This Week: February 8, 2023

Editor – Barbara Halpern

Lead Writer – Richard Vaughn

Design/Layout and Writer – Travis Oliver

Writer – Margie Wiener

Bird-Brained

Not to make too much of the Super Bowl, but Hey: It’s the Super Bowl. The feeling here is we win, if only due to superior talent (especially on Defense) and excellent coaching.

This despite the generally pessimistic view in these parts – “Negadelphia”, as it’s known – plus being in the unfamiliar position of being the favorite. (“What, the city of classic underdog Rocky Balboa is supposed to win???”)

All that aside, it still says here that the Birds win (and cover the spread). Dark-horse candidate for MVP: The pride of both Camden and Temple, Haason Reddick. (Over/under on number of greased poles climbed is 7. Take the Over.)

And so, for the last time this season: #GoBirds.

CCRA News and Events

FLASH SALE FOR VALENTINE’S DAY!

50% OFF ON CASINO NIGHT! LIMIT 20!

Delay no more! This is your opportunity to get in on the fun, and at a 50% discount! Dinner, Drinks and Drag! Such a Deal! It all starts at 6:30 pm on Thursday, Feb.9 at the swanky Brandywine Atrium at 19th & Market!

Contact Travis Oliver here by Noon on Thursday to take advantage of this offer.

Mayoral Forum: Tues., 3/28: 7-9pm FREE

We know you’re registered to vote. And, of course, you vote. This year, especially. The upcoming primary for Mayor is May 16th, 2023 and so far, ten fellow Philadelphians are competing for your vote. A daunting choice? You’d “love to see the plan”? We’re here to help.

Representing nearly every corner of this “city of neighborhoods”, the Philadelphia Crosstown Coalition (PCC), of which CCRA is a member, is making it easy for all of us. One night: Tues., 3/28 @ 7pm, Houston Hall. The candidates show up; you show up. We’ll ask the hard questions; you judge their answers. Then you go to the polls in May and do your civic duty.

Have a specific question you’d like to have answered? Send it here and we’ll pass it on to the “inquisitors”. Prefer to read about the candidates, instead? WHYY has that covered here.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

It takes more than compost, seeds and soil. Add commitment, and you’ve got yourself some beautiful homegrown tomatoes. Interested in your own plot? This year….or in the future? There are many benefits to CCRA membership. But we represent the entire community, not just our members. Here’s your options:

For non-members, you get to enter into a one-year plot lottery. For details on how to enter (and hopefully win), chance it here.

For members, join the wait list now and get a plot to “grow your own” for six years! No lottery necessary; just get on the list and wait your turn. For info on how to join the wait list, dig here .

Click here to read more.

CCRA MERCHANT PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

CCRA’s Merchant Partner program is a true Win-Win: It provides local businesses with complementary advertising and exposure while giving CCRA members generous deals and discounts. This week we spotlight Rittenhouse culinary legend Di Bruno Bros.

All Roads Lead to Di Bruno’s

Just what would Center City do without Di Bruno’s, anyway? Scary thought, right? Ponder if you will all the stellar dinner parties that would have been subpar minus the killer cuisine of Di Bruno’s. A culinary pioneer for 80 years, Merchant Partner Di Bruno’s is a full-fledged, European-style marketplace.

You name it, they have it: meat, seafood, wine, beer, produce, chef-prepared meals, homemade desserts, and oh, that cheese cave! Di Bruno’s has consistently saved the bacon of party-givers in more ways than one, and now you can save – 10%! – by becoming a member of CCRA.

Clean, Safe and Green

Get Away at the Greenhouse

Parks & Rec returns with a 2023 winter pop-up for us: Getaway at the Greenhouse. Ready to escape the cold? Come inside to the beautiful oasis at Fairmount Park Horticulture Center.

During weekdays, all ages can nosh and play games throughout the greenhouse. Come dusk, the greenhouse turns into happy hour for the adults, featuring food & cocktails, live music and activities. For details and scheduling, take off your hat and scarf here.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Museum of the American Revolution Features

Black Founder James Forten

You may not be familiar with the name James Forten, but a visit to the Museum of the American Revolution will change all that. Born a free person of African descent, Forten became a successful businessman, philanthropist and stalwart abolitionist. It’s all part of the Museum’s special exhibit “Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia”. Tickets and info here.

A First, and Not a Last: 2 Black QBs in the Super Bowl

This year’s Super Bowl is historic for a number of reasons – Kelce brothers, anyone? – but none moreso than the fact that for the first time both starting quarterbacks are Black. QBs Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes reflect on its significance here.

Join CCRA Now

Community News and Events

A Special Treat for your Valentine

In these parts, Feb 14th marks a day for cold hands and a warm heart. Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day. And…..yup, you almost have to go outside, if not to take your “lovey” out to dinner, then at least to go to the CVS for some chocolates (say it ain’t so….and spring for the Godivas). Or…do something new and exciting, and hope the weather is feelin’ the heat.

Want to impress that special someone? Here’s some unique options and hopefully, you’ll get your just desserts:

Through Friday (yes, 2/10) get tickets at the Kimmel box office for $17.76 to see “1776 The Musical” at the Forrest.
Member of PMA? Experience a “members only” Love at the Rodin on 2/14. Registration required to view their current exhibit, Rodin’s Hands.
Go to church. Not to pray on this day, but to enjoy Love is in the Air, a one-night-only (Feb. 19 @ 4pm) jazz performance featuring Calli Graver and Friends at First Presbyterian.
Get the scoop on Betsy Ross’ love life at The Betsy Ross House. Join Betsy, herself, for Tipsy History: A Love Story Friday, February 10 and Saturday, February 11.

Still haven’t found just the right experience for your plus 1? No worries. More love options await you here.

If you prefer to celebrate the gals (a/k/a bff’s) in your life, let us introduce you to Galentine’s Day on Feb 13th. Check out this list of places to grab your gaggle of girls and go!

Still Stuck on Where and How to Catch the Game?

Look no further.

Philly ain’t nuthin if it ain’t a sports town, so you think maybe you got some options when it comes to catching the damn game? Come on, Man. You know we got this.

Go here for all the dirt.

No Room to Debate! Greenfield is #1

News from our local school: Greenfield's Debate Team put on a magnificent display at January's City-Wide Tournament. Greenfield teams took home 1st Place (Lilla Riches and Fiona Jenkal) and 2nd place (Gabbi Buvac-Drndic and Stella Nieto) in a crowded field of teams from schools across the District such as Masterman, Baldi, and many others.

Additionally, Lilla Riches finished as the tournament's overall Top Speaker over 3 rounds of competition while Stella Nieto had the tournament's 3rd highest individual points total.

Useful links

Merchant Partners "Deals and Discounts" Program

Would you 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.

Veda Modern Indian Bistro, 1920 Chestnut St (267-519-2001)

William Schwartz Jewelry, 1831 Chestnut St (215-665-8115)

Alimentari Restaurant at Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St, 2nd Floor

Astral Artists, 1500 Walnut St. (215-735-6999)

12th Street Catering, 3312 Spring Garden St (215-386-8595)

Blue Sole Shoes, 1805 Chestnut St (215-496-9244)

City Fitness, 2101 South St & 1819 JFK Blvd (609-254-9048)

Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St (215-665-9220)

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

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)