This Week: October 14, 2021

Editor - Barbara Halpern

Lead Writer - Richard Vaughn

Design/Layout and Writer - Travis Oliver

It’s Getting Better All The Time

In the past few weeks:

· Verizon Hall re-opened with Yo-Yo Ma

· The Broad Street Run returned with a bang

· More and more people get vaccinated every day

It’s easy to get lost in the weeds of the daily doom-and-gloom, but the overall trend remains decidedly UP. Let’s keep that going, and let’s also encourage our friends in the ‘burbs to come to the city and share in all that it offers.

CCRA News and Events

Reserve your spot now!

Member Appreciation Night: You’re Invited!

Please join us for an open-air “Thank You!” at the Dwight D Hotel’s fabulous outdoor garden on the evening of October 20th. It’s our way of giving you a big “MWAH!” for being loyal members.

The skinny: It’s a 5 pm - 7 pm meet-and-greet with fellow CCRA members in a unique and beautiful outdoor setting, featuring complimentary wine and cheese. The soiree is limited to the first 50 members who respond, so don’t delay! Proof of vaccination will be required upon entrance. The Dwight D is located at 256 S. 16th Street.

See you there, and Thanks Again!

RSVP

Merchant Partner of the Week

Every week we spotlight a member of the CCRA Merchant Partner ‘Deals & Discount’ Program, which helps local Mom and Pop businesses get back on their post-pandemic feet by providing complimentary valuable advertising and exposure by encouraging support from CCRA’s highly-engaged (and growing) membership. This week we feature fave Rittenhouse eatery Seafood Unlimited.

People in the Know go to Seafood Unlimited

With all the great dining options in Center City, it can be difficult to know which to choose. But if you’re looking for great seafood, it’s a no-brainer: Seafood Unlimited on S. 20th St.

For over 45 years Seafood Unlimited has served both locals and out-of-towners in their sleek, casual setting. Their fresh, delivered-daily fare is from everywhere: we’re talking sea scallops, jumbo shrimp, ahi tuna, branzino, crab cakes, lobsters, and arctic char. And do NOT forget to leave room for the homemade desserts: key lime pie, chocolate mousse, and carrot cake.

Co-owner Judi Einhorn puts their philosophy this way: “Understand the neighborhood and you’ll understand the product you need to provide”. Well, they can check that box. And speaking of the neighborhood, CCRA members receive a complimentary tasting of their stellar gazpacho.

So the next time you get a hankering for something from under the sea, sail on over to Seafood Unlimited.

Clean, Safe, and Green

Cleaning Up our Act with Some Trash Talk

It’s unfortunately the case that it’s not exactly a secret that Philadelphia has a trash problem. (“Filthadelphia”; Ha-Ha.)

But some good people are on the case, most notably in the form of an Oct. 20 virtual panel discussion featuring experts, advocates, residents, and more. CCRA will be there, as will Terrill Haigler, aka Ya Fav Trashman. (Gotta love that guy.)

The title of the talk is “Trash Talk: Working toward a Clean Philadelphia”, and all the details can be found here.

Tree-mendous: The Horticultural Society’s Tree Tenders program

No sane person doesn’t love trees, but did you know that you can help with tree stewardship in your own neighborhood? Pleased to introduce the Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s Tree Tenders program, which works with community groups to plant over 1,300 trees per year. Trees lower temperature, build community, aid the environment and make for lovely canopies.

To find out more, go here.

Useful links

Community News and Events

City Council Redistricting: An FAQ

It’s redistricting time for City Council, a once-per-decade process that, unlike in the past, figures to be fairly uncontroversial this time around. That’s because the current district boundaries are generally seen as compact, contiguous, and fair. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be issues. For more info, go here.

A Guide to the Upcoming Judicial Elections

A relatively unpublicized aspect of the upcoming Nov. 2 elections is the election of judges. Many residents aren’t aware that judges are in fact elected. (They are.) This time around there are contests for PA Supreme Court, PA Superior Court, and PA Commonwealth Court. You can do your due diligence by going here for the details.

Book Launch: Born & Raised in Center City, Philadelphia

Join us for the Philadelphia Book Launch of “Born & Raised in Center City, Philadelphia” by Trudi Clark on Sunday, October 24 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. The book is a compilation of delightful stories about a girl growing up in the heart of the city with tales about iconic Philadelphia buildings and her friendship with Mary Ellen Mullins! Meet the author, get signed books, light snacks. Free & open to the public. Interested but can’t make the event? Click here to get a copy in our online store.

Newish on the Radar: Dessert Cafes

Andy Warhol reportedly once said, “Life is unpredictable; eat dessert first”. The man had a point, and perhaps it’s with that in mind that there are now a number of dessert cafes scattered around town. Dessert cafes typically offer specialty desserts and tend to be open late. (Think Date Night.) Venture here for the details.

NYT Lauds a Trio of Phila Eateries

One utilizes a yeast starter called “Helen Mirren", another is named after a character in “Fiddler on the Roof”, while a third exclusively employs the formerly incarcerated. What these three disparate restaurants have in common is that they have been named to the New York Times’ “The 2021 Restaurant List” (or, in the NYT’s words, “50 places we’re most excited about right now”). So, get excited and head toward Korshak Bagels, Laser Wolf, and Down North Pizza. In the meantime, devour the details here.

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.

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

Koresh Dance Company, 2002 Rittenhouse Sq St. (267-687-1769)

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

Mlkmn, - Use code CCRAMlkmn to receive free membership

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)

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

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)