This Week: September 14, 2023

Design/Layout and Writer – Travis Oliver

Writer – Marc Werlinsky

Here We Go Again 😀

Has it really been a year already that the Phils thrilled us with their Red October drive to the World Series? Or that the Eagles made other teams Green with envy with their march to the Super Bowl?

Hard to believe, Harry, but it’s true. And now, one blazingly fast year later, here we are, back again in the catbird seat. Our Phils strongly resemble a playoff team to be reckoned with, and more than a few so-called experts are calling the Birds the best team in the NFL.

Youse know the drill: Sit back, relax and enjoy the hell out of it. And for those unfortunates who do not consider themselves sports fans? Come for the food, the booze and the good company, and just maybe stay for the game.

CCRA News and Events

Mustangs on 23rd Street

Much of CCRA’s focus is advocating for a safer, cleaner and more livable Center City. We’ve negotiated many a food fight among bikes, pedestrians and cars. Before actions or positions are taken, new concepts and ideas are explored, then floated, then promoted, tabled, or thrown in the trash heap! Within that framework, CCRA’s Streets Committee Chair Bill West shares with us his support for adding a bike lane for southbound traffic to 23rd Street, for return rides that take cyclists down the 22nd Street protected bike lane.

Read what he has to say and let us know your thoughts. His ideas are…just that….his ideas. While CCRA currently has no position on this concept, we want to know your thoughts. Read Bill’s musings here and email us your opinion. Membership has its privileges. Thanks for being a CCRA Member.

Swap and Shop

Friends of the Schuylkill River Park are hosting a kid's clothing Swap and Shop. Save money, help the environment through re-using, and donate clothes and toys to help your neighbors.

And….come on out and shop. Here’s their message, which we’ve recycled: Don't start your cold weather shopping just yet...the annual fall Kids Community Clothing Swap will be happening Saturday, September 23rd and Sunday, September 24th. This year we are moving the swap to Trinity at 22nd so we can extend shopping hours. No need to drop/donate any clothes in order to swap! Stay tuned on donation drop-off details. We will be accepting cold weather clothing, books and small toys.

L'Shana Tovah Tikatevu

To our members who celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, we wish you L'Shana Tovah tikatevu….may you be inscribed for a good year, and for Yom Kippur, we hope for a zom kal….an easy fast.

Jewish roots run deep in Philadelphia, from its original focal point at Mikveh Israel, to the Jewish Quarter in Queen Village/Society Hill. Today, the Rittenhouse Square/Fitler neighborhood has a litany of ways to experience Judaism.

This Friday, 9/15, is erev Rosh Hashanah and at 6:30pm, our local synagogue, BZBI , is inviting all to join them in Fitler Square to welcome this special night. Listen to the distinctive melodies of maariv , led by the extraordinary Gedalia Penner-Robinson.

Public Zoning Committee Meeting

CCRA held its monthly zoning committee meeting on Tuesday, August 22. If you’ve missed it, you can view the meeting here. You can read the report here.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 26, 7pm.

CCRA MERCHANT PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

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 InterAct Theatre Company.

It’s Always Showtime for New Merchant Partner InterAct Theatre

The work and plays at Philly’s InterAct Theatre are new, but the theater company itself is anything but, as it’s been Philly’s go-to theater for new work and new plays since way back in 1988.

But what is new is that the InterAct is now a CCRA Merchant Partner! A theater very much for the modern world, InterAct utilizes theatre as a tool to promote civic discourse and stimulate dialogue around the most pressing and complex issues we face in contemporary society. For its 36th season, it is producing its first-ever season of all women playwrights.

And the backstory for CCRA members is that they receive a 20% discount off any show. Simply apply promo code CCRA20. So don’t dillydally – get your tickets here NOW!

Clean, Safe and Green

Float in Peace

Aquamation, the more eco-friendly way to go, aims to relegate cremation to the dust bin. Using a combination of water flow, temperature and alkalinity, this natural decomposition method does not release any greenhouse gases. Interested? Check out the wave of future farewells on Sept. 26, from 5:30-8 p.m., at Laurel Hill West cemetery, 225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd. Float yourself here for more information.

