This Week December 5, 2024 | |
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It’s the cliché of cliches to advise one to take a break from the Holiday frenzy and to instead savor the pleasure of the season. But just because it’s an Uber-cliché doesn’t make it any less true, and in the very modern times in which we live, it’s likely sager advice than ever.
So in a word: Chill. Stop and smell the cinnamon. The Holiday season is more than a to-do list. Put the “festive” in the festivities, and bring the fun to your family and friends. They’ll love you for it, and you’ll love it, too.
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Last Chance, Meet and Greet Registration | |
You don’t want to miss this swanky speakeasy-style location at the Midnight & the Wicked. Tickets are only $20. Meet your neighbors, and meet non-members (who may become members 😃). Celebrate the holidays with us. | |
Public Zoning Committee Meeting | |
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On Tuesday, November 26, CCRA held its monthly zoning committee meeting. If you missed it, you can watch it on our YouTube Channel. You can see their report here.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 7 pm
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Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 7pm
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This members-only meeting will be held at BEX Meeting Space, 2005 Market Street, One Commerce Square. Register here. | |
Christmas Village is Here! | |
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The Christmas Village is now open at Love Park. To encourage our members to visit, they gave us vouchers for free hot chocolate for our members (that’s you!). If you would like a voucher, please email Travis your name and address and how many vouchers you would like. Hurry while the vouchers are available.
Vouchers will be mailed out starting next week. If you’re close to the office, reach out to Travis, and you can pick them up at the office at 1900 Market St, 8th Fl. Just show your membership card.
| Are You Moving? Have You Moved? Tell Us! | |
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We here at CCRA like to keep things current, and so: If you are moving or have recently moved, please send us the details, so we can update accordingly. Email us at centercity@centercityresidents.org.
Thanks, and have a great holiday!
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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 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.
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Don’t Let Your Holiday Dreams Become a Nightmare. | |
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December is the peak time for home fires involving candles and holiday decorations. What could be worse than taking steps to create the holiday spirit in your home, only to have those seemingly innocuous steps lead to life-ending disaster?
As the holiday season brings festive decorations and cozy gatherings, it’s also a time to prioritize fire safety at home. From safely stringing holiday lights to monitoring candles and fireplaces, taking a few precautionary steps can help protect your loved ones.
There are some simple things you can do to help ensure that the warmth you feel during the holidays is coming from your loved ones, instead of the burning room next door. Read all about it with this advice from the American Red Cross, Southeastern Pennsylvania Region.
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Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | |
Naughty or Nice with the Philadelphia Gay Men's Choir | |
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The Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus traces its history to 1981, when founder Gerald Davis and three other members toured Philly's gay bars at Christmastime, singing carols. This season, it will be performing this year’s holiday concert, “Naughty or Nice”, at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre from December 5-7.
Exploring new music and sounds, they are excited to present beautiful choral pieces like Conrad Susa’s “Carols and Lullabies of the Southwest” and Eric Whitacre's “Lux Aurumque” as well as beloved classics such as “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” and “Santa Baby”. To purchase tickets click here.
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Kill The Winter Chill at Lemon Hill | |
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Experience how different countries and cultures celebrate the winter season with a continuation of Fairmount Park Conservancy’s “Winter around the World” theme.
On the first weekend (this upcoming one), they will showcase the seasonal and holiday traditions of the Caribbean (Saturday, December 7) and Japan (Sunday, December 8)
Next Saturday (12/14), will be a Family Free Day in partnership with the Vendors Association of FDR Park, when the popular Southeast Asian Market will come to Lemon Hill for this one-day event, complete with a visit from Santa Claus (10:00 AM-12:00 PM) and cooking demos throughout the day, to celebrate the region’s food and culture.
Sounds good, right? Details here.
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Homestead Letter by Kate Federico | |
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Tips for Homebuyers During the Holiday Season
Rittenhouse and Fitler Square take on a magical charm during the winter holiday season. Whether you celebrate or not, it’s difficult to deny how beautiful our neighborhood shines at this time of year. From festive lights strung across the parks to quaint cafes purring with seasonal cheer, our destination becomes a hub of activity that attracts both locals and visitors. I feel lucky to live here. It’s just Magical!
Purchasing a home in the winter months means serious business! I have worked with buyers in snowstorms, 32 degrees and the eve before Christmas to help them find the perfect home. Winter buyers are REAL!
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Some helpful tips:
- Buying a home during the winter months can be advantageous, as there’s often less competition. It’s a good time to take advantage of fewer buyers resulting in more negotiating power.
- Explore Neighborhood Festivities: Attending local events is a great way to get a feel for the community. Our winter calendar is packed with activities and festive pop-ups for you to engage with neighbors and see if it’s a true fit for you and the family.
- Sellers are typically more motivated at this time of the year and ready to react. They may also want to settle before the end of the year for tax purposes.
- Work with a Local Realtor: A knowledgeable agent can help navigate the winter market as well as uncover hidden gems. They may know of upcoming properties that have not launched yet or are private exclusives with their firm just for you! It’s very important to have an experienced agent; even better if they live in your desired area.
- Respect for Winter-Ready Features: Look for properties with updated insulation, energy-efficient windows, and reliable heating systems to ensure comfort during colder months.
