Weekend Whirligig...

An old classic...rediscovered. This song was probably my theme tune when I was in college; that is when I remember college. Anyway, some definite happenings going on in the neighborhood.

Old favorite Dave Duong is back in town doing two shows at the Flat Rock Saloon. We think he's saving up to take over the bar; but what do we know. It is unknown if buddy Matt will be performing alongside.

Also there is a fine art show at the Hermitage Mansion this weekend. The featured art is by Sandra Day. Many readers may know here from The Review. Day is president of the Delaware Valley Opera Company, which has been at home in the Mansion for almost three decades. The DVOC was told to move out come next year. So the search is on for a new home. Day and the company hope to stay in Roxborough or surrounding area. Ten percent of the art sold will go toward the moving expenses for the DVOC. And as you can see, her work is quite good.

And for those just looking to celebrate Oktoberfest, here are the usual listings.

For Grape St., click here. For Kildare's Manayunk, click here . For more Manayunk-Roxborough places, stop here .

We also recommend for Oktoberfest activities to head down to Ludwig's Garten on Sansom St. Our man, Damien, will be coordinating the festivities. Tell him that Bernie sent you.

And for those of you wondering what my current theme song is, here you go.

In development this week...

This week has had its own surprise or two.


On Wednesday, the everyday heroes of Philadelphia came out in remembrance of a fallen brother. Firefighter Charles Caldwell, who was killed in the line of duty in 1969, was honored this week. A plaque in his memory was placed at the site of his death; it is part of a city-wide program to honor the men and women in uniform who have died in the line of duty. Caldwell is number 27 in a total of 268 plaques that are planned to be laid throughout Philadelphia.

Caldwell's ceremony was attended by approximately 100 people including Caldwell's family, members of the nearby fire stations, 5th District Police, Fire Commissioners, City Councilmen and many others.

Here Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers gets at the crux of a Firefighters' duty.




While there we learned the reason that Commerce Bank has not been said to have been robbed recently.

And also who knew that pizza pie was such a high.

All this and more will be in the page's of Next Week's edition of The Review.

Stand by for further transmissions...

Stories developing...will return shortly with a whole plethera of multimedia. Well, maybe one or two things.

This week in the News of Our Town...

So anyway, if you hadn't already heard/figured out, residents of the 38th Ward (East Falls, Allegheny West, Nicetown, Tioga, etc.) are going to fight the coming of a "temporary" move of the Youth Study Center to the Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (EPPI), located next to the site of MCP. The move was expedited to make way for the arrival of the Barnes Foundation to the Parkway.
Residents are not against bringing the Barnes to Philadelphia; but are upset that they were not consulted on the move which was suggested by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. At a meeting held at MCP last night, residents made known their dissatisfaction with the way the city government is handling the move. City officials only presented a third of their planned presentation because residents did not want to hear it.
Besides the city's managing director, Loree Jones, other high profile attendees included Jerry Mondesire of the Phila. NAACP, Councilman Frank Rizzo, Councilmanic Candidate Curtis Jones, Jr. and Irv Acklesberg.
We will have more on this story as it develops.

On a slightly lighter note, one East Falls residents is doing his part in honoring "the Greatest Generation". Mike Fraticelli is working on a non-profit independent film that talks about the survivors of Operation Torch, the first Allied landings in Northwest Africa during World War II. Mike has done a lot of research and has been laboring greatly to get the project finished. It is of course, far from complete but it is a great story to keep an eye on.

With more to come, stay tuned...

Tripping down memory lane...

So with the many other bloggers and media mouthpieces moaning on about how much the news reminds them of a bygone era.

If you hadn't noticed, or perhaps have been in denial/coma/cave in Tora Bora, OJ Simpson has been arrested again on some pretty serious results. And on the flip side, Hillary Clinton is peddling her Universal Health Coverage program again. All we needed was another baseball strike and we really would be like 1994.

But thankfully, it is really nothing like 1994. In those days, the Soviet Union lie in fresh ruins, terrorism was a far from the media eye (except for a failed attack at the World Trade Center in New York a year ago, and some trouble in Northern Ireland and Israel), Osama Bin Laden was perhaps some new special at the corner bodegas and Republicans took control of Congress.

Today, Democrats barely hold control, Russia has a strong bad-ass liking leader, people faint at the sight of a turban (in Nebraska) and television has more bubble-headed bleach blonds than even Don Henley imagined.

