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Better Know a Frankford Business: PA Auto Insurance

 

Getting stopped by the police for a traffic violation can turn a bad day to worse in a hurry. That day can quickly change from worse to terrible if the car owner cannot provide proof that they have auto insurance. In Philadelphia, failure to provide proof of insurance can result in your automobile being impounded as well as hundreds of dollars in additional tickets and fees. If you run that risk, fear not, Frankford has the solution for your missing insurance card. The Frankford grown business PA Auto Insurance Outlet has been providing clients with low cost, high quality insurance services for over a decade, while at the same time staying involved in a community they proudly call home.

PA Auto Insurance Outlet, located at 4901 Frankford Ave, is spearheaded by three highly experienced insurance professionals. President Bob Refice has over 40 years of experience in the insurance business, and says his heart has always been in Northeast Philadelphia even when he lived as far away as Ohio.  His Vice presidents, Warren Kukish and Ed Gerber, add an additional 60 years of expertise in the industry. They describe themselves as neighborhood guys who pride themselves on friendly customer service and providing the best deals and discounts for their clients. PA Auto works with 6 insurance companies and specializes in low cost, low down payment insurance plans.  If you need immediate coverage PA Auto can obtain a policy for you for as little as 88 dollars a month. PA Auto also provides Auto Tag and Notary services, homeowner, renters, and life insurance from a variety of companies, conveniently providing all necessary insurance services in one place.  To them, low cost in no way means low service.

With over 100 years of total experience, PA Auto could have located anywhere, but they chose Frankford. They love the convenience of the El, the mix of people, the character of the neighborhood, and the shops along the Ave. To them, Frankford is a special place to run a business. They recently purchased the property they have called home for the last ten years, leaving no doubt that they will always be there for Frankford. They are active community members recently donating to Hope for Philly and Food for Troops. Hope for Philly is a charitable organization that provides area residents with, jackets, shoes, and other necessities. Food for Troops provides our service members overseas with snack boxes filled with some of their favorite Philly snacks.

If you’re having insurance issues, feel free to call PA Auto at 215-827-0800. If you aren’t sold by the low rates, we’re sure the warm face to face interaction and attention to detail will make you into one of their newest clients. Afterwards, make sure to refer a friend and you’ll be entered into monthly 50 dollar gift card drawing. If you aren’t ready to sign or switch policies, simply stop in for a free, no obligation quote and your name will be entered in the drawing too. Drive Safe!

 

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Better Know A Frankford Artist: Rachel Citrino

For this month’s edition of “Better Know a Frankford Business”, we turned to one of Frankford’s many assets, Globe Dye Works, a large industrial complex repurposed  for artist and artisan lofts. Over twenty tenants call Globe home, and some of the most exciting work in the entire City is being done in this space just a couple blocks away from the commercial corridor.

Rachel Citrino is one of the many talented artists with studio space at Globe. Rachel grew up in Tacony and Frankford in the late  40s-50s, and comes from a long line of artists: her grandfather was a photographer, and her father was a painter. Her family history seemed to have pulled her towards Globe, as well. Before her father passed away, the family lived behind his shop/studio on Church Street, just a few blocks from Globe Dye Works. When her mother remarried, the family moved to Worth Street, where Globe is located.

Rachel credits her father for her initial interest in the arts. As she says, “Watching my father work on paintings on a daily basis was probably where I first became excited about the behavior of color. Over fifty years of exhibitions behind me, I am still excited about color and it’s alchemy.”

After living in New Jersey with her husband for 25 years, she returned to the City about two years ago and quickly found space at Globe. And GALLERY B102 is not just a studio, either: “I created a gallery space, GALLERY B102, to serve my curatorial projects. I make the exhibit space available to artists who want to mount their own show or installation and mentor their efforts. In addition to showcasing my own works, I hope to contribute to the community by making it affordable for independent artists to show their work.”

Some exciting exhibits are in the works for GALLERY B102: From October 13th through November 3rd, GALLERY B102 will host “an installation of paintings and mixed media art as well as an interactive Day of the Dead Alter” by Frankford High graduate, Emma Gardner. Emma’s work will also be featured in Rachel’s Philadelphia Open Studio Tours exhibit on October 20th and 21st. Rachel’s own work will be on sale in October and November, in time for the holidays.

Globe, and its tenants like Rachel, are helping to keep the arts alive here in Frankford – and Rachel’s excited to be a part of it and to help it grow in the years to come. We encourage you to visit Globe if you haven’t had the chance – witness all of the positive energy and talent right in our own backyard.