SOSNA Newsletter

Meet the Candidates for the SOSNA Board of Directors! Friends and Neighbors, Elections for the 2014-2015 SOSNA Board of Directors are taking place at the upcoming October General Meeting! Each candidate has submitted a questionnaire detailing their previous involvement with SOSNA, what initiatives they are passionate about, and how they plan to make a difference. To read more about each candidate, click here. Elections will be taking place during the General Meeting on October 8th from 6:30-9:00PM at Shiloh Baptist Church. Remember, in order to vote you must register in advance- register here. The parents and caregivers of preschool and elementary age children are invited to an elementary school fair on October 22nd! The fair gives families the opportunity to speak directly to schools and compare individual philosophies and accomplishments. Representatives from public, charter, private and parochial schools from three neighborhood association areas will be on hand to answer questions. SOSNA is also seeking volunteers for event set up (4-5:30pm), and the Fair itself (5-7pm). Please contact the SOSNA office at 215-732-8446 if you are able to help! Bloktoberfest is almost here! It's going down Saturday, October 11, from noon to 8:00PM, along South Street from Broad to 18th. Bloktoberfest is looking for volunteers to help during the festival; if you like free t-shirts (and free beer!) sign up to help out! Lastly, SOSNA's Community Impact Committee is meeting this Thursday evening at 6:30pm at the SOSNA office. Come help us plan more community events for SOSNA - socials, block parties, and community awards. All are welcome! Upcoming Neighborhood Events: Events Schuylkill River Boardwalk Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony   Join the City of Philadelphia and Schuylkill River Development Corporation as they dedicate and officially open the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk!   Speakers will include: Mayor Michael Nutter Deputy Mayor for Transportation & Utilities, Rina Cutler SRDC Chairman, Gerard Sweeney   Following the ceremony, participate in the inaugural promenade along the boardwalk. Events Southwest Center City 5K Run Events We Shall Overcome: Gospel Event at Tindley Temple Events CCRA Dog Walker Watch Training Program Events 56th Annual CCRA Fall House Tour   56th ANNUAL CCRA FALL HOUSE TOUR   Tour 11 Spectacular Rittenhouse & Fitler Square Houses Sunday, October 19, 1 to 5    The self-guided tour begins at Trinity Center for Urban Life, 2212 Spruce Street in Fitler Square or Beth Zion Beth Israel (BZBI) at 18th & Spruce Streets (½ block from Rittenhouse Square).

Final Triangle Summer Music Concert This Sunday

FINAL SUMMER MUSIC SERIES OF 2014. Weather looks perfect for Sunday, Sept 28, 5-7pm. Music for kids provided by Cris & Lou. Food provided by Pitruco's Pizza Truck. 23rd and South Streets. Don't miss the last outdoor concert of the year!

