This Week: November 17, 2022

Editor – Barbara Halpern

Lead Writer – Richard Vaughn

Design/Layout and Writer – Travis Oliver

Writer – Margie Wiener

The Center Holds. Long Live The Center.

“DEATH OF DEMOCRACY”, boomed one headline. “THE LAST ELECTION”, thundered another.

All too inevitable was America’s descent into Fascism, saith the media. Only a fool would argue otherwise. Even the normally sober Bill Maher got into the act, giving a eulogy for Democracy on his last show prior to midterms.

But when the midterms finally came, what happened?

Elections happened is what happened, pure and simple.

Nothing more, and nothing less.

The winners celebrated, the losers conceded. Somewhere there are run-offs. And props to the civic groups and workers on the ground who made Democracy happen.

But: Goons in body armor harassing voters? MIA.

Voting machines hacked and hijacked? Didn’t happen.

And as for Fascism? Try Venezuela.

Our friends in the media don’t look so great by light of day now, do they?

But do you know what does look great now? And we mean: Really, Really great?

American Democracy. "Poor, bedraggled, oh-so-over" American Democracy is looking pretty damn awesome right now.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

CCRA News and Events

Office Closure and Trash Collection

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, CCRA is closed beginning Wednesday, November 23, at 1 pm and will reopen on Monday, November 28. We would like to wish all of our members, friends, and family a Happy Thanksgiving.

In addition, due to the holiday, there will be no trash collection on Thursday, November 24. Collection will resume on Friday, November 25.

No CCRA This Week, Next Week

Since Thanksgiving is next week, there will be no CCRA This Week newsletter. Enjoy this time with your friends and family, while we’ll be resting our eyes and fingers as we prepare for the next issue on December 1.

Save the Dates for Caroling and Holiday Lightings

with Your Neighbors

Details to follow...but save Sunday, 12/4 for Holiday Caroling and Tree Lighting. We’ll gather in the late afternoon at Markward Rec, sing through the streets and arrive near sundown at Fitler Square for the Tree Lighting.

On Sunday, 12/18, let’s join together at sundown on Fitler Square to see the lighting of the Menorah, songs, hot cocoa and potato latkes.

CCRA Public Zoning Committee Meeting

Tuesday, November 22, 7 pm via Zoom

View the agenda here.

Zoom link here.

Second Notice: CCRA Public Meeting re: 2301 Walnut St

Monday, December 5, at 7 pm via Zoom

The Trammell Crow Company plans to construct a new mixed-use residential high-rise with retail at the corner of 23rd and Walnut (the former site of RiteAid) and continuing to 23rd and Sansom. The project is “by right” under the Philadelphia zoning code, which means the property owner does not need a variance from the City. However, the public will have input on the project as part of the Philadelphia City Planning Civic Design Review process.

Prior to that public meeting, Trammell Crow Company would like to present the project to the CCRA membership, neighbors and the Albert M. Greenfield Elementary School community via Zoom . You do not have to be a CCRA member to attend; the intent is to inform and gather input from the neighborhood. So please share this info and spread the word. The architects for the project, BLT Architects, will present the plans, renderings, space program and project details in a brief presentation. After the presentation there will be a Q&A session.

Tend the Trees

On Saturday, November 19th, help the CCRA Green Tree Tenders plant 20 street trees in the neighborhood. No tools or experience necessary! We will hold two separate planting events: The first runs from 9:30 to 11:30 and meets at the community garden entrance at 25th and Spruce. The second runs from 12:30 to 2:30 and meets on Naudain Street behind Independence Charter School - 1600 Naudain Street. Hope to see you there!

Email Susan here for more information

CCRA MERCHANT PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

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 men’s fashion oasis Blue Sole Shoes.

Get Your Happy Feet to Blue Sole Shoes

There’s really only one place to go when it comes to shoes, and that would be Blue Sole Shoes at 18th & Chestnut.

But be not misled: this isn’t merely a shoe store; au contraire, this is a premier men’s boutique that harkens back to 2007. And so we’re talking not only fashion-forward shoes here but also stylin’ belts, socks, bags, accessories and yes, gift cards, all delivered with top-notch customer service.

It’s a tough call as to which is more attractive: their website or the store itself, so why not browse both?

Oh, and this: CCRA members receive 10% off regularly-priced merchandise.

Clean, Safe and Green

Give “Green” A Yeah on Turkey Day

Yeah….you could give up the bird for the tofu on Thanksgiving, but just don’t ask me to. And give up Friday’s “leftover” turkey sandwich? Fagetaboutit! So here’s the good news: you don’t have to give up the bird. Just eating all the food you prepare (vegan, veggie or animal-based) is one of the best ways to be groovy green. The fact is over 200 lbs of turkey is thrown away after Thanksgiving! So….this week, start with….

Tip #1. Skip the line at Trader Joe’s and start eating all you can from your own fridge or freezer. Come next Thursday, you’ll have room to store and then eat what you couldn’t eat on the big day.

Tip #2? Try this Guest-imator portion-planning tool. It helps you plan your dream meal AND tells you how much to make, given who’s at the table. It even asks you how much leftovers you want.

