This Week February 20, 2025 | |
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So how does it feel to be the envy of the sports world? How’s the view from the top? Not bad, eh?
From a resounding butt-whupping in the Super Bowl to a joyous Valentine’s Day Love-fest parade, our fair town has been on quite a roll.
So let’s keep the Bird flu going. We’ve got a year to enjoy as reigning champions, so let’s take advantage of it. Let’s puff out our chests a bit and lord it over the unfortunate fans of lesser teams. This is our time.
| WANTED NOW: BOARD MEMBER CANDIDATES | |
CCRA is looking to fill several Board seats for our fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. Board members generally serve a term of 3 years. The Board is a working Board.
We are seeking CCRA members who have a passion for living in “CCRAville;” are interested in issues of quality of life and community service; and are committed to active Board participation. Successful candidates must serve on at least one committee and agree to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in our Board Pledge, which includes devoting at least four hours per month to CCRA activities, not including time spent attending, and preparing for, monthly Board meetings. Go here to see a list of all standing committees.
Interested members are encouraged to forward a resume or statement of interest that includes a summary of qualifications by Monday, March 10 to: centercity@centercityresidents.org, with "Board Candidate" in the subject line. (We also welcome your suggestion of any CCRA member who you believe would be an asset to the Board. Be sure to include their email address and/or phone number.)
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Correction to Link to Review Mayor Parker | |
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Last week’s newsletter provided a good opportunity to review Mayor Parker’s first year in office. While the opportunity was good, the link was bad. The correct link is here.
Apologies for any inconvenience.
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Public Zoning Committee Meeting | |
Tuesday, February, 25th, 7pm Via Zoom
Zoom link here | View Agenda 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 Merchant Partner The Academy of Vocal Arts!
Sing Out to CCRA Merchant Partner The Academy of Vocal Arts!
CCRA is thrilled to have as a Merchant Partner none other than the Academy of Vocal Arts! For those not yet familiar, the AVA is not only a private, post-baccalaureate opera school, but it is also the only tuition-free institution in the world devoted solely to operatic training and performance.
And get this: upcoming on March 21st, AVA’s big 90th anniversary concert at the Kimmel Center. It’s Philly's biggest night in opera, where you’ll experience opera's greatest songs and enjoy a 20% discount at checkout for CCRA members with the promo code BRAVA902025.
(Please Note: promo code discount is only available for the $86 and $131 tickets on the Kimmel Center's website.)
So don’t delay – get your AVA tickets here today!
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CCRA Green Tree Tenders in Action! | |
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Members of the CCRA Green Tree Tenders have been out pruning young trees that the group planted in recent years. Volunteers are overseen by a certified arborist to prune for structural integrity and to eliminate damaged limbs.
Interested in getting involved with our greening efforts? Email us at green@ccraphilly.org
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Water, Water, Everywhere….but Dare you Have a Drop to Drink? | |
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Want to feel safer when you have “a drop to drink” at home? Join the Philadelphia Water Dept for this virtual event on Wed., 2/26 @ 6 pm, informing the public about drinking water quality and service line materials, including lead plumbing.
The presentation will also explore Philadelphia’s plan to replace all lead service lines by 2038 and allow time to answer questions.
Drop in HERE to register.
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Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | |
Experience the Soul of Judaism TONIGHT | |
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An Israeli rapper, a chronicler of Black victims of the Holocaust, the rabbi of a majority African-American synagogue, and other internationally renowned luminaries will highlight Celebrating Black Jewish Voices.
A free, special one-time event tonight, at Drexel University, Feb. 20, from 4-7 pm, The program. To be held in DiPiero General Meeting Room 220, 3220 Market Street, this event includes personal presentations, a moderated discussion, musical performances and a kosher dinner.
Click here to register.
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Community News and Events | |
Got a Pash for Fash? Philly Fashion Week is For You! | |
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Calling all Fashionistas! Philly Fashion Week has arrived!
Not just an event, Philly Fashion Week is a platform that showcases the dynamic fusion of local and international talent, where fashion aficionados converge to witness the unfolding of sartorial excellence, and which features a diverse array of styles, from avant-garde to streetwear, haute couture to ready-to-wear.
The dates are Feb. 18 thru 22; the details live here.
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You Are At Liberty To Unwind | |
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On the third Thursday of every month, the National Liberty Museum transforms into a lively social scene, where you can connect with friends, have your inspiration sparked, or simply unwind in a unique atmosphere.
The events feature an eclectic mix of creative entertainment—from live music and performance art to engaging workshops, interactive experiences and curated cocktails. Next up (Feb. 20) is an unlikely pair of musicians (rapper + harpist), and a dream poet for hire.
The musical entertainment will be provided by Küf Knotz (named Philadelphia Magazine Best Rapper of 2022) and Harpist/Vocalist Christine Elise. The two bring together a unique blend of hip-hop, soul, and classical music that takes you on an era-fusing, genre-bending journey. And, you can dance to it.
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The evening also features the poetry of Marshall James Kavanaugh, a self-described laborer of words and various art forms used to create poetic dream spaces for his readers/listeners to explore. Over the years, he has taken his poetry to the streets, art galleries, and performance venues around the country.
Admission is free for members and $15 for others. Learn more and get tickets here.
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Catch all the Oscar movie contenders at the Philadelphia Film Society’s Best Picture Weekend, which runs from Feb. 21-23 at the Film Society Center, 1412 Chestnut Street.
A weekend pass of $50 for general admission and $40 for Society Members entitles the holder to see eight best-picture nominees on the big screen.
For schedules, additional information and to register, visit filmadelphia.org.
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Viv’s Collage Jawn Night at Tattoo Mom | Craft Night 2/21 | |
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Join local poet and artist Viv Verducci for an evening of collage and crafting at Tattooed Mom (530 South Street) on Friday, February 21, from 5-9 pm. Head upstairs to the front room of the bar. Bring your own supplies (free entry for those 21+) or access Viv's collection for a $10 fee.
Enjoy the full Tattooed Mom menu while creating your own poem or collage. More information can be found here. Tickets can be found here.
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Depending on how you spell it, you might end up at one of two entirely different brew fests coming to Philly in the coming days.
This Saturday (Feb. 22) from 2 PM – 5:30 PM, The German Society of Pennsylvania brings you Philly Bierfest 2025. It’s the 12th annual iteration of this midwinter beer festival. And one week later, on March 1, the 2025 Winter Philly Beer Fest kicks off at the 23rd Armory with two separate sessions during one day.
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Philly Bierfest features PA’s leading brewers of Lagers, Kôlsches, Bocks, and Weizens, and a sample of a diverse array of imports from Germany. Explore six floors of themed spaces plus an outdoor Biergarten, entertainment, food options, and games. The event benefits three nonprofits – the German Society of Pennsylvania, Philly Roller Derby, and the Brewers of Pennsylvania. General admission tickets are sold out, but you can check on the availability of the more pricy early access VIP tickets and get more info here.
Philly Beer Fest kicks off a week later and features curated exhibitors, including PA’s top breweries, as they share with you some of our local beers, beverages, eats, and more. You have a choice of two separate timed events – either the 1 PM-4PM session or the 6 PM-9 PM session. Both sessions offer an “Early Bird” ticket that will get you in an hour earlier for an extra $10. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
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Taste America Coming To Philly | |
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The James Beard Foundation, a name synonymous with the highest standards in culinary excellence, is putting on a national tasting event at the Bellevue next month.
Walk around the Grand Belle at The Bellevue, stopping at dozens of food and beverage stations featuring creations by a gathering of some of the top chefs from the Philadelphia culinary scene.
Each station will reflect the chef’s signature style and highlight the uniqueness of their restaurant and community. The event takes place on March 25, starting at 6 PM for Premier ticket holders and 7 PM for General admission.
Click here for tickets and more information.
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Summer Camp Enrollment Starts Now! | |
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. | | | | |
