April 23, 2015, will mark the 14th anniversary of what my husband and I consider the best life choice that we have made in our 21 years together: Our choice to move to a pre-boom Fishtown.
We had just finished a hippie-esque campout tour of 37 states, and decided to settle a few exits down I-95 from where we were raised, in the Far Northeast. We looked at four houses that spring day, and easily settled on a “single,” next to a restaurant—as I am incredibly non-culinarily inclined, this had mass appealed to me…and my husband.
The action, convenience and buzz of I-95 South traffic that would lull us to sleep each night, and the billboard that so would generously light my bedroom added up to the right combination to start the settled-down portion of our lives. The tall, stuccoed, white home had many rooms, and an uncharacteristically large yard for the area—which would prove crucial to our success in the riverside abode—would soon be filled with a plethora of breathing beings.
We had four children in seven years. The satisfaction of our homebase had much to do with each decision to add to our family. Our daughter was first, and then three bouncing (wrestling, jumping, tackling) boys. I anticipated our future life in Fishtown, knowing that raising a large family here could be challenging, but it was a challenge that I was 100 percent up for.
The Perrys could be considered non-traditional by some but, in an ever-changing world and a rapidly diversifying neighborhood, we mesh well. Our children are proudly home-schooled. Our days are filled with visits to art galleries, parks, libraries and when we do “hit the books” you can find us at one of our amazing neighborhood coffee shops, soaking up both atmosphere and algebra.
We have become immersed in the expanding home-school community in our area. It is a decision that wholeheartedly works for our family. However, we still join our peers in wishing and working for a better public school system for those who choose to educate their children the traditional way.
Our children are being raised to become aware and participating members of our community. We stand up for many causes and spend a large amount of time as volunteers. Our primary outlet for displaying compassion and responsibility to those who need it is our time spent helping Philadelphia’s homeless animals—our crew has found 214 homes for animals in less than two years. We also spend a good amount of family time cleaning up area parks, transporting sick pets, running a neighborhood playgroup, sorting donations at local children’s charities and feeding our neighborhood’s homeless, many of whom we know by name. Our children forgo presents at their yearly birthday parties, instead choosing a charity of choice to reap the generosity of our friends and family.
While many young adults plan on enjoying the River Wards now, a good amount of them will make plans to move to suburbia once they expand their family. I hope to keep these young, community-minded, productive folks right here once they decide to have children because life in Fishtown has much to offer families, and things are looking better by the day. You can see it everywhere: friends groups are up and running for our public schools; playgrounds are getting makeovers; family-friendly businesses are abundant; and a neighborhood once embroiled in a lifer vs. newbie battle is putting aside their differences for a bright and promising bigger picture.
Despite our differences, we all love the same thing: A neighborhood—rich in history and bursting with promise for future generations—that will also benefit longtime residents, who, together, can do great things.
You’ll read about our family’s adventures monthly in the pages of The Spirit as we check out local restaurants, event and activities that offer fun for the entire family.
So, please accept our family’s challenge in attempting to convince naysayers that life in the River Wards, with children, is entirely possible—and even blissful.
Family Calendar Picks
Dances With Cyclops – Northern Liberties Community Center (700 N. 3rd St.), ages 5 through 12, 6PM to 8:30PM. Fee: $25/child (siblings $15)
Spring has sprung! As seedlings begin to sprout, a new life form will also be born at NLArts on Friday, April 10. We will dream up and create our very own Cyclops—think one eyed, two headed, ten armed, or six legged creatures with super powers! First we’ll sketch out these imaginative creatures on paper. Then, we will play fun movement and dance games that involve mirroring, teamwork, simple acrobatics, and silly costume and prop play in order to prepare for and create our very own Cyclops Recital. By the end of the workshop, our cyclops creations will have put on a lovely show…maybe they’ll even have a little dance party! Plus Pizza! Participants should wear clothes that are appropriate for getting messy and having a good time. Call now to register: 267-476-275
Fusion Tumbling + Fitness (2101 E. Norris St., 2nd Floor)
Kids Open Gym, Ages 2 and older, Tuesday 11:00AM – 12:15PM and Friday 10:00AM – 11:15AM. Email: fernando@fusionphilly.com, Phone: 267-293-9184.
Seafarin’ Saturday (Independence Seaport Museum, Penn’s Landing, 211 South Columbus Blvd. & Walnut St.)
Seafarin’ Saturday is a chance for children and parents to participate in nautical activities and experience adventures of distant shores. From making pirate battle rattles to sailor valentines, children are sure to dive into fun! Seafarin’ Saturdays are perfect for youth groups such as scouts. Seafarin’ Saturdays are held every Saturday inside the Museum from 11AM to 1PM and is free with admission.
