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Since our Throwback Issue theme pays tribute to many local spots that have reached at least 100 years of age, I started to think about my mortality and wondered how long my life might stretch. If I am fortunate enough, my 100th birthday would come in 2079, and if I am still kicking, I hope these 10 wishes will have come true for South Philly.
10) Repavement work to stop along Oregon Avenue: Recent walks along Oregon Avenue have turned into obstacles courses for me, as numerous crews have been working on both sides of the street to repave sidewalks. As soon I think the overall work has stopped, two or three more sets of signs and groups of guys appear and make me wonder how much longer I will have to show off the fancy footwork that I usually reserve for a tennis court.
9) Broad Street and Snyder Avenue to be less disgusting: I grew up in Southwest Philly, but numerous trips to South Philly made me overly aware of Broad and Snyder, which, God forgive me, I have re-christened Broad and Weirdo and a few other nouns that I will leave to your imagination. It is an undeniable eyesore at its best, and that is sad when one considers the inviting nature of the adjacent East Passyunk Avenue.
8) People to remove political endorsement signs from polls: I absolutely hate when I see such signs still hanging weeks after primary and general elections. All I ask is that folks strive to remove them with as much gusto as they used in placing them, especially when the offending material comes from losing candidates.
7) A Republican to occupy the Mayor’s office: I am a registered Republican, meaning I essentially have no political voice in this city. That often makes me quite irked, particularly when I think that no real progress occurs since it seems people can glide into office just by having a “D” by their names. I am not presuming a Republican would somehow serve as our city’s savior, but I am sure many others believe, like me, that a member of the Grand Old Party certainly could not make matters worse.
6) More playgrounds and libraries to appear: Yes, we have many wonderful facilities right now, but if this city and those aforementioned politicos can make pushes for their platforms, I would hope they would give some consideration to mine. Adding options equals increasing hope.
5) More festivals to keep us cognizant of our cultures: Around this time of year, two of my favorite words are “free” and “festival.” How I would love for more nationalities to grace South Philly with celebrations of their history and hopes for the future.
4) Italian Market to remain a thriving destination: At 37 years old, I must admit that I have not made that many ventures to the Italian Market, and that, my friends, is an oversight that needs immediate correction. Certain to enjoy this weekend’s festival (There goes that word again!) in the lovable location, I hope to spend the next six-plus decades taking in its diversity and charm.
3) South Philly Review to continue to reach doorsteps every Thursday: 2016 marks the 69th year for the South Philly Review, with yours truly being affiliated with the publication for roughly 10 percent of its existence. If I am fortunate to hit 100, here’s hoping the staff is enjoying penning papers for our 132nd year.
2) South Philly to continue to be the birthplace and residence of wonderfully talented people: I often feel, despite my frequent gripes (Trash, anyone?) that South Philly is the best place on earth. We have ample history to tout, but nothing resonates more than the residents of our expanse. May the hypothetical version of me smile at and commend those with vibrant natures and creative minds.
1) The Flyers to win the Stanley Cup: Being a fan of the Boston Red Sox since 1989, I can imagine what longer-tenured fans suffered through in waiting for the team to win a World Series, with 2004 ending the 86-year drought. I was born four years after the Flyers captured their second and most-recent Stanley Cup championship, and, in my lifetime, they have fallen in the finals five times. I will never put my adoration for them on ice, so it is my divine hope that come my date with the century mark, I will be able to say I have taken a figurative swig from Lord Stanley’s Cup. ■
Contact Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