Of course, in 1994, I was in a grade school that I hated, pining for a girl I could never have. I was way too smart for my own good. I had no fashion sense whatsoever. and had no money. Now, I am in a job that I enjoy own by a company no one likes and I am still pining for a girl I can never have. Still make little money, Plus ça change..., but it is not that bad. The school I hated then is closed for good, the girl I pine for acknowledges my presence. (She even had her picture taken with me, yay!) I am still way too smart but am well respected for what I do. And I have a keen sense of fashion that is often noted by the public. (As seen from photo with the girl I still pine for.)

So in conclusion: 1994: bad, 2007: fair to moderate.

Phew...

Sorry, but being a pillar of the community was very tiring this week. With the live blogging of this, the constant coverage of that, we needed a little break. But we're fine now and we'll have some more comments on the world in general and local as well. see you soon.

The Time has come...

My little ones to speak of many things, Of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings...

Today is, of course, the Community Day Fair at Gorgas Park. As I have been saying in my articles for the past month, The Park has started an endowment fund starting with $10,000 from the Drumcliffe Foundation. They have promised us another $10,000 if the community can match it. So far, the Community is halfway there and hopes to go over the top today with this blowout event ending the summer, which has let's face it started falling around out ears.

I'll be providing hourly updates throughout the day and hopefully some video and pictures so keep an eye out. and see you soon...

3:30 p.m. - We really lucked out with the weather, nice cool end-of-summer breeze,. The leaves are starting to turn. The fair is in full swing and picking up steam. As you can see by the graphic, we are already more than halfway to our goal. Local celebrities Matt McClure, Chris McGill and many others are out supporting the community. The first of many door prizes were given out to attendees. Many Ridge Ave. business generously donated towards these door prizes. But there are other ways to win as well including the 50/50 drawing, roulette wheel, penny auction and much more. So far, volunteers from City Year are serving classic park food including Roast Pig sandwiches, tomato pie, pretzels, soda and other drinks. Manhattan Bagel are selling plain bagels and cream cheese for $1. Most of the food operations will be centered around the park house. The 'Gorge-ous' Food Court should be getting set up and running shortly.

Groups such as The Roxborough Ridge Runners Car Club are showing off their proud automobiles at the park until 4 p.m. On Saturdays throughout the fall, according to Jerry Beaver, the group will be cruising at Ridge Ave. and Domino Ln. from 5 p.m. until dark. The classic cars are more than just a mechanical marvel, they are also artistically pleasing as well.

And speaking of art, live entertainment will soon be replacing the DJ playing the music. The teen girl band "Sugar Hi" will be playing at the gazebo shortly. They are opening up for headlining act, "The Starlites" Check back for video of those performances.

Also Operation Bedding his here also supporting out troops. But some of the unsung heroes of the day are those who put this thing together and keep it going. Such as Colleen James, John Boyce, Gene Gilbert, Steve and Ivana O'Kula, Sylvia Myers and many, many others.

4:45 p.m.- Things are becoming really exciting. The children have been amused by volunteers from North Light who have organized old-fashioned games. Children from Pre-k and higher have been competing in the Potato Sack Race. The Food Court is in full swing with tasty bits from many neighboring eateries such as Jake's, T&F Farmer's Pride, Coyle's Cafe and much more.

Also, 'Sugar Hi' is an excellent band. Not since Japanese Sensation,"Tsu Shi Ma Mi Rae", have I seen three girls rock out. The Japanese girls took their cue from Rockabilly bands and early rock and roll; "Sugar Hi" are definitely 90's girls influenced by musicians and band such as Alanis Morisette and The Cranberries. They are definitely worth seeing at future events.

So we are about halfway into the Fair, in the next hour we hope to bring you something from the Food Court and a video update from the mastermind himself, John Boyce, president of the Friends of Gorgas Park.

5:50 - Ok, John Boyce, president of the Friends of Gorgas Park, gives us a halfway point update from the Community Day Fair

So anyway, As you can see I'm flying by the seat of my pants here. The report is getting a new slant was you can see. I hope they hold up well after today. So people seem to be taking a shine to the Food Court idea. Here are representatives from Jake's Restaurant and Lina from Roma's Pizza having some fun between serving meals.

"This is really great," said Mike Coyle. "They have done a really good job. It is shows how much Ridge Ave. has picked up in recent years."

It's no lie. Ridge Ave. has been receiving a well needed boost. Businesses are starting to pick up. Hopefully we will have some new things in the fall. New developments are spring up from out of nowhere. Coyle pointed out people are taking a shine to the community.

