This Week November 14, 2024 | |
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Anybody miss the endless campaign commercials interrupting our TV-viewing pleasure?
Or the text messages blowing up your phone? Us, neither.
Yes, the 2024 elections are over. If your candidates won, our congratulations. If your candidates lost, our condolences. And if you didn’t vote, we don’t know what to say.
One thing we all can – or should – agree on is that the current political climate of mutually polarized demonization is unhealthy and needs to go.
Ask yourself:
Is this really how we want to live?
Is the political really more important than the personal?
Does how we vote define us, or is it how we treat those around us, especially those with whom we disagree?
Love is Beautiful. Hate is Ugly. Who You Got?
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As a “Thank You!” for being members, please join us for an over-the-top Meet-and-Greet Happy Hour at the sophisticated Midnight & The Wicked jazz lounge at 15th & Sansom on the evening of Monday, Dec.9. And be sure to bring a non-member neighborhood friend!
All our Meet and Greets are great, but this one will be oh so special. You’ll step back in time as you enter this Roaring Twenties speakeasy-style establishment. This "juice joint" pays homage to the city’s legendary bootleggers, who kept spirits flowing during the reign of the Prohibition.
Experience live music and one-of-a-kind mixology as you lose yourselves in the glamour and excitement of the 1920s in The Vault, where history meets modern luxury. Intimate ambiance and close conversations are the keys to an unforgettable night, all in this juice joint’s The Vault, an exclusive private bar.
Here’s the deal: For only $20, you get to enjoy a complimentary cocktail/wine and delicious appetizers (cash bar, too) along with the festive company of other denizens of Center City. 5:30-7:30 pm. Space is limited- the first 120 folks who register are in! We also invite you to bring (please register them) one of your non-member friends with you!
Tickets are flying off the shelves, so register here NOW, “if you know what’s good for you”. See you there!
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Dinner of the Year at Vernick | |
Sixers’ Arena: Your Chance to be Heard | |
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Few of us are short on opinions or questions about whether the Sixers’ Arena should be built in Center City. As an organization, CCRA has taken a back seat, empowering more local RCO’s (residents’ organizations) to flesh out the pros and cons of the myriad of issues that will directly impact their neighborhood if the arena is built/not built. But as residents of Center City, we are all invited to “speak truth to power”- a/k/a: give public testimony during upcoming hearings in front of City Council, on the Arena.
To view the proposal, the public hearing schedule, sign up to give public testimony at the hearings, or view the hearings online, hoop it on over to here.
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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 new Merchant Partner Philadelphia Theatre Company!
Watch the Curtain Rise at The Philadelphia Theatre Company!
There’s never enough good theater in a big town like Philly, which makes us extra-proud to introduce our newest Merchant Partner, The Philadelphia Theatre Company. For the uninitiated, the Company is dedicated to the creation of extraordinary theater experiences that reflect the essential issues and ideas of our time, and which foster connection, understanding and transformation.
One example is the dazzling production of “Macbeth in Stride”, now playing through Nov. 19 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre and which the Washington Post has described as “An ingenious meditation on ambition and the Bard”. Know this, too, theater-lovers: CCRA members receive a 20% discount on tickets. Just use promo code “CCRA”.
So don’t miss out! Join in the fun here.
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Tai Chi is a Moving Experience | |
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Did you know that the Kung I form of Tai Chi is short, simple, and is easy to learn with 13 repeating moves? Also that through the regular practice of Tai Chi Kung I you can learn to move your body effortlessly, utilizing the energy of circulation, or Chi, rather than muscle tension?
You can find out about that and a whole lot more from Deanna McLaughlin at 10:30 on Saturday Nov. 23 at the City Institute Library at 19th and Locust.
Move that body here for info.
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It’s An Electrical Spectacle At Franklin Square Park | |
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Themed to Ben Franklin’s discovery of electricity, the new winter light extravaganza at Franklin Square features hundreds of thousands of LED lights in FREE shows that take place every 30 minutes from 5 PM to closing.
The Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO is Franklin Square’s main winter attraction this year. Each show includes an audio track of holiday hits.
Here’s the link for more details.
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We probably all know that "leave the leaves" is the best practice for leaves that fall on the ground. Leaves that fall on paved surfaces, however, shouldn't be left there! You probably know that leaves left on city streets turn into unsightly glop that traps garbage and clogs storm drains...but did you know they are also a source of significant water pollution via excess nutrient runoff?
As much as possible, please sweep and pick up leaves that fall on sidewalks and place them on the ground somewhere where they won't blow away easily. Or bag them up in brown bags and take them to Broad and Christian on these Saturdays - Nov. 23, Dec. 7, 14, 21 from 9 to 3. The City will compost them which reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills. More info here.
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Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | |
Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness | |
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All are invited to a special preview screening of BEYOND THE BRIDGE: A Solution to Homelessness, a documentary about successful approaches to reducing homelessness in America on Thursday, November 21st, during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. The film will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A, both discussing the question of how Philadelphia can solve homelessness in a comprehensive way.
This event is presented with the support of Bethesda Project, the Corporation for Supportive Housing, the Homeless Advocacy Project, the National Homelessness Law Center, and Pathways to Housing PA. Find more information and reserve a spot here.
WHEN: Thursday, November 21st at 6:30pm (Filmmaker Meet & Greet beginning at 6pm)
WHERE: Philadelphia Film Center (1412 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102)
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See the Best of Contemporary Asian Film Nov. 13 through 17 | |
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From now through Nov. 17 the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival will be hosting a “hybrid” filmfest, presenting the best in Asian and Pacific Islander film and storytelling through in-person film screenings, online film rentals and more.
