Friday, June 27, 2014

CCRA Weekly Newsletter




WHAT'S NEW
Resurrection of Town Watch
CCRA NEWS
Free Self-Defense Classes
Philly Foodworks
CCRA Merchant Member Discount Program
CCRA EVENTS
Attention Urban Gardeners
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND EVENTS:
Attention Seniors
Bird of Paradise
9th District Crimes Report

  
       
OUR SPONSORS
   
Di Bruno Bros logo  
  
   
 
 

Penn Med Ritt logo




WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
NEIGHBORHOOD SECURITY: TOWN WATCH AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE 
The armed home invasion/sexual assault of a young woman early last Saturday morning on the 1900 block of Spruce St. prompted a Wednesday night  public meeting co sponsored by CCRA and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson at  Tenth Presbyterian Church, 17th and Spruce. More than 70 people attended  despite the fact that an arrest had been announced the day before. Speakers included the 9th District Police Captain Frank Banford, and representatives from Women Organized Against Rape, Handbags 4 Peace (which sponsors self defense programs), Town Watch Integrated Services, and the Philadelphia Commerce Dept.'s SafeCam program ( which provides financial support for surveillance cameras on commercial premises). The program focused on two anti crime strategies - Town Watch programs and surveillance cameras. CCRA President Jeff Braff offered  the CCRA office's organizational support  for a resurrected town-watch program in our neighborhood.  To initiate a Town Watch , even on a skeletal level,  24 committed individuals are needed to walk  in pairs for two hour shifts (8:00 to 10:00 pm or 10:00 pm to midnight) once each month. Town Watches not only provide extra eyes on the street, the opportunity for walking partners to get acquainted is a proven community builder.  Eleven audience members signed an expression of interest.   If you are interested in volunteering, or would like more information, email the CCRA office with Town Watch in the subject line or call 215-546-6719.  Also discussed at the meeting was the Commerce Department's program to financially support the placement of video cameras on commercial premises. Surveillance cameras lead to the prompt arrest of the pest exterminator  accused of the January 2013 murder of a young woman on the 1700 block of Naudain.
CCRA NEWS
FREE SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES FOR THE FAIRER SEX SAT., JULY 12, GERSHMAN Y, 401 S. BROAD, 10 AM TO NOON
As announced at the June 25 public safety meeting co-sponsored by CCRA, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, working with Handbags 4 Peace, has organized a free self-defense class for women and girls ages eight and over.  For more information, contact Tymea Sanchez at Tsanchez@girltinilive.com.
PHILLY FOODWORKS CCRA DISCOUNT PROGRAM
Philly Foodworks is offering CCRA members a $20 discount on its home delivery option.  CCRA members need only use the code "CCRA" when signing up for home delivery on Philly Foodworks web site.
 
Philly Foodworks encompasses farmers, chefs, artisans, entrepreneurs, activists, educators and customers who desire good food.  Philly Foodworks' Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) Program helps local farmers build their business, by marketing to all Philadelphians. CSA members can customize their shares, are reimbursed when they can not pick up their share, and can opt for delivery by Wash Cycle Laundry's bicycle delivery system.
CCRA MERCHANT MEMBERS DISCOUNT PROGRAM
Support our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a discount (described here) to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card (Di Bruno Bros. has its own CCRA card) and personal identification.

Dom's Shoe Repair, 203 S. 20th St (215-972-0098)
Eye Candy Vision, 218 S. 20th St (215-568-3937)
Hello World, 257 S. 20th St (215-545-5207)
Koresh Dance Company, 2002 Rittenhouse Sq St. (267-687-1769)
PhotoLounge 1909 Chestnut Street (267-322-6651)
Rim's Dry Cleaners & Tailors,2203 South St. (215-546-1889)
Rittenhouse Hardware, 2001 Pine St. (215-735
Rittenhouse Pet Supply, 135 S. 20th St (215-569-2555)-6311)
Computer Troubleshooters ,108 S. 20th St. (215-825-2101)
Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St. and the Market at the Comcast Center (215-665-9220) 
 CCRA EVENTS
ATTENTION URBAN GARDEN ENTHUSIASTS
Windowbox, container or street tree planting entries are still being taken. Businesses or residents, do-it-yourselfers, or professionals are all welcome to apply to this friendly Neighborhood Beautification competition designed to beautify our neighborhood. 