Also people have been taking a shine to my excellent outfit that I chose for today. Ivana O'Kula also felt it was a good idea to bring some class and sophistication to the fair. Her ensemble was provided by Carlino's Tuxedos and Flowers. Carlino is where I got my tux for my senior prom. Nothing screams class than White Tie and Tails. But anyway, Here is that wonderfully sassy minx Gina. Never has the devil wore red so exquisitely. And apparently also plays Bingo, who knew?

The children are still taking a shine to the bouncy castles and bungee runs that have been set up today. Old fashioned games are over and so are the roulette tables. People are still lining up for the classic park food and drinks.

8:20 - Final report - And rounding off the fashionably late evening, The Starlites, food and frivolity. The food court was definitely a great idea, one really gets a taste of the neighborhood. By the time I got there most of the food was taken by everyone. But some of the popular items including Coyle's Cafe great roast beef sandwich, Jake's awesome crab cake sandwiches, Cafe Roma pastries.

Everyone's favorite elected official Kathy Manderino took in the food court with myself and the great Dave Duong. We thoroughly our respective meals. Duong was his usual hilarious self.
"So what do?," Duong asked Manderino.
"I am representative to the state legislature," said Manderino.
"Oh, so you are one I talk to about those pot holes in the road," said Duong.
Afterward, Duong treated us all to cotton candy.
"Thank you, this brings me back to my youth," said Manderino.
"If you don't finish it, you can use the rest to fill in any potholes." said Duong.
Manderino, in the end, shared the cotton candy with some friends.
Duong also expressed his delight in events such as the Community Day Fair. Duong, a Norristown native, lamented the fact that similar events way fallen by the wayside in his neighborhood.

By around 7:30 p.m., much of the food had been eaten and the process of cleaning as-you-go had begun; the tents provided by John Lynch of the Secret Garden came down. Along with the setting sun, down came the inflatable castles.

And with the setting of the Sun, out came the Starlites. A superb band that plays a lot of classic rock and oldies. Righteous Brothers, BTO, and many other great hits.

Between sets the Ridge Runners presented a check to the Friends of Gorgas Park for $2,000. That money is earmarked for the annual concert series and Oktoberfest-Harvest Festival. But we are definitely near the target goal, if not we have a coalition to reach that goal, at least that's according to John Boyce.

So in conclusion, it is our park we are looking after, but more than that, it is our community and our future that we are safeguarding. But here's to next year.

Weekend Whirligig...

So it's that time again, School's back in sucker. It's the month of Duong at the Flat Rock Saloon. Duong, the slanteye above, plays with his buddy Matt the roundeye. Photo is from last week's performance to a crowded house, full of many beautiful ladies, like the one here. She's sassy and we don't use that term too often. We are definitely suckers for brunettes and freckles, blue dresses and red eye. This little firecracker is one of many who haunt the rock, so where are you?

But anyway, here are your listings for the neighborhood. For Grape St., click here. For Kildare's Manayunk, click here . For more Manayunk-Roxborough places, stop here .
The Philadelphia Live Arts and Fringe Festival is still upon us, it's the final weekend, so get off your duff and appreciate some art, even if some of it is self-indulgent and crappy.

Also this Saturday is the inaugural Community Day Fair at Gorgas Park. The fair will benefit the Gorgas Park Endowment Fund which after Saturday could reach to $30,000. Not bad for the first time out. We've been talking this up a lot in the Paper. In fact, here is the final story that puts it all into the knees of the gods. We will blogging the event all day which a lot of running between my office and the park a block away. We feel confident that we will more than accomplish our goal. But them's the breaks really.

Also, way past labor day, we know what that means: Back to the Black Homburg. So keep an eye out for a Sir Winston S. Churchill lookalike, that will be me. See you at the park.

Amuzing pics

Here are a few pics I found amusing from last Saturday. Here's to hoping this one will be just as well.

Cultural Obituary-UPDATED

We had held out hope that perhaps Mr. Mike Genkin would make a glorious comeback to the homestead, but alas, it does not seem to be. It is with a heavy heart I am call this one. The Roxy Sandwich Grill is up for sale: of course, most people who read the news know it has been on the market since at least March. This June, the above sign went onto the window. With the opening of the new SuperFresh, a new sign went on the door. "Turnkey operation for sale." So we know the death rattle has sounded.

