This Week: February 24, 2022

A New Mural for Center City West?

Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, will be joining us at the March 8th CCRA Board meeting (7 pm) to discuss a possible new project in the neighborhood.

She will also detail new works created by Mural Arts and discuss potential new partnerships. Please check next week’s edition for the meeting’s in-person location and/or Zoom details. All members are invited to hear the presentation.

"Industrious Light: Baldwin Locomotive Works" at 20th near Hamilton

Sense in the City - Homelessness and Humanity

On Feb 23, CCRA sponsored a virtual community conversation, hosted by Hugh Taft-Morales of the Philadelphia Ethical Society, on the subject of Homelessness and Humanity. The event was well attended by members, as well many professionals from the front lines of assisting the “unhoused”. The takeaway: the issue is complicated and frustrating, but much can be done on a personal as well as a participatory level, to give help to those unhoused people we “meet” on the street. 

One of the key questions was whether one should give money or other items directly to people on the street. For the answer, and to hear a recording of the program, click here. 

The next Sense in the City conversation is scheduled via Zoom for March 9th at 12 noon, and it focuses on Fear and Street Crime. Last summer Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw released a new crime prevention and violence reduction plan focusing on gun violence.  District Attorney Larry Krasner emphasized the two-pronged challenge regarding such efforts: "The most important thing that we can do is build community at the same time as we are also focusing on law enforcement. If you shoot people, you need to be in jail.” In our City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love, consistently ranking above the national averages for violent crime, how do we strike the right balance between building up safer neighborhoods and cracking down on crime? What should the average citizen do? How are different groups in Philadelphia impacted by guns and drugs? What are some constructive individual and cooperative responses to this challenge? The conversation is free and open to all. To register, navigate here.

CCRA Zoning Committee Meets

The CCRA Zoning Committee met the evening of Tuesday, Feb.22

One issue on Spruce St was not opposed, while two issues on Delancey St were postponed for future consideration. Video of the meeting here.

No Changes to Center City West’s Congressional Districts

CCRA’s Legislative Review team has carefully reviewed the new U.S. Congressional Map approved this week by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. After careful review, it has determined that House Districts in Center City West will remain intact, with no significant changes in our catchment area. For details on the new map, explore here.

Are you using the Merchant Partner 'Deals and Discounts' Program?

We would like to hear from our members! Please take this very brief survey and let us know your thoughts, so that we may improve on this popular membership benefit program. Thanks much!

CCRA’s Merchant Partner program is a true Win-Win:  It provides smaller local businesses with complimentary advertising and exposure while giving CCRA members generous deals and discounts. This week we spotlight Dom’s Shoe Repair.

Dom’s Shoe Repair: A Shoe-In

Ever have a beloved pair of shoes you wore to death and which pained you to toss? Or a pair of boots to die for that simply went the way of all flesh? Or sandals, too? We’ve all been there. It’s painful.

The next time that happens, though, you need to get that footwear to Dom’s Shoe Repair at 203 S.20th St. The man may not quite be a miracle worker, but he’s close. Stories abound of how he’s taken lost causes and restored them to their former glory.

And no, it’s not just about the shoes (nor boots, nor sandals).

Dom’s has been known to resuscitate handbags in dire straits, plus there are even urban legends about him making watchbands good as new. All of which is done with Honesty, Humor and Hospitality.

Need more? How about a 10% discount to CCRA members?

(FYI: The discount may not be combined with other sales or discount programs.)

Down the Drain? NO!

Sad to say, but too many people treat storm drains as trash cans, causing litter, pet waste and God-knows-what-else to go directly to our waterways.

What to do?

Storm drain markers are a big help, and you can volunteer to place markers in areas where they’re needed near you. Details here.

Need Help Going Solar? Solarize Philly Has Your Back

Residents interested in going solar would do well to ping Solarize Philly,

a citywide program launched by the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA). The program looks to make the process of installing solar as easy and affordable

as possible while also supporting solar training. Details here.

Tony-Award-Winner “Choir Boy” Comes to Phila

“Choir Boy”, the Tony-winning play about a group of boys approaching adulthood in a prestigious all-Black boys’ prep school – one of whom is gay – is making its local debut at Philadelphia Theater Company. Opening night was Feb. 23; details can be found here.

