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We don’t do a lot of navel-gazing here at CCRA This Week. We’re about you, the neighborhood, the community, and sometimes the world at large.
But not this week. This week we’re about CCRA’s newly-departed President, Rick Gross. Rick and his wife Bobbie have very recently decamped to Santa Barbara to be closer to their children and grandchildren, and who among us can blame them.
For those who don’t know Rick he exemplifies the words “tireless” and “dynamic”. Eternal optimist, he; who will ever forget our gifting him a literal pair of rose-colored glasses at his going-away bash?
No, it won’t be difficult to fill Rick’s shoes. It will be impossible. People like him simply don’t come along every day. Life, as it does, will go on, and CCRA will be fine. But it won’t – can’t – be the same.
So Thank You, Rick. We Love You, We Salute You, We’ll Miss You.
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Annual Meeting Wraps Up CCRA’s Year | |
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CCRA members and the CCRA Board convened for CCRA’s Annual Meeting last Wednesday evening at the Freire School. First up was the City’s Managing Director Adam Thiel, who gave an extensive overview of Mayor Parker’s policies, and then was most candid during the Q&A session.
The following new Board members were then welcomed: incumbent directors Judith Axler, Jim Duffin, Larry Goldberg, and Nan Robinson. In addition, new board members Nathaniel Margolies, Caren Moskowitz, and Gabe Procaccino were elected. Welcome all, and thanks for joining!
Lastly, this was the final Annual Meeting for our dearly beloved but now past President, Rick Gross, who gave a touching speech that was followed by delicious chocolate cake!
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CCRA Zoning Committee Meeting | |
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 Urban Tree Painting and Refinishing. | |
Get Those Home Makeovers Done Right With Urban Tree Painting and Refinishing | |
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Got some walls that need a refresh? Cabinets that could use an upgrade? A bathtub reglaze? Cleaning services? For all of the above and more, you really owe it to yourself to contact Merchant Partner Urban Tree Painting and Refinishing.
Woman-owned and woman-operated, Urban Tree professionals are licensed and insured and have extensive knowledge of preparation, product and materials for all surface types to ensure long-lasting durability. No job is too big, and no job is too small. They do both residential and commercial. Pricing is competitive, and the estimates are detailed. Customer service? Second to none.
And this: CCRA Members receive 10% off an interior painting project, 10% off cabinet painting, and free in-home consultations.
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Toll the Bell 2024/Gun Violence City-wide | |
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The ringing of bells can remind us of the time of day. Bells can be used to warn of danger such as when there is a fire. Bells are rung at weddings and many other joyful events including the announcement of America's separation from England with the Liberty Bell. But on June 7 at noon, you’ll likely be hearing bells ringing somewhere for a very special reason – and they’ll continue for exactly 10.6 minutes. That timespan represents the 106 people killed by a firearms in the United States every day.
Penn Live Arts is partnering with Penn’s Office of the Chaplain, Interfaith Philadelphia, and many churches, synagogues, mosques, and community partners to ring bells and make other sounds, inviting Philadelphians to stop, reflect, and learn more about the tragic issue of gun violence.
The organizers of this city-wide sound installation are hoping to uplift those individuals and organizations in our city that are working to change conditions and circumstances for the better. They put it this way, “Toll the Bell is not a profile of tragedy, but rather a call to action – a literal ringing of the bell – to honor our fellow citizens who have lost their lives and raise awareness for those working to have a positive impact in our city.”
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New Pop-Up “Cocktail Garden,” Walnut Garden Just Opened in the Rittenhouse Square Neighborhood | |
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Your new favorite summer spot is open in Philly! FCM Hospitality’s Walnut Garden (1708 Walnut Street) in Rittenhouse Square is open daily from 12 pm – 12 am! This family-friendly beer garden is the perfect place for adults to grab a drink with friends; especially because there is a play area, equipped with a wooden jeep and slide for kids. The Walnut Garden also features a delicious and refreshing summer menu, so stop by for a bite and a drink or two!
