown.

That was among the most interesting things need to be more efficient and effective, so that I learned during an exclusive, on-camera in- each taxpayer dollar goes farther. That’s what terview with City Controller Rebecca Rhyn- government should be doing.”

After Rhynhart released her report, which hart last week.

We talked about just about everything, from was conducted by the Ballard Spahr law firm in tandem with AT-Risk International, a risk the results of her office’s independent review of the city’s response to the chaos last sum- management consulting firm, she quickly faced backlash from her former boss. mer to the vaccine rollout debacle to how she (By the way, Rhynhart insists the Request really feels about the mayor’s public slights for Proposal seeking a vendor for the invesagainst her. tigation into the city’s response last summer Having spent nine years in the Michael Nutter and Jim Kenney administrations, re- was not a no-bid contract, as some have alleged, but rather, a fair and competispectively, Rhynhart said she notive bidding process.) ticed each mayor had a distinct She chided many in law enforceleadership style, but she learned ment for what she called a “lack of a lot along the way that made her planning” and a “failure of leaderwant to “disrupt” things more than ship” all the way up to and includshe could in an appointed position. ing the mayor. In an interview with As city treasurer and budget di“Inside Story,” she said there was rector under Nutter and chief ada “blueprint” that could have been ministration officer under Kenney, used to prepare for those days of she said she “learned about how mass protests. Asked outright if Pothe city works and doesn’t work.” lice Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, That’s what motivated her to resign former Managing Director Brian to run – and why, when she defeated Abernathy, Mayor Kenney and oththree-time Democratic incumbent ers willfully ignored any blueprint Alan Butkovitz despite not having that might have been available, she her own party’s endorsement, it @ RUFFTUFFDH said: was widely considered a major po“What we found was that there litical upset.

Rhynhart ran on the promise of modern- wasn’t planning. It just didn’t happen. And izing much of the controller’s office, which the initial planning for deployment had sigshe viewed as antiquated, wasteful and en- nificantly fewer police officers than we put on duty for the Super Bowl parade. The investitrenched in nepotism. gation found that that was a failure of leader“One of the biggest surprises for me was an audit my office did right when I first came ship...It was a failure up to the top and just can in in 2018 and it was an audit of internal con- never happen again.”

This column is the first of a two-part setrols,” she told me. ries. Check back next week when I write “What this audit found in June 2018 was about Rhynhart’s response to Philly Fightthat the city hadn’t reconciled its largest cash account in three years…And it is supposed to ing COVID, the city budget, patronage jobs within the Philadelphia Parking Authority reconcile it daily. There was $33 million unacand whether or not she is eyeing the top job counted for. And this was a big deal. I really in City Hall herself. And check our website took a stance and said, ‘We need to do better in the coming days for my taped interview than this.’”

Philadelphia’s “internal controls,” which with Rhynhart inside the Municipal Services Rhynhart essentially described as “controls Building. over how the city prevents fraud” and “safeAnd a correction: In last week’s column guards dollars,” are the worst in the largest titled, “Seven Philadelphians who would top 10 cities, she said. make a better mayor,” I wrote that former “The city still has the weakest internal conMayor Michael Nutter was ineligible to trols, which indicates a higher likelihood of run again due to term limits. According to fraud being able to occur. And that should not the city’s Home Rule Charter, mayors are be the case,” she said.

Asked if members of her own party were only limited to two consecutive terms. I reto blame for any of that – including a 30-year gret the error.

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STATE OF OUR CITY

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STATE

OF OUR

CITY

Original pranksters 6,000

Cali punk rockers The Offspring will pay a virtual visit to the Evil Genius Beer Company in Fishtown when iHeartMedia Philly’s ALT 104.5 makes a stop there next week as part of its Brewery tour and custom beer collaboration series. Preselected winners will be chosen to sample the custom “Come ALT & Play IPA” during a live broadcast with Jammin’ Jesse featuring The Offspring and the Evil Genius head brewer on Thursday, March 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. The VIPs will enjoy a virtual meet-and-greet with the band and virtual concert featuring songs off The Offspring’s new album, “Let the Bad Times Roll,” out April 16.

That’s how many Philadelphians are expected to be vaccinated at a daily rate by FEMA officials now that a mass vaccination site has opened once again at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. With city oversight, let’s hope they don’t fuck this one up.

‘Simply’ savoring a new deal?

The owners of Simply Good Jars – the chef-made, healthy, and readyto-eat meals made right here in Center City – get their shot on Season 12 of “Shark Tank” this Friday, March 5, when the episode airs on ABC. Without disclosing if he landed a deal with any of the sharks, owner Jared Cannon told PW: “We’ve been under a pretty aggressive expansion strategy for months now. We have some really exciting launches planned into retail – so definitely look out for that! As far as targeting sharks, I went in there with a focus to tell our story, share our vision, and ready to make any deal that made sense.”

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STATE OF OUR CITY

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A CLASH OF CLASSES

The Rev. Luis Cortés Jr. talks gentrification, immigration, education and more

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Coming up on 35 years after its founding, the Rev. Luis Cortés Jr. supports the city’s Hispanic community in numerous ways. Image | Courtesy of the Rev. Luis Cortés Jr.

ican, Dominican, Peruvian, Guatemalan and hether viewed through the Portugese people. He’s watched “El Barrio’’ lens of December 2020’s Philturn into Olde Kensington (“with an ‘e’ on Old, adelphia Award (its sole Hispanic recipient), his national yet”), and the Italian Market become, in his profile (serving in immigrant words, “Little Mexico.” Cortés has watched boroughs such as Upper Darby and upadvisory capacities to state locations such as Allentown and the George W. Bush Lancaster welcome Hispanic people. and Barack Obama White Houses), or

BY A.D. “The Philly area’s starting to look his creation of an Hispanic ecosystem AMOROSI like New York,” Cortés said proudly of of university and high school classes, his home city. and an initiative mixing economic and He’s seen governors and mayors workforce development, neighborhood come and watched governors and mayors go. revitalization and immigration services (his He’s had COVID, bad, and gotten over it. And, multi-faceted Esperanza), the Rev. Luis Cortés as we spoke, welcomed yet another grandson, Jr. is the first and last name in Hispanic conLorenzo (“Grandchild number 6…13 pounds, 7 tinuum in this city. ounces“) to the Cortés family fold.

Coming into his 35th year of founding EsThe Gospel of Reverend Cortés – a funny, peranza, as well as 40 years of co-founding the but fact-based tome from an easily talkative Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia, Cortés has watched as Philly grew past its initial Puerto and immensely quotable gentleman – is what he wants to share with us. Like the Good Book, Rican-packed citizenry to include more Mex-

MARCH 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY his psalms are necessary to read from, as his people still reel and heal from the financial effects of the pandemic.

“We’re lucky that we have USA Foods helping 300 of our families a week with fresh meats, fresh vegetables and milk,” he says.

Philadelphia Weekly caught up with Cortés to discuss his views on immigration, how the Hispanic community is being short-changed when it comes to getting the COVID vaccine and is being gentrified out of their own neighborhoods.

PW: We have heard a lot about how Philly’s Black community has been slighted by those in control of COVID vaccinations. What has that been like for Philly’s Hispanic community?

Cortés: I had the COVID, man. Went through the gates of hell – not hospitalized though. I just got my second Moderna shot last week. I’ve been telling the Hispanic community to get their shots. Don’t believe the internet – it’s gonna mess with your DNA. Look, a lot of that mistrust has been earned by the U.S. government. Everybody sees what happens to African-American communities. It happens to Hispanic communities as well. Our neighborhood is dirty. There’s more metals and dust in the air from it having been an industrial area. Plus, Hispanics are No. 1 in having asthma. But we need to get the shot.

The vaccine? The city made major mistakes at first – making deals with people they don’t know – but they’re trying to rectify it for our community. Dr. Stanford and the Black Doctors? They have been to Esperanza and did testing here, over 2,000 people. We contacted them. They came. Volunteers from the local hospital came out to help them for testing.

This week, the city informed us that we might be a FEMA site for vaccinations. If that’s true, and that’s a FEMA decision, we’ll be open 24/7. When Temple first started doing testing, our people asked some freaky questions – are they going to check ID? Do we have to pay?

People who were citizens were asking that, if we do it at Esperanza, people know and trust us, that we have a 300-plus person parking lot, that we’re not going to do anything bad.

If FEMA doesn’t choose us, the city said they will make us a once-a-week site, so we can start chipping away at the vaccine situation for Hispanic people in North Philly.

PW: What does it mean to the Hispanic people to continue the tradition of being a spiritual, religious guidepost with your Hispanic clergy organization?

Cortés: I founded this in 1981, and it does two things: Talks about the spiritual development of the Hispanic community and acts as a civil rights organization. They’re separate.

We can’t get government contracts otherwise.

The clergy’s role is to be prophetic, and we designed this based on the Black clergy’s actions and ideals in Philly. I worked with great organizations here, mostly Baptist, my ministry, and got the greatest help from the Rev. Dr. Leon Sullivan. He got me involved with the development of the United Bank of Philadel-

The Rev. Luis Cortés Jr. on gentrification: ‘One of the distinctions of this type of gentrification in this city is when they want a dog park, there’s a problem [laughs]. That’s why we get into clashes with the gentrifiers. Dog park? We’ve been trying to get a kids park for 12 years, and the city says it doesn’t have the money for it.’ Image | Courtesy of the Rev. Luis Cortés Jr.

phia, Philly’s premier Black bank. While I’m there, I meet Bill Moore, the head of Philly’s Black clergy, and all the top Black clergy leaders in the area. It was a great opportunity...One where I received the charge to build “Nuevo Esperanza,” because the clergy could always do the civil rights work and the faith work, but who does the glue work of making sure we have the services and outreach necessary to the Hispanic community? As long as we didn’t try to build a church or hold Sunday services, Esperanza could exist.

PW: Immigration: What is your take on legal and undocumented work forces in Philadelphia?

Cortés: There’s not that much of an undocumented work force other than in industries such as food service, restaurant industries and smaller scale construction – not large scale with government money involved. The jobs we’re taking wouldn’t pay that much more if we were on the books. Those jobs have always been low pay and off-the-books.

That will not change. And many of those jobs would go unfilled if not for us. Mind you, the contractors and construction heads still get the same profit, they’re just not letting it trickle down to the workers.

PW: So, where do you stand on open borders and the whole green card process?

Cortés: I want to be clear, I am not for an open border. We can’t afford an open border.

Every immigrant has an economic cost. Every immigrant brings something to the table for the economics of the future, whether they’re low or high skilled. But a nation cannot take on all the world’s poor. It just can’t. This isn’t a Philadelphia issue; it’s a global one, and the rules and our responsibility needs to be discussed globally.

You should know, though, that we have an immigration legal services office at Esperanza, the only immigration service in the com-

munity, and not downtown. We’re in the hood, working with people, getting and maintaining their paperwork, striving to become citizens of the United States.

PW: So how have you and Esperanza moved the needle in Philadelphia for the Hispanic community in your three-plus decades, so far?

Cortés: We know through the victories of individuals, and then the community as a whole. Look at Fifth Street. We can see that impact. We can look at the Esperanza campus that exists in W. Hunting Park Ave., 400,000 square feet of what was once debris, now filled with quality teachers and school kids learning. There are over 200 businesses that we helped leverage with over $400,000 of help.

We bought a newspaper to highlight the good of what happens in the community. Physically, where once was an old factory, that’s gone, and new life – a five-story, 38-unit complex, Roberto Clemente Homes – is there. Soon, downstairs, there will be a Citizens Bank, the first new bank in that neighborhood in decades, as well as a daycare center. That factory used to cast an horrific shadow over the neighborhood. Now there is light.

