This Week: October 13, 2022

Clarification re Philadelphia Orchestra/Kimmel Center Campus Member Discounts

In the October 6 edition of CCRA This Week the Merchant Partner section highlighted the newest CCRA Merchant Partner: The Philadelphia Orchestra and The Kimmel Center Campus.

The article included Member discount promo codes and links for both the Orchestra and the Kimmel Campus. We apologize for any confusion as the discount details provided to us had not been updated. 

Below is the “small print” for both the Orchestra and the Kimmel Center Campus. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this may have caused. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

Philadelphia Orchestra

Discount: 15%.

Promo Code: POCCRA

Link here.

Restrictions:

Only listed programs in the link are eligible for the discount. Per-ticket and per-order fees will apply. Offer not valid for previously purchased tickets. All sales are final. No refunds, exchanges, or exchanges. Orchestra box and Tier 1 box seats are excluded from the discount offer. All programs, artists, prices, fee, discounts are subject to change.

Kimmel Center Campus

Discount: 10%.

Promo Code: CCRAKCC

Link here.

Restrictions:

Valid on select price levels and performances. This includes Platinum Parquet, Parquet Center, Platinum Box, Loge, Balcony Box and Balcony Loge for Broadway performances. Per-ticket and per-order fees will apply. Offer not valid on previously purchased tickets. All sales are final. No refunds, exchanges, or cancellations. Offer ends June 30, 2023.

Members’ “Meet & Greet” Happy Hour

Please join us for a “Thank You!” at Di Bruno’s Alimentari Restaurant on 1730 Chestnut Street. It's our way of giving you a big “MWAH!” for being loyal members.

The skinny: It's on Tuesday, November 1, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. “Meet & Greet” with fellow CCRA members and enjoy complimentary food and wine. This Happy Hour is limited to the first 50 members who respond. Don’t delay! See you there!

Register here.

Proof of vaccination is required. Please take a rapid COVID test the night before.

Public Meeting Regarding 14-30 S. 21st Street

Monday, October 24, 6-7 pm via Zoom

The Parkway Corporation plans to construct a new 390,000 square-foot residential high-rise at the corner of 21st and Ludlow Streets. The project is “by right” under the Philadelphia zoning code.  However, the public will have input on the project as part of the Philadelphia City Planning Civic Design Review process.

Prior to that public meeting, Parkway Corporation would like to present the project to the CCRA membership. You do not have to be a member to attend: the intent is to gather input from the neighborhood. The architects for the project, Erdy McHenry Architecture, will present the plans, renderings, space program, and project details in a brief presentation. After the presentation there will be a question-and-answer session.

Link to the Zoom meeting here.

Low-to-Moderate Income Single-Occupant Housing Now Renting at the Laurel

As part of the negotiations with the Southern Land Company, CCRA insisted that low-to-moderate income housing be included in order to gain our support. And included it now is, as studio apartments are currently being rented by Southern Land in what is called Ronan Flats at 1904 Sansom St.

It’s all part of the historic rehab on Sansom where the legacy facades were removed and then restored (also at CCRA’s insistence). Details on Ronan Flats here.

We are pleased to welcome the renewed buildings (and the residents who will occupy them) to the neighborhood.

CCD’s Paul Levy to be Honored for Over 30 Years’ Work

It’s not pleasant to contemplate what Center City life would be like were it not for Paul Levy’s 30+ years of work at the helm of the Center City District. Center City was a much different place back when he started, and not in a good way.

To that end, Paul and his efforts will be feted on November 16 by the American Jewish Committee when he will receive the prestigious AJC Civic Achievement Award.

You may use the RSVP form, which includes information about the various levels of support and return it by email here, or you can place your reservations by phone at 215-665-2300.

CCRA’s Merchant Partner program is a true Win-Win:  It provides smaller local businesses with complimentary advertising and exposure while giving CCRA members generous deals and discounts.  This week we feature Rittenhouse stalwart Bakeshop on 20th.

Something’s Always Cooking at the Bakeshop

Why is Bakeshop on 20th always so crowded?

Well, why do you think?

Could it be the smell of the baking of pastries such as scones, muffins, sticky buns, chocolate babkas, fudge brownies, and cookies as they’re pulled from the ovens?

