Happy Thanksgiving

Thursday trash will be picked up on Friday.
Local store hours on Thursday:
   South Square Market: 7am to 4pm
   CVS: store: 8am to 10pm; pharmacy: 8am to 2pm
   Walgreens: 7am to midnight (regular hours)

Royal Theater Update

OCF's Naked Philly has an update on what's happening with the Royal Theater. Check it out here.

CCRA Newsletter

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER 21, 2014

WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Proposed Charter School in Center City for Center City Smoke-Free Park Signs Spotted in Rittenhouse Sq CCRA EVENTS Interfaith Thanksgiving Gathering & Reception Sacred Spaces House Tour CCRA NEWS Office Closure and Trash Collection CCRA Merchant Member Discount Program NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND EVENTS: Article Headline Creative Solutions presents, "Rock to the Future" Eat Healthy, Give Healthy at the Fitler Sq Farmers' Market Christmas Village Returns to Love Park Presenation of Neglected/Demolished Historic Phila Concert Series at the Acad. of Vocal Arts Holiday Bazaar at the Cosmo Club Symposium on Phila. Architecture Cafe Noel Holiday Bazaar and Wreath Sale Teen Series at the Inst. Branch Library Ice Skating at the New Dilworth Park            OUR SPONSORS         If you would like to donate to CCRA, click below. WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD PROPOSED CHARTER SCHOOL IN CENTER CITY FOR CENTER CITY MaST (Math Science & Technology) Community Charter School, designated the highest performing K-12 school in Philadelphia, has applied to open a 1500 student K - 12 Center City charter school in which 80% of the students would reside in Center City zip codes.  Most charter schools are lottery-based, so a substantial portion of their students do not reside in the community where the school is located.  The proposed school has a catchment area-based model which would draw children from the downtown communities.  MaST presently operates a 1,300 student K-12 school in the Northeast at 1800 East Byberry Road that has been recognized both locally and nationally for their innovative use of technology and their "STREAM" curriculum-science, technology, robotics, engineering, art, and mathematics.  (For more information on MaST, visit their website, www.mastccs.org.)  MaST advises that its senior class has a 95% college acceptance rate even though approximately 40% of the student body is deemed economically disadvantaged. According to press reports, 40 applicants are seeking charters and only a small number are expected to be awarded. The MaST team is seeking public support for its application. If you  want more inforration or are interested in supporting their school, visit website  www.mastcentercity.org, which includes a "Join Our Support List" link.   SMOKE-FREE PARK SIGNS SPOTTED IN RITTENHOUSE SQUARE   Recent visitors to the Square may have noticed some new additions.  This past April, Mayor Nutter signed an Executive Order declaring all city-owned parks (including neighborhood and watershed parks) smoke-free (an extension of a 2011 Executive Order that declared recreation centers, pools, and playgrounds smoke-free).  The current initiative has been enacted by Parks & Recreation and the Department of Public Health and is relying heavily on community education and awareness (by the way, how many are aware that, per www.smokefreephilly.org, farmers' markets operated by The Food Trust and Farm to City are also smoke-free?)  The new signs are a step in the direction towards compliance with the April 2014 Order.  Keep an eye out for future efforts and, if you believe in everyone's right to breathe clean air (and especially our children for whom the Square is a "backyard"), help spread the word.  CCRA EVENTS Interfaith Thanksgiving Gathering & Reception Tues, 11/25, First Presby Church, 201 S., 21st, 7PM  Congregation Leyv Ha-Ir, First Unitarian Universalist, First Presbyterian Church, Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, Peace Islands Institute, Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel, and Trinity Memorial Episcopal invite you to their CCRA sponsored Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and reception afterwards.  SACRED SPACES HOUSE TOUR, SUN, 12/14, 1-4PM Thirteen participating congregations in the neighborhood will open their doors to visitors to create a Sacred Spaces Open House tour. Representatives will answer questions about each building's architecture and history and  provide information about communal activities. Refreshments, music and tours are offered at many locations. This free, self-guided tour, sponsored by CCRA, will include a tour map, as well as historical/architectural descriptions of each facility. For more information, click here. CCRA NEWS OFFICE CLOSURE  Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, CCRA office will be closed on Thursday, 11/27, and Friday, 11/28.  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. 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)  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) Twenty-Two Gallery, 236 S. 22nd St, (215-772-1911) Rim's Dry Cleaners & Tailors,2203 South St. (215-546-1889) Rittenhouse Hardware, 2001 Pine St. (215-735-6311) 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. NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND EVENTS NO TRASH COLLECTION THUR, 11/27 Addresses with Thursday pickup will be collected on Friday, 11/28.  Creative Solutions presents "Rock to the Future," tonight, 11/21 6:30-9:30 PM, Morgan Lewis, 1701 Market St As the City of Philadelphia faces an ongoing financial crisis that creates overcrowded schools, a lack of school counselors to help with the college application process, and removal of extracurricular programs, our local community has stepped up to create a support system and programs that our youth so desperately need. Creative Solutions will feature a presentation and panel discussion of the ongoing work of local nonprofits that ensure youth have the same opportunities as those in wealthier school districts. Learn how you can get involved, network, and to meet other professionals and nonprofit philanthropists. In addition, Creative Solutions will feature live music and other performances, a collaborate canvas to give words of encouragement to our youth, and light refreshments. This event is free. Click here to register. EAT HEALTHY, GIVE HEALTHY AT THE FITLER SQUARE FARMERS' MKT., SAT, 11/22, 9AM - 2PM, 23RD & PINE This holiday season, share the harvest's bounty with Philadelphia's low-income families by purchasing and donating produce for the Green Light Pantries. Customers at the farmers' market can purchase and drop the produce off in designated bins at each end of the market. This produce will be taken directly to local food pantries after the market, where it will be distributed all next week for Thanksgiving meals to needy families in Philadelphia. For more information, click here. CHRISTMAS VILLAGE RETURNS TO LOVE PARK, FROM THUR, 11/27, TO SUN, 12/28. CCRA DISCOUNT Christmas Village in Philadelphia is returning for the 7th straight year bringing the holiday atmosphere of a traditional German Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt) to Love Park on JFK Blvd. between 15th & 16th streets. As a special gift to CCRA members, show your valid membership card and receive discounts on your favorite items! Choose from a  German bratwurst or schnitzel served on a warm roll (Brötchen); both feature a hearty complimentary side of delicious German sauerkraut. For more information visit the official website: www.philachristmas.com. PRESENTATION OF NEGLECTED/DEMOLISHED HISTORIC PHILA. STRUCTURES, MON, 12/1, 7:30PM, ETHICAL SOCIETY, 1906 RITTENHOUSE SQ Vincent D. Feldman, urban photographer and author of City Abandoned: Charting the Loss of Civic Institutions in