This Week: November 30, 2023

Editor – Barbara Halpern

Lead Writer – Richard Vaughn

Design/Layout and Writer – Travis Oliver

Writer – Marc Werlinsky

Championship DNA

‘Tis the Season. We are here and the air is festive and full: full of Life, Laughter and Love.

But there’s something else in the air around here: Change. The City of Philadelphia has a new Mayor, and a very different City Council. We can’t predict the future, but it’s a safe bet that a Cherelle Parker administration will be much different than her predecessor’s, and for that alone we’re grateful.

NFL Announcer Tony Romo recently used the phrase “Championship DNA” to describe the character of our (10-1) Eagles.

“Championship DNA”. That’s got a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Sounds Super. Could be a Philly Thing. Well, while we’re dreaming let’s just also wish for that same killer DNA to cross over and inform our newly elected leaders as well.

CCRA News and Events

Zoning Committee

On Tuesday, November 28, the zoning committee met to discuss three properties. You can watch the meeting here. Click here to see the report.

The December zoning meeting is canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January, 23, 2024.

Canned-Good Can-Do at the Square’s Dec. 4 Tree Lighting

Rittenhouse Square’s Holiday Tree Lighting is pretty special on its own, but you can make it even moreso by joining the Young Friends of CCRA and the Young Friends of Rittenhouse Square for their canned food drive during the Friends of Rittenhouse Square 2023 Holiday Tree Lighting on December 4th.

Come to Rittenhouse Square at 5 pm to enjoy refreshments, music, giveaways, the illumination of the holiday lights and – you guessed it -- a guest appearance from Santa.

Stop by the information booth to drop off non-perishable canned goods to help support families and individuals in need. All food will be donated and will help feed our neighbors this season. The food drive will then continue during the Rittenhouse Square Menorah Lighting on December 12th.

Young Friend Volunteers are needed to help collect and manage the donations during both events. If interested, please contact Travis Oliver.

Remember to Stop by The Christmas Village at City Hall and get your free hot chocolate

Members, if you would like a free hot chocolate, contact Travis and he will send you a voucher.

CCRA MERCHANT PARTNER FEATURE

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 Osteria Ama!

That Hot New BYOB Osteria Ama

is a New Merchant Partner!

Perhaps you’ve heard the social media buzz about Osteria Ama, the fab new BYOB at 1905 Chestnut, or maybe you’re hearing about it for the first time.

Either way, Osteria Ama is the real deal, and how lucky are we to have them nearby. Their artisanal kitchen serves up a succulent menu of scrumptious appetizers, pasta, meat and seafood dishes and yes, killer pizza, all in an ambience perfect for either a romantic date night or a big, big function. Did we mention that they are also caterers and experienced event planners?

But don’t take our word for it. See (and feast) for yourself. And while you’re there, don’t forget to take advantage of the 10% CCRA Member discount on dining in!

Clean, Safe and Green

Zoom Registration Here

Schuylkill Banks: The Backstory

Every wonder how the Schuylkill Banks came to be the wonderful thing that it is? It’s quite a story, and who better to tell it than John Randolph, CCRA former Board member and founder and former President of the Schuylkill River Development Council. Your education starts here.

Winterize your Pipes, Protect your Wallet

When water doesn’t flow from your faucets, money could pour out of your wallet to repair a frozen pipe. The City of Philadelphia has put together some helpful tips to keep your water pipes in good shape this winter. For instance, pipes near exterior walls, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, and in unheated rooms should be wrapped with insulation. If pipes do freeze, thaw them with a space heater or hair dryer, and turn on the faucet to allow the melting water to drip out. For more information and tips on safeguarding your pipes and wallet this winter, click here.

Donate Here

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Author Talk about Haunting Murder Conviction

In 1973, Carol Menaker sat on a jury that convicted Frederick Muhammed Burton, a Black prison inmate, of murdering two white Philadelphia prison wardens. In her acclaimed memoir, “The Worst Thing We’ve Ever Done: One Juror’s Reckoning with Racial Injustice,” Menaker confronts the haunting possibility that her youth, naivete and white privilege may have led her to convict an innocent man. The author, who is also a criminal justice reform advocate, will discuss her book at the Philadelphia City Institute, 1905 Locust St., Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 5:30 pm. Admission is free. Click here for more information.

Community News and Events

Philly’s Restaurants Earned Their Chops

Ever wonder where New Yorkers go to satiate their hunger for new, innovative, creative eats? Philly, of course! According to the NYT, Philly has joined the ranks of its 6 Best Cities with a “road-trip worthy” eating scene. Which other cities made the cut? Which local eatery have you missed? Read the article here. Enjoy it over your next cup’a coffee.

Yoga On the Banks???

Yeah….we didn’t think you’d come down in this weather. But it’s true….sort of. Trinity at 22nd Street is providing a warm yoga space for those who prefer to do “downward dog” without a Parka on. Details here.

It’s Back! The Rittenhouse Row Fashion Crawl Returns this Saturday

For the first time since before that pandemic thing – remember that? – the Rittenhouse Row Holiday Fashion Crawl is once again a happening thing.

To refresh your memory: The Crawl is a roving event highlighting the best of winter fashion, holiday gifts and mixology in Rittenhouse.

Numerous Rittenhouse Row retailers will host simultaneous in-store parties with specialty cocktails from the best mixologists in Rittenhouse. Parties include discounts, trunk shows, gifts with purchase and more.

Like which Rittenhouse retailers, you ask? Here are just a few: BOTLD, Boyds, Egan Rittenhouse, Je Suis Jolie, Joan Shepp, Theory, Tiffany… truly, the list goes on.

All that’s left are the dishy dee-lish deets: This Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11:00-3:00.

Admission? FREE. More intel here.

Tree and Menorah Lighting at Fitler Square

Menorah Lighting

At sundown, gather with neighbors, families, and friends, young and old — around the fountain to see the lighting of the Menorah on the third night of Hanukkah. Community rabbis will be in attendance. Join us in song, and for hot cocoa and fried potatoes (latkes).

Menorah Lighting:

Sunday, December 10, 5 pm

rain date: Monday, December 11, 5:30 pm

Make it a Soulful Christmas at the Kimmel

This year marks the 10th anniversary of “A Soulful Christmas”, the annual celebration in Verizon Hall. Inspired by the African diaspora, this year the event also honors 50 years of music ministry by Creator and Director Dr. Donald Dumpson. It’s an inspiring and uplifting union of regional choristers, performing holiday spirituals and gospel favorites, culminating in a spectacular closing to the evening with a visually mesmerizing “Finale of Lights!” Explore the joy here.

More Info Here

Useful links

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.

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

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

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

1600 Spruce St. Home, Design and Gift, 1600 Spruce St. (267-209-3350)

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

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

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

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

Eazy Computers & iPhone Repair 2005 Chestnut St (215-609-4446)

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

Experience Empathy Through Art Inquire within (violetalexandre@gmail.com)

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