This Week: January 18, 2024 | |
|
Lovely weather we’re having, isn’t it? Sub-freezing even without the windchill. (With the windchill? Don’t ask.) Throw in the lack of sunshine, the snow that quickly turns dingy gray, and our football team… You get the picture.
So what’re you gonna do about it, that’s what we wanna know.
To us, this sounds like a job for Hygge. For the uninitiated, Hygge – pronounced “hyoo-gah” -- is a Danish and Norwegian word that describes a cozy, contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality.
Sounds good right about now, doesn’t it? Well, don’t just sit there. Make it happen. Make your own Hygge. Invite friends and family over, fire up the hot toddies and your coziest playlist.
Hygge!
| |
|
As of this date, the CCRA Winter Campaign has yielded over $27,000 in donations from our members—the highest total we have ever received in our donor solicitations! These funds help us with our mission to make Center City West a clean, safe and green neighborhood in which to live, work, play and enjoy. But they also reflect the confidence our members have in how we are doing that. THANK YOU to all who gave. Your support means so much to us!
Rick Gross, President
| |
CCRA Welcomes New CEO of the Center City District (CCD) | |
|
Last week, CCRA President Rick Gross and Managing Director Travis Oliver sat down with Emrah Ulclay, Vice President of Operations, and Prema Gupta, the new CEO of CCD. We thanked them for their service to our neighborhood and discussed how CCRA can build a better partnership with the Center City District.
We discussed the trash initiative in Fitler Square (details coming soon) and mentioned how problematic their Bike Patrol is on the Center City west sidewalks. We also discussed building a better relationship with the City Administration and we invited the CCD to join us in these discussions. As neighbors, feel free to contact Travis here about CCD and their sidewalk cleaning. We welcome your input!
We look forward to working with the CCD on these endeavors in 2024 and beyond. As always, we’ll keep you posted. Stay tuned for more info.
| |
CCRA Public Zoning Committee Meeting | |
CCRA public zoning committee meeting is on Tuesday, January 23 at 7pm via Zoom. Read the agenda here. To join the meeting, click here. | |
|
We know we’re not often called upon to do our civic duty of clearing our sidewalk of snow and ice, but in light of the predicted inclement weather, here’s a gentle nudge to keep you and your neighbors safe, and keep slip and fall related claims against your homeowners insurance policy far, far away.
It’s also a great time to practice those boy scout pledges of helping out neighbors who can’t easily shovel.
The Rules:
- Remove snow from sidewalk within six hours after snowfall stops.
- Clear a path at least 36 inches wide on your sidewalk.
- Do not shovel or sweep the snow into the street.
Tips:
- Be sure to include curb cuts when you shovel.
- Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains to allow melting snow to drain.
- Keep fire hydrants clear. Shovel three to five feet around your block’s hydrant so firefighters can gain access safely during an emergency response.
| |
Do we Suffer from Car Elephantiasis? | |
Are motor vehicles the Elephant in the Room downtown, taking up more than their share of space on our streetscape? CCRA Streets Maven Bill West shares his perspective from the picturesque corner of 17th and Pine. His conclusion? It’ll cost ya! Pour a cuppa joe and enter Bill’s WestWord. | |
CCRA MERCHANT PARTNER FEATURE | |
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 our Merchant Partner, the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, at 12th and Market Sts. | |
Everyone Who Knows Goes… to the Loews | |
|
Home to an architectural landmark and Philadelphia Savings Fund Society (PSFS) building, the Four-Diamond Loews Philadelphia Hotel is a true classic and one of the nation’s first modern skyscrapers, all within walking distance of Reading Terminal Market, Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Barnes Foundation.
But it’s more than just drop-dead gorgeous. At Loews Hotels, the community is as much a part of their family as their team members. It’s beyond mere camaraderie – we’re talking friendship, familiarity, goodwill and kindness, one local business helping one another, all of which translates to a wonderful experience for their guests.
And… yes, there’s more: As a CCRA member, you are eligible for up to a 20% discount not only for yourself, but for family, friends, colleagues… pretty sweet! (Discount is subject to availability at time of booking.)
So what are you (and your friends) waiting for? Go here, then GO!
| |
|
The amazing sculptures and ice carving demonstrations at City Hall’s Dilworth Park Ice Festival, Feb. 18, from 1-7 p.m., are sure to elicit a brrr-avo. You can feast your eyes on a full-size baby grand piano made out of – you guessed it – solid water. The piano will be the centerpiece of a performance by the Philly Pops (or whatever they’re called these days) from 6-7 p.m. Dueling ice carvers will turn up the heat, while circus arts performers will also be on hand to entertain. Bring or rent blades to ice skate, or hang around the rim for an ice dance performance. Themed food and beverages will be available. Click here for more information on the Center City District event.