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Get High on the Grass at PECO’s HQ | |
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No, sorry, it’s not quite what it sounds like.
The Philadelphia Horticultural Society is hosting hour-long tours of PECO’s “green roof” at its downtown headquarters. At a full 45,000 square feet, the rooftop provides stunning city views and includes an observation deck and an “intensive” area featuring large planters filled with native grasses and perennials.
This all happens at 5:30 pm on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Pre-registration, which is required, is available here, along with all details.
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Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | |
West Philly PorchFest. DIY music festival. Stroll West Philly | |
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Garage bands, move over! Coming on June 8 to a porch near you in West Philly – and we’re talking about HUNDREDS of porches – is the coolest DIY concert you could hope for: The 2024 edition of the annual West Philly Porchfest.
This is the 9th year running for this annual event, and each year it keeps getting bigger. Organizers have lined up more than 350 FREE performances between the hours of noon and 6 pm.
Porchfest features almost every genre, and the musicians are curated by West Philadelphia residents, who allow the musicians to use their porches to perform for anyone within earshot.You’ll find folks sitting on the lawns, hanging on the sidewalks and driveways, or simply passing by getting a random sample of the local music scene. Here’s the link to an interactive map, and listing of all the performances, including times and porch locations.
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Verizon Hall to be Renamed Marian Anderson Hall at June 8 Event | |
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This Saturday, June 8, Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts will be rededicated as Marian Anderson Hall, in honor of the legendary contralto, civil rights icon, and Philadelphian. The first major concert venue in the world to honor the late performer and trailblazer, Marian Anderson Hall will be a permanent monument to its namesake’s artistry and achievements.
The Hall will be officially dedicated on June 8 with an unveiling in the afternoon, and will be celebrated that evening during the Great Stages Gala, featuring The Philadelphia Orchestra and Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. You are invited to attend these historic and exciting events. All details here.
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Community News and Events | |
Last Chance for 2024 Gardens of Society Hill Tour Tickets | |
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Take a delightful, self-guided walking tour of approximately 18 gardens in the beautiful and historic Society Hill neighborhood on Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9 (1 to 4 pm). Step into lush urban gardens and outdoor spaces often not in view from the street. This tour is Society Hill Civic Association’s only annual fundraiser.
All proceeds from the tour benefit neighborhood improvement and beautification. The tour is rain or shine. Last chance to purchase tickets here.
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Fashion Retailer M.M.LaFleur Opens at 1700 Sansom Street in Rittenhouse Row | |
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New York based, national womenswear fashion brand known for their Power Casual styling M.M.LaFleur opens a new boutique in Rittenhouse Row.
The brand allows women to effortlessly dress for work and their personal life through the same wardrobe.
Stop by during grand opening weekend for in store-exclusive gifts with purchase and Philly-inspired treats.
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Be There at the Square for the Fine Art Show | |
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It’s that time of year again: time for the 97th Annual Fine Art Show at Rittenhouse Square this Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.
Founded by artists in 1928 and run by a committee of artists today, the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show is the oldest outdoor art show in the country. Steeped in rich history and tradition, you'll get to see a wide variety of art in an array of media, and meet artists from across the country. You can read all about it here.
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Join WHYY & Academy Town Square on Thursday, June 13 from 6 pm to 8 pm where Maiken Scott, host of WHYY’S “The Pulse,” explores with geologist and author Marcia Bjornerud how thinking like a geologist can have immeasurable impacts.
Bring a favorite stone and Bjornerud, before her conversation with WHYY’s Maiken Scott will identify what type of rock it is and its approximate age! Before the event ends, Scott and Bjornerud will share ways of thinking about our place in time, enabling us to make decisions across generations. Click here for more info.