CCRA Newsletter

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD CCRA Advocates for Hate Crimes PRotection IN SB 42 CCRA NEWS 56th Annual House Tour Volunteer for CCRA's House Tour CCRA Merchant Member Discount Program CCRA EVENTS Dog Walker Neighborhood Security Training NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND EVENTS: Two Center City Congregations Form New PArtnership at 17th & Sansom Teen Series at the Inst. Branch Library Drug Take-Back Day Concert Series begins at AVA Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk Opens 10/2 The Giargiari Bel Canto Competition Free College Concert at the Kimmel Philly High School fair            OUR SPONSORS                If you would like to donate to CCRA, click below. WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD CCRA ADVOCATES FOR HATE CRIMES PROTECTION IN SB 42 In response to the September 11 attack at 16th & Chancellor, CCRA Executive Vice President Maggie Mund testified in Harrisburg on Wednesday September 23 urging quick action on Pa. Senate Bill 42, sponsored by Senator Larry Farnese of Center City. The bill extends the protections of current hate crimes legislation to gay, lesbian, bi and transsexual citizens. Maggie's remarks on behalf of CCRA are contained in this link. Two days later, CCRA Vice President Chuck Goodwin spoke in support of the legislation at a Love Park rally organized by our State Rep. Brian Sims. The elected officials who spoke included DA Seth Williams, Senator Farnese and Council members Kenney and Reynolds-Brown. In addition, representatives of the Philadelphia Human Relations Commission, William Way, EqualityPA, GALEI, and the transgender community as well as Caryn Kunkle, a friend and spokesperson for the victims, spoke at the rally. Chuck's statement on behalf of CCRA is contained in this link. CCRA NEWS 56TH ANNUAL HOUSE TOUR, SUN, 10/19, 1-5PM The 56th  Annual House Tour features 11 spectacular homes in Rittenhouse Square. Tour tickets purchased before Oct. 17 are $25 each. Click here to buy a ticket , call (215) 546-6719, or  mail a check to CCRA (1600 Market St., Suite 2500, Phila. 19103).   VOLUNTEER FOR CCRA'S HOUSE TOUR, SUN, 10/19 AND RECEIVE FREE TICKET Hosts/Hostesses are stationed in homes from 1-3:00PM or from 3-5:00PM to greet tour goers and receive a free Tour ticket. If you wish to volunteer, email us at  centercity@centercityresidents.org. 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) 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. (215-735-6311) Rittenhouse Pet Supply, 135 S. 20th St (215-569-2555) 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)  Uber - Limo service Uber provides $20 off a first ride, Good for new users only. Members use code CCRA14. Philly Foodworks - Use the code "CCRA" when signing up for home delivery and receive a $20 discount on delivery charges.  CCRA EVENTS DOG WALKER NEIGHBORHOOD SECURITY TRAINING, MON, 10/6, TANEY PARK, 7PM CCRA and event sponsor Rittenhouse Square Pet Supply (at 137 S. 20th St.; 215 569 2555) invite dog owners (and others who walk dogs) for free training on how to observe the environment  - and to know when, what, and how to report suspicious activity or hazards.  Because space is limited, register ahead and, alas, no room for dogs. Click here to register or call 215-546-6749. NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND EVENTS TWO CENTER-CITY CONGREGATIONS FORM NEW PARTNERSHIP AT 17TH & SANSOM  Ownership of the First Baptist Church Building has been sold to Liberti Church, a member congregation in the Reformed Church in America.  The arrangement permits First Baptist to have a continued presence and ministry. The Liberti congregation has been worshipping here for the last 3 1/2 years under a lease agreement.  First Baptist chose Liberti instead of a commercial development interest so that this building would continue to be a source of ministry, healing, and a center for community life and support. For more information,click here.  TEEN PROGRAM SERIES AT THE INST. BRANCH LIBRARY, 1905 LOCUST ST, NOW THRU 12/15 Calling all teens! The Philadelphia City Institute Branch Library will hold a series of teen programs this fall and early winter. For a list of events, click here. DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY, SAT, 9/27, TRINITY MEM. CHURCH, 22ND & SPRUCE, 10AM - 2PM You can bring your unwanted prescriptions to Trinity for safe disposal. CONCERT SERIES BEGINS AT AVA, MON, 9/29, 7:30PM, 1920 SPRUCE ST. The Academy of Vocal Arts 2014-2015 Concert Series begins with music from:  Nancy Bean, violin Pamela Fay, viola Lloyd Smith, cello Marcantonio Barone, piano Ticket prices are $17 each. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 215-438-4037. to view a list of upcoming concerts, click here. SCHUYLKILL BANKS BOARDWALK OPENS 10/2 The long-awaited grand opening of the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk will be celebrated with three days of events, including a pre-opening fun run/walk on October 1 (click here to register), the official ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony on October 2nd, and an old-fashioned community celebration on the new boardwalk on October 5th. Click here to view the press release for these events and for additional information regarding the Boardwalk. THE GIARGIARI BEL CANTO COMPETITION, SAT, 10/11, 7:30PM, KIMMEL CTR, BROAD & SPRUCE ST. Academy of Vocal Arts' Resident Artists will perform in the annual favorite Giargiari Bel Canto Competition in the Perelman Theater. Joining AVA's Resident Artists will be faculty member Master Vocal Coach Danielle Orlando. Many of AVA's Resident Artists will perform opera arias at the competition, scored by three experienced judges to receive the evening's prizes. The audience itself will vote on which Resident Artist receives the coveted Audience Favorite Award. Tickets ($45 adult, $25 under 30, $10 students) are available by calling the Kimmel Center's Box office at 215-893-1999. For more information, click here. FREE COLLEGE CONCERT AT THE KIMMEL, TUES, 10/14 8PM, BROAD & SPRUCE ST. The Kimmel Center presents the Philadelphia Orchestra's Seventh Annual Free College Concert Pre- and post concert festivities included. Reserve ticket at www.philorch.org/college. This offer applies to all full-time college undergraduates and graduate students with a valid full-time student ID.  PHILLY HIGH SCHOOL FAIR, FRI, 10/17, 3-7PM AND SAT, 10/18, 9AM-3PM, DREXEL ARMORY, 33RD & MARKET Explore your options! Get information about high schools, and partnering & volunteering. Learn about academic and special programs, extracurriculars, admissions criteria, how to apply, and more. For more information, click here.

