This Week February 6, 2025

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Editor – Barbara Halpern

Lead Writer – Richard Vaughn

Design/Layout and Writer – Travis Oliver

Writer – Marc Werlinsky

Writer - Bob Vogel

Crystal (Foot)Ball

Well Kids, it’s now mere hours before the long-awaited Super Bowl, and the question on everyone’s mind is: Who does CCRA This Week think is going to win?


Glad you asked. Logical left-brain says it’s never smart to pick against Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes in a playoff game. Fair enough.


But intuitive, gut-feel right-brain says: We got this. We’re a more complete team, and how is this not Saquon’s year?

 

The gut wins, and so do the Birds, 31-27. No Three-Peat™ for the Chiefs. See you on Broad Street around 10pm Sunday.

CCRA News & Events

CCRA Board of Directors Meeting

Join us for an informative board meeting on Tuesday, February 11, at 7 PM. We are excited to welcome State Representative Ben Waxman as our guest presenter. He will provide updates on key developments in Harrisburg and how they impact our neighborhood. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with local government and share your thoughts. Don't miss out on the chance to stay informed and be part of the conversation!


Our board meeting is for members only. If you would like to attend, email Travis. We look forward to seeing you there.

Keep your Membership Current

Attention CCRA Members: Please make sure that your membership is up to date. Since our recent migration to a new computer system, auto-renewals have been temporarily suspended. We’re actively working to reinstate this feature, but in the meantime, please take a moment to check your membership status. Keeping your membership current ensures you receive all the benefits and updates. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Fitler Focus Follows Up re Bike Lanes

Not that enough hasn’t already been written and said re the Spruce and Pine bike lanes, but the Fitler Focus publication had a worth-your-while follow-up recently.  Have a look here.

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 Merchant Partner City Fitness.


Work it, Baby: Such a Deal at City Fitness


Your clothes will love you as will your pocketbook when you take advantage of the discounts offered by CCRA Merchant Partner City Fitness.

 

CCRA is very happy to continue its Corporate Wellness partnership with City Fitness, which was recently voted Best Gym in the City, and it’s clear to see why. They have the best of everything: the latest machines, exercise bikes, steam rooms, saunas, hydro-massage… you name it.

 

And the discounted $34.99 bi-weekly rate includes all yoga and spin classes, all amenities, access to all six locations, and with no long-term commitment: you can stop anytime. 



It also includes four Complimentary THRIVE semi-private training sessions and InBody consultation with a THRIVE coach, plus an additional $5 off the bi-monthly rate if you enroll in the “Tour of the City” program.

 

Seem too good to be true? Yes, it does. But it’s true nonetheless. Details here.

Clean, Safe and Green

Running for a Greener City

Want to skip the lottery and get a guaranteed spot in the May 4 Broad Street Run? All you have to do is raise some green for a greener Philadelphia by registering to run for the Fairmount Park Conservancy. Registration is $25, and runners must commit to raising $475.


In addition to a bib, participants will get a t-shirt and Conservancy running gear, and enjoy a happy hour event. Registration deadline is April 11. Click here to sign up and for more details.

Where to Watch the Game?  Oh Yeah.

Still undecided about where to watch the Super Bowl? No worries.You got options. Oh boy, do you got options.


BillyPenn spells ‘em out here.

Sign up for Emergency Alerts from the City

Show your loved ones you care by encouraging them to sign up for #ReadyPhiladelphia alerts. Text READYPHILA to 888-777 or visit here.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Lunar New Year Celebration at the Museum of Art

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Philadelphia Museum of Art's Family Festival, kicking off at 11am. Experience this cherished tradition's excitement with a day full of fun and discovery.


Engage in hands-on art workshops, enjoy captivating live performances, and create beautiful crafts that bring good fortune for the New Year.


Bring the family and friends and be part of an unforgettable celebration that honors community and new beginnings. Visit here for more information.

Black History Month Group Art Show at the Hyatt Centric: Meet the Makers

Experience the dynamic Black History Month Group Art Show at Hyatt Centric Philadelphia. This compelling exhibition features the exceptional work of Black artists, celebrating their unique perspectives and cultural narratives.


Immerse yourself in a diverse array of artwork that sparks conversation and deepens appreciation for the richness of the Black experience. Come to honor these talented creators who enrich our community and uplift the spirit of creativity. 


This event is free and open to the public and it runs through March. More details here.

Real Time Real Estate

2025 Outlook-What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

One of the most common topics of discussion for Buyers, Sellers, and the industry at large is What’s Next!? 

 

Will home prices continue to rise?  Will mortgage rates drop? And most importantly, is it a good time to buy or sell? After doing a deep dive speaking with colleagues and some experts, here are some predictions to pay attention to.

 

Many economists predict that mortgage rates will gradually decrease in 2025, but unlikely to return to the ultra-low levels seen in 2020 & 2021. If rates drop, it means affordability will improve for Buyers and could increase buyer demand, making it easier to sell at favorable prices for Sellers.

 

 2025 is expected to see a more balanced market. Supply and demand will even out a bit which means a more stable environment for Buyers & Sellers and both sides will have room to negotiate fairly. This sounds like a win/win!

 

A moderate price increase is being predicted which suggests Buyers should act strategically while Sellers should price competitively.  Both parties will need to adjust their strategies to navigate changing conditions effectively. Most buyers and sellers are savvy today, so there is no doubt they will find their way.

 

With Spring around the corner, still low inventory and more Buyers coming on the scene, it will be exciting to see how market conditions unfold. Stay tuned for more predictions. Stay warm and GO EAGLES !!!