This all might be a drop in the bucket. But it’s a good drop. We’ve touched thousands of lives. And we’re just getting started, garnering support and good will. There will always be landmines and pitfalls. We push forward.

PW: You’re serving the expansion of Hispanic Philadelphia, from its early Puerto Rican population through the present day. That takes trust on all of their parts.

Cortés: I do believe I have the trust of the entire spectrum of Hispanic peoples, but it is a trust that was earned, never a given. We’ve earned it through our service, as Esperanza’s staff is large and diverse in terms of skin color, race and gender. We represent the whole of our communities. Give back? It’s a term that is overused. But there are second-generation

7

North Philly Hispanics who are giving back courtesy of having stayed in their home neighborhoods to help out. We don’t say that of Italians who have stayed in South Philly, though.

PW: That’s funny you mention South Philly, because I wanted to mention the wealth of Mexican entrepreneurs in the Italian Market. They pretty much revitalized and brightened up this area over the last 30 years.

Cortés: The Mexican Market? It’s fine there, but it’s a lost cause. The white progressives, economically, will wipe all of you out of there. Not you, because you’re on that team.

The Mexicans in South Philly are already moving out of South Philly. The only ones who will remain are the Mexicans directly in the market. The old school Italians will have to go, too, because the children don’t want to live in mom’s house anymore – but we do have a progressive professional group who want that house. Mexicans are already one-third gone from South Philly. The growth pattern has stopped because of the economics. Consider how many poor Hispanics can afford a $400,000 row house. It’s about owning the land.

PW: The issue of ownership among Hispanics and all notions of gentrification is something you’ve been talking about for at least a decade.

Cortés: The North Philadelphia Hispanic community is inside the African-American community, and the southern end of that neighborhood is being gentrified. It’s all being gentrified now, becoming more-so a young, somewhat affluent white community. They’re gentrifying a poor Brown, a poor Black and a poor white community. Fishtown. Put it this way: One of the distinctions of this type of gentrification in this city is when they want a dog park, there’s a problem [laughs]. That’s why we get into clashes with the gentrifiers.

Dog park? We’ve been trying to get a kids park for 12 years, and the city says it doesn’t have the money for it. The Human Resources Commission found incidents in the Gayborhood or Midtown Village – which used to be our neighborhood – where there were racial discriminatory practices between the new progressives who moved in and didn’t like people from the old neighborhood speaking Spanish. That’s a clash of race. More importantly, though, it is a clash of classes. Just like the poor whites in Fishtown wondering who the hell, and what the hell, these affluent whites are doing in “their” neighborhood. It’s a shift in what has been desired. It’s similar to the Hispanics in that neighborhood, drinking Caffe Con Leche for $1.50. We pay that until white people move in – then we’ll have to pay $2.50 or $3 for the same latte. It’s just steamed milk until a constituency from a different class structure comes in.

PW: Gentrification is not just about who is coming to the neighborhood. It is about what survives in that neighborhood. And who decides, right?

Cortés: Well said. In our community, we SEE REVEREND, PAGE 8

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MARCH 4 - 11, 2021

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REVEREND, FROM PAGE 7 have an economy created for our community: The Hispanic car repair shop with three prices – new parts that they put in, used parts they acquire and they put in, used parts that I acquire and they put in; the florist whom I tell I have eight bucks to spend for my wife’s birthday, and get a nice bouquet – the price isn’t set; the neighborhood restaurant where me and my family of four can eat for $30, cash, including rice, beans, meat and dessert. When we get gentrified, our ability to live, with less money, is destroyed...

We’re getting pushed out because it is economically advantageous for progressives to move us out: They make more money, can do more with it, and get downtown faster. They say they’re bringing good things and making the neighborhood a mixed income community. But they’re not. We get moved out. Period.

We used to have “El Barrio” in the neighborhood that is now the art museum, until we got moved out. Same with Brewerytown. The refocus of Northern Liberties. Now, Olde Kensington. I don’t care what anyone in the city says – it is intentional. They created tax breaks, jobs and economic opportunities, yes. But not for the poor. That’s the problem. The answer then is to get out.

On top of that, you have people coming in from all over the region who are white and opioid addicted. The city has taken the position of giving them homes and shelter ahead of the Hispanic people who have been waiting for help for decades. Because they’re putting them into the Hispanic area, the Hispanics are leaving. What is then happening is that economic speculators, who happen to be white, are now buying up the undervalued properties in that neighborhood – so that 10, eight, six years from now – the city will clean out the opioid-addicted people, and then will make up another new name for an old area of ours.

With that, you can get paranoid doing the work we do.

PW: Paranoid because there is little change in regard to how we gentrify and how we treat our school-age children?

Cortés: Esperanza is a place-based response to poverty. I’m part of this committee funded by Bill Gates, with the Urban Institute, and they’re quoting these intellectual studies that go if you take a poor family, with children before third grade, and move them into a better neighborhood, you can change the odds of those children remaining in poverty.

And to that I said, “Well, duh.” If you take a child out of an inner city school district that spends $9,000 on a kid, and put him in Paoli where they spend $23,000 and you do that for 10 years, he’ll be better off? You have invested $100,000 more on that child. Of course his odds of staying in poverty are less. Plus, the socialization factor is up. That’s why we have school districts here based on property values. Because the minute I move 10 poor Black or Brown kids into Paoli in a rental situation,

MARCH 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

The Rev. Luis Cortés Jr. has worked with mayors from Wilson Goode through Jim Kenney.

Image | Courtesy of the Rev. Luis Cortés Jr. Paoli is going to raise taxes on rental situations so that the Brown and Black cannot afford to stay. Because Paoli is going to say, “Why are we spending on those 10 kids, over a quarter of a million dollars a year when they’re parents don’t pay our taxes?’ That’s the story of wealth in America: To make sure you can transfer wealth through the educational process, from one child to another and reduce competition.

Here, Mayor Kenney is trying to get the Philadelphia Housing Authority and Councilwoman Quiñones Sánchez to help us work out a deal where we can get some of our land in our old neighborhood of Olde Kensington and Fishtown so that we can build affordable housing there. We’ll see if it happens...

PW: You mentioned Mayor Kenney. Do you feel that he is working with you, for you, against you?

Cortés: Progressives will have their dog parks, their bike lanes, all their things – and the money for all those things will be found, in a city budget, that can’t find money for kids.

Mayor Kenney. Sugar tax. We’re fixing the parks. What parks? Who benefits from them, and who makes the decisions about them?

Will they be white parks, and new folk who tend to organize quicker, or will they belong to the old neighbors? That’s the conversation that needs to happen. We need to help the flower shop who gives flowers for $8 and the restaurant that could feed a family for $30. We need to find or make the coexistence of class. I like that phrase.

PW: From the time you got here until the present, how would you describe the trajectory of your working relationships with Philly’s mayors?

Cortés: I got here during Bill Green, and worked first with Wilson Goode who, sadly, eventually, got defined by one issue: MOVE.

But he built up downtown, and he started 676.

Ed Rendell was great at taking the credit for it [laughs]. I love Ed. He is one of my campaign co-chairs in raising capital funds for Esperanza’s campus. Ed Rendell was a champion of co-existence, the king of “Let’s make a deal.”

Wilson Goode was a champion of the underclass.

John Street, too, was about protecting poor people at any cost. He tore down blighted buildings and got rid of abandoned cars for the benefit of the poor. Mike Nutter was all about policy. I like him, but policy was his thing.

Kenney? Results? He has three more years to help us do what we must with the land we need. We haven’t gotten one lot out of the city so far. We’re running out of time with the whole money for affordable housing. Kenney ran on a poverty platform. We still haven’t been able to implement that platform – that’s problematic. But he will always get my support and admiration because he stood up for us, stood up for the immigrants and maintained its status as a sanctuary city.

PW: It’s all about opportunity, yes?

Cortés: I was Esperanza’s only employee with one part-time assistant, and a $60,000 budget for a $200,000 a year community development corporation looking to build a $2 million project such as a campus – a lot of work.

Now, we’re a $55 million a year operation, that happened because Mayor Goode gave us an opportunity. He knew that minority groups never got those opportunities. Hispanic community – here’s your shot? Mess up. It’s over for you. We didn’t mess up and we grew. That is the legacy of these mayors. They did give us opportunities. How they implement things – that’s the future of the city. By the way, Harrisburg fails us as well. Right now, there are at least 40 towns in Pennsylvania with the same

needs and the same kind of help Philly does.

And we’re not getting it. It’s a failure of leadership, but we’ll get there, Maybe we’ll organize. Maybe.

PW: What would you describe as your strengths, beyond never saying “no?”

Cortés: Always big picture, not visionary, but planning. Seeing the needs of a community, figuring out what is needed specifically, how all of its pieces work together, then getting it all funded when there are no funds to be had…Then getting money out of governments, corporations, the private and public sector. My brother makes sure the small pictures dots are connected. You got a $60,000 grant from the city of Philadelphia to do mortgage counseling – are we doing it on a level that is the best in the city? That’s what my brother, Danny, also a pastor, wants to knowphia’s Dis from his big brother, who he didn’t want toocratic pri work for in the first place. Hearing the word, “This g ‘no?’ We were told Esperanza could never havechallenge or be a college. Now, our college exists withabuse and 120 students after COVID; over twice that be-communit fore the pandemic – we’re hoping many come$750,000, a back. We run a pre-K to 12th grade. We have arun again “But th newspaper. We have theaters.

PW: The theater is a big deal for you, isn’tone target Nick Ge it?

Cortés: It is. The Pennsylvania Ballet andthe Protec the Philadelphia Orchestra – they come toan of the P North Philly. They perform in my neighbor-retired aft hood, work with the kids there, with leaders I reache in my neighborhood watching. The kids theyhe formed dance with are now inspired by, and dance “There with them downtown: That is the microcosmon across of the coexistence of class, the coexistence of racists, pi ethnicity. My kids now also go and see and payation poli to see them dance in downtown Philly. That’sculture an communit a microcosm. That’s how you grow a city. humanize @ADAMOROSI know that

CRIME BEAT

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TAKING DOWN KRASNER

Nick Gerace, the founder and president of the Protect Our Police PAC, is a 12-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, who said the PAC helps to identify pro-police candidates and helps get them elected. Image | Courtesy of Nick Gerace.

hilly does. re of leadwe’ll orga-

as your ” visionary, a commupecifically, then geto funds to his summer, some disof governgruntled, retired Philnd public adelphia police officers small picformed the Protect Our a $60,000 Police PAC,” Larry Kraso do mortner wrote in a fundraising on a level letter for his reelection what my campaign as Philadels to knowphia’s District Attorney in the upcoming Dem’t want toocratic primary. the word, “This group believes no one should ever never havechallenge the thin blue line, no matter the xists withabuse and discrimination that occurs in our ce that be-communities. Since early July, they’ve raised many come$750,000, and they are recruiting candidates to We have arun against progressives all over the country.

“But the PAC has been clear. Their number you, isn’tone target is Larry Krasner.”

Nick Gerace, the founder and president of Ballet andthe Protect Our Police PAC, is a 12-year vetery come toan of the Philadelphia Police Department who neighbor-retired after sustaining an on-the-job injury. th leaders I reached out to Gerace and asked him why kids theyhe formed the PAC. and dance “There are a lot of false narratives going microcosmon across the country that state cops are all istence of racists, pigs, and corrupt. I’m a third-generee and payation police officer and I’ve grown up in the lly. That’sculture and watched it grow and become more city. community active. I want to turn the tide and humanize the police officer and let the public know that nobody hates a dirty cop more than

“T

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Protect Our Police PAC President Nick Gerace on why the progressive DA should be defeated quickly and we were able to build a foundation a good cop. The majority of police officers, and infrastructure and grow a national foot99.99 percent, are good police officers.”