- Make sure you get out to preview property during the day. Shopping for a home in the dark is challenging. Trust me, I’ve done it before.
- Be patient with your lenders, inspectors and any other professionals related to the sale. They may have a slower turnaround during the holidays.
Most importantly, have fun and keep warm. Don’t forget to sip some hot cocoa or holiday cheer and take in the beauty of our fabulous city!
Kate & Kathleen Federico, Compass RE
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Community News and Events | |
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Lighting Up Just “fir yew”
TONIGHT
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You don’t need to go out on a limb to enjoy the festivities on tap tonight, beginning at 6 p.m., when the Philly Holiday Tree is officially lit at City Hall. The main show features performances by R&B superstar and actress Keyshia Cole and Disney stage luminary Liamani. There will also be giveaways. A pre-show will be held at Jefferson Plaza, 11th and Chestnut Streets, from 3-6 p.m., featuring live musical entertainment and free refreshments.
If you’re pining for more (pun intended), head on over to Rittenhouse Square on Monday, Dec. 9, for the Rittenhouse tree lighting sponsored by the Friends of Rittenhouse Square. The event runs from 5-6:30 p.m. Dancers and live music will be at the Christmas ceremony on Dec. 9, and B’nai Abraham Chabad will run the Hanukkah event on Dec. 29.
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Xmas Bazaar at Trinity @ 22nd | |
Let’s Give this Group an Encore | |
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Friends and neighbors: we have a new creative ensemble singing group in the neighborhood. It’s not meant for the next Kelly Clarkson or Elvis Presley, but for those of us who love to sing….just for fun. Encore Chorale is a non-auditioned choral group for adults over 55, which brings folks together to make beautiful music one day a week. Practice makes perfect….or close :)
Wanna check it out for a new post-holiday activity for yourself? See your neighbors on stage singing their hearts out during the holiday season? Join in the fun for their inaugural concert on Fri., 12/13 @ 7 pm, at First Presbyterian Church 201 South 21st. Registration (free) here, Donations to this non-profit group, should you be so inclined, are welcome. And be sure to clap loud enough to encourage an encore!
If you like what you see, join up to sing in the new season, here, starting in January, and we’ll come watch you at the next performance!
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St. Patrick Church Annual Christmas Bazaar | |
Rocky Day is Now “RockyFest!” | |
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Philadelphians can’t get enough of Rocky. And why not? The uber-popular movie franchise is arguably the most iconic representation of what makes Philly, Philly.
Last year brought us the first-ever Rocky Day in Philadelphia, and the event was so popular, this year – the 50th anniversary of the first Rocky movie – the promoters have expanded it to a full week of action-packed activities in what’s being called, RockyFest 2024.
The event is already underway and continues through Sunday, Dec. 8. Hosted by the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation in partnership with organizations across the city, including Philly PHLASH, the Philadelphia Film Society and more — every day delivers a brand-new way to experience the tale of America’s favorite underdog with a full slate of events.
Note: Tickets are required for most events and prices vary.
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Christmas Village: Back with a Bang for the Wee Ones | |
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Lovers of Christmas Village already know how special it is, but this weekend’s events are especially designed for the youngest of us. They can have photo-ops with beloved mascot Phil the Reindeer, meet enchanting princesses and brave superheroes, and take a spin on their charming Ferris wheel.
What’s not to love? Revel with the details here.
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Youngmi Mayer: I'm Laughing Because I'm Crying Book Talk | |
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Mark your calendar for an unforgettable evening of storytelling and insight. Celebrate the launch of stand-up comic Youngmi Mayer's new memoir, I'm Laughing Because I'm Crying. Ms. Mayer is an American stand-up comedian, activist, podcast host, and social media influencer.
Notably, she writes with “raw, enviable freedom that simply floors you,” interrogating whiteness, gender, and sexuality in America, navigating a tumultuous childhood in Korea and Saipan, and coming to terms with her parents’ shortcomings.
The event, taking place at the Asian Arts Initiative (1219 Vine Street) on Saturday, December 7 at 7 pm, is Pay What You Wish. Or pay $40 which guarantees you a seat and a copy of the book.
View the program here. Get tickets here.
| The Jean-etic Code for a Longer Life | |
Why send your tattered, beloved blue jeans to denim heaven, when you can administer a little Levi’s CPR? The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is holding a workshop, on Saturday, Dec.7, from 2-4 p.m., on Visible Mending: The Gift of Repair.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their jeans (preferably the ones they’re not already wearing) as they learn an environmentally friendly mending technique that will extend the life of the garments. Click here for more details.
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Support Your Local (Student) Artists at PAFA’s Student Sale
TONIGHT
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Students are the future, and so there’s nowhere better to find a future avant-garde piece of art than at PAFA’s 29th Annual Student Print Sale TONIGHT.
Yes, tonight from 5:30 to 8:30 in the 6th Floor Print Shop (Room 660) in the Hamilton Building you’ll find etchings, lithographs, relief prints, stamp prints, and screen prints, all priced under $150. This beloved tradition provides art lovers and collectors with artworks at an affordable price and the opportunity to speak directly with the artists.
Snacks and beverages will be provided during the event. More details found 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. | | | | |