It is also an inauspicious occasion considering that Genkin was the last original business left in the Ivyridge Shopping Center. His Roxy Grill was the reinvention of a business started by his grandfather on Ridge Ave. That building has since been torn down and replaced with the new Roxborough Commons. The family business has been a part of the shopping center since 1964. It was in fact the first place this reporter ever applied to for a job. (We, of course, were so wet behind the ears then we didn't get the job.) The grill was also a weekly destination for some friends and I. Munching on the seasonal sliced Elephant, which had a season so small everyone slept through it. We did what we could to promote his place, giving word of mouth, page three placements for news releases (which got me reprimanded) among other things.

The current Genkin changed gears in his stores direction because his thought he couldn't compete against the might of the new SuperFresh. It may have been this flaw that destroyed him. But who could have predicted that it would take almost three years to open a new anchor store in Ivyridge.

We also understand that Mike may be fighting a battle greater than war his ancestor ever faced. We hope that he knows he has our support and we hope the best for his and his family's future.

Genkin, where am I to go for lunch now?

UPDATE-We also forgot to mention that Mike was very connected to our area in another way. He was a patron of the Arts, displaying artwork from members of the Manayunk Art Center. Now the store is shut, why hasn't the art been taken down yet?

Achtung! Achtung!

As a special treat for readers and other who may not be able to attend the Community Day Fair this Saturday. The Review's intrepid reporter, Bernard J. Scally (I, the blogger), will be live blogging the event. The event which stretches from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Gorgas Park. I will be posting hourly updates highlighting things going on. I also hope to post many, many photos and videos from the event here. So be sure to check it out either here or the Park.

Back from Outer Space...

It didn't make the paper this week but Our Town's favorite cleric, Bishop Daniel Thomas was celebrating a blue mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary church. A 'blue mass' honors are everyday heroes in uniform: Firefighters, Police and EMTs.

Here, I have the bishop with my grandmother and my former mentor Pat Izzo.

Weekend Whirligig...

It's the return of the Duong at the Flat Rock Saloon! Rejoice you transient college twerps and young professionals finally some affordable entertainment.

But anyway, here are your listings for the neighborhood. For Grape St., click here. For Kildare's Manayunk, click here . For more Manayunk-Roxborough places, stop here .

The Philadelphia Live Arts and Fringe Festival is still upon us, so take some opportunity to enjoy things you have never done. So far I have seen self-indulgent nudity and share the feelings of World War Flying Aces ala Snoopy. Life has been interesting. I take pride in being one of the best dressed people attending thankfully.

So enjoy the weekend...if you can.

Happiness is a...

Apparently, a new SuperFresh that opened today. There were big savings everywhere, a ribbon cutting ceremony, some check presentations; but the real story were the shoppers, who were apparently there since 6 a.m. I'm told. Many stocked up like it was the apocalypse. Dear, oh dear. Why can't they be satisfied by just Cabbage Rolls and Coffee? MMM, MMM, Good!

But anyway, other developments of the week include the dedication of a new dock at the Manayunk Brewery. The brewery is now also home to the Manayunk Dragonboat team, who are representing the USA in a race in Australia. GO TEAM!

And more from the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Yay!

And next week, we'll be talking up the Community Day Fair, which I had a small hand in promoting.

Now where is my warm gun....

Reporter's desktop...

So anyway, the Fringe festival is upon us this week. So far, it has been mildly entertaining with all sorts of intriguing pieces (revealing or not) For those who want a little fun and skin with a message, check out "Bob Hope's Nightmare" a risqué parody of those old USO tours. IN the same vein, "Cabaret Français" bring out the best Paris has to offer.

Things to watch for this week. William Barnes was charged with the murder of Police Officer Walter Barclay, who Barnes shot 41 years ago. In a related issue this week, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church will have a blue mass on Sept. 9. A blue mass is in honor of the city's police officers, firefighters and Emergency Medical Techs, who put their lives on the line every time they go to work. Bishop Daniel Thomas, a native yunker, will be celebrating the mass.

And look out for some more festival reviews.

Cool to be a cat...

I like the nightlife, etc, etc...Well, the Fringe Festival is upon us and I am celebrating in style. Get dudded up and see "Bob Hope's nightmare". It's been months since I went to a burlesque show, such fun really. I'll let you know my first thoughts then read my critique in the paper come Wednesday.

God, it feels good to be a gangster...

Classic Style...

Take me home, Jeeves. HA! Like we could afford this beauty on our salary. But a man (or woman) can dream. It is just a shame that something so beautiful can be so poisonous to our health and security.