This Week January 9, 2025 | |
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Well, that didn’t take long now, did it?
New Year’s Day saw a horrific terrorist attack in New Orleans, and now we’re looking at apocalyptic wildfire images from all over Los Angeles County.
The optimist in us likes to believe that better days are comin’, that the tragedies of the past aren’t predictive of the future, and we’re sticking to that.
So while our fondest thoughts and wishes go out to both New Orleans and LA County, back here in the single-digit wind-chilly Northeast we’ll square our shoulders and carry on with good cheer, because that’s how we roll.
Despite it all: Happy New Year.
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“YES” TO STOPPING (TEMPORARILY) IN SPRUCE/PINE BIKE LANES | |
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You will recall that in early November, CCRA created a Spruce/Pine Bike Lanes Task Force. It was created in reaction to a presentation made to CCRA by the City’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability (OTIS) regarding contemplated changes to Spruce/Pine; the numerous responses to that presentation, overwhelmingly critical of the contemplated changes, particularly the proposal to prevent any stopping in those bike lanes; as well as the fact that, on Oct. 17, over the objections of numerous residents of CCRAville, City Council passed a bill that would prohibit any and all stopping in bike lanes across the City. The Task Force was charged with coming up with possible alternatives to OTIS’ plan that would make Spruce/Pine safer for all users (cyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicles), while perhaps acknowledging, at least to some extent, the historical practice of permitting temporary stopping in those bike lanes.
The Report and Recommendations of the Task Force was approved overwhelmingly by the CCRA Board on Nov. 12 and, shortly thereafter, forwarded to Council President Johnson (whose district covers the entirety of these bike lanes west of Broad street) and to OTIS. Read the full Report here.
Among the several recommendations was the following: With clear and conspicuous signage, permit temporary stopping in bike lanes, but reduce the maximum time limit from 20 minutes to 10 minutes, and limit the availability of such temporary stopping to passenger vehicles.
CCRA President Leo Levinson, Gov’t. Relations Co-Chair Gina Shapiro and Task Force Co-Chair Jeff Braff met with Johnson’s Chief of Staff and his Senior Legislative Counsel on Jan. 7 to discuss the Report, including a possible carve-out for the Spruce/Pine bike lanes from the city-wide no-stopping-in-bike -lanes legislation. The CCRA team is pleased to report that they were assured that the Parking Authority would not be issuing tickets to any passenger vehicle temporarily stopped in the bike lanes for the purpose of loading or unloading, provided that the vehicle was attended by the driver. They were also told that Johnson would consider signage to memorialize this exception to the No Stopping law, as well as CCRA’s other recommendations (i.e., speed cushions, raised pedestrian crosswalks, and delineator posts).
Obviously, this is only a partial victory. We will continue to push to make Spruce/Pine safer for all users.
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Thank You for Supporting the Clean, Safe, and Green Campaign! | |
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have contributed to the Fall Clean, Safe, and Green Campaign. Your support has been instrumental in our efforts to keep our community a cleaner and greener place to live, as well as funding other programs. But we need your help to continue this important work. If you haven’t already, please consider making a donation to support our ongoing programs. Every contribution, big or small, goes a long way in enhancing our initiatives and expanding our impact. Together, we can build on our successes and create a sustainable future for all. To donate, visit our website or contact us directly for more information. Thank you for being a vital part of our campaign! | |
CCRA Board of Directors Meetings | |
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Tuesday, January 14, 7pm, BEX Meeting Space, 2005 Market St (One Commerce Sq).
This is a members-only meeting. If you would like to attend, please email Travis.
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Community Potluck and Open Mic by at Trinity@22nd | |
CCRA MERCHANT PARTNER FEATURE: | |
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CCRA’s Merchant Partner program is a true Win-Win: It provides local businesses with complimentary advertising and exposure while giving CCRA members generous deals and discounts. This week we spotlight our Merchant Partner, the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, at 12th and Market Sts.
Everyone Who Knows Goes… to the Loews
Home to an architectural landmark and Philadelphia Savings Fund Society (PSFS) building, the Four-Diamond Loews Philadelphia Hotel is a true classic and one of the nation’s first modern skyscrapers, all within walking distance of Reading Terminal Market, Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Barnes Foundation.
But it’s more than just drop-dead gorgeous. At Loews Hotels, the community is as much a part of their family as their team members. It’s beyond mere camaraderie – we’re talking friendship, familiarity, goodwill and kindness, one local business helping one another,
all of which translates to a wonderful experience for their guests.
And… yes, there’s more: As a CCRA member, you are eligible for up to a 20% discount not only for yourself, but for family, friends, colleagues… pretty sweet! (Discount is subject to availability at time of booking.)
So what are you (and your friends) waiting for? Go here, then GO!
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De-Icing Your Outdoor Places | |
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Well, you live in town, so no worries about a “driveway”. One good reason you moved here! But….there’s still outdoor places that need a bit of tending, and salt certainly has its critics. Looking for a sodium chloride-free solution? We’ve got some alternatives that are more green, pet and water-friendly. Here’s hoping you don’t need to use any! But, just in case….check out what you need to know……by digging here.
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Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | |
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No need to travel to the Far East to join the celebrations that accompany their cultures. Pay tribute to the diversity offered to us as part of Philly living by heading over to our Kimmel Center to welcome the “Year of the Snake” with the Philadelphia Orchestra, as it commemorates the Lunar New Year.
Their Jan 10th concert weaves classical works and traditional sounds, celebrating diverse artistic expressions. Hear Li Huanzhi’s beloved Spring Festival Overture alongside classical favorites like Johann Strauss Jr.’s Overture to Die Fledermaus. More information and ticket information here.