Gerace said the PAC helps to identify print, which ultimately helped us get 38 police pro-police candidates and helps get them officials elected.

“With this new election cycle, we’re hyelected. They are bucking the national defund the police movement. He said that the per-focused on Krasner. He is running on a saving Black lives platform, but PAC supports selected candidates it is quite the opposite, he is dethrough direct contributions, mailstroying Black lives and the Black ers, and media campaigns. community. Look at the homicide “Our focus in the beginning was victims – 86 percent of them are Philadelphia, but we saw that PhilBlack. It is critically important to adelphia was a microcosm for the the Black community that Krasner country. Big city, little city, small is removed from office. county, large county, we see these “Our focus right now is exposing radicals being backed by billionhow radical and dangerous Krasaire George Soros and the destrucner is for Philadelphia and how his tion of law and order. failed social experiment is getting “It’s really a grass-root movepeople killed.” ment. It resonates with people. The I asked Gerace if he felt that majority of people, regardless of Philadelphia’s mayor and DA are their race or ethnicity, believe in supportive of the rank-and-file law and order and the police.” cops.

I asked Gerace about a re“They are doing the opposite cent Philadelphia Inquirer story PAULDAVISONCRIME.COM of supporting rank-and-file cops, that stated that the PAC received specifically, the District Attorney. $500,000 from Timothy Mellon, and Krasner sued the police department 75 times the newspaper offered some of Mellon’s conprior to becoming a prosecutor.” troversial views. Gerace said he was unaware Gerace noted that during the violent proof Mellon’s comments and he didn’t necessaritests, looting, arsons and assaults on police ly agree with them. officers in Philadelphia after the death of “But the important thing is the money he George Floyd, 700 criminal citations were donated helped us establish our organization

PAUL DAVIS

eliminated with the wave of a hand by Mayor Kenney and Krasner. He said the mayor and DA were more concerned about the conduct of the police officers, pouring over hours of videotape looking for a reason to arrest a police officer.

“Just look at the case of Joe Bologna. You have a dedicated city official who has given his all for this city, and he was affecting a legal arrest and was assaulted. When he went to court, the judge threw it out.

A guy violently pointed a gun and carjacked an Uber driver, then while in prison for that, he assaulted a corrections officer, and Krasner let him out with $3,200 combined bail, doesn’t appeal, doesn’t call the probation office, and doesn’t do what he’s supposed to do to keep a violent criminal like that off the streets. But he’s hardcore focused on retrying Joe Bologna.”

Gerace said Krasner was an ambulance chaser as a defense attorney and he’s a headline chaser as a prosecutor.

“Law and order should not be defined by an R, a D, or an I. It should be something we all agree on. I believe the majority of Democrats now see that Krasner is a radical.”

You can visit the Protect Our Police PAC website at protectourpolicepac.org.

Paul Davis’ Crime Beat column appears here each week. He can be reached via pauldavisoncrime.com.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MARCH 4 - 11, 2021

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VOICES

OF OUR

CITY

Reform our democracy The first 100 days of Biden’s presidency are under way and I’m hoping that he and Congress will make reforming our democracy a top priority. The best way to do that is by passing the For the People Act. The For the People Act is a bold piece of legislation that would strengthen our democracy for generations to come. The law would dismantle numerous barriers to voting and representation, like gerrymandering, racist voter ID laws, unnecessary hurdles to registration, and felony disenfranchisement, adding millions of new voters to the rolls.

It would also reduce the influence of big

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE SHOUT OUT Image | Anne & Saturnino Miranda

money in our politics by enacting limits on donations from lobbyists and increasing the power of campaign contributions from Americans by enacting a small-donor matching program.

Without this much-needed reform, our political system will never be truly democratic or fully representative, meaning our government will continue to work only for the privileged few.

With a new president in the White House, I want to build a better system for all Americans – which is why I’m urging Congress to pass the For the People Act.

Theresa Patterson | Philadelphia

Newspaper’s editor is doing her job In response to Jenny DeHuff’s participation in a Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) media panel last week: Been a longtime fan of PW, dating back to the Tim Whitaker days. Honestly, I haven’t found the “shift to conservative opinions” shockingly radical. Instead, I see it as solid journalism -- afflicting the comfortable. I’ve cheered at the occasional swipe at Jim Ken-

ney, who, frankly, shouldn’t be immune to criticism.

I live in the city (Northern Liberties), so I know things aren’t always perfect. I did make a point, once again, to go a bit out of my way to get the paper today (at the Foodery at 2nd and Poplar). Real awesome product each week -- especially considering that you are a one-woman band.

Adam Dvorin | Northern Liberties

MARCH 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

The city recently loosened the restrictions to attend sporting events, and it looks like some fans will be allowed at Citizens Bank Ballpark to watch the Phillies.

Your turn: Will you be one of those in the stands to cheer on the Phillies, or will you stick to watching them on TV? Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com

While 2 mirror, m new year, pieces fro COVID-19 But hope ing fast to effort, and munity wi resilient in of continu lenges.

Of cou ting back mal” w time. And meantime worth re the digita mechanism have hel delphia’s and econ together year. Mor main focu port and u Philadelph can to kee open.

In partn ers, the N ing our co growth, a and overa trict and t er it. Whi munity lik changed a Thankf We will co ogy has p this year a halt and c online. Fr and book been able than ever We saw pandemic, tor in sur with digit Connected small busi had a lev which hel ic fundam done. Ove Pennsylva

VOICES OF OUR CITY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

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Digital platforms critical for Wolf’s budget hits Philly minority small businesses while it’s still down

While 2020 is now officially in the rearview mirror, many Philadelphians will spend this new year, and years to come, picking up the pieces from the economic and social toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on our lives.

But hope is on the horizon. We are all holding fast to the promise of a rapid vaccination effort, and that our city’s small business community will remain resilient in the face of continued challenges.

Of course, getting back to “normal” will take time. And in the meantime, it is worth recognizing the digital support mechanisms that have held Philadelphia’s social and economic life together this past year. More specifically, it’s important to remain focused on how we can continue to support and uplift small businesses right here in Philadelphia that are doing everything they can to keep their physical and virtual doors open.

In partnership with community stakeholders, the North Broad Renaissance is revitalizing our community, creating opportunities for growth, and improving the economic power and overall quality of life for our historic district and the small business owners who power it. While this year has strained our community like never before, those goals have not changed as we chart a path ahead.

Thankfully, we know we will not go it alone.

We will continue to embrace the role technology has played in keeping businesses open this year as face-to-face interactions came to a halt and consumers moved their transactions online. From email platforms to cloud storage and bookkeeping software, companies have been able to rely on digital platforms more than ever over the past year.

We saw firsthand who was prepared for the pandemic, and who wasn’t. And a huge factor in survival this past year was familiarity with digital platforms. A recent study by the Connected Commerce Council (3C) found that small businesses across Pennsylvania already had a level of comfort using digital tools, which helped them adapt when the pandemic fundamentally shifted the way business is done. Over half of the companies surveyed in Pennsylvania, 67 percent, have increased their

use of digital tools in response to COVID-19 and many plan to keep using those tools after the pandemic.

Importantly, the same study found that Black and Brown-owned businesses were half as likely as their white counterparts to receive aid through public loans, including PPP loans.

This data further underscores the importance of digital adaptation in the minority small business community, and informs our work to ensure that minority-owned businesses are up to speed on the digital transformation necessary to survive and succeed today.

These statewide trends align strongly with what we’ve seen in North Broad. One of our member businesses, a franchisee with Tropical Smoothie Café, leveraged a number of online delivery platforms to maintain revenues as a result of the downturn in foot traffic. They also benefited from social media referrals on platforms where customers could share their experiences and recommendations with one another.

Digital tools have been critical to our own operations at NBR as well. With grassroots outreach becoming nearly impossible at the height of the pandemic, we were able to leverage online outreach tools like social media to maintain our communications with struggling businesses and identify the support they needed.

Of course, our recognition of the value of digital platforms informed our services this past year in uplifting the businesses we represent. We were able to forward businesses to groups like the Temple Small Business Development Center to get businesses up to speed on the digital platforms they would need to survive. We have also held a number of live workshops to help businesses with their online marketing, social media presence, and general digital technology skills.

As our community embarks on a journey of recovery, aided by continued adherence to health guidelines and the widespread vaccination effort, let’s hope lawmakers across the state embrace the opportunity that technology presents to not only help businesses in Philadelphia survive the pandemic, but thrive in a post-COVID world.

Shalimar Thomas is the Executive Director of North Broad Renaissance.

It’s no secret that Philadelphia has been hit hard by the coronavirus and lockdowns. It was one of the first counties to lock down and one of the last counties to begin taking steps toward reopening through Gov. Wolf’s phased plan. That means local businesses and workers in the state’s most populated municipality have endured the most time without making money.

And just when many were starting to think the worst was behind us, Wolf gave his annual budget address recently. Based on his proposals, the city’s residents and businesses might be hit again.

As it stands, the governor’s budget proposal includes a plan to increase the personal income tax (PIT) from the current rate of 3.07 percent to 4.49 percent. He includes increases in income “allowances,” which he says will result in a tax reduction for the “working class.” In reality, according to U.S. Census data, the median household would see a tax increase across most major household categories.

For Philadelphians, a state income tax hike is an even bigger worry than it is for most other Pennsylvanians. Philadelphia is the fifth highest-taxed urban area in the country, barely lower than places like New York City and San Francisco. Apart from the local sales tax, Wolf’s proposal would increase the maximum income tax for Philadelphians from under 7 percent to over 8 percent.

During his address, Wolf said, “the question isn’t whether taxes are unpleasant or necessary. They’re both.” While most people would accept that some taxes are necessary, that isn’t the same as justifying increasing them, especially considering how hard this tax increase will hit Philadelphia’s already struggling small businesses in addition to workers.

According to an NFIB December survey, one-quarter of small businesses nationally will have to close if current economic conditions don’t improve over the next six months.

Last August, more than 1,000 Philly businesses had already closed, according to Yelp data.

Wolf’s proposed tax hike would disproportionately affect businesses and households that are already struggling.

Despite the name, the PIT isn’t only personal. It’s also the way that 85 percent of the ap-

proximately 1 million businesses in the state are taxed. This is because businesses such as Limited Liability Companies, Partnerships, and S Corporations file under the PIT rather than the much higher Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT).

This simple fact goes against Wolf’s claim that he recognizes how important businesses are to our communities’ economic revival.

Even though he proposed that the CNIT be reduced by 25 percent in his address, an increase in the PIT will hit many more businesses. This doesn’t make sense if you want to improve the business climate of the state.

Lawmakers in the General Assembly should reject Wolf’s bad ideas and instead implement policies that would actually improve the business climate and make life easier for workers.

One such reform is permitting all businesses – not just corporations – the ability to carry forward and deduct operating losses.

Additionally, Pennsylvania has the 11th highest number of business regulations in the country, with almost 163,000 individual rules. And that doesn’t include COVID-specific regulations.

These rules alone result in huge time costs to businesses, especially small ones.

Reducing the myriad of rules and eliminating harmful or needless regulations would not only make it easier for businesses to operate but also make it easier to ensure compliance with the regulations that do matter. Thankfully, there are already many bills introduced that address both these areas and would represent a vast improvement over the status quo.