The Festival takes place in-person at a number of venues around town.
Tickets available here; Festival schedule here.
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National Native American Heritage Month | |
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November is National Native American Heritage Month here in the United States. This is a time to honor and celebrate the cultures, histories and traditions of our country’s Indigenous peoples.
This year, Philadelphia visitors and residents can dive into Native American history with special programming and family-friendly activities at the National Constitution Center. You can also view rare artifacts and interactive exhibitions at the Museum of the American Revolution. There is even public art, landmarks, and exhibitions all around the city. To find a list of events, and show your support for Native American Heritage Month, visit this website.
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Homestead Letter by Kate Federico | |
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Happy Fall, Neighbors!
You might have noticed some recent changes in your property value assessment or received a letter in the mail from the city. Philadelphia has reassessed over 580,000 properties, and it’s natural to feel concerned about how this might impact your taxes, especially if your home’s value has increased.
If you’re surprised by the new valuation or worried about a higher property tax bill, it’s crucial to ensure that the assessment is both accurate and fair. Sometimes, these assessments may not fully reflect the current market conditions, and you have the right to appeal if you believe the valuation is off.
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1. Find Your Property Value Assessment
· If you’ve received a reassessment notice, it should have been in your mailbox. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can look up your current and past assessments here.
2. Check the Accuracy of the Assessment
We offer a free property analysis to provide you with accurate data about your property’s value. This can be a valuable tool in assessing whether the city’s valuation is correct.
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3. Determine If You Have Grounds for an Appeal
· To appeal, you need to prove one of the following, which our analysis can support:
- Incorrect Market Value or Property Characteristics: If the valuation is too high or low, or if the property characteristics are incorrect.
- Non-Uniformity: If your property’s valuation doesn’t align with similar properties in your area.
- Incorrect Exemption or Abatement: If there’s an error or missing exemption/abatement on your property.
4. Start the Appeal Process
- Keep the Notice of Proposed Valuation: This notice is required to request a First Level Review (FLR).
- If you didn’t receive or misplaced your FLR form, you can request a replacement by calling (215) 686-9200.
- Submit your FLR request form by December 1st. Include any supporting documents like photos or recent appraisals.
For commercial and multi-family properties, you’ll also need to submit income and expense forms from the last two years. Feel free to reach out to us directly if you have any questions, We’re here to assist.
Kathleen & Kate Federico
Compass RE
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Community News and Events | |
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Jazz at Trinity on 22nd St
TONIGHT
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Crafts R US in Philly in November | |
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Understatement: November is Craft Month in Philadelphia, starting first and foremost with the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show at the PA Convention Center from November 15 through the 17. Say no more; details here.
To correspond with the Craft Show, Philly craft consortium CraftNOW presents the theme Connectivity, which explores family, community, and how craft connects us in an increasingly divided world.
At the same time there’s the fun, salon-style exhibition at The Center for Emerging Visual Artists Side Gallery at 237 S. 18th St., which is free and runs Tuesdays through Saturdays from Nov. 12 through December 20. Among the featured artists is Violet Alexandre, the inspiration behind CCRA Merchant Partner Experience Empathy Through Art. Details on the side gallery show here.
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You Don’t Have To Be Jewish To Love These Films & More. | |
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The Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media (PJFM) annual festival returns November 14-24, 2024, to Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs.
PJFM’s 44th festival brings the most unique Jewish international films and digital media content from across the globe, from Philadelphia movie premieres to repertory cinema and collaborative events with local organizations.
Events take place at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, Gratz College, Ambler Theater, Kaiserman JCC, Penn Hillel, and Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel.
Get your tickets here.
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Lost and Found: How DNA Helps Rebuild Ancestral Histories | |
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On Wednesday, November 20 at 6:30 pm, join genetic genealogist Blaine Bettinger in a conversational lecture, highlighting how genetic tools, such as DNA, have allowed us to reconstruct the stories of forgotten people and populations.
This in-person/online hybrid lecture, Lost and Found: How DNA Helps Rebuild Ancestral Histories, is presented by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and will highlight how genetic tools fill the gaps left by missing paper trails, using relatable success stories to show how DNA brings hidden histories to life. Attendees will gain insight into how DNA connects fragmented families and illuminates ancestral roots, offering a fresh perspective on the possibilities of genetic genealogy without diving into technical processes.
You can join the conversational lecture virtually or in person at the Historical Society of PA, 1300 Locust Street. Click here to get your ticket now.
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A Bibliophile’s Bully Pulpit | |
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Expand your horizons beyond the New York Times Book Review at this unique Women Authors’ Panel, hosted on Nov. 21@ 6 pm at the Pyramid Club (1735 Market St)
This gathering features a panel of remarkable women authors from diverse genres, who will share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in the literary world. Whether you're a passionate reader, an aspiring author, or simply curious about the creative process, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage with dynamic voices that are shaping the landscape of contemporary literature.
The panel will discuss their experiences as women in the publishing industry, explore themes that matter to them, and offer insights into the art of storytelling. There will be a Q&A session where audience members can ask questions, followed by a book signing where you can meet the authors and get your favorite works personalized.
Come celebrate the power of women's voices in literature and leave feeling inspired! Register here.
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Dilworth Park is holding its annual winter celebration in the heart of Center City, featuring outdoor ice skating, a whimsical topiary garden, a chalet-style cabin, and charming fire pits. There is something for everyone to enjoy!
This year, Winter at Dilworth Park runs from November 15, 2024, through March 9, 2025, with dates varying by attraction. For attractions, special events, and details, slide over here.
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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. | | | | |
