PhilaVentures hosts kayaking trek

PhilaVentures, a GLBT outdoor club, will host a day of kayaking and canoeing beginning at 10 a.m. Aug. 4 at Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, 483 Alexander St., Princeton, N.J.

Beginners are encouraged to participate; experience is not necessary.

Participants must bring a photo ID as well as drinks and a snack or lunch.

For more information, contact Steve Wasserleben at stevewass100@comcast.net or (215) 481-9875.
— Larry Nichols

Transgender police officer retires

Maria Gonzalez, the city’s first and only openly transgender police officer on the 6,500-member force, has retired effective June 23.

Gonzalez, 60, worked for the Philadelphia Police Department since October 1967.

She served as a senior firearms instructor at the Police Academy for much of her tenure. But in October 2004, she was transferred out of the unit after allegations that she improperly discharged her firearm.

She said her retirement benefits are ample and she will live comfortably.

Gonzalez came out in January 2004 and underwent gender-reassignment surgery in May 2005.
— Timothy Cwiek

A Knock on Gayborhood’s door

Former Woody’s owner Bill Wood is set to open his latest endeavor, Knock, later this month.

Located on the northeast corner of 12th and Locust streets, Wood said Knock is a clear departure from the Gayborhood’s famed Woody’s, which he sold in late 2006.

“It’s a restaurant that will seat 55 and there will be a bar and lounge that’s on the quieter side. It’s more grown-up and will be an upgrade from Woody’s,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of work here.”

Knock’s decor focuses around earth tones and rich mahogany wood, the owner said, and will feature eclectic-American cuisine.

Knock will be open for dinner nightly and for brunch on Sundays.
— Casey Bell