Wolf was right that the state should make things easier for Pennsylvanians, especially those struggling; however, his tax plan doesn’t do that. Raising taxes on individuals and businesses is not the way to improve job opportunities and economic growth. For Philadelphians who have been hit the hardest during the COVID pandemic, the governor’s budget address wasn’t the message of relief and support they needed to hear.

We can build back better as Philadelphians and Pennsylvanians, but that involves removing barriers and creating opportunity, not adding to existing hardship.

Tirzah Duren is a Policy Analyst for the Commonwealth Foundation, Pennsylvania’s free market think tank. @ tzduren. This article was originally published at Broad + Liberty. Follow them on Twitter @BroadAndLiberty.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MARCH 4 - 11, 2021

GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

ICEPACK

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Image | Siamak

MARCH 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

RESTAURANT MATHEMATICS 6 people per table outside doesn’t equal 100 percent capacity inside the restaurant

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ure, I’m pleased as lame, non-deweek, where $5,449 was raised for needed meal nominational holiday punch that service in the community, N. Lee Street’s Pizthe City of Philly’s next property zeria Beddia is calling in its fun favor chits, reassessment is delayed until next and will hook up with their old friend, Philly year due to the long pandemic (any raised/Temple University student Eric Wareconcerns of being “taxed out” must heim. Wareheim, of course, has gone onto fall behind more rampant, activated fame as one-half of the avant-garde Adult worries such as what held up Didi Swim-based comedy duo Tim & Eric, since Gregorius from arriving at the Phillies camp leaving Philly, as well as having a fruitful dion time – who has visa delays?). Yet, I’m still recting and solo acting career (e.g. Aziz Ansabugged-as-fuck. ri’s co-star in Netflix’s “Master of None”). On Maybe I’m still cranky because last week- March 14, and in connection with the Los Anend’s “snow moon” still has me sleeping less geles Times’ new Dinner Series, Chef-owner (it’s an equatorial thing, you wouldn’t un- Joe Beddia, Wareheim, fellow chefs Thomas derstand). Or maybe I’m still really annoyed McNaughton (San Fran’s Flour and Water) that Mayor Kenney still won’t explain why he and Daniele Uditi (LA’s Pizzana, LA), and LA won’t relent and open Lincoln Financial Field Times Senior Food Writer Jenn Harris join toto COVID vaccinations like other major cities’ gether over Zoom at 8pm for a humorous virfootball stadiums have (c’mon, tual conversation (or a virtually huImage |you Marilyn Paige crank, just admit you’re pissed at morous, depends how it goes, right?)

BY A.D. South Philly after having lost their about a take out/pick up special support after Fumo dissed you, and pizza and bottle of Las Jaras “Glou AMOROSI you didn’t stand up for the ColumGlou” meal deal. Reserve here at bus statue). resy.com.

I’ve definitely had enough of adult Poke Burri in town Philadelphians telling me, “Well, if stadiums If pizza news isn’t enough – and if so, and outdoor places might...might...open up what’s your problem, bub – there’s the headby summer, certainly indoor restaurant dinline that the Atlanta-based Poke Burri coning and indoor concerts will be back to 100 cept of sushi donuts and sashimi burritos just percent.” (Do these lost souls live, collectivehit the Philly area. 255 S. 10th Street is the new ly, in an outhouse? Do they not comprehend home to the small Southern-built franchise the primary difference between outside and (only four from Jacksonville to Houston) of inside? And please don’t be lulled into some Poke Burri and its soulful sister ramen house, sort of weird culinary security just because, Lifting Noodles, and its cool menu of kale nooas of Monday, Philly restaurants are allowed dles. Yikes. to seat parties of up to six guests on covered Waiting for Van Gogh and heated patios and al fresco sidewalk arWhile you have your wallets out, and need eas. Not inside. Get it. Not. In. Side.) some secret location in Philadelphia (to be Maybe, I’m just bluer than blue and sadder announced, ugh) to hang at while COVID-19 than sad that the classic WDAS sound and is still in gear, prepare for Van Gogh: The vibe is being eroded by last week’s passing Immersive Experience, whose tickets go on of not one, but two of its legends: Mr. Tony sale March 4 at 10am. Yes, it promises a starBrown and Mr. Cody Anderson. All I know is ry starry night like you have witnessed never some cheering up is in order. And some real before with Vince. (“Dr. Who” fans will recall sleep. This friggin snow moon is killing me. that the series’ “Vincent and The Doctor” is Talking pizza on Zoom among the best ever television episodes to beHere’s one thing that has me smiling alhold.) There’s also a waiting list, long before ready: After their Philabundance benefit, last the Philly tickets have dropped. C’mon, man. I

T

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GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY hate lines. Check feverup.com for details.

PTWC goes virtual This year’s Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference, a premier health and cultural event always held at the Philadelphia Convention Center and always about union and communion, is just now announcing that it will go Image | Courtesy Peter Slavin virtual for 2021 with a July 22 to July 24 schedule. More PTWC news as this unfolds.

Toasted Walnut closes Another sad story to strike the LGBTQ community is the fact that 13th & Walnut’s legendary lesbian bar, yes, the bar and its inhabitants are legends, deal with it, The Toasted Walnut, has closed its doors due to the financial ravages of the pandemic – this after 2020’s Lesbian Bar project raised $100,000plus to aid the quickly dwindling amount of lesbian bars in the U.S. Though you can’t go to The Toasted Walnut any longer, you can still help owner Denise Cohen with her long-term medical bills at her GoFundMe page.

Give quickly and wisely.

Masked Philly: Peter Slavin In Icepack’s continuing saga of asking mask-donning local celebrities what they’ve been up to beyond the pale during COVID-19’s pandemic, I reached out this week to Peter Slavin, the Ice Man, the artist and entertainer behind the Ice Sculpture Philly brand. You’ve seen his work. He’s built looming Eiffel Towers, long ass luges and LOVE sculptures as big as the one nearest City Hall.

People may be distanced, socially, but they’re still getting married, having children, or holding events, which means someone’s

going to need something giant made of ice during the pandemic. (Check out his array of work at his Insta @iceicephilly and icesculpturephilly.com.)

Still, Slavin has had time to himself during COVID-19. Therefore: “For myself and for the community, I have been planting mystery ice sculptures around Philly for people to discover on their walk, run and drive,” says Slavin of his guerilla art maneuvers. ”I also just finished a complete bathroom redo in my house, which was fun except for the toilet.

Ugh, dirty! But, it’s been a great feeling to get caught up on the ‘Honey To Do’ list.”

The mask?

He’s no fan.

“They are annoying and they fog up my glasses,” he said, frankly.

Even more frank, “I can smell my breath in the morning, so I’ve been using a lot of mouthwash.

But it’s a way of life right now, and we have to protect ourselves and each other.”

Beyond maintaining fresh breath, one thing he is anxious to do freely when the masks can come down is “enjoy a great glass of Malbec red wine – a really good one – yummy, with no mask, and give my friends a really big hug. Collectively.”

Along with Ice Sculpture Philly’s public private work, Slavin is working on calendar bookings for small, socially distanced, outside events, as well as fashioning his newest mega-project, “a 1954 Chevy Truck made out of ice.” He’s going to need that drink when he’s done.

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MUSIC

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE HITMAKERS After a successful debut, South Philly’s Obsidian Studios already is planning a second studio

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bsidian Studios is shoots, video editing, and proa new record label duction.

Since opening in summer and recording studio in South Phila- 2020, Obsidian has been booked delphia, represent- solid, and because of this sucing artists from the cess, it is opening a second stugreater Northeast dio in the same location. They are also hosting a giveU.S. and employing away (soon to be postsound engineers from ed on social media) all over the country.

BY EUGENE where they will proThey opened the stuZENYATTA vide three free hours dio for production six of recording time and months ago and have one free hour of a phohad artists recording every hour of every day since. toshoot with the in-house phoObsidian aims to create a space tographer, Daytodaychase.

Key players at Obsidian infor Philadelphia artists to reach clude GtheShep (founder/enthe peak of their career without having to go to places like At- gineer), Kain (engineer, head lanta, L.A. or NYC. They offer a of songwriting), Kultivate (enwide variety of services includ- gineer, head of production), ing recording, mixing, master- and Tokxic (engineer, head of production). ing, lessons, photoshoots, video

Founder of Obsidian Studios, Shep, invites artists who are looking to record to come on in and catch a vibe. Image | Daytodaychase

MARCH 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY PW recently caught up with Shep to talk a little about how the studio came about and its success right from the jump.

Talk a little about how Obsidian Studios came about. Who are the main people behind it, and why was it a good idea to launch in the middle of a pandemic?

Well, we didn’t plan to launch during a pandemic. It’s been in the works for a year or two.

But, I was engineering and recording throughout the city, interning, learning as much as I could. Not only about the craft, but the business side as well. And then it got to the point where I had an investor, saved up some money, and found the perfect location. And I just went for it. I went ahead with construction. We actually signed the lease a week before things started getting shut down. And I thought corona would be over in like a month or two. And as the months went by, we realized we’d have to do some extra stuff to make sure everyone who came through was safe.

I put everything together. Kain was engineering with me, and I was teaching him at our last studio, and I have a whole team of 1520 people involved.

Obsidian has been a hit with artists since opening its doors. What’s the secret to all of the success?

I mean there’s not really a secret to it, we’re just extremely good at what we do. We’re professionals. We provide a COVID-safe environment. We follow the guidelines and try to be as safe as we can. We’re open minded. We work with anyone. We really love the music.

Y’know, we have to charge you, but we do offer competitive prices compared to our quality of work and other prices in the city. Honestly, when I came up, I just always had the thought: “There’s something wrong with the studio.”

So, I kinda made my own that kinda felt like it was everything I wanted and needed at the time, like when you’re tight on budget and you don’t really have too much knowledge. I wanted to provide a place where the community could grow and was also cost-efficient.

Why did you pick Philadelphia for a new record label and recording studio?

From your perspective, what’s the Philly music scene like these days and where is it heading?

I picked Philly because this is where I’m from. This is where the majority of my network is. I know the city. I know the artists. I feel comfortable here. And this is what I wanna help grow. And I want to try to provide some value back to the city that raised me and turned me into who I am.

[The Philly music scene is] in bedrooms and basements right now ‘cause of COVID. But I’m seeing more fusions of genres, the market is growing faster and faster. Back when we had the pump era and the soundcloud guys, they were famous for a few years, but now when there’s hits like that, they’re gone in a few months. It’s the easiest it’s been for an artist to blow up but also the easiest it’s been to fall to the side. Because we constantly have new acts

MUSIC coming up, music is the easiest it’s ever been to download all the software and get products delivered to you. Anyone can make music nowadays.

When a new artist who’s never made a video or recorded any music contacts you, what’s your advice for them? Are you looking to work with newcomers or do you prefer established artists?

I just tell ‘em to come on in, catch a vibe.

Just texting, or even over a phone call you can only experience so much. Being here and feeling the people around you care for what you’re working on, I think it kinda sets the tone and gives confidence to a lot of new artists because we love supporting and we try to direct as best as we can. If you’re a new artist, this is definitely the place to start. This isn’t a place where you’ll be criticized, or be taken advantage of. I view every artist, new or veteran, the same way, like we’re tryna do something here, we’re tryna make some good music. No one really gets special treatment. Not to be corny, but everyone’s special.

I don’t have too much of a preference, I just like working with artists who are easy to work with in a sense. I don’t like confrontational artists, or arrogant [ones], in a sense. But I mean I understand this is an emotional field and the music is everything for most of the people that come here, so I’m very understanding of that.

But you know, working 12 hours a day for the past nine years, it is easier when people are ready to work when they come in. Like I said, I treat everyone the same, so whoever comes in that door, I’m willing to work.