Hoping for a Life more Sweeter?

Yes!  Picture….warm weather, outdoor events and……concerts!  See Grammy Award- winning R&B singer/songwriter Leon Bridges in his Boundless Tour, presented by WXPN on August 13th at The Mann. Since his shows usually sell out fast, get your tickets ASAP here. If you want to know why, click here to sample something Sweeter..

Haitian Carnival and NOLA Mardi Gras Coming to Town

If it’s grandeur and pageantry you like, then save the date of March 20, as that’s when “Kanavan Ball” lands at the Fillmore.

A presentation of WXPN, Kanavan Ball provides non-stop music and dance amidst festive Haitian-themed décor, food and drink. And oh yes: it’s for all ages, and it’s FREE (with advance registration).

All you need to know is here.

New Southwest Native Art Exhibit at The Barnes Foundation

When you think of the Barnes, you may think of impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern paintings, but did you know that Native American art is also an important part of our permanent collection?  

Water, Wind, Breath: Southwest Native Art in Community features approximately 100 works, including objects that Dr. Albert C. Barnes collected in New Mexico in the 1930s and works by contemporary Native American artists. The exhibition—co-curated by Lucy Fowler Williams, associate curator-in-charge and Jeremy A. Sabloff Senior Keeper of American Collections at the Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Philadelphia, and Tony Chavarria (Santa Clara Pueblo), curator of ethnology at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Santa Fe—highlights meaningful connections to the places, life forces, and relationships that nurture individual and community health and well-being. Uncover the histories and ideas that Dr. Barnes and other non-Native visitors to the Southwest in the early 20th century were likely unaware of—histories and ideas that influenced the lives of Native peoples and continue to inform the living tradition of Native arts in America.   

On view at the Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Phila. PA 19130 Tickets 215-278-7000 Closing date: May 15, 2022. For more photos and details, click here.

A Fest for Kids and their Families

Designed for kids, aged 9-14, and their families, this first ever Kid Lit event features author readings, workshops, rare book displays and, of course, books for your youngin’. It’s on March 12; it’s downtown, and it focuses on books celebrating community and diversity. For details, READ here.

WashPo Interviews Police Commissioner Outlaw

Washington Post criminal justice reporter Tom Jackman spoke with Police Commissioner Outlaw about the City’s all-time high rate of homicides in 2021, her plans to reduce gun violence and how to strengthen community relations.

The interview can be found here.

Highlights of the interview can be found here.

Who’s This James Harden Guy, Anyway?

By now you’ve likely heard that the Sixers exorcized Ben Simmons by trading him more or less for James Harden. But for the uninitiated, who’s James Harden?

Well, first there’s The Beard. Then there’s the fact that he’s a future Hall-of-Famer with a killer step-back three. He’s such a fashionista that he’s on the board of Saks. He’s such a momma’s boy that his mother attends 90% of his games.  And – like Ben Simmons – he once dated a Kardashian.

Next Sixer game isn’t until Friday night, but you can read all about The Beard here and now.

Say Grace for Revitalization of Rittenhouse Row

Corie Moscow, Executive Director of Rittenhouse Row, has announced the opening of a new Philadelphia wedding dress showroom, Grace Loves Lace, on the 1700 block of Chestnut Street.

Founded by Australia's Megan Ziems, it has the distinction of designing “the world’s most pinned wedding dress”.

If you’re looking for something unique, shop here.

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.

Branzino Italian BYOB, 261 S. 17th St (215-790-0103)

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 and Gallery, 2103 Walnut St, (215-567-6800)

Good Karma Cafe, 331 S. 22nd St, (215-546-1479)

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

Nature's Gallery Florist, 2124 Walnut St (215-563-5554)

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

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

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

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

The Rounds, Use code CCRATHEROUNDS to receive free membership.

Ursula Hobson Fine Art Framing, 1528 Waverly St (215-546-7889)

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 - Use promo code "CCRA" to receive a $10 flat rate on all tickets to their virtual concerts.

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