This Week: November 9, 2023

Editor – Barbara Halpern

Lead Writer – Richard Vaughn

Design/Layout and Writer – Travis Oliver

Writer – Marc Werlinsky

Mayor Cherelle Parker

Congratulations to Cherelle Parker, Philadelphia’s 100th Mayor and a historic one at that.

Early indications are encouraging, as Ms. Parker seems to apprehend and take seriously the twin problems of Crime and Quality of Life that are top of mind to most citizens. We’re with her 100% on that. Actual support for law enforcement would be a welcome change from the current administration.

But for now: Congrats to Cherelle. We hope she enjoys her “honeymoon”, and we look forward to working with her in the days and weeks to come.

CCRA News and Events

Hello fellow members of CCRA,

We want to inform you of an important update regarding our annual membership.

After careful consideration, the Residents' Association Board has decided to increase most categories of annual membership dues by $5, starting from January 1, 2024. Yes…we know…it’s an incredibly small increment, but it will enable us to ensure the continued improvement of the quality of life here in Center City West, and here’s why.

The additional funds generated from this increase will be dedicated to various community enhancements, including our continual Green Initiatives, weekly sidewalk sweepings, informative publications, effective public service relationships, and beautification of our common areas. The increased funding will also allow us to implement some new initiatives, such as addressing unwanted sidewalk behavior and implementing improved trash collection in our neighborhood.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this increase or its implications, please feel free to reach out to our Managing Director, Travis Oliver. We value your feedback and are more than willing to address any inquiries you may have. For details on our financials, check out our IRS 990 here.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work together to maintain and enhance our communal quality of life in Center City. Thank you for being a part of the solution!

With Appreciation,

Richard Gross, President

Center City Residents’ Association

Think You Know the South St. Bridge? Think Again.

The South Street Bridge is likely taken for granted by most folks, but there’s more there than perhaps meets the eye, as CCRA Streets maven Bill West details in his latest blog post here.

Click to Play

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 new Merchant Partner Philadelphia Theatre Company!

Watch the Curtain Rise at

The Philadelphia Theatre Company!

There’s never enough good theater in a big town like Philly, which makes us extra-proud to introduce our newest Merchant Partner, The Philadelphia Theatre Company.

For the uninitiated, the Company is dedicated to the creation of extraordinary theater experiences that reflect the essential issues and ideas of our time, and which foster connection, understanding and transformation.

One example is the dazzling production of “Macbeth in Stride”, now playing through Nov. 19 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre and which the Washington Post has described as “An ingenious meditation on ambition and the Bard”.

Know this, too, theater-lovers: CCRA members receive a 20% discount on tickets. Just use promo code “CCRA”.

So don’t miss out! Join in the fun here.

Clean, Safe and Green

Under 40? Join Others in Planting a Native Pollinator Garden!

Help enhance our neighborhood as an urban oasis for helpful pollinators! Join CCRA’s under-40 cohort to plant our neighborhood’s first native pollinator garden in Schuylkill River Park. Think flowers, butterflies, hummingbirds and honey bees!

Meet at the Recreation Center at 400 S. Taney St. on November 11th from 9am to 1pm. Email Susan Kahn to volunteer.

Join the Party! Help CCRA Green Plant Trees!

Help Green our neighborhood by helping CCRA Green plant 21 street trees on Saturday, November 18! No experience needed. Meet us at the entrance to the community garden at 25th and Spruce Streets at 9:30. Email Susan Kahn for more information.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Open Hearts Cafe

Message from Open Hearts Cafe at Church of the Holy Trinity on Rittenhouse Square: You may have noticed it is getting cold! We are in desperate need of coats! Also sweatpants, jeans, hoodies, sweatshirts, jackets, and footwear! Donations can be made Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 3pm and Sunday and Tuesday from 4 pm to 6 pm at Church of the Holy Trinity, 1904 Walnut. Click here for more information.

Look at our Amazon wishlist, donate directly, or sign up to volunteer. Anything is so appreciated. Thanks to Center City Residents' Association, Allbirds, Providence Animal Center, Free Library of Philadelphia, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Philly AIDS Thrift, and Homeless Advocacy Project for their assistance in getting us access to needed items and services and thanks to Bombas socks for sending us a truckload.