Rosh Hashanah Greetings

Happy New Year!

SOSNA News Letter

Philly Bike Share and Upcoming SOSNA Events! Friends and Neighbors, Let's bring Philly Bike Share to South of South! The City of Philadelphia needs resident input to determine 60 locations for the Bike Share Program, which launches in the spring of 2015! Please vote for locations in our neighborhood, as well as locations that work for YOU! For more information visit Philadelphia's bike share website. If you would like to apply for a street tree PHS and your local Tree Tenders Group are currently accepting applications! Contact the SOSNA office to get an application and visit the Southwest Center City Tree Planters Facebook page to stay abreast of greening efforts in the area! Our friends at FoCA (Friends of Chester Arthur) are having a general meeting  today, Tuesday, September 23 at 7PM, at Chester A. Arthur School on 20th and Catharine. This is a great opportunity to find out about the school and some exciting new academic initiatives, as well as what you can do to the support Chester Arthur this year. This year FoCA is the beneficiary of the Southwest Center City 5K! The run will take place on Saturday October 25th at 9am.  SWCC 5K is looking for runners/walkers/rollers, as well as sponsors and volunteers.  For more information, check out their website. This Thursday SOSNA will be hosting a Town Watch Orientation. The training will cover the purpose of the Town Watch and various ways that residents can participate to make our community safer and a better place to live. The South of South Town Watch is currently seeking new members (and dogs are welcome to accompany members on walking patrols)! Remember the SOSNA Board of Director Elections are taking place on Wednesday, October 8th at 7PM at Shiloh Baptist Church. Please register to vote in advance.   Events South of South Town Watch Orientation - September 25th The SOSNA Safety Committee and the South of South Town Watch have coordinated to organize training opportunities for our neighborhood.           Events October General Membership Meeting-SOSNA Board of Directors Elections SOSNA needs members to elect up to 5 new members of the SOSNA Board of Directors. Nominations were accepted at the September 10, 2014 General Membership Meeting. Events Schuylkill River Boardwalk Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony   Join the City of Philadelphia and Schuylkill River Development Corporation as they dedicate and officially open the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk!   Speakers will include: Mayor Michael Nutter Deputy Mayor for Transportation & Utilities, Rina Cutler SRDC Chairman, Gerard Sweeney   Following the ceremony, participate in the inaugural promenade along the boardwalk.   News EXTENDED Deadline! Homestead Exemption must be filed by December 1, 2014 Did you not get the Homestead Exemption last year to help reduce your property taxes? You can apply again this year by December 1, 2014 to get as much as $400 taken off your real estate tax bill.  IF YOU RECEIVED THE EXEMPTION LAST YEAR YOU DO NOT NEED TO RE-APPLY.  As of tax year 2015, properties with the 10-year tax abatement can no longer receive this exemption. You can apply online. You can apply over the phone (the fastest way) by calling 215-686-9200.