All contestants will be invited to an awesome end of season party, celebrating all of our neighborhood gardeners and prize winners.
 
Free to enter!  For more information or to enter your creation, click here Must enter by June 30 to win!
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND EVENTS
ATTENTION SENIORS!
Friends in the City, Friends Life Care and Feet First Philly, jointly invite seniors to walk around Rittenhouse Square every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Meet Pam at the Goat. Walk at any speed that is comfortable for you. 
BIRDS OF PARADISE: AVIAN EVOLUTION ON VIEW TILL 9/1 AT ACAD. OF NATURAL SCIENCES, 1900 BF PKWY
Birds of Papua New Guinea doing their display dances caught on film by a team of 2 over a period of 8 years and 18 expeditions: photographer Tim Laman and Cornell ornithologist Edwin Scholes.  Opens at 10 a.m. daily. For more information,click here.
9TH DISTRICT CRIMES REPORT, 5/26 -6/20
Robbery Gun  ♦ 2200 Sansom - Highway (5/26-12:13am) (Phone/USC) MON ◦ Compl B/F 30yrs was approached by male who produced a Black Handgun then demanded her property. He took her phone and $20, he then fled on foot. ◦ Suspects: B/M, 5'-9", 160lbs, Medium skin, Black pants, Black hooded shirt  ♦ 2124 Delancey - Highway (5/28-8:30pm) (Nothing Taken) WED ◦ Compl A/M 38yrs states, while making a delivery he was confronted by a male with a Black Handgun, the compl immediately fled on foot back to the restaurant and called police. ◦ Suspects: B/M, 5'-8", 175 to 180lbs, Short hair, All Black clothes  ♦ 1521 Spruce - Highway (6/13-12:10am) (Purse/Phones/USC) FRI ◦ Compl W/M 27yrs & W/F 27yrs state, they were approached by 2 males, one produced a Black Handgun then demanded their property. They took items then fled in a Blue vehicle. ◦ Suspects: B/M, Gray hooded shirt, Dark pants ◦ B/M, Gray hooded shirt, Dark pants

Robbery Other  ♦ 2300 Walnut - Highway (6/14-1:50am) (Strong Arm) SAT ◦ Compl W/F 26yrs states, while walking an unknown male grabbed her by the neck and took her phone, he then fled on foot. ◦ Suspects: W/M, 48ys, 6'-02", Thin, Green/White plaid shirt, Tan shorts  ♦ 230 S. Broad - Highway (6/15-4:03pm) (Strong Arm) SUN ARREST ◦ Compl Blind Musician 55yrs states, he was playing saxophone when the offender wrestled money from his hand, a witness called police. The offender was identified by the witness.  ♦ 100 S. Broad - Concourse (6/16-10:50pm) (Strong Arm) MON ARREST  ◦ Compl B/M 34yrs states, he was attacked by a group of males who took his phone. Septa later stopped the offender who was identified by the complainant.  ♦ 2300 Locust - Highway (6/19-9:30pm) (Strong Arm) THURS ◦ Compl W/F 30yrs states, she was knocked to the ground by a male on a bicycle. The offender then took her purse and fled. ◦ Suspects: B/M, 6'00", Medium build, Black polo shirt, Dark pants  ♦ 117 S. 18th - M & T Bank (6/19-2:16pm) (Threat of Bomb) THURS ◦ Teller states, a male entered and told her he had a bomb and wanted money, the teller gave him money, the offender then fled on foot. ◦ Suspects: B/M, 5'-09" to 6', Dark skin, Medium build, Black coat  ♦ 1600 Pine - Highway (6/20-3:08am) (Mace) FRI ◦ Compl W/M 22yrs states, an unknown male spryed him in the face with mace then took his I-phone 5.  The offender then fled on foot. ◦ Suspects: B/M, 20 to 25yrs, Beard, Blue & Black shirt, Jeans