Can you talk a little about the upcoming giveaway and how people can enter? Why did you decide to hold the giveaway?

To celebrate our new studio, I want to give back to the clients and the people who made it possible. So, we’re giving out three hours of free studio time and one free hour of a photoshoot with our in-house photographer. The way to enter is by following our twitter @obsidianphilly. It’ll run for one week. If you have been trying to get into the studio, maybe want a photoshoot, I would definitely recommend giving us a follow because it could be you.

Beyond opening a second studio, what do you see for Obsidian in the years ahead?

It’s so hard to tell, especially with all the COVID stuff, y’know life can change on a dime, but we just keep creating, we keep growing. I wanna see all my collaborators become full-time staff, to have people be on salary, I want this to grow bigger into different cities, bringing up artists and helping them grow.

I’m hoping, within a year or so, we have a nice roster of artists, and maybe some more studios around the U.S. Those ideas are definitely in the future. I hope that in a few years, Obsidian is a household name in the music industry.

How can people stay current with what’s going on with Obsidian?

Follow us on all of our social media, keep an eye on our website (obsidianphilly.com) and turn on our tweet notifications!

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MUSIC

GROOVING ALONG The Groove Merchants blend blues, funk and soul and recently dropped a new EP after the release of their third, full-length album kind of got lost in the shuffle with the pandemic. Image | Mia Ellis

MARCH 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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Philly’s The Groove Merchants drop new EP, ‘Live at Morgan Creek’

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PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

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hilly’s The Groove Merchants are here to throw down and breakout.

Fueled with howling vocals from frontman Tye Vallone, driven by Luke Ferracone’s guitar work, and insured through focused horn sounds and a hustling backbeat from bassist John Evin Groome and Peter Snyder on drums, the band twists in elements of blues, funk and soul.

The Groove Merchants recently released their new EP, “Live at Morgan Creek,” after the release of their third, full-length album, “The Throne,’’ released last March, got lost in the shuffle with the onset of COVID. The new, live EP is a selection of three songs off of “The Throne” as well as a cover of the Dylan classic, “I Shall Be Released,” which was released as a single in December with an accompanying video.

PW recently sat down with Vallone and Ferracone to talk about the band’s new music and career.

The roots of The Groove Merchants reach back to 2012 and Kutztown University. Can you talk a little about how you first got together? Was there chemistry right off the bat or did it take awhile to realize that this was a great fit?

Tye: So, the short version is basically I met John Evin and our original drummer, Anthony, and formed a group with them, and Luke formed a separate group with them, unbeknownst to me. Once we realized that, we all decided to basically join forces and just play together. I think the chemistry was definitely apparent right away, even in the early days at Kutztown, and when Peter came on as our drummer in late 2018, everything clicked right away and has been full steam ahead since then, the culmination being this new EP. Luke: Around that time, Anthony and I were trying to put a group together, so we were jamming with other bass players and musicians, which was always cool, but it wasn’t quite clicking yet for what we had in mind. I remember he suggested a different bass player that he knew and the first time we played together, it was immediate that this was going to work. We all shared a similar approach that worked for what we were doing.

This man is who we now know as John Evin!

Then, when we linked up with Tye, it all came together because, as he said, he had already been playing and had a group with the two of them at the time. Pete went to KU with all of us so we had been playing with him some too during that time, so that was a great move that felt natural when he joined in 2018.

Why did you decide to move ahead with “Live at Morgan Creek,” and how did it all come together? What’s been the reaction of your fans?

Tye: This was one of those rare silver linings that’s come out of the pandemic. Since playing live shows basically shut down for us, except for one or two outdoor events in the summer, we decided to use the time to put content out rather than sit and wait for this

The Groove Merchants recorded the “Live at Morgan Creek” EP inside the barn at Morgan Creek Farms. Image | Adam Klein Your music is described as elements all to be over or just do a couple live streams. of blues, funk and soul. Has your sound Live shows have always been where we feel the band shines the most, so we wanted to cap- changed over the years? How would you describe a typical Groove Merchants song? ture that vibe and energy as much as possible Tye: I don’t know if there is a “typical” while still being safe. So, we arranged a live recording session at Morgan Creek Farms in Groove Merchants song because we’re always Quakertown thanks to our good friends Adam pulling from different influences (what we’re all listening to, different genres, etc.) but I and Steph Kline, who own the farm and actuthink the key hallmarks are always vocals and ally had us play at their wedding there a few years ago, and we were lucky enough to be strong, blues-influenced guitar work that play off of each other. I think in the early days, our able to come back and record the EP there.

We were thankfully also able to recruit sound was a lot more “jam” oriented, and we some additional musicians, including Mark were kind of just figuring out songs that we could work guitar solos around.

Brown of Hambone Relay to play Over time, the songwriting has organ, as well as engineer, mix and evolved greatly. Plus, we’ve been master the record, and even feature

BY EUGENE able to add horns and keys. Our latbackground vocalists for the first ZENYATTA est full-length studio album, “The time in a live setting. We were also Throne,” is the first project we did able to have our good friends and where every song really had somefellow Kutztown alums Josh Munthing to say, and I think that’s reflected musison and Mike Gialoretto film the session as cally, too. well. The reaction so far has been outstandLuke: When we first started playing, I’d say ing, and we’re super thankful for all the support from everyone who’s listened to the EP. the music was more wide open. There were big sections of songs that were open for solos The energy and musicianship just all came together perfectly – which I’m sure you know is and improvisation that made for some rawer super rare – and I think it shows on the record and sometimes wilder shows. The song was and our fans have responded to that, which often centered around that. That’s definitely still part of what we do, but over the years, we has been amazing. have gotten more songwriting and arranging Luke: I think this band feels most comfortfocused. It’s also a big change to have the addable and is at its best in a live setting, which ed instrumentation we’ve been playing with. we haven’t been able to capture yet for any kind of release but had wanted to do it for Writing songs with keys, horns, backup singsome time. This was an opportunity to do that ers, percussionists, etc. in mind, as opposed while there was so much down time. It wasn’t to two guitars, bass, drums and vox, opens up a lot of new songwriting avenues to pursue. I a live show per se, because we couldn’t have a think our latest record, “The Throne,” which large audience or anything due to COVID, but the songs of this Live EP are from, is a reflecI do think we captured elements that represent who we are as a live band well. We played tion of that.

Who are you listening to right now? Are live and approached it like it was a show; just there any Philly artists you’d like to share it was played in front of very few people. It the stage with? was great to have all the people Tye just menTye: I’ve been really digging Nathaniel tioned be a part of it, and we are thankful for everyone’s efforts in making it happen. Huge Rateliff’s solo stuff lately – especially his older, more folk-oriented records. He’s such a ‘thank you’ to Adam Klein, who, for hours, raw force of nature both vocally and perforhelped me troubleshoot a terrible sound emamance-wise and I just love his song writing. nating from my guitar amp which, after much, much trial and error, turned out to be caused Philly-wise, we always love sharing the stage with Hambone Relay and fellow Kutztown by the current from the farm’s electric fence!

17

alum Kirby Sybert. I’d also love to work with Nik Greeley and the Operators and maybe even Low Cut Connie. It’s awesome to see them blowing up coming out of Philly.

Luke: I just listened to The Wood Brothers “One Drop of Truth” again and that record is inspiring. The production, songwriting, lyrics, guitar playing, bass playing…The whole thing is awesome. For a Philly band, I want to do a show with...The War on Drugs. Let’s make it happen!

Live performances have been a big part of The Groove Merchants over the years.

What have been some of your most memorable performances? I assume you’re looking forward to getting back on stage after the pandemic passes, right?

Tye: I think the one that stands out the most was our performance at the iHeart Radio 104.5 Summer Block Party in 2017 at Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing when we opened up for Judah and the Lion, Portugal the Man, and Vance Joy. It was such a surreal experience playing in front of that many people on a stage like that, and I hope we get the opportunity to do something of that magnitude again after all of this stuff is behind us. Other shows that stand out to me are our appearances at Musikfest in Bethlehem, Dogfish Head Brew Pub in Rehoboth Beach, Del., and our short run in Nashville in 2018 with our friends Johnny Hayes and The Loveseats. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention some of our great nights at local spots The Funhouse and The Wooden Match in Bethlehem.

Luke: Tye definitely hit a lot of them there.

There’s something special about playing more intimate rooms like The Funhouse, Kennett Brewing Company, Dawson Street Pub, places like that. The playing approach you take is a bit different and there is also an amazing shared connection to the people in there that doesn’t quite translate to bigger stages as readily, in my experience. We also did a live stream show at The Sellersville Theatre in October. It’s a great room and the people who work behind the scenes really are top notch and great to work with. Definitely looking forward to playing again.

Any plans for a fourth full-length album?

Tye: We don’t currently have anything new that we’re working on right now, but we’d definitely love to record another studio album once COVID is behind us and we can safely get back in a studio and work out some new stuff.

Luke: We just finished this EP, so nothing currently in the works, but I think another live recording would be good to do. Hopefully, some of the festivals that were canceled last year will be able to happen and recording one of those shows would be a good next step.

What are the best ways for your fans to stay current with what you’re doing?

Follow us on Instagram @thegroovemerchantsband and on Facebook. You can also visit our website: groovemerchantsmusic. com to stay up to date on what we have going on as well!

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MARCH 4 - 11, 2021

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THE RUNDOWN

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THE RUNDOWN Image | Nathan Ansell

Stuff to do – outside of your house

The city is slowly starting to reopen, and we’ve found some events that actually take place outside of your living room. You remember, right? Actually going places and seeing things in-person? But, be sure to double check with the venue to make sure nothing has changed before venturing out.

Drive-In at the Navy Yard

Reopening Day: Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary is reopening its cell blocks with expanded programming. Starting March 12, the historic site will be open for tours Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Plus, for the first time in a year, Cellblock 11, which hosts several artist installations, the restored Alfred W. Fleisher Memorial Synagogue, and The William Portner Memorial Exhibit on Jewish Life will be open for visitors to explore. Learn more about Eastern State’s 142-year history as an active prison and reflect on the legacy of criminal justice reform in America. Staff and visitors (ages 2-plus) are required to wear face masks, even if they’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine. Physical distancing (at least six feet) is required throughout the site. Timed tickets must be purchased online in advance. | easternstate.org

MARCH 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

The Philadelphia Film Society has announced that the PFS Drive-In at the Navy Yard will reopen on March 5 with the highly-anticipated Disney animated feature film “Raya and the Last Dragon.” Additionally, in the coming weeks PFS will continue their free community programmed screenings on select Monday evenings in partnership with other cultural organizations in the Philadelphia area. Tickets for the Drive-In are $12, $8 for PFS Members, $7 for children 12 and under.

Exclusive to online sales only. All titles and showtimes will be listed at Filmadelphia.org/NowShowing.

New Grit: Art & Philly Now

For artists who live, work, or spend time in our city, Philadelphia is a vibrant place where they can build creative networks that extend across the country and, in some instances, around the world. The Art Museum’s New Grit: Art & Philly Now will take the pulse of the city’s contemporary art scene through a close look at 25 artists whose work represents a wide range of perspectives. May 7 – Aug. 22 | philamuseum.org

Easter Family Fun Day

Enjoy Swedish Easter traditions with drop-in programs like grab and go craft kits, a family photo-op station, and an egg hunt. This program will take place outside rain or shine. All attendees are required to wear masks. Free for members, $25 for nonmember families up to four people and $5 for each additional family member. Includes museum admission.