Tip #3? When things don’t go, err…. as “planned” (e.g.- you used too much salt, cooked the veggies til they look like compost) here is how to revive the dish instead of adding it to the landfill.

For other handy dandy tips on how to be one of mother nature’s holiday minions, feast your eyes here.

Flea Marketing = Green Treasure Hunt

Need gifts at affordable prices? Do you love to hunt for quirky “treasures”? Check out the cache at two upcoming local flea markets and help the environment. Mother Earth likes reusing even more than recycling, so join the green team this holiday season. It’s a win-win.

And while you’re there, pick something up for yourself. You deserve it. Dive for treasures at Liberty Flea on Columbus Blvd Saturday, 11/19, 10-5 pm.

Another opportunity you don't want to miss is the Indoor/Outdoor Vintage Flea Market on Saturday, 12/3, 8-4 pm at 1301 S. Columbus Blvd Philadelphia.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Give Yourself the Gift of Giving Back

As we prepare to share the bounty of Thanksgiving with family and friends next week, we need not look far to see the plight of those a bit less fortunate. This week marks the annual National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week and both the Bethesda Project and the Broad Street Ministry serve our food insecure and unhoused population right in our Center City neighborhood. Bethesda Project provides shelter, housing, and supportive services across 15 locations throughout Philly. Broad Street Ministry is right on Broad next to Arthaus.

Don’t know where to donate clothes and other items you no longer need? Here are 19 places seeking donations right now — organized in a handy chart so you can plan "giving season” well.

Show Some Brotherly Love to Philly’s Newest Arrivals

New residents are arriving every day in Philly, some by plane, others by bus. The city has set up a fund, the Philadelphia Welcoming Fund to allow Philadelphia residents the opportunity to contribute to local efforts to welcome immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Philadelphia. Care to share? Give a hand here.

Help These Seeds Grow

In its third year, this two-day experiential event is run by a women led indigenous culture group committed to amplifying native voices through the arts. Donation based admission includes a fine art show, music, dance, storytelling, resident artists, panel discussions, film screenings, artist booths, and more. Click here for more information about We Are The Seeds.

Join CCRA Now

Community News and Events

Avenue of the Arts is Taking it to the Streets

What with the Kimmel, the Wilma, the Clef Club, UArts and all the eateries, South Broad Street’s Avenue of the Arts is already quite something.

But now there’s more. Now there’s Avenue of the Arts Live, a three-nights-a-week outdoor performance program — running now through Dec. 31 — where musicians, singers, dancers, jugglers, magicians, poets and more take over the sidewalks.

Too much of a good thing? Nah. Dig the skinny here.

Find a Gift They’ll Treasure!

Don’t miss this thoughtfully curated collection of artisanal and handmade goods created by local Philadelphia crafts artists, all available for sale for two days only.

Shop locally for unique jewelry, textiles, art, home goods, fashion and more @ The Cosmopolitan Club’s Holiday Gift Boutique at 1616 Latimer St, taking place on Thursday December 1 & Friday, December 2, from 2-7pm.

Must We Really See All of This?

Visit Philadelphia says we all ‘Must See' this incredibly long list of expressions of holiday glee. We’re not so sure, as maybe you’re kinda burnt out on the holidays, and they haven’t even happened yet? But duty calls, and each and every one of these Jolly Good events is worth consideration. Us? We’re headed to Luminature at the Philadelphia Zoo. You?

How Open-Minded Are You?

Picture the late '70s, early ‘80s. The free-love hippie movement of the early '70s seemed to melt away, replaced by youthful nihilism; the stark reality hit that love wasn’t free and flowers had no real power. Their youth culture expressed their anger; they lived on the edge of society. Their music? Punk Rock. Their clothing? Zippered shirts, blue hair coloring and vinyl everything. Their hangout? Zipperhead, an all things punk emporium at 4th and South. It became the symbol of a state of mind filled with rage and pain. And the building is still there, intact. Luckily, the kids grew up!

Zipperhead, the store, with its huge ants and faux zipper facade, gained national fame through the punk rock classic, Punk Rock Girl by the Dead Milkmen, as well as a TV episode of The Goldbergs.

Want to learn more? Visit the opening of Keep an Open Mind this weekend and treat yourself to never-before-seen material from the Zipperhead archive, such as advertising and graphic work, photographs, and newly digitized films of South Street in the 80s. Open thru winter, 2023. We don’t know about your mind, but your mouth will drop open!

Avram Hornik to Expand by Three in Rittenhouse

Fresh off last spring’s opening of Liberty Point – Philadelphia’s largest restaurant – Avram Hornik says he is now developing three new establishments in the Rittenhouse area.

For starters there’s a two-story sports bar, due late 2023, to be called Lucy’s and to reside at 1720 Chestnut St. Then comes Noche, to be a cocktail bar above Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at 1901 Chestnut. And finally there will be a Mexican-inspired coffee shop at 2218 Walnut St. It’s a lot to digest; dig in here.

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.

PhotoLounge, 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)

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

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