Center City Residents' Association

1900 Market St, FL 8, Philadelphia, PA 19103

PH: 215-546-6719 Email: centercity@centercityresidents.org

November 21, 2024

CCRA Meet and Greet

Warm Clothes Drive at Ben Waxman’s Office

1500 Walnut Street, Suite 1050

Philadelphia Theatre Company Celebrates its 50th Season

Tuesday, November 26 | 7 pm

Join the Philadelphia Theatre Company with a one-night benefit reading of Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune by Terrence McNally, starring Academy Award winner, Tony Award nominee, and Philadelphia native Da’Vine Joy Randolph; career film, television, and theatre artist Robert D. DoQui; and directed by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames.

An enduring portrait of middle-aged love and desire, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune takes place over the course of one night, and tracks two blue-collar romantics as they confront feelings of loneliness, insecurity, and the universal human need for intimacy. This star-studded theatrical event honors PTC’s rich history of premiering new and contemporary plays for the Philadelphia community, as Terrence McNally debuted many of his works at PTC. The benefit reading will support the theatre’s rich education and community engagement programs, ensuring equitable theatrical learning opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Get your tickets now, and get them here.

SEPTA is Facing a Fiscal Cliff. What Can We Do About It?

Public Hearing: Friday, December 13

The Pennsylvania legislature failed to pass any long-term fiscal solution to avoid cuts to SEPTA service and fare increases. SEPTA has announced the fair increases but has not specified the precise cuts in service that will be necessary if the system does not receive at least $150 million in new state funding.

Here is a link to SEPTA’s notice of the proposed fare modifications which will be the subject of a public hearing scheduled for December 13, 2024.  Service cuts have yet to be announced, but they are coming unless a solution to the “fiscal cliff” can be found.

Now that the legislature has failed to act and is unlikely to be called back into legislative session before the cuts and fare increases need to take effect, the power to avert the crisis is firmly in Governor Josh Shapiro’s hands. According to Connor Descheemaker of Transit Forward Philadelphia, a coalition of local groups in support of public transit, Governors have substantial power to redirect federal highway money to transit. Governor Rendell used his power to “flex” federal highway dollars to avert cuts in the past. Transit Forward Philadelphia is urging Governor Shapiro to do so now.

What can CCRA Members do?  

Members can contact the governor’s office and make sure a strong message, like the one included here, is received and that the Governor knows that his future political career will be hurt if he fails to save SETPA from falling off the fiscal cliff.

Members can also attend the SEPTA hearings and raise your voice on the impact of SEPTA’s fare increases and service cuts to CCRA members.

Finally, members can get involved through phone banking and other efforts to spread the word about the devastating impact of the state’s failure to fund SEPTA adequately. 

There is also the possibility of a strike of SEPTA’s bus drivers and maintenance employees in the city division. Solutions to the safety and pay issues our bus drivers face will be easier if the Governor exercises his power to fund the system. Make your voice heard.

Please contact CCRA’s Rick Pasquier for more information.

Santa Skate

Sunday, November 29 | 11am

Dilworth Park is holding its annual Christmas celebrations, including Santa Claus coming to, and skating at, the Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink! Kids will have the opportunity to ice skate with Santa during the 11 am session. More information and to Purchase tickets, click here.

An Exhibition of the Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel University

Now through Sunday, April 6

118-128 N. Broad St. | Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building

Philadelphia Revealed: Unpacking the Attic is a large, interactive display of over 600 authentic objects, telling the story of Philadelphia’s history. Inspiring pride in our great city, this major exhibition reflects 350 years of Philly history.

For more information click here.

CCRA Boundaries - THE PILOT PROGRAM

Residents within the boundaries of Callowhill to Pattison Avenue from the Schuylkill Expressway (30th St) to Delaware Avenue will receive twice-per-week collections beginning December 2, 2024. For more information on the new programs click here.

Global Orchestra

Comedy Night with Joe Conklin

Friday, November 22 | 8 pm

For a night of laughs, enjoy this side-splitting evening, featuring the legendary Joe Conklin.

Known as "The Man of a Thousand Voices," Conklin is a master impressionist who has been entertaining audiences for over three decades with his spot-on celebrity imitations, hilarious sports personalities, and clever commentary on current events.

Get ready for a hilarious ride as Joe brings his unique blend of humor, impersonations, and local flair to the stage. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his comedy, this night promises endless laughs and unforgettable moments!

Purchase tickets here.

Fine Arts Pop-up

Where to Go for Your Special “To Go” Thanksgiving? Shopping Treats, Including Options for Full Catering

Looking to stock up on eats and sweets for Thanksgiving? If so, they've got you covered.

The article covers all the different spots in the city where you can get good food for this Thanksgiving!

For the full article, click here.

Philly Marathon Weekend

Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24

Ready, set, run… Or at least be on the lookout for road closures for the Philly Marathon Weekend. Both the half and full marathons take place on the Ben Franklin Parkway, but roads will be closed starting on Friday, Nov 22.

You can find the full marathon map here and the list of roads closed here. You can cheer on the runners throughout the course or when you see them wearing their foil blankets at the completion of the race.

All things Vinyl at The Armory 

Saturday, Nov. 23 and Sunday, Nov. 24

23rd Street Armory

Local Scoop from Wooder Ice Article

"Backal Hospitality Group (BHG) just announced the grand opening of Cellar Dog Philly, an entertainment and music venue which originally opened in New York City’s West Village. However, the Philly location will span 8,000-square-feet and will be located at 258 S. 15th Street. The grand opening is slated for today and it will offer a unique blend of games, live music, and tasty bar food."

Read the full Article here.

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 Chestnut St Jeweler William Schwartz Distinctive Jewelry.

All That Glitters is at William Schwartz

Anything but a big-box chain store, William Schwartz Distinctive Jewelry is truly distinctive in that they offer an unusually wide selection of both unique and custom pieces, and their personal, on-site repairs are done right the first time with very quick turnaround.  (If you disbelieve, check out the raves on Yelp.)

So what could be better, you ask? They offer a 10% discount to CCRA members. So do please stop by at 1831 Chestnut and say hello to Russell at William Schwartz Distinctive Jewelry!

CCRA Members Receive Discounts at the following Merchant Partners:

CCRA assumes no responsibility and makes no representations or warranties, regarding any product and/or services sold by any Merchant Partner.