Could it be the made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, the hand-sliced smoked salmon and avocado toast served on your choice of artisanal English muffins, croissants or wraps?

Center City residents aren’t stupid; the Bakeshop is packed for a reason.

Why not see for yourself?  And while you’re there, mention CCRA and you’ll get an extra little goodie to accompany the treat you just purchased.

There’s No Place Like Home

It has taken more than Dorothy’s ruby slippers to create a neighborhood as beautiful and charming as Rittenhouse Square. Want to make all the suburban munchkins in your life jealous of your life over the rainbow? Follow this yellow brick road to view a tantalizing video about how fabulous life is here in Center City West. They hardly missed a thing (except they conveniently left out the street people, trash and overhead helicopters)! 

If you didn’t live here already, you’d wanna take the next hot air balloon here (hold the helicopter).

Car-Free, not Care-Free

The Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia is hosting an inaugural 20-mile Car-Free City Bike Ride on Saturday, October 15. Unlike the infamous Naked Bike Ride, you can bring the kids to ride in this one! 

The route starts and ends by the Art Museum and highlights some of the city’s most notable sites. Although the route may be car-free, the ride is not.

Check here for registration.  To prepare to live “car-free” in Center City on Saturday, check here to see which roads near you will be closed, and when.

Plant Lovers Give and Take

Gardeners (and those of us with one or two drooping houseplants), behold!  Expand your relationship with Mother Nature by sharing extra plants, plant cuttings, or any garden-related items (i.e., books, tools, vegetables from your garden, etc.). 

Then come to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Plant Swap Garden Party.  Swap your plants for a new look for your home, and meet other plant enthusiasts. It’s a one-for-one exchange: if you bring five items, you'll go home with five new “treasures.”  They will have plant experts on hand to help identify unknown plants and wine available for purchase (for you; not for your new plant), which you can “baby” when you get home (with water, we hope)!

Register here for The Swap, which is Tuesday, October 25, 6-8 pm, at PHS Pop Up Garden 1438 South Street.

PAFA Show Includes Women Artists, LGBTQIA+ Artists, and Artists of Color

With more than 100 of the most acclaimed and iconic pieces in American art on display, Making American Artists: Stories from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 1776–1976 takes you on a journey across time, medium, and identity.

The exhibition offers new narratives in American art history, embracing stories about women artists, LGBTQIA+ artists, and artists of color. Details here.

Moving Ahead in Africatown

The first major projects tied to the creation of Philadelphia's Africatown are set to begin.

The term ‘Africatown’ refers to a neighborhood in Southwest Philly that's been in the works for more than 14 years. It would give a name to an area long established as a destination for African immigrants (specifically from Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria). 

The African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA), the nonprofit leading the Africatown effort, is expected to start work on its new headquarters on the 5400 block of Chester Avenue in November. Details here.

… Another Man’s Treasure

No, it’s not trash in your closet just because you haven’t worn it in the last six winters. It’s someone else’s treasure! 

This is your chance to help your Philly neighbors, make room in your closet, and know you’ve helped someone who’s in a jam. Drop off your “extras” at the Open Hearts Cafe located at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Rittenhouse Square. 

Help them feed and clothe hundreds every Tuesday and Sunday at 4:30 pm. Open your heart here.

Art Matters

Yes, you live in a city where art matters; not all is beer and baseball!  Well, maybe this year art will take second place! 

So, between games, take advantage of  Open Studios Tours: the largest tour of personal and professional artist studios and creative workspaces in the region and one of the premier open studio tour events in the country. 

Parts of the city have their own special open tours weekend and ours is THIS WEEKEND.  Naudain Art Collaborative and Ed Bronstein are several of our local studios participating this weekend.  For details on where to poke your head in, and when, open this door first.

Halloween in the ‘Hood

You’re invited to the Friends of Fitler Square Park annual Halloween Fun Fest on October 29, from 3-5 pm. They’ll have games, crafts, and a costume parade for kids.  For the adults, there will be a raffle of services and prizes from local businesses like Fitler Club, Cotoletta, Pub & Kitchen, and many more! 

Fun Fest facts here.

Listen to the Pennywhistle? Really?

The High Holidays are over and it’s time to dance… to eclectic Klezmer music infused with influences from the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Brazil, Ireland, India, and the American songbook. 

