This Week: September 28, 2023

Right and Wrong

As was the case with George Floyd in 2020, on Tuesday evening a legitimate and peaceful protest was hijacked and used as rationale to loot and vandalize retail establishments in Center City and elsewhere.

To state the obvious, a judicial decision with which one disagrees is not an excuse for lawlessness.  Also obvious is that civil order is paramount in a healthy city.  (And, BTW, kudos for the Acting Police Chief for proactively organizing a disciplined and, from all reports, effective response.)

Not that the looters neither know nor care, but their criminal activity undercuts the message of protest with which they allegedly sympathize.  It’s enormously counterproductive, not least because it will result in tougher policing and more arrests – rightfully so – and will alienate the majority of citizens from the change that the protestors seek.

From State Rep. Ben Waxman

Please go here for the statement from State Rep. Ben Waxman about the events of Tuesday evening.

Board Meeting Update

Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson was welcomed to CCRA’s September board meeting. He articulated his vision of a safe and clean Center City and his willingness to join with CCRA in achieving that goal. CCRA President Rick Gross noted that Johnson was instrumental in breaking a logjam at the Sanitation Department to allow the pilot program for extra trash cans in Fitler Square to proceed. That pilot confirmed the need for more and different cans and Johnson has agreed to push to reprogram funds to make that happen. Johnson also reiterated his position that developers who want variances in that part of Center City which is in his district must come to CCRA first and get our approval before he will entertain their requests. He also said his office is always open to residents who need help in obtaining basic city services. His staff contact lists follow below.

Mark Jones, Legislative Assistant, 215-686-3412, mark.i.jones@phila.gov

Public CCRA Zoning Committee Meeting

On Tuesday, September 26, CCRA held its monthly zoning committee meeting via Zoom. If you missed it, you can watch it on our YouTube Channel (make sure you subscribe so you’ll receive notifications when the videos are uploaded). You can read the report here. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24.

Get your Free COVID Testing Kits

Residential households in the U.S. can order four free at-home tests again, from here.

These tests:

• Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR.
• Can be taken at home or other locations. Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required).
• Can be used for testing whether you have COVID-19 symptoms or not.
• Can be used for testing whether you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines or not.
• Are also referred to as self-⁠tests or over the counter (OTC) tests.

The “small print”:

• One order includes four individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests.
• Orders will ship free starting the week of October 2, 2023.
• Limit of one order per residential address.

Here’s hoping you don’t need one!

Get Those Home Makeovers Done Right With Urban Tree Painting and Refinishing

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 new 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.

Tis the Season: Harvest Season!

Summer’s over, Autumn has begun, and there’s no better way to get in the swing than by making it over to the Harvest Weekend at Dilworth Park October 6, 7 and 8.

Whatever your Fall fancy, they’ve got it: it’s the best elements of fall for visitors of all ages.You’ll see hay bales, cornstalks, and pumpkins everywhere. Activities include live local bands, pumpkin carving and circus performers. Food? Bratwurst and Bavarian pretzels. Drink? Octoberfest brews and specialty cocktails. Plus photo-worthy backdrops and tons of stuff for the kids. Enjoy the details here.

Follow the Banks’ Progress on its 10-Year Master Plan

Yup. You’ve invested in the 10-year plan to improve the Schuylkill River Park. Your donations and dues have enabled 

CCRA to help fund the creation of an arboretum right here, in the city, at our doorsteps. Previously, CCRA funded replacing the basketball nets within the park. Who’s making all this happen? The Friends of the Schuylkill River Park. This non-profit has many lofty goals for the entire Banks area, which is well-used and open to all. Read here, in Fitler Focus, about their goals, progress at this 2-year mark, and roadblocks they still need to tackle.

Drive the Vote!

Small changes can make big differences. Governor Shapiro has implemented some changes that will make it easier to have and keep your voter registration updated. PennDOT has now shifted to automatic voter registration for anyone who is getting or renewing a driver’s license or obtaining a photo ID card unless that person applies the brakes by opting out of the program. Residents who do not opt-out can conveniently register to vote or update their voter registration via PennDOT’s automated system. Hopefully, this will get more citizens registered to vote, and make finding your correct voter polling place easier.

Inspired by its 2023 exhibition Pursuit and Persistence: 300 Years of Women in Science, the American Philosophical Society will host an international conference reflecting on the past, present, and future opportunities for women in science.

The conference will be held in person at the Society in Philadelphia on October 6, 2023. The conference is free and open to all, but registration is required to attend. All sessions will be live-streamed.

Those planning to attend the conference are also invited to attend the final performance of "Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight," which will be hosted at the Society on October 3-5. Performances will be held nightly at 7:00 p.m. and are free to attend. Registration and more details may be found here.