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Small Project, Big Impact | |
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Happy New Year! May 2025 bring warmth and love into your homes and hearts. It's been a pleasure to contribute this article monthly, yet every month as I sit at my computer I ponder...what would the CCRA community be interested in learning about this month? In life, there is always a balance between being serious and factual and then just being adventuresome and fun! So, I've decided to bring a little of both to you in the coming months.
This month I thought I'd share some strategic tips about the importance of preparing your home for sale. There are always some inexpensive and basic home upgrades you can do that add much value. There are also some free actions you can take that won't cost you anything, just a little time and effort.
It's been proven that if your home is in pristine condition it adds more value, and typically a quicker sale.
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Small projects with a big impact:
- a fresh coat of paint goes a long way, neutral colors are suggested
- replace faucets and cabinet hardware for a fresh look
- upgrade door knobs, people touch them :)
- swap out dated lighting fixtures for a more modern look
- make sure things work: doorbell, appliances, lightbulbs
- curb appeal: planters and seasonal accents
Action steps that are free:
- declutter; very important to clean & clear spaces
- follow the one-year rule; if you haven't used it, let it go
- depersonalize; a few photos are ok...
- ask your family/friends if you can store some things in their garage
- smell is essential: Air it out, deep clean, no pet smells, trash out
- make sure outdoor spaces are clean & inviting
I understand when preparing to sell, there are many moving parts. It can be stressful at times, especially when you are most likely in the midst of a new purchase. I tell my clients that although it's a huge task and transition, this is temporary and hopefully within 90 days or less start to finish, their home is sold and they are decorating the new home- which is the fun part!
Feel free to reach out for more tips if you need any additional suggestions. I'd love to share about a firm that offers a pre-sale concierge service which is amazing. They will cover the upfront cost to help you get home projects completed prior to listing for sale. Sometimes, sellers need this extra cushion and support!
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Community News and Events | |
Fuelin’ Philly 2025 Style | |
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The theme for this year’s Philadelphia Auto Show is “Fuelin’ Philly,” and attendees have the opportunity to pop open the hoods and hop inside hundreds of vehicles — from Toyotas and Chevys to McLarens and Alfa Romeos.
This is the 123rd Philadelphia Auto Show, dating back to 1902. This year the show takes place from January 11 to 20, 2025 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, featuring tons of cars on display, and tons of things to do:
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Get a ride in some electric cars right inside the Convention Center on the e-Track
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Test-driving opportunities are also available outside the Convention Center at the Toyota Drive Center on Arch Street west of 12th Street and inside at the Camp Jeep off-road simulation.
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Check out Custom Alley, which showcases souped-up vehicles, specialty paint jobs, plus services from builders from around the Greater Philly Area.
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Get a first hand view of famous movie vehicles like the Back to the Future DeLorean, the Fast and the Furious Impala, the Chevy C20 van from Stranger Things and more.
- Go back to the past to see vintage vehicles from the Antique Automobile Club of America and Classic Auto Mall.
Plus, don’t miss the annual Black Tie Tailgate, a swanky cocktail party on the exhibition floor.
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High Tea in High Style, the Philly Way at Majdal Bakery | |
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Ever enjoyed a high-style high tea with a tea tower along with a tasty bakery treat?
No? Well, this Saturday afternoon at 2:30pm is your chance! (Is this a “Bridgerton” thing? We wouldn’t know.)
Bottom line: You’ve never been to a high tea like this! Enjoy a pot of tea and snack on Philly-style sweet and savory bites from Headhouse stalwart Majdal Bakery’s kitchen. Your ticket includes all the tea you can drink, an appetizer soup, a tiered tray filled with goodies AND a very special guest treat from Bake Bake Philly!
Pinky-finger up, and over to the deelish details here.
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Giving New Meaning To “Underground Philly” | |
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Who knew you could ride the Philly subway system for a few hours of entertainment? Well, you can at least once . . . on Saturday, January 11 from 1-3pm.
Guide Jerry Silverman was born to give this tour. He was the very first rider ever on PATCO as a teenager, and later served as chair of the SEPTA Citizen Advisory Committee.
Travel the Ridge Spur north to Fern Rock. From there, the tour goes south to the NRG station at the stadiums, where you can view the hidden lower level. The tour wraps up by going north to the Walnut-Locust City Hall stations. You’ll learn about never-finished lines, see a subway car graveyard, ride through ghost stations, and learn about the train lines to Cheltenham, Darby, Germantown, Northeast Philly, and others that were never completed.
The tour Meets at NW Corner of 8th & Market outside GIANT. Tickets are $20 per person (plus one subway ticket)
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Unleash Your Second Childhood | |
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Let your inner child loose and have some hands-on adults-only fun at the Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Friday, January 31, from 7-11pm.
This 21-and-older winter-themed event, focused on giving grownups a unique chance to embrace their sense of play, will feature a high-energy dance party, full bar, food, trivia contest, indoor ice skating, winter crafts and museum exhibits. Tickets are $45; museum members pay $40. A valid ID is required, and free parking will be available on a first-come basis in the museum’s gated lot.
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The College of Physicians of Philadelphia (19 S 22nd Street) is holding a concert on Tuesday, February 18 at 7:30pm, with a free pre concert reception at 6:30pm.
Music for Food is a national program inspired by professional musicians wanting to give back to the community and raise awareness in the fight against hunger. For this concert series, all the proceeds - from the musicians and the audience - go to support a local organization - and, here in Philadelphia, the impactful work of The Sunday Love Project.
Get your tickets here—Tuesday, February 18th at 7:30pm, with a free pre-concert reception at 6:30pm
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Merchant Partners "Deals and Discounts" Program | |
Please support our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a deal or discount to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card and personal identification. | |
CCRA assumes no responsibility, and makes no representations or warranties, regarding any product and/or services sold by any Merchant Partner. | | | | |