Agg Gun ♦ None during this time period ♦

Res Burglary ♦ 15xx Pine - House (5/28-4:30pm) (Nothing) WED ARREST ◦ The offender was fleeing from police after a retail theft when he gained entry into the property by forcing a roof door open. The male then fled the property after being confronted by the homeowner.  ♦ 18xx Spruce - Apt (6/5-1:35pm) (Attempt) THURS ◦ Compl states he observed a male enter his apartment building, when he entered the male was attempting to force open the interior door, when confronted the offender fled. ◦ H/M, 6'-00", Thin, 20 to 30yrs, Red shirt, Blue jeans, Red sneakers  ♦ 21xx Locust - Apt (6/4-3:30pm & 6/6-12:52pm) (Tools) UNK ◦ Compl states an unknown person entered the apartment and took tools, the apartment is being renovated and another worker may have left the door unlocked.  ♦ 21xx Pine - House (6/9-10:07pm) (Attempt) MON ◦ Compl states she observed the offender attempting to force the front door knob open, she yelled that she was calling the police. The male then fled on foot. ◦ Suspects: B/M, 5'05", Dark blue shirt  ♦ 20xx Waverly - Apt (6/20-5pm & 8/21-8am) (Copper) UNK ◦ Compl states an unknown person broke the front door and tore out copper pipe & wire from the building that is being renovated.
Stolen Cars: 4.  Auto Break-ins: 6

Monday, June 23, 2014

CCRA Newsletter Special -- Home Invasion Meeting





Home Invasion Meeting

  
       
OUR SPONSORS
   
  
 
 
Di Bruno Bros logo  

    
Penn Med Ritt logo  
   







HOME  INVASION  MEETING WED, 6/25,7:00 PM AT 10TH PRESBY CH, 17TH & SPRUCE ST. 
If you have not already heard this from the news media, we want to inform you that in the early morning hours on Saturday, while walking to her home on the 1900 block of Spruce Street, a 26-year old woman reportedly was followed by a man who forced his way into her apartment and sexually assaulted her. The man is described as Hispanic between the ages of 25 and 30. Links to media reports of this distressing event are at the end of this message.

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and CCRA are co-sponsoring a community meeting. Please join us to hear comments from:

1.  The Philadelphia. Police Department
2.  Women Organized Against Rape
3.  Handbags 4 Peace - Women dedicated to making Philadelphia a safer place for women.
4.   Town Watch Integrated Services - Partners with law enforcement efforts.
  
So far as we know, no arrest has been made. We urge anyone who may have observed suspicious activity in the Rittenhouse area between midnight and 3:00 a.m. on Saturday to contact the police. If you have a surveillance camera outside your home or business, please review footage from that night for anything that may help police in the investigation.

As an organization one of CCRA's priorities is the safety of our community and its citizens. Like you, CCRA is struggling with this crime. The rareness of violent offenses in our neighborhood does nothing to lessen their horror for those immediately affected; and they sadly and understandably engender fear in the wider community. We welcome your suggestions as to what more CCRA might do to help increase both the reality and appearance of safety in our streets, homes, and businesses.
 


Friday, June 20, 2014

CCRA Newsletter

















  
       
OUR SPONSORS
   
  
  
 Di Bruno Bros logo  
 
 


Penn Med Ritt logo




WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
POLICE ADVICE: USE ANTI BURGLARY PROPERTY ID 
Even in Eden's Garden there lurked a serpent, so it is that we have added a  Crime Report to the CCRA enewsletter,  Our last edition recorded 6 burglaries and 6 car break-ins over the last three weeks. Crime may be  inevitable but one way to  diminish its impact is the 9th Police District's Property Labeling program. To participate go online at www.phillypolice.com to obtain difficult to remove labels on which you can provide a personalized code. If your property is recovered, the police will know where to return it.  A great security device for computers, TV's, game consoles,  and other electronic gadgets. 
CCRA NEWS
CCRA MERCHANT MEMBERS DISCOUNT PROGRAM
Support our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a discount (described here) to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card (Di Bruno Bros. has its own CCRA card) and personal identification.

Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St. and the Market at the Comcast Center (215-665-9220) 
Dom's Shoe Repair, 203 S. 20th St (215-972-0098)
Eye Candy Vision, 218 S. 20th St (215-568-3937)
Hello World, 257 S. 20th St (215-545-5207)
Koresh Dance Company, 2002 Rittenhouse Sq St. (267-687-1769)
PhotoLounge 1909 Chestnut Street (267-322-6651)
Rim's Dry Cleaners & Tailors,2203 South St. (215-546-1889)
Rittenhouse Hardware, 2001 Pine St. (215-735
Rittenhouse Pet Supply, 135 S. 20th St (215-569-2555)-6311)
Computer Troubleshooters ,108 S. 20th St. (215-825-2101)
 CCRA EVENTS
ATTENTION URBAN GARDEN ENTHUSIASTS
Windowbox, container or street tree planting entries are still being taken. Businesses or residents, do-it-yourselfers, or professionals are all welcome to apply to this friendly competition designed to beautify our neighborhood. 

All contestants will be invited to an awesome end of season party, celebrating all of our neighborhood gardeners and prize winners.
 
Free to enter!  For more information or to enter your creation, click here Must enter by June 30 to win!
SQUARE FOOT GARDENING, WED, 6/25, 6PM, SCHUYLKILL PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN, 25TH & SPRUCE ST
Looking for a way to increase production in your garden? The principles of "Square Foot Gardening" may be for you! On Wednesday, June 25 at 6:00 PM Guina Hammond of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will talk about utilizing space efficiently in small gardens. 
OCT. 19 HOUSE TOUR SEEKING TOUR HOMES 
Our 56th Annual House Tour will be held on Sunday, Oct. 19, is an important fundraiser for the Association.  As hundreds of your neighbors have done before, would you be willing to place your home, apartment, or condo on the Tour this year?  We provide insurance and multiple on-site hosts/hostesses.  You receive our deepest thanks, as well as recognition in our Tour Book and the Center City Quarterly.  Please contact the CCRA office for further information at 215-546-6719 or centercity@centercityresidents.org.
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND EVENTS
RUMMAGE SALE, HOLY TRINITY AT RITTENHOUSE SQ., SAT, 6/21, 10 AM - 1 PM
All proceeds for Habitat for Humanity, Philadelphia. Donations drop-off of from Sat, 6/14 to Fri 6/20. Call 215-567-1267 for drop-off times.  All items wanted EXCEPT: Worn-out, unclean, torn clothes, Electronics older than 5 years, Large or broken appliances, Vehicles or tires, Used mattresses, box springs, bed linens, pillows, Building construction materials, Flammables, Broken china, Games or puzzles with missing pieces. 
ATTENTION SENIORS!
Friends in the City, Friends Life Care and Feet First Philly, jointly invite seniors to walk around Rittenhouse Square every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Meet at the Goat. Walk at any speed that is comfortable for you. 


SOSNA Newsletter

Saturday - Friends of Chester Arthur 50-50 Block Party and Make Music
Philly All Day at Julian Abele Park

Dear neighbors:


It is looking to be a beautiful weekend in the neighborhood, with great events
happening Saturday and Sunday!  Details below.
Tomorrow, Saturday June 21st: 
- Make Music Philly at Julian Abele Park - 12-8 PM
- FoCA 50 | 50 Block Party at 2000 block of Catharine - 3-7 PM
Sunday June 22nd:
- Universal Organic Community Garden Presents Healthy Start Program at
15th and Christian - 10:30 AM - 1 PM
- Triangles Music Series at 23rd and South - 6-8 PM
Also, the SOSNA office will be closed starting June 26 and re-open July 7th.
Apologies if this closure causes any inconvenience.
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?SouthofSouthNeighbor/721fdaec3f/213f64f440/6af0731334
Events
Every Thursday night this summer come enjoy live music, good food and meet your fellow
neighbors at the Triangles Summer Music SeriesThe June 19 music series was postponed
until Sunday June 22 at 6 PM because of weather.
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?SouthofSouthNeighbor/721fdaec3f/213f64f440/b58a3c0065
News
The SOSNA Board of Directors is seeking qualified applicants to fill the position of SOSNA Programs Coordinator.
Please click here to read the full job posting.  Applications are due by July 1. Thank you!