American Swedish Historical Museum. March 14 at 2pm | americanswedish.org

Small Favors 2021

On March 5, The Clay Studio will launch its highly anticipated annual exhibition, “Small Favors 2021,” which challenges artists to create unique pieces to fit a tiny space – a four-inch cube. This show features hundreds of artists from around the world and a curated collection of 300 pieces made from various mediums. While some of the featured artists often sell their creations for thousands of dollars, the ones selected for “Small Favors” will be offered for prices ranging from $35 to $1,000. The exhibition will be on display and for sale at The Clay Studio’s Bonovitz Gallery from March 5 to April 25. | theclaystudio.org

THE RUNDOWN

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Let’s Have Coffee!

Join Mural Arts Philadelphia for “Let’s Have Coffee!”

They hope to build an opportunity for local residents and allies to share their knowledge and create a resident-centered context for the various projects forming in North Philadelphia. The teach-in allows all of us to learn about and discuss the community-led happenings around the neighborhoods that also address important pressures. Groups from North Philadelphia will discuss issues of gentrification, heat islands, and school closures. How have communities been affected by these issues and what are they doing to confront them? March 5, 9am. Free | eventbrite.com

While more places are opening, the internet still has lots of fun things going on. We’ve rounded up a few events that you’ll want to see for yourself.

Still lots of fun things to do online Get Pegged Cabaret: Keep On Pegging

Like a poison cookie – tempting and treacherous, pleasing and perilous – Get Pegged Cabaret switches things up inside a reimagined Zoom Room, then jumps you with unrestrained intimacy and live music and performance. Featuring uncensored and stimulating entertainment from the sexy, satirical, daring, delightful, queer and most dangerous performers on the cabaret scene. This March, Get Pegged Cabaret includes performances by the classically trained vocalist and drag queen Cookie Diorio and songcatcher and lyricist Samantha Rise. March 5 at 8pm | fringearts.com

Zagar’s Mosaics: Painted Bride, Preservation and Adaptive Reuse

Design Advocacy Group welcomes Emily Smith of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and Shimi Zakin, the developer who intends to preserve Zagar’s Painted Bride mosaic. Smith will present the Magic Gardens and the work of Isaiah Zagar, focusing on the significance of the Painted Bride mosaic in his opus. After a court ruling last fall allowed for the potential demolition of the much-beloved Zagar mosaic murals at the Painted Bride, the fate of this public art looked grim. In a revised plan, architect-developer Shimi Zakin created a design that would incorporate the Zagar mural and preserve this piece of public art. March 11,10am. Free | eventbrite.com

Kitchen Cocktails

The expert team of mixologists at Art in the Age are announcing a series of virtual cocktail workshops, aptly titled, Kitchen Cocktails. These virtual events, which will take place on March 26 and April 30, are perfect for beating cabin fever, whether for the at-home bartender looking to tune-up their skills or for parties of two interested in truly socially-distanced gatherings. | artintheage.com

A Philadelphia Quaker Family’s Journey

A richly detailed and intimate account of the American Revolution as experienced by a Philadelphia Quaker family during the Revolution, Richard Godbeer’s narrative follows the fortunes of a prominent Philadelphia Quaker couple, Elizabeth Drinker and the merchant Henry Drinker, who barely survived the unique perils that Quakers faced during that conflict. Spanning a half-century before, during, and after the war, this gripping narrative illuminates the Revolution’s darker side as patriots vilified, threatened, and in some cases killed pacifist Quakers as alleged enemies of the revolutionary cause. Amid chaos and danger, the Drinkers tried as best they could to keep their family and faith intact. March 9, 7pm.

Donations requested. | Eventbrite.com

Toads on the Road: Roxborough’s Sign of Spring

On the first warm rainy night of spring, an explosion of toads hops across Port Royal Avenue – often during the evening rush hour. The newly awakened creatures, just finished with their hibernation, are determined to get to the water high up in the old reservoirs. Doug Wechsler, a wildlife biologist, photographer, and author of many books including “The Hidden Life of a Toad,” shares his extraordinary photos and knowledge of the toad’s complete life cycle. Learn why this uniquely Roxborough phenomenon happens here at this time of year. March 11 at 7pm | schuylkillcenter.org

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MARCH 4 - 11, 2021

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THE RUNDOWN

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Anime, Manga, & Gaming Meetup for Adults & Older Teens

Anime and gaming aren’t just for kids.

Here’s something for those a bit older.

Adults and teens 16 and up are invited to hang out on Discord with fellow fans, chat and watch anime. Held every other Saturday. March 6 at 3:30pm.

The Free Library of Philadelphia has all kinds of things going on to kick off the month of March.

We’ve collected a few of our favorites, but you can visit freelibrary. org for more and to check out all of the details.

Check out these fun things to do at the library Virtual PAWS for Reading: Read to a Therapy Dog

Join the library on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 3-4pm to read to a therapy animal friend from PAWS for people on a live video conference. Reading to a dog helps children develop confidence and skills for reading aloud.

Virtual Mandarin Virtual Set Yourself Chinese Conversation Up for Success with Circle Digital Marketing Join the Languages and Learning Center’s online Mandarin Chinese Conversation Circle. This free, online class will build your knowledge and confidence in Mandarin Chinese in a casual and fun learning environment.

March 5, at 4:30pm. This class will meet on Fridays from 4:30 - 6pm.

Free Shakespeare Read-Aloud Group: Love’s Labour’s Lost

The Shakespeare Read-Aloud is continuing online. They meet twice per month on Zoom to read Shakespeare’s plays as a group, round-robin style, just like they did when they met in person at The Rosenbach. Be sure to register to receive email instructions ahead of the meeting time. March 6 at 1pm.

MARCH 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Now more than ever, a good, online presence is critical for local businesses.

The web, social media, and the shift to mobile devices have transformed the way we live, work, shop, and do business.

Consumers have integrated the web into their everyday lives and activities.

Businesses and nonprofits need to do the same. In this seminar, learn how to make the most of some core, digital marketing concepts to grow your business. March 10 at 10:30am.

Minecraft Day

Come join the Kensington Library for Minecraft Club, where up to eight players can play together virtually on the library’s Minecraft Realm. The library will be hosting sessions on Mondays and Fridays from 3pm - 5:30pm. Work by yourself or cooperatively. Appropriate for ages 8 and up. March 8.

ST. PATTY’S DAY

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Let’s grab a (green) beer St. Patrick’s Day is almost here.

Let us know what you have planned.

W

e all could use a beer (or eight) after the year we’ve experienced. Thankfully, St. Patrick’s Day is almost here – March 17, to be exact. And, thankfully, COVID restrictions are easing a bit.

So, we – along with the rest of the city – are hoping that local bars and restaurants have some big St. Patrick’s Day events planned.

If your restaurant or bar is planning something special for St. Patrick’s Day, we’d love to know about it, so that we can share that information with the rest of the city that – after the miserable winter we’re having and a year of being cooped up – is definitely ready to let loose (while strictly adhering to COVID restrictions, of course).

Send the details about your event – what’s going on, how much it costs, registration/reservation info, etc. – to mail@philadelphiaweekly.com by March 8. Then, on March 11, we’ll publish a roundup of every St. Patrick’s Day event we know about, thereby giving the good citizens of Philadelphia and surrounding areas the chance to plan their big celebrations.

The last 11 months have been miserable, but there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel, and people are ready to get back to some kind of normalcy. Let’s get the ball rolling with some great St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Just let us know what your restaurant or bar has planned and we’ll take care of the rest.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MARCH 4 - 11, 2021

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“Look for the helpers. You will always find gender and non-binary educators. They have people who are helping,” said Mr. Rogers. Esteam members across the country and are pecially when we’re scared or overwhelmed, based in West Philly. we can look to the people doing something to Dr. Eli Green founded the TTI in 2015, help. Here are some organizations in Philly “when I started to get requests for trainings doing the work to promote sex positivity and that I could not do myself, and I wanted to support LGBTQ people. be intentional about helping to YES! (Your Empowered Sexusmooth the path for other trans ality!) and non-binary educators to acWhat do they do? Intersectional, cess more paying work.” Dr. Green consent-based, pleasure-focused says building the organization sexuality education for people from scratch meant getting to “opof all ages. There are interactive erate using an economic justice workshops, a podcast, an anonyand sustainability model that cenmous story-sharing project, colorters on redistributing money to ing books, social media, and more. transgender and non-binary peoYES! runs a sexuality education ple and being transparent about program for first through 12th how we do so,” all while keeping graders through Puentes de Satheir webinars and classes availlud and does virtual events with able on a sliding scale. parents, teachers, nurses, and “We are not even two months patients about autonomy and coninto 2021 and seven Black transsent. gender women have already been @TIMAREE_LEIGH According to co-founder and murdered this year,” Dr Green Director of Education Isy Abrasays, adding that trans people ham-Raveson, the organization was foundhave been disproportionately impacted by ed by friends who wondered how their lives COVID-19. might have been better if they had received “We believe education is vital to increasing consent education in school. understanding of and support for transgender “We live in a world that devalues our bodiand non-binary people.” ly autonomy from birth,” Abraham-Raveson How can people help? Donate, check out says, giving examthe webinars and ples like requircourses, spread the ing kids to show word. physical affection Cheer Philadeleven when they’re phia uncomfortable, What do they do? and through An all-volunteer body-shaming adult cheerleading dress codes and team and nonprofit abstinence-only that “raises funds education. They exand spirits in the plain, “YES! challocal LGBTQ+ lenges this socialcommunity and beization by teaching yond.” consent culture, Board President boundaries, and Meagan Gordon bodily autonomy.” says their group How can people comes from a long help? Donate here and share their work! line of charitable cheerleading teams, like The Transgender Training Institute Cheer San Francisco, which was founded in What do they do? Professional development 1980 to support people living with HIV and and personal growth training for cisgender AIDS. participants who want to learn from trans“Especially now, we all could use a little

TIMAREE SCHMIT

“Being a Philadelphia-based organization means a deep commitment to anti-racism training.”

RK

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more cheer in our lives,” she says.

The organization has used its liveliness to raise money for William Way LGBT Community Center and Philly Black Pride, among others.

“Whether you’ve always wanted to be a cheerleader, but didn’t feel comfortable, or have been looking for a way to give back but didn’t know where to start, or just want to try something crazy and new: Cheer Philadelphia is for you.”

How can people help? Donate here, follow on social media, volunteer They havefor a performing or y and areproduction role or partner your busiI in 2015,ness with them. trainings Red Seeds wanted to What do they helping todo? Programs for her transgirls and non-binaors to ac-ry kids ages 7-14 to Dr. Greenlearn magical arts, ganizationcelebrate rites of ng to “op-passage, and reic justiceceive body-positive, l that cen-LGBTQ inclusive money topuberty education. nary peo-The programs are ent aboutonline and in pere keepingson, based in Unisses avail-versity City and Mt. Airy. o months “Puberty educaack trans-tion is still totally eady beenawful nine times Dr Greenout of 10,” says Dins peoplerector Tara Rubinpacted bystein, who served as a program concreasingordinator for the ansgenderAttic Youth Center for many years, check outbefore starting Red nars andSeeds. pread the Rubinstein says the Artemis Philadel-programs are designed to “create o they do?sanctuary for ho-volunteerlistic self-developeerleadingment.” Kids learn nonprofitabout “magic and ses fundsbody hair, feelings ts in theabout school and LGBTQ+anatomy, body fluty and be-ids and mythology” and are given Presidentspace and time to Gordon“work through emir groupbarrassment and om a longask questions.” ams, like Red Seeds prioritizes inclusivity, according ounded into Rubinstein.