CCRA News Letter

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 19, 2014 WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Lincoln & Butt Blisters It's "Don't Text and Drive. It can wait" Day CCRA NEWS 56th Annual House Tour Volunteers Needed for CCRA's 56th Annual Fall House Tour CCRA Merchant Member Discount Program CCRA EVENTS Farewell to Summer Dog Walker Neighborhood Security Training NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND EVENTS: Rittenhouse Sq, Fine Art Show Free Philadelphia United Jazz Fesitval Tips for Biking with Young Children Children's Musician at the Triangle Plaza Penn's 5K for the IOA Teen Series at the Inst. Branch Library Rosh Hashanah in Rittenhouse Sq. Drug Take-Back Day Concert Series begins at AVA Volunteers Needed at PHS The Giargiari Bel Canto Competition Free College Concert at the Kimmel Philly High School fair            OUR SPONSORS                  If you would like to donate to CCRA, click below. WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD LINCOLN & BUTT BLISTERS: VOTER REGISTRATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED   "Elections belong to the people.  . .. . If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters."  --Abraham Lincoln Honest Abe, a farmboy not above scatological references, could have been talking about  Harrisburg and the school funding crisis - a butt blister which arises  in no small  part because Philadelphia voters  have "turned our back on the fire." For presidential elections, Philadelphians punch their weight. We comprise an eighth of the state's population  and one out of every 8 Pennsylvania presidential votes comes from Philadelphia.  In off years such as 2014, our performance drops off. In the last gubernatorial race, 60,000 Philadelphia voters "disappeared" so that Philadelphia's share of the 2010 vote dropped to 10.5%. Take it from Abe, the more Philadelphians who  vote  this November 4, the more influence our city will have in Harrisburg, regardless of who is elected governor.  Many of those disappearing voters live in Center City where more than 40% of the residents are millennials.  Commissioner Stephanie Singer,  whose office maintains the City's voting records, advises that only 13% of this age cohort voted in November of 2013. Now is not the time to turn our backs to the fire. If you are interested in helping to "find" those 60,000 Philadelphia voters who "disappeared" in 2010, sign up with the Crosstown Citizen Alliance's nonpartisan voter registration drive.  Click here to see what dates, times and locations need to be filled and call Joe Driscoll, 908-278-5352 or email joe@crosstownvotes.org. IT'S DON'T TEXT & DRIVE DAY   Texting while driving is dangerous, illegal, and an increasing cause of  auto fatalities and injuries. Today is "Don't Text and Drive - It can Wait" Day. Join more than five million others who have taken a no texting while driving pledge by adopting these suggestions from CCRA sponsor AT &T:  #X: By posting #X before you drive, your friends know you're about to drive and can't respond . On September 19 especially, make #X trend across social networks. Use  photos and video to spur your friends to adopt the  #X habit.  Use technology like the simple to use AT&T DriveMode® app, which blocks text messages while you are driving and informs those trying to reach that you are driving and  will respond once the trip ends. These apps also help spread the word, letting others know about their availability. Text your pledge! Text the keyword 'icwpa' to 464329. You'll receive a text response/confirmation!  In Pennsylvania, the pledge - and the text - are free! Learn more about #X and how you can get involved at ItCanWait.com   CCRA NEWS 56TH ANNUAL HOUSE TOUR, SUN, 10/19, 1-5PM The 56th  Annual House Tour features 11 spectacular homes in Rittenhouse Square. Tour tickets purchased before Oct. 17 are $25 each. Click here to buy a ticket , call (215) 546-6719, or  mail a check to CCRA (1600 Market St., Suite 2500, Phila. 19103).   VOLUNTEER FOR CCRA'S HOUSE TOUR, SUN, 10/19 AND RECEIVE FREE TICKET Hosts/Hostesses are stationed in homes from 1-3:00PM or from 3-5:00PM to greet tour goers and receive a free Tour ticket. If you wish to volunteer, email us at centercity@centercityresidents.org. 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) 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. (215-735-6311) Rittenhouse Pet Supply, 135 S. 20th St (215-569-2555) Computer Troubleshooters ,108 S. 20th St. (215-825-2101) Uber - Limo service Uber provides a 10% discount for CCRA Members using code CCRA14. Philly Foodworks - Use the code "CCRA" when signing up for home delivery and receive a $20 discount on delivery charges.  CCRA EVENTS "FAREWELL TO SUMMER" AWARDS PRESENTATION, SUN, 9/21, 4PM, SRPCG, 25TH & SPRUCE ST Come see who will take home the award for our inaugural Street Scene Urban Garden Competition. The ceremony and party will be held at 4:00 pm in the Schuylkill River Park Community Garden. For further information, contact the CCRA office, 215-546-6719.  