Latin Artistry at the Art Museum

October is Hispanic Heritage Month at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Showcasing the artistic culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans, the celebration kicks off Oct. 1 with a pay-what-you-wish admission to a program featuring a musical performance by the Latin Roots. A weekly Friday Lounge Series will highlight local artists. The museum will also present the contemporary art exhibition, El Origen de la Nocha (The Origin of Night).

Go here for details.

BOO! It’s Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary

Can there be a more forbidding Halloween location than a gothic, castle-like structure? Not likely, which is why the massive Eastern State Penitentiary is home to one of the biggest Halloween attractions in the nation.

“Halloween Nights” is made up of 15 separate attractions, including five terrifying haunted houses as well as historic tours, live performances, themed bars and lounges, and other hidden surprises across the 10-acre site.

This can’t-miss ticketed event also offers enhanced interactive experiences (for the brave), scare-free activities (for the weary) and an exclusive speakeasy (for the thirsty).

Halloween Nights runs select nights from September 22 to November 11, 2023.

Scare up the details here.

Philadelphia OURFest: New Name, New Direction

Philadelphia OURfest is a weekend filled with celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community in the heart of the city. This annual event features colorful parades, engaging performances, and exciting activities for people of all ages. From drag shows to dance parties, OURfest is a chance to revel in the diversity and inclusivity of Philadelphia's vibrant queer culture. The festival also includes educational opportunities to learn about LGBTQ+ history and advocacy. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or simply want to show your support, Philadelphia OURfest is an unforgettable event that brings together people from all walks of life.

OURfest (standing for Our Uniting Resilience) officially begins with kick-off events on Friday, October 6, 2023 — and the festivities ramp up over the weekend. See the schedule of events here.

Philly's Newest Mural: Windows into Whimsy

On Thurs., 10/5 @ 4:30-6 pm, come check out the Bok scene in SW Philly - an old school turned art+ work/show space. Philly's art scene is getting a hilarious and imaginative boost with artist Paige Mehrer's latest mural. Presented by Story Fest and Mural Arts, "Windows into Whimsy" invites you to Bok Gymnasium for a unique viewing experience. Mehrer's triptych mural takes storytelling to a whole new level. Instead of telling a tale outright, she uses windows and portals to offer tantalizing glimpses into whimsical worlds. What's behind these windows? That's up to your imagination.

The Release Party is FREE, but register here.

Midtown Village Fall Festival

On Saturday, September 30, Midtown Village is holding its Fall Festival, located east of Broad Street in Center City.  Come out for a day of fun and festivities. Live music, delicious food, and a variety of activities for all ages await. Look for food trucks, music stages, craft tables and more. So grab your family, friends, or neighbor and enjoy the best of the season. Local vendor booths will showcase their creations, providing a great opportunity to support small businesses and find unique gifts. Crowd warning….this is a very popular event, so if you’re crowd-phobic…be warned!

Screening: The Woman King

Outdoor movie screenings and cool fall nights go hand in hand here in Philly but it's not every day you also get BONUS ENTERTAINMENT. The Fairmount Park Conservancy is hosting a series of First Friday Flicks outside that are family-friendly, date-night friendly, and FREE! Movies are screened at John Welsh Memorial Fountain, which is across the street from the Please Touch Museum.

Grab a blanket, meet up with friends and family, and join for an evening under the stars. You'll start the night with a short musical performance (30 mins) related to the movie and local food trucks will be on hand each night, serving up tasty fare.

What’s on screen? The Woman King, (PG 13). Viola Davis is amazingly good as General Nanisca, the leader of Dahomey's all-female Agojie warriors, who may have been the most formidable fighting force, male or female, in African history along with the Zulus.

Friday, Oct. 6th

6:30-7:00: performance

7:00-9:30: film screening

Get Free tickets here.

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 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) 

Dom's Shoe Repair, 203 S. 20th St (215-972-0098)

Eazy Computers & iPhone Repair 2005 Chestnut St (215-609-4446)

Excursions from the Square, (215-732-8487, 215-738-4500)

Eye Candy Vision, 218 S. 20th St (215-568-3937)

FrameWorks Studio & Gallery, 2103 Walnut St (215-567-6800)

Interact Theatre Co., 302 S. Hicks (215-568-8079)

Kimmel Cultural Campus, 300 S. Broad St (215-893-1900)

Liberty Pet Vets, 265 S. 20th St (888-458-8587)

Loews Hotel Philadelphia, 1200 Market St (215-627-1200)

Mr FIX, 413 S. 20th St (215-261-5646)

Philly Bike Tours, Inquire within (267-521-2150)

PhotoLounge, 130 S.17th St (267-322-6651)

Rittenhouse Hardware, 2001 Pine St (215-735-6311)

Sandcastle Fun Co., Inquire within (267-462-1680)

Seafood Unlimited, 270 S. 20th St (215-732-3663)

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



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