Jewish and Asian Film Festivals

Calling all film buffs. Whether you like to keep it kosher or have a yen for Asian fare, you have a buffet of ethnic delights to choose from. The 43rd Annual Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media Fall Festival runs from Nov. 11-18, featuring documentaries and films chronicling Jewish life, history and personalities. Most films will be screened at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall. The lineup includes “Remembering Gene Wilder”, 7 p.m., on the 11th. For a schedule of films, locations and tickets, click here.

The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, featuring the best in Asian and Pacific Islander film and storytelling runs through Nov. 12, with all films airing at the Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine St. Selections include “The Fall of the I-Hotel,” Nov. 10 at 7 p.m., chronicling the eviction of elderly tenants of San Francisco’s International Hotel, and “Punch Drunk,” Nov. 11 at 7 p.m., a 1990s Iranian comical and dramatic karate-kid story. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Harriet Tubman statue unveiled

Artist Alvin Petit unveiled his design for the Harriet Tubman statue, which will sit in front of City Hall, as “guardian of the City”. The fourteen foot statue, titled A Higher Power: The Call of a Freedom Fighter, depicts Tubman with her hands held together, a rifle on her back and a pistol at her waist. The statue is a powerful reminder of Tubman's enduring legacy and a symbol of hope and inspiration for all those who continue to fight for freedom and justice today.

Real Time Real Estate

Welcome to Real Time Real Estate! We want to take a moment to introduce this new & exciting column in the CCRA newsletter. Here is where you can get interesting and professional tips on some basic “need-to-knows,” such as staging, what new hue is trending for front doors this season or which homeowners insurance you should be carrying if you own a mixed-use property in our neighborhood. Additionally, we will provide updates on new & upcoming projects, what's happening in the local Center City Philadelphia real estate market and more. We look forward to offering informative ideas on best value and trends when you’re buying or selling in Center City. If you have any input or if you would like to contribute to this exciting new column, please let us know here.

Community News and Events

Say Hello to a New ‘Gelateria’

Who doesn’t love gelato? No one we know (or would want to know). The good news for gelato-lovers is Vita, a neighborhood ‘gelateria’, which is exactly what it sounds like: an eatery dedicated to delicious gelato, Isgro pastries and all sorts of coffee.

It’s on 17th btwn Locust and Spruce. Savor the details guilt-free here.

Still the Final Frontier at the Franklin Institute

Whether you’re a space enthusiast or simply curious about the mysteries of the universe, the new “Wondrous Space” show at the Franklin Institute is for you.

This family-friendly exhibit both shows and tells all about space, space travel, and well, well beyond. Orbit the details here.

Kickin’ it up at the Terminal

If you love the Reading Terminal, and who doesn’t?, you don’t want to miss the 12th Annual Party for the Market, 7:30 p.m., on Feb. 24, 2024, at the Terminal, 1136 Arch Street. But you have to act fast in order to enjoy food from Terminal vendors, an open bar, silent auction and entertainment. Early bird tickets for the Terminal’s largest fundraising event sold out in 24 hours. Click here to buy tickets.

Street Food Fest Returns

Hey there, foodies! Get your taste buds ready because Philly's Street Food Fest is back! On November 11/12, come and experience the best street food Philly has to offer. From savory to sweet, there will be something for everyone. You can indulge in mouth-watering dishes from over 50 vendors and enjoy live music and entertainment while you eat. This fest is perfect for trying new foods and supporting local businesses. Take advantage of the foodie event of the year! Get your tickets here.

Useful links

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.

Urban Tree Painting, Inquire within (445-230-1208)

Veda Modern Indian Bistro, 1920 Chestnut St (267-519-2001)

William Schwartz Jewelry, 1831 Chestnut St (215-665-8115)

12th Street Catering, 3312 Spring Garden St (215-386-8595)

1600 Spruce St. Home, Design and Gift, 1600 Spruce St. (267-209-3350)

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

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

City Fitness, 2101 South St & 1819 JFK Blvd (609-254-9048)

Dom's Shoe Repair, 203 S. 20th St (215-972-0098)

Eazy Computers & iPhone Repair 2005 Chestnut St (215-609-4446)

Excursions from the Square, (215-732-8487, 215-738-4500)

Experience Empathy Through Art Inquire within (violetalexandre@gmail.com)