Got Hazmats? Here’s the Where and How to Dispose

Hazardous waste can harm people, pets, and the environment. These kinds of materials may be toxic, corrosive, flammable and/or reactive.

You can find options for donating or recycling hazardous household waste by using the City’s recycling and donation finder.

Or you can get rid of it at seasonal waste collection events throughout Philadelphia. The nearest (and soonest) to Center City is on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 2121 W. York St in North Philly. Details here.

Yoga on the Banks

Yoga outdoors! It doesn’t get any better! Oh…it does! How about Yoga on the Schuylkill Banks…right here, along the river (grassy shore between Walnut + Spruce bridges).

Chill out this week. Namaste.

Bring your mat, your water, and your “bestie”, but don’t forget to register here .

Saturday: 10 – 11am
Sunday: 10 – 11am
Tuesday: 6 – 7pm
Thursday: 6 – 7pm

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Jazz For A Cause At CCP

Be sure to circle Friday, Sept. 22 on your calendar, as that’s the date for the performance of “The Presidents and the Pastor” at the Bonnell Building Auditorium at the Community College of Philadelphia on Spring Garden Street.

Not only is it a night of great music, but it’s also a way to contribute to the College’s Foundation. Swing over to the details here.

Latino Restaurant Week

Latino Restaurant Week is a celebration of Latin American cuisine that takes place from September 18-22, 2023.

This week-long event brings together some of the best Latino restaurants in the area, offering special menus and discounts to diners who are looking to explore the delicious flavors of Latin America. Visit here to see the participating restaurants. Reservations are recommended.

Community News and Events

Back From the Ashes, It’s Jim’s Steaks

What’s South Street without Jim’s Steaks? Not as great, as we’ve found out in the past year or so since the iconic eatery was badly damaged by a fire last July.

But the very good news is that come sometime in late October, a renovated Jim’s plans to re-open. Taste the happy details wiz wit here.

“Assassins” in Old City

What do Stephen Sondheim and Manson cultist Squeaky Fromme have in common? Thanks to the legendary lyricist, some of America’s most notorious killers, including John Wilkes Booth and John Hinckley, Jr., will appear on the Arden Theatre stage (played by actors, of course) in “Assassins.” This must-see musical runs from September 21–October 22 at the 40 N. 2d Street venue. Hit the link here for showtimes and ticket information.

And we’ve scored a discount code for preview performances – $35 tickets. Use code: SMOKE

FREE Fall Arts Fest at the Kimmel Center – Sept. 23

Help the Kimmel Center kick off its 2023/2024 season in a big way on Saturday, Sept. 23 by attending its free – Yes, FREE – Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest. You’ll see ballet, you’ll see “Wicked” and you’ll hear great music of all types. More on the event here; to RSVP, go here.

WXPN's XPoNential Music Festival is Back!

Are you ready for one of the most exciting music events to end the summer? The XPoNential Music Festival is back and better than ever! In its 30th year, this festival delivers a diverse lineup of talented artists from all over the world. From indie rock to folk and everything in between, the XPoNential Music Festival has something for everyone.

It's a celebration of community and culture. This event brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy music, food, and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. The festival takes place at Wiggins Park in Camden, NJ, from September 22–24.

Passes are on sale now, so don't wait to secure your spot at this amazing event. Whether you're a music lover or just looking for a fun outing, the XPoNential Music Festival is a must-see experience. See the lineup and get your passes here.

Mann’s 2023 Access the Arts

Don't miss the Movies @ the Mann finale on Thursday, September 14 featuring Rocky In Concert.

Click here to register for complimentary tickets.

Experience Philadelphia's beloved underdog story like never before as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs the musical score live to picture.

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.

The Bake Shop on 20th, 269 S. 20th St (215-644-9714)

The Philadelphia Orchestra, One S. Broad St (215-893-1955)

The River Boat Tours, Schuylkill River & Walnut St (215-309-5523)

The Rounds, internet only

Urban Tree Painting, Inquire within (445-230-1208)

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)