HIV and “Being a Philadelphia-based organization means a deep commitment to anti-racism se a littletraining,” she says, adding that their ceremo-

Y

SEX WITH TIMAREE nies mark rites of passage like first periods, but also make space for kids who come out as trans.

“They have become fun, meaningful and a true celebration in the peer community.”

How can people help? Donate, share content on social media, or share your skills.

VideoOut What do they do? Tell LGBTQ+ stories, highlighting voices who have historically been marginalized, especially people of color, immigrants, queer and trans folks. These stories aim to help individuals who are experiencing discrimination or suicidal ideation to feel less alone.

While VideoOut has staff and volunteers all over the nation, their Director of Development, Katy Chatel, is in Philadelphia.

In addition to their online presence, Chatel says VideoOut works with organizations “to produce in-person programs that reach hundreds of people in small towns and rural communities in the places that need LGBTQ+ advocacy the most.”

Chatel says that research shows “stories reduce prejudice, build empathy, and help create a world where everybody can live as their most authentic selves,” adding that VideoOut shares her belief that every human “deserves to live their life to the fullest with access to community, resources, and support without fear of death, punishment, discrimination or oppression.”

How can people help? Donate here, share posts on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to their YouTube channel or share your story!

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

“We are not even two months into 2021 and seven Black transgender women have already been murdered this year.”

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PHILADELPHIA GAS WORKS NOTICE OF PROPOSED GAS COST RATE INCREASE To Our Customers: As part of its annual Gas Cost Rate (GCR) filing, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is filing a request with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to increase the GCR portion of your bill effective September 1, 2021. Customers are notified of the annual rate increase or decrease by providing this notice for the annual GCR filing on March 1. PGW is requesting a projected rate increase of $0.6674 per one thousand cubic feet (Mcf) based upon a comparison between the GCR effective March 1, 2021 ($3.4687 per Mcf) and the projected rate in its annual GCR filing ($4.1361 per Mcf). This notice describes PGW’s gas cost rate request, the PUC’s role, and what actions you can take.

The GCR is designed to recover the cost of natural gas that PGW purchases from gas suppliers and does not include a profit margin.

The rate will be recalculated to show actual costs on a quarterly basis. Customers are notified of this quarterly rate recalculation by a message on each customer’s bill after the dates of each quarterly filing. The quarterly filing dates are March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1. The rate may change if the recalculated rate is different by more than 2% from the rate that is approved.

PGW Gas Cost Rate Increase PGW has requested an overall rate increase of approximately $ 27.3 million per year. If PGW’s entire request is approved, the total bill for a typical General Service (GS) Residential Heating Customer using 74 thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas per year would increase from $95.98 to $100.24 per month or by approximately 4.4%.

The total bill for a typical GS Commercial Heating Customer using 340 Mcf of natural gas per year would increase from $336.64 to $355.71 per month or by approximately 5.7%.

The total bill for a typical GS Industrial Heating Customer using 1032 Mcf of natural gas per year would increase from $1,008.38 to $1,066 per month or by approximately 5.7%.

The total bill for a typical Municipal Service (MS) Heating Customer using 1,131 Mcf of natural gas per year would increase from $999.21 to $1,062.15 per month or by approximately 6.3%.

The total bill for a typical Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) Heating Customer using 204 Mcf of natural gas per year would increase from $215.10 to $226.24 per month or by approximately 5.3%.

The total bill for a typical Philadelphia GS Housing Authority (PHA/GS) Heating Customer using 88 Mcf of natural gas per year would increase

NM-00454158

from $104.02 to $109.09 per month or by approximately 4.9%.

To find out your customer class or how the requested increase may affect GS, MS, and PHA bills, contact PGW at 215-235-1000. The rates requested by PGW may be found in PGW Gas Service Tariff Number 2. You may examine the material filed with the PUC, which explains the requested increase and the reasons for it. A copy of this material is kept at PGW’s Main Office at 800 W. Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, and can be reviewed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is also available at www.pgworks.com.

The PUC’s Role The PUC is the state agency that approves rates for PGW. The PUC will examine the requested rate increase and can prevent existing rates from changing until it investigates the request. PGW must prove that the requested rates are reasonable. After examining the evidence, the PUC may grant all, some, or none of the request.

The PUC may change the amount of the rate increase requested by PGW for each customer class. As a result, the rate charged to you may be different than the rate requested by PGW and shown above.

Actions You Can Take to Challenge PGW’s Request to Increase its Rates 1. You can file a formal complaint. If you want a hearing before a judge, you must file a formal complaint. By filing a formal complaint, you assure yourself the opportunity to take part in hearings about the rate increase request. All complaints should be filed with the PUC before September 1, 2021. If no formal complaints are filed, the Commission may grant all, some, or none of the request without holding a hearing before a judge.

2. You can send the PUC a letter telling why you object to the requested rate increase. Sometimes there is information in these letters that makes the PUC aware of problems regarding PGW’s service or management. This information can be helpful when the PUC investigates the rate request.

Send your letter or request for a formal or informal complaint form to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Post Office Box 3265, Harrisburg, PA 17105-3265. Complaint forms can also be accessed at the PUC Website in Adobe Acrobat Format: http://www.puc.state. pa.us/general/onlineforms/pdf/official_complaint_form_final.pdf You may also call the PUC at 1-800-692-7380.

Philadelphia Gas Works 800 West Montgomery Ave Philadelphia, PA 19122 215-235-1000

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MARKETPLACE General Employment

General Employment

Non-CDL Drivers

Wanted

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NM-00453691

Immediate Positons Available / Paid Training / Benefit package Match of salary with experience!

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Apartments for Rent

21ST & PINE AREA- Large Studio, wood flrs, sep. eat-in kit., $800 + cooking gas & elec., heat incl. 215-384-4202 8500 BUSTLETON AVE. Corner of Evart St. Winter Special 1 & 2 BR $875 - $1,200. Water & gas included. 215-742-2261 Grant Garden Apartments Winter Special, upgraded 1 & 2 BR, 1 BA. $825 - $1050 includes water. Laundry rm on site. Off of Blvd. 215-464-6411

South Phila- 12th & Porter 1BR apt. $1300/mo. all utils incld. No Pets. Call 215-4320333 or 215-858-6569

Legal Notices

Notice of Public Sale: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart, 456 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia PA 19123 (215)922-3715 to satisfy a lien on March 9th, 2021 at approx. 6:00 PM: www.storagetreasures.com: Gilberto Quiñones A070 Jamira Carter F568 Jonathan Selepak G644 Windows

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

Discount Price With Installation

Call Eileen

215-465-7525

Full Time Flagger Traffic Plan seeks FT Flaggers to set up & control traffic around construction sites.

A valid driver license is a must, good pay & benefits.

If interested please fill out an application at 510 Hertzog Boulevard King Of Prussia, PA 19406 on Mondays 9am -12pm or apply online at or online at trafficplan.com

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

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

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

Teaching Position - F/T Teacher Assistants PT/FT, experience preferred.

Email resume: amanda@alphabetacademy .com

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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

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PW Classifieds classifieds@philadelphiaweekly.com

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

26

REAL ESTATE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY New Listing | Fishtown This stunning, 16ft wide, 2600sf property built in 2017 boasts an incredible amount of upgrades making this beauty a stand out. This sun soaked property has oversized windows and plenty of room for entertaining and family living. Upon entering, you’re greeted with 9ft ceilings, custom millwork, and an open layout allowing for designated living and dining areas that flow naturally into the huge kitchen. Continue out back to one to the most unique features of the home, the 3 level deck! $519,900

New Listing | Under Contract | Cobbs Creek This totally renovated West Philly home features 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths.

Enter from the classic porchfront into a cozy combo living/dining area with a large front window highlighting the brick accent wall. The galley-style kitchen features on-trend duo-chrome cabinets, painted for a softer vibe, butcher block waterfall countertops, subway tile backsplash, and a stainless steel appliance package. Enjoy the larger-than-average back patio. $180,000

New Listing | Cobbs Creek A bright and open porch entrance with a tiled floor invites you into this delightful home, offering a touch of old-world charm with original crafted millwork and trims that have been blended into a contemporary and comfortable open floor plan. Gorgeous hardwood floors throughout the 1st floor with plenty of natural sunlight and high ceilings creates a warm and inviting feeling. $139,900

New Listing | Under Contract | Fishtown With 3 walls of windows, this light filled corner property is a true plant paradise. The soaring ceilings and open stairs add to the airy feel and the flexible layout. The kitchen is open to the rest of the first floor and boasts plenty of counter space and storage with hip blue cabinetry and stainless appliances. Out back is a large private paver patio with room for a grill, dining set and with direct access to the sidewalk. $390,000

New Listing | Kensington Unit 3 at the Hagert Court has an open floor plan in the main living space with a beautiful gourmet kitchen and extra closet space for storage. The kitchen features quartz countertops and a large breakfast bar providing extra counter space, top-of-the-line appliances, and a modern aesthetic.

Downstairs is the large primary bedroom with a custom walk-in closet and a modern full bath. The laundry closet is also located on this level.

This unit has low condo fees and 7+ years left on the tax abatement! $239,900

New Listing | Old City This unique, architecturally designed, 12-story modern masterpiece was built by renowned developers Brown-Hill. There are 2 elevators that lead directly into this sun-drenched, luxurious unit with breathtaking panoramic views of the city, river and bridge! 10’ ceilings, bamboo floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, a private balcony, an open plan kitchen, dining room and living room. This unit has a covered parking space. $1,650,000

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

Don’t wait for them to start searching online.

Give PW readers a reason to move today.

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

All real estate ads come with a FREE Real Estate Reggie listing each week!

MARCH 4 - 11, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

REAL ESTATE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

REAL ESTATE

REGGIE Modern elegance

Go Solo. If those bigtime real estate agents are treating you like a child, just run away. Solo Real Estate helps empty nesters find new homes every day. So, during your next time out, give us grown ups a call.

$1,650 / 405ft2 - Microwave, Extra Storage, Fire Sprinklers (1401 Arch Street). Located in Philadelphia’s historic Center City neighborhood, One City offers modern elegance with timeless grandeur. With views of Philadelphia’s City Hall, and just steps away from Philly locations such as the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Reading Terminal Market and Love Park. One City offers the most discerning residents the ultimate living experience. Inside this historic building, located at 1401 Arch Street, each apartment residence holds unique original features coupled with contemporary sophistication. Thoughtful design details include custom built-in storage, stainless steel appliances, and modern connectivity offering luxury and convenience to a range of lifestyles. Immerse yourself in the historical architecture, modern convenience and innovative charms that One City has to offer. Be one with the city. Amenities Include: Yoga Studio. Fully Equipped Kitchens. Granite Countertops. Energy Efficient Appliances. Close to Schools.

Views. Furnished Apartments Available. BBQ/Picnic Area.

Custom Cabinetry. Controlled Access. Flexible Lease Terms Available. Smart Thermostat. 215-279-9637.

Prime location

2,170 / 1br - 967ft2 - Prime Location, spacious sunny units, walkable to everything! 1830 Lombard Street.

Originally built in 1927, the Pepper Building was once part of Philadelphia’s Graduate Hospital. Sitting just South of Center City, this premier location in Philadelphia is close to the city’s top dining, retail, and business destinations.

The area’s ability to maintain a quiet residential- feel is why many choose to call Rittenhouse Square and Graduate Hospital home. Come experience what this sought-after Philadelphia neighborhood has to offer. Amenities Include: Online Service Requests. Security Camera. Housekeeping.

Controlled Access. Smart Home Features. 24-Hour Concierge. Hardwood Floors. Pet Friendly. Close to Public Transportation. Microwave. Conference Room. Business Center. Call: (833) 283-8402.