| |
Calling All Fashionistas: Wardrobe Event! | |
|
Who doesn’t need a reboot at this time of year, especially when it comes to wardrobe, right? Well come on down to the "Refresh|Renew|Recycle" Wardrobe Event this Friday and Saturday at the Time After Time Boutique at The Gotham on N. Second Street. What’s the deal? Whether you’re a trendsetter or vintage aficionado, just bring pieces that seem impossible to style or pair and they will hook it up right there. Try the details on for style here.
| |
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | |
Diversity! Why We Love Philly! | |
|
This sounds like a wintry night’s wonderland of sensory stimulation……Korean Art, Asian/Pacific/Queer dance party, DIY soap sculpting workshops, Korean bites and adult cocktails. Head on over to the Great Steps inside the Art Museum next Friday night (Jan. 26), starting at 5pm to take it all in, and smile that it’s all at your doorstep. Expand your horizons here.
| |
Lions on the Loose in Chinatown | |
|
Move over Mummers, it’s time to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, Feb. 10, 2024. Traditional lion dances, a parade and family-friendly festivals in Chinatown will help ring in the year. The New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day parades kick off at 10th and Spring Streets and will feature the Philadelphia Suns Lion Dance Troupe, drumming, music and firecrackers, which bring good luck to the Chinatown community. While in Chinatown, welcome the Lunar New Year with an authentic feast at one of the many outstanding restaurants in the district.
In the mood for more Lunar New Year events? Check out the University of Pennsylvania Museum, which will host a cultural event in association with The American Chinese Museum, featuring storytelling, art-making and music and dance performances.
Click here for more information.
| |
Community News and Events | |
Conversation with Dara Horn on Antisemitism and Education | |
|
On Tuesday, January 23, 7pm, listen to renowned novelist, essayist, and literature professor Dara Horn headline this event hosted jointly by the Katz Center and Penn Hillel on Penn’s campus. This inaugural program series entitled “Jews and the University: Antisemitism, Admissions, Academic Freedom” will explore past challenges and future strategies in educating Americans about and combating antisemitism. Dr. Horn’s contributions to literature and her role as Harvard University’s advisory group member to combat antisemitism underscore her esteemed expertise and accolades in the field. Register here.
| |
Celebrate Ben Franklin’s Birthday with the American Philosophical Society | |
|
While words frequently fail when it comes to describing the genius and ingenuity of Benjamin Franklin, there will be plenty of words about our Ben this Friday at 10am at the annual Ben Franklin Birthday Celebration at the American Philosophical Society. This year’s theme of “Craftmanship” explores how American creators and makers throughout history have shaped our lives. Explore the details here.
| |
Tippling without Toppling | |
|
No need to schlep a designated driver to an extravaganza featuring non-alcoholic drinks at Dry Vibes Philadelphia- a zero proof experience, Saturday, Jan. 20, at 215 Spring Garden Street, starting at 12 noon. Savor the tasting lounge, shake it up at a mocktail demonstration, find peace of mind in the spiritual sanctuary (minus the spirits). There will also be speakers, panels and an after party guaranteed to have you not seeing pink elephants. For more information on this Gem Life Collective event, click here.
| |
|
On Saturday, January 20, don your flowy skirt or yoga pants (guys…keep it light ‘cause you’ll be a heatin’ up), and join Bok Bar's resident salsa DJ's Big George and VSpice for a night of dancing and live music, featuring Orquesta del Barrio in the West Gym. Food by Darnel's Cakes and drinks from Bok Bar will be available for purchase. If you can Cha Cha…you can salsa! For more information click here.
| |
Out with Little Pete’s; In With Almyra | |
Little Pete’s fans can still binge on their fav diner food in the Art Museum area, but there’s a new(ish) bar/restaurant dazzling Rittenhouse at Little Pete’s old location: an upscale window-centric modern Greek restaurant, street-level, at the Hyatt Centric (17th and Chancellor). First….before we go there, let’s work on how to pronounce the name. It does not rhyme with Palmyra. | |
|
Try it’s “here a” or it’s “near a”; so it’s......A-lMEER-a. Is that cleara?
Owned by the Pashalis family (think Estia), this posh setting gets lots of 5-star reviews on Yelp and its webpage brags about an affordable happy hour with some creative choices. Check it out, and let us know if you think the food is bussin'.
| |
Profs, Pints and Indian Magic? You Can Believe Your Eyes | |
|
Did you know that ancient Indian texts contained mystical secrets to construct airplanes and atomic bombs, and that their incantations or mantras could help someone defeat enemies, obtain a lover, levitate into the air, or even become invisible? And did you also know that you can learn all about this from a Fordham instructor while imbibing an adult beverage?
It’s all part of the latest incarnation of the “Pints and Profs” series, which brings college faculty into bars, cafes and other off-campus venues. This time – Sunday, Jan. 21 – it’s at the Black Squirrel Pub in East Falls from 4 to 6pm. De-mystify the details here.
| |
Use CCRA code: CCRA20 for 20% off regular ticket prices | |
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. | |
CCRA assumes no responsibility, and makes no representations or warranties, regarding any product and/or services sold by any Merchant Partner. | | | | |