DOG WALKER NEIGHBORHOOD SECURITY TRAINING, MON, 10/6, TANEY PARK, 7PM CCRA and Rittenhouse Square Pet Supply (at 137 S. 20th St.; 215 569 2555) invite dog owners (and others who walk dogs) for free training on how to observe the environment  - and to know when, what, and how to report suspicious activity or hazards.  Because space is limited, register ahead and, alas, no room for dogs. Click here to register or call 215-546-6749. NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND EVENTS RITTENHOUSE SQ FINE ART SHOW THIS WEEKEND! Fri., 9/19, 11am - 7pm Sat. 9/20, 11am - 6pm Sun.9/21, 11am - 5pm  For more information, click here. FREE JAZZ FESTIVAL, SAT, 9/20, 12-8PM, SOUTH ST, BTW BROAD & 16TH. Philadelphia jazz is back for the first annual Philadelphia United Jazz Festival! For more information, click here. TIPS FOR BIKING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN:  SUN., SEPT. 21, 11 AM - 3 PM, 719 CATHERINE ST. Join Kidical Mass at the free ABCs of Family Biking event in the Fleisher Art Memorial Parking Lot.  Kidical Mass helps the City's tiniest cyclists take back the streets with monthly family-friendly slow-paced bike rides.  On Sunday, they will be parking their bikes for an afternoon of test rides, sharing information, and fun.  Click here to RSVP and further information.    TRIANGLE PLAZA FESTIVAL, SUN, 9/21, 5-7PM, 23RD & SOUTH Live music and food truck Poi Dog. Also from  Friday  through Sunday, you'll be able to vote at the Plaza from among more than a dozen submissions for painting the Plaza's floor. PENN'S 5K FOR THE INSTITUTE ON AGING, SUN, 9/21, 8AM, PENN PARK, 33RD & WALNUT ST Support Alzheimer's and aging-related research and care at Penn's Institute on Aging (IOA). Raise vital research dollars and invite your friends to support your run. For more information and to register, click here. TEEN PROGRAM SERIES AT THE INST. BRANCH LIBRARY, 1905 LOCUST ST FROM 9/22 - 12/15 Calling all teens! The Philadelphia City Institute Branch Library will hold a series of teen programs this fall and early winter. For a list of events, click here. ROSH HASHANAH IN RITTENHOUSE, WED, 9/24, 5-7PM, RITTENHOUSE SQ. Celebrate the High Holy Days in the Square with Temple Beth Zion Beth Isreal. It's free and open to the public. A concert will be held followed by a traditional service. Dress comfy, bring a lawn chair, grab a blanket, and pack a picnic.  DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY, SAT, 9/27, TRINITY MEM. CHURCH, 22ND & SPRUCE, 10AM - 2PM You can bring your unwanted prescriptions to Trinity for safe disposal. CONCERT SERIES BEGINS AT AVA, MON, 9/29, 7:30PM, 1920 SPRUCE ST. The Academy of Vocal Arts 2014-2015 Concert Series begins with music from:  Nancy Bean, violin Pamela Fay, viola Lloyd Smith, cello Marcantonio Barone, piano Ticket prices are $17 each. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 215-438-4037. to view a list of upcoming concerts, click here. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THE PHS POP-UP GARDEN UNTIL 10/3, 1438 SOUTH STREET  Help the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society while enjoying summer in the Pop Up Garden. PHS  needs volunteers to work from 11am to 2pm in the Pop UP Garden.  Your duties will be to welcome visitors and provide information about PHS and the City Harvest Program. PHS will provide all the information you need.  If you would like to help PHS, please contact Jessica Wong, PHS Volunteer Coordinator at: jwong@pennhort.org THE GIARGIARI BEL CANTO COMPETITION, SAT, 10/11, 7:30PM, KIMMEL CTR, BROAD & SPRUCE ST. Academy of Vocal Arts' Resident Artists will perform in the annual favorite Giargiari Bel Canto Competition in the Perelman Theater. Joining AVA's Resident Artists will be faculty member Master Vocal Coach Danielle Orlando. Many of AVA's Resident Artists will perform opera arias at the competition, scored by three experienced judges to receive the evening's prizes. The audience itself will vote on which Resident Artist receives the coveted Audience Favorite Award. Tickets ($45 adult, $25 under 30, $10 students) are available by calling the Kimmel Center's Box office at 215-893-1999. For more information, click here. FREE COLLEGE CONCERT AT THE KIMMEL, TUES, 10/14 8PM, BROAD & SPRUCE ST. The Kimmel Center presents the Philadelphia Orchestra's Seventh Annual Free College Concert Pre- and post concert festivities included. Reserve ticket at www.philorch.org/college. This offer applies to all full-time college undergraduates and graduate students with a valid full-time student ID.  PHILLY HIGH SCHOOL FAIR, FRI, 10/17, 3-7PM AND SAT, 10/18, 9AM-3PM, DREXEL ARMORY, 33RD & MARKET Explore your options! Get information about high schools, and partnering & volunteering. Learn about academic and special programs, extracurriculars, admissions criteria, how to apply, and more. For more information, click here.