New kitchens

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

2017 Chancellor Street Philadelphia, PA 19103

$1,620 / 2br - 1050ft2 - Huge 2BR AVAILABLE NOW, A+ Location, Pets, Great Price! 275 S. Bryn Mawr Ave. near Moore Ave. Apartment H21, a 1,050 square foot, 2 bedroom / 1 bath apartment is available now at Radwyn Apartments! Call Allison 610-525-9730 ext. 514 to schedule your appointment today! Central air conditioning and heating. New kitchens with dishwashers. Resort-style pool. 40 acres of park-like grounds. Fitness center. Cats and dogs welcome. Top ranked Radnor School District.

Great Location: Just a short walk to the R5 Paoli Thorndale train and 100 Line High Speed Trolley. Only 20 minutes to Center City via frequent express trains. Our Bryn Mawr apartments also offer an easy commute to Main Line communities including Ardmore, Villanova, Haverford, Wynnewood, and Narberth.

Trinity townhouse

$1,500 / 2br - 650ft2 - 2 Bedroom Trinity Townhouse.

Fitzwater St. near 6th St. This is a great 2 bedroom trinity house, located in a private courtyard in historic Queen Village. This beautiful place has been recently rehabbed with brand new everything! New hardwood floor, bathroom and shower. Kitchen features stainless steel appliances and granite countertops! Rooms and Interior. Recently rehabbed. Hardwood floors. Living room. Basement.

Kitchen and Bath. Breakfast bar. Granite kitchen counters.

Stainless steel appliances. Dishwasher. Refrigerator. Stove / oven. Microwave. Garbage disposal: Utilities and Extras: Radiator heat. Air conditioning. Laundry in unit. Cable ready. Building and Surroundings: Recently renovated.

Gated property. Secured entry. Patio. Lease Terms: Pets negotiable. Tenant pays all utilities. One year lease.

215-667-9215.

27

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

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

Griffin

$3,150 / 2br - 1251ft2 - Freestanding kitchen islands, Shuffleboard, Mecho-style blinds. 1338 Chestnut. Start Life on the Avenue. This is a 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, approximately 1260 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: Wood cabinets. Washers and dryers. Keyless entry. Modern kitchens. Spectacular city views. Freestanding kitchen islands. Carpeted bedrooms. Designer backsplashes.

Quartz countertops. Stainless steel appliances. Engineered hardwood flooring. Mecho-style blinds. Luxurious bathrooms with quartz countertops and glass showers.

Community Amenities: Onsite management team. Stateof-the-art fitness center open 24/7. Private conference space. Outdoor kitchen. Fire pit. Valet laundry. Resident business lounge. 24-hour maintenance. Walking distance to dozens of Center City shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions. Catering facility. Indoor-outdoor rooftop clubroom. Golf simulator. Onsite bike storage. Concierge service. Shuffleboard. Panoramic views. Historic character.

24-hour front desk. Billiards. Prominent Avenue of the Arts address. Call Now: (833) 695-9442.

Large apartment

$1,600 / 2br - 950ft2 - Large Apartment For Rent!

Fairmount Ave. near 3rd St. This is a LARGE 1 Bedroom with a SMALL 2nd bedroom/office, large closets, big living room, great finishes. This is a bi-level. Washer and dryer in unit, Stainless Steel Appliances,dishwasher, g/d, w/w, c/a. Rooms and Interior: Open floor plan. High ceilings.

Dining room. Kitchen and Bath: Stainless steel appliances.

Dishwasher. Refrigerator. Stove / oven. Garbage disposal.

Utilities and Extras: Central heat. Central air conditioning.

Laundry in unit. Cable ready. Lease Terms: Pets negotiable.

Tenant pays gas and electric. One year lease. 215-667-9215.

Playground

$1,395 / 1br - 694ft2 - Hardwood Floors, Fitness Center, Playground. 150 East Wynnewood Road. Set in suburban Pennsylvania in the tranquil Main Line neighborhood of Wynnewood, The Wynnewood delivers a lifestyle of ease and comfort. Spread out over 14 acres of manicured grounds, The Wynnewood offers 280 elegantly appointed one- and two-bedroom apartments full of warmth and charm. Each apartment is full of character with unique architectural features all settled within a welcoming community. Our apartment styles offer many choices to suit every lifestyle. Bright kitchens with newer appliances are perfect for trying out your favorite recipe.

The apartments with full size dining rooms are great for entertaining friends or hosting family meals. Not your style? You also have a choice of an eat-in kitchen and/or breakfast bar. Our living areas boast large windows, original hardwood floors and a warm and inviting ambiance.

Unique architectural features like antique door knobs, porcelain bathtubs and radiators, give The Wynnewood a feeling of comfortable elegance. Amenities Include: Off Street Parking. Picnic Area. Hardwood Floors. Maintenance on-site. Conveniently Located. Pet-Friendly. Smoke-Free.

Storage Units. Gas Range. Built-In Bookshelves. Near Public Transport. Washer/Dryer. Call: (844) 629-9979.

Huge living space

$1,395 / 1br - 985ft2 - Large Beautiful One Bedroom Apartment. 161 Leverington Ave. Large One Bedroom. One Bathroom. Huge Living Space with large walk in closet, tons of cabinet space. Central Air. Dishwasher. Washer & Dryer.

Gas Cooking and Heat. Exposed Brick, 18ft Ceilings. Large Windows. Free Off Street Parking. Cat Friendly. Five Minute Walk to Main Street and the Septa Regional Rail. Call today for a showing, Monday through Friday! 215-487-2700.

Yoga studio

$3,335 / 2br - 1009ft2 - Spacious walk-in closets, Deck with beautiful landscaping, Yoga studio. 3737 Chestnut Street. $1,000 off first month’s rent on 7-12 month leases & TWO MONTHS FREE on 13-19 month leases, Restrictions Apply. PHILADELPHIA’S BEST LUXURY 1 & 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS & SUITESNew 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. Contact us to schedule a video call tour. Secure underground parking available. Entertainment and media room with large LED TV. Terrace garden. Billiards and game room. Dramatic, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling picture windows.

Moveable kitchen islands. Deck with beautiful landscaping.

Spacious walk-in closets. Stainless-steel appliances.

Bosch stackable washer and dryer. Private rooftop lounge.

Internet cafe. Call: 215-622-9893.

Concierge

$2,040 / 1br - 716ft2 - Concierge, Soaker Tub. 112 N. 2nd St. Our boutique-style Old City apartments for rent combine the historic charm and classic finishes abundant in the neighborhood with modern amenities and luxurious interiors. Our pet-friendly rentals are available as studio, one-, and two-bedroom layouts. Each apartment offers exceptional finishes as well as dramatic views of both Center City and the Delaware River. The National is a magnificent apartment building in Old City, Philadelphia, providing its residents with top-notch amenities, such as a rooftop deck with an outdoor fireplace and dining area, fitness center, media room, and bicycle storage to make getting around the city easy. Residents at our Philadelphia apartment rentals will enjoy the vibrant and historical community of Old City, Philadelphia and can also take advantage of the location’s proximity to Center City employment hubs, commuter routes, and endless attractions. You will be a stone’s throw from some of the best restaurants in Philadelphia, as well as fun bars and a great nightlife scene. You won’t find a better-located apartment in Old City! Den. Media Room. Bike Storage.

Eat-In Kitchens. Energy Efficient Appliances. Master Ensuite. BBQ/Picnic Area. Oversized windows with striking downtown views. Custom Cabinetry. Stainless Steel Appliances. Tile Backsplash. Package Receiving. Call: (855) 328-9892.

New appliances

$895 / 1br - 706ft2 - Central Heating Included, New Appliances, On-Site Management Team (5600 Ogontz Avenue). Regency Village offers 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, as well as two studio options. With newly upgraded apartment homes available, including vinyl flooring and remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, our apartments for rent at Regency Village are the perfect place to call home! Enjoy sunny, bright apartments with lots of natural light, on-site parking, beautifully kept landscaping, and nearby bus service. Contact us at 267704-9553 to schedule a tour, and one of our professional management team members will assist you in meeting your needs. Our friendly team members will treat you like family! We act, we care, and we accomplish to earn your respect each and every day. Come home to Regency Village Apartments! Cable Ready. On-Site Maintenance.

On-Site Laundry. Oversized Bedrooms. Eat in Kitchen.

Hardwood Flooring. New Appliances. Upgraded Units Available. Pets Accepted/Cats. Upgraded Appliances available. Water and Sewer Included.

Keyless entry

$2,570 / 3br - 1364ft2 - Townhome Community in Manayunk with Dog Park & Keyless Entry. 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, Pennsylvania, 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. Game Room with Billiards Table, Shuffleboard, and more. State-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the Manayunk canal. Jogging trail right outside your door. Bark park. Online Payments Available.

Huge walk-in closets with ample storage. Alexa or Google Home Capable in all Apartments. Pet-friendly living. Front Desk attendant during mornings and evenings to greet you and assist you with anything and everything. Upgraded Hardwood Floors in all Foyers, Kitchens, Dining and Living Rooms. Call: (844) 876-7619.

Private parking

$1,000 / 1br - 790ft2 - 24/7 Emergency Maintenance, Private Parking, Move In Special (6242 Roosevelt Boulevard). Each one of our apartment villages borders a six mile neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia. The comfort and style of a suburban home is coupled with the convenience of an easy commute to Center City, Philadelphia. Contact us to schedule a tour, and one of our professional management team members will assist you in meeting your needs. Our friendly team members will treat you like family. We act, we care, and we accomplish to earn your respect each and every day. Stop by and see why Audubon Homes offers a unique living experience, and come home to Audubon Homes! Kitchen Appliances.

Full Size Washer and Dryer. Hardwood Flooring. Upgraded Eat-In Kitchen. Private Entrances. 24/7 Emergency Maintenance. 1 and 2 Bedrooms Available. Private Parking.

Pets Accepted. Fitness Center/Gym. Call: (267) 329-0942.

Granite countertops

$1,000 / 1br - 575ft2 - Spacious 1 Bedroom FOR RENT! West Girard Ave. near 42nd St. Spacious 1 bedroom 3rd floor apartment located in the park-side area. Entire building has been renovated, granite countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances, central air, video doorbell system, apartment INCLUDES internet via WiFi. Walking distance to public transportation, fairmount park, and the Philadelphia ZOO! Great location, close to public transportation! Make your appointment today! Rooms and Interior. Recently rehabbed. High ceilings. Ceiling fans. Voice intercom.

Kitchen and Bath: Kitchen recently updated. Hardwood cabinets. Refrigerator. Stove / oven. Tile floors. Modern bath fixtures. Utilities and Extras: Gas furnace. Central air conditioning. Pay laundry on-site. Building and Surroundings: Recently renovated. Walking/biking trails.

Park nearby. Lease Terms: Pets negotiable. One year lease.

Water included. Snow removal included. 215-667-9215.

Disability access

$2,314 / 3br - 1394ft2 - Air Conditioning, Built-in Microwave Ovens, Disability Access. 1000 Skiles Boulevard.

At Jefferson at Westtown, luxury takes on a whole new meaning. Each home within our community offers freshly renovated apartment features. Plus, our resort-style amenities are sure to bring ease to your day-to-day life.

Begin your next chapter here – contact us today! Full Size Washer and Dryer in All Units. Built-in Microwave Ovens.

Exclusive & Newly Renovated Clubhouse. Air Conditioning.

Car Wash Area. Online Payments Available. Disability Access. Individual Intrusion Alarms. Cable Ready. Valet Trash. Call: (610) 628-0305.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MARCH 4 - 11, 2021

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