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Flag Fest is back June 9 - 15! Flag Fest, a celebration of National Flag Week, shines a light on Philadelphia’s rich tradition of flag-making. Be prepared to enjoy a unique experience every day at the Betsy Ross House (239 Arch St.) Learn about the historic city of Philadelphia, all while you’re having fun. What to expect? A series of interactive free family programming accompanied by a finale concert.
Each day will begin at 10 am with an interactive flag raising. In addition, guests will have an opportunity to meet representatives of 18th century Philadelphia flag makers and try their hand at a craft. On Friday, June 14, sewers from the Defense Logistics Agency’s flag room will be on-site to demonstrate techniques they use to embroider Presidential flags. Click here for more details.
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Bloomsday is Coming, Especially at the Rosenbach! | |
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The date Sunday, June 16 is known and celebrated worldwide as Bloomsday, the day that James Joyce’s “Ulysses” is set in 1904. But no one anywhere celebrates quite like the Rosenbach, home of Joyce’s original manuscript.
The Rosenbach’s Bloomsday Festival is an all-day event featuring public readings, local food vendors, and musical performances that bring Joyce’s epic novel to life. Listen to the reading, enjoy free admission to the Rosenbach to view the Ulysses manuscript, and relax with friends and family in the beer garden. All the Joycean details can be found here.
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Who needs the Musée d'Orsay? Paris is oh so hot this time of year. But Manayunk….not so steamy. So meander over to Stroll the Street on Thursday nights this summer and emerse yourself in arts, music, and pet parties. The soiree begins Thursday, June 6 with Plein on Main, where artists will paint in the natural elements, delivering their completed pieces to Cotton Street at 5 pm. From 5 pm - 8 pm, you can stop by to view all the art, grab a light bite, meet the artists, and see the awards. For more info, see Plein on Main Blog. Special nights continue each Thursday this summer, so say au revoir to TGIF and start your weekends on Thursdays, oui? Check out the music, arts and entertainment available this summer in Manayunk here.
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Did you know that the monstrous Wanamaker Organ at Macy’s is the world's largest pipe-playing organ, and so, of course, it has to have its own official day to show off. Well, Saturday June 8 IS this year’s Wanamaker Organ Day, and the Friends of the Wanamaker Organ have a full schedule of fun free and paid events on tap. Here’s the Organ Day Program with all the deets.
Things kick off at 11 am with a FREE grand opening concert featuring Associate Organists who are musicians familiar with the console’s 7 keyboards. Another free activity takes place at 5 pm in the Grand Court, where Charlie Chaplin’s blockbuster comedy silent movie “The Kid” will be shown, accompanied by improvised organ music played by Peter Richard Conte.
After Macy’s closes at 8 pm, there will be a special, after-hour ticketed event featuring Conte and popular keyboard musician Ken Cowan. The sound of the Wanamaker Grand Organ is like nothing on earth, and no virtual experience can fully capture the majesty and grandeur of hearing it in person. That is even more so at night when the finer details are revealed, and artists can unleash the Organ’s full power with carefree abandon. Learn more here.
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Join The Philadelphia Citizen and Changing The Conversation Together to learn how personal storytelling and active listening can increase voter turnout — then take what you learn to get unlikely voters to the polls to preserve our democracy.
Hosted by The Philadelphia Citizen in partnership with Changing The Conversation, Broad Street Love, WURD Radio, Community College of Philadelphia, and Young Involved Philadelphia, we’ll delve into how the method of nonpartisan deep canvassing has turned nonvoters into voters over the last few elections with the help of volunteers like you. Then, you'll learn how to take your own voting stories door to door in group outings from June through the November election.
Tell Your Story. Get Out The Vote. Swing by on Monday, June 10, 5:30-7:30 pm Broad Street Love, 315 South Broad Street. This event is free and open to the public. Register here.
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Bridgette Mayer Benefit Exhibition | |
The opening reception is on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 5 - 7:30 pm. Click here for more info. | |
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. | | | | |