Community News and Events

Get Ready For The Reading Terminal Market Party!

Did you know that the Reading Terminal Market is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that relies, in part, on donations to pay for operations?


Now’s your chance to support this incredibly Philly asset, and have an incredible time at the after-hours “Party for the Market,” the premiere annual gala and their largest fundraiser, supporting the mission of the Market.

This year’s Cinema-inspired theme will capture the excitement of the red carpet and the big screen and wow attendees with:

• extraordinary décor

• exciting activations

• market classic bites

• surprise menu items

• ample bars and beverage stations 

• desserts galore

• top-level entertainment and more


Black Tie optional. Hollywood glamour encouraged. Sponsorship opportunities are still open, but unfortunately general admission to the event has already sold out. You can put your name on the wait list and you’ll be contacted if there are cancellations or more spots open up.More information here.

No Alcohol For You? No Problem!

Philadelphia’s bar and restaurant scene is brimming with thoughtful and delicious non-alcoholic options for folks who are avoiding alcohol but still want to enjoy a scrumptious cocktail before dinner or while socializing.


An increasing number of people are cutting back or staying completely away from alcoholic beverages. Some people are doing it for health reasons, some for weight control, some are working toward a sober lifestyle. Whatever the reason, there are tons of zero-proof offerings at Philadelphia’s top bars, and this movement continues to gain momentum.


For an extensive list of venues serving non-alcoholic cocktails, and what they are offering, check out this article from our friends at Visit Philadelphia.

The Jawn of Philadelphia History

Get up close and personal with over three centuries of Philadelphia history, brought to life through more than 600 authentic objects, including a Vet Stadium turnstile, a World Series ring, Ben Franklin’s music stand, fragments from a sunken British ship and even Lincoln’s hat.


“Philadelphia: Unpacking The Attic,”an exhibition of the Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel University, runs through April 6 at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 118-128 N. Broad St. For tickets and more details click here, or call (215)972-7600.

Correction re Music for Food and Sunday Love Project

In last week’s issue it was incorrectly reported that the Music for Food and Sunday Love Project was to be held on Feb. 18 at the Curtis Institute of Music.

 

The date time was correct, but the space was not.


The true venue is The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, at 19 South 22nd Street. Our apologies for any inconvenience.

Wanna Jam with Twice-Grammy-Nominated Orrin Evans?

Orrin Evans is a monster jazz pianist – go ahead, Google him – and he and his house band will be appearing at Jazz Jam World Café Live’s long-running jazz jam on February 12.

 

The gig is for musicians and listeners alike. Orrin and his house band will start the evening with a few tunes before they invite a rotating lineup of players to the stage. Instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome to sign up and sit in throughout the evening.

 

So bring your axe or bring your ears; either way, you won’t regret it.

Dig the deets here.

Early Music, Powell House

Stars of Tomorrow

Join the PMAY Artists’ Initiative for their Annual Showcase Concert on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 6 – 9:00 pm at Settlement Music School (416 Queen St.).


This free event highlights talented young musicians performing works by Paganini, Weber, Bach, Dvorak, Saint-Saëns, and Elgar. An RSVP is appreciated, and a post-concert reception will follow. Sponsored by WRTI, the event celebrates the diversity and future of classical music.


For more information and to RSVP, visit here.

BOOK DONATION EVENT

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, February 15, 1:30 to 4:30 pm

The Friends of the Philadelphia City Institute Library are collecting books.


  • Community Room of the PCI Library
  • 1905 Locust Street on Rittenhouse Square
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Please bring your gently used or new books, fiction and non-fiction, and children’s books.


Books that will NOT be accepted:

No textbooks or medical books or other outdated topics such as computer, finance, technical, science or travel guide books.

  • No books with writing within pages, tattered, or discolored by age
  • No books in language other than English
  • No audiobooks, tapes, or discs.


Please wait while your book donation is reviewed and take away books not accepted. Your book donation helps support our wonderful PCI library!

Sing Out with the Encore Chorale!

If you love to sing, don't miss the chance to rehearse and perform as part of Encore Chorale of Philadelphia.  Encore Chorale of Philadelphia is looking for singers over age 55 (no auditions required). 


Rehearsals are on Tuesdays at 1:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church at 201 South 21st Street. While the spring semester just started on January 27th, there's still time to join. 

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.

Arts and Entertainment


Academy of Vocal Arts

Curtis Institute of Music

Estelle Carraz-Bernabei

Interact Theatre Co.

Kimmel Cultural Campus

The Philadelphia Orchestra

The Philadelphia Theatre Co.

Sandcastle Fun Co.

The Philly Cabaret at Rittenhouse Grill

Violet Alexandre


Computers and Technology


Eazy Computers & iPhone Repair 

Mr FIX


Home, Retail, and Lifestyle


Blue Sole Shoes

Dom's Shoe Repair

FrameWorks Studio & Gallery

PhotoLounge

Rittenhouse Hardware

The Rounds

Urban Tree Finishing & Interior Painting

William Schwartz Jewelry

Hotels, Travel, and Accommodations


Excursions from the Square

Loews Hotel, Philadelphia

The Franklin


Health and Fitness


Balance Health Care Center

City Fitness

Eye Candy Vision


Food and Drink


12th Street Catering

DiBruno Bros.

Jeni's Ice Cream

Osteria Ama Italian Restaurant

The Bake Shop on 20th

Seafood Unlimited 

Veda Modern Indian Bistro

 

Other 

 

Philly Bike Tours

The River Boat Tours



Pets and Pet Care


Liberty Pet Vets

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

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