Thanks to Parkway Projects and the Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation, enjoy free outdoor music by sax player and band leader Ken Ulansey, featuring singer and guitarist Phyllis Chapellat as well Dave Posmontier on piano, Stan Slotter on trumpet, and Jimmy Parker on tuba.

Did I mention that Ulansey also plays the pennywhistle? What’s that, you may ask? It was invented in 1843 in England and, you guessed it, sold for a penny! 

To hear the Ken Ulansey Ensemble, come out Tuesday, October 18 to the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza at 6 pm.

Details here. Seating is not provided; bring a blanket or chair to enjoy this outdoor event.

Eager For a Horror Film?

Head to the Mütter Museum at 19 S. 22nd Street on Sunday, October 16 to see the iconic silent horror film Haxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages - with a live score from Not-So-Silent-Cinema! This 1922 Swedish horror-documentary masterpiece explores witchcraft, demonology, Satanism, and the persecution of women in the Middle Ages. The film will be paired with a brief introductory lecture exploring the links between medicine and the occult. 

Details: 

$25. Mütter Museum admission is included in this ticket price & the museum will be open from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. Museum members get a 20% discount.

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Enjoy the museum. Beer, wine, and snacks available to purchase.

6:40 pm - 9 pm. Film screening and musical performance

Check out these frightening stills from the film here!

NEW DATE For South Street Fest

NEW DATE for South Street Fest: (spanning 2nd Street to 8th Street) has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 15, 11 am to 5 pm. It was postponed because of inclement weather during Hurricane Ian. More details can be found here.

Phila Film Fest Ready for its Close-up

The 31st Philadelphia Film Festival comes into view Oct. 19 and fades out Oct. 30.

This year the Festival will showcase more than 130 feature length and short films. The line-up includes the World premieres of two films, North American premieres of two films and the United States premieres of five films. Pass the popcorn and the details here.

Meet Your Brewer?

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society presents, “Meet the Brewers,” a series where you'll meet and get to know local brewers and taste your way through a selection of your favorite beer and cider! 

On Wednesday, October 19, 5-7 pm, you can follow the route of the beloved apple to its sacred place on our fall table - especially when heated! Enjoy a cozy autumn night in Drexel’s Gateway Garden and give thanks to Johnny Appleseed as you sip away. Details here.

Would you 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.

Eye Candy Vision, 218 S. 20th St (215-568-3937)

Frameworks Studio and Gallery, 2103 Walnut St (215-567-6800)

Good Karma Cafe, 331 S. 22nd St (215-546-1479)

Kimmel Cultural Campus, 300 S. Broad St (215-893-1900)

Liberty Pet Vets, 265 S. 20th St (888-458-8587)

Nature's Gallery Florist, 2124 Walnut St (215-563-5554)

PhotoLounge, 130 S.17th St (267-322-6651)

Rittenhouse Hardware, 2001 Pine St (215-735-6311)

Seafood Unlimited, 270 S. 20th St (215-732-3663)

The Bake Shop on 20th, 269 S. 20th St (215-644-9714)

The Philadelphia Orchestra, One S. Broad St (215-893-1955)

The River Boat Tours, Schuylkill River & Walnut St (215-309-5523)

The Rounds, internet only

Ursula Hobson Fine Art Framing, 1528 Waverly St (215-546-7889)

Veda Modern Indian Bistro, 1920 Chestnut St (267-519-2001)

William Schwartz Jewelry, 1831 Chestnut St (215-665-8115)

Alimentari Restaurant at Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St, 2nd Floor

Astral Artists, 1500 Walnut St. (215-735-6999)

12th Street Catering, 3312 Spring Garden St (215-386-8595)

Blue Sole Shoes, 1805 Chestnut St (215-496-9244)

Branzino Italian BYOB, 261 S. 17th St (215-790-0103)

City Fitness, 2101 South St & 1819 JFK Blvd (609-254-9048) 

Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St (215-665-9220)

Dom's Shoe Repair, 203 S. 20th St (215-972-0098)

Excursions from the Square, (215-732-8487, 215-738-4500)

CCRA assumes no responsibility, and makes no representations or warranties, regarding any product and/or services sold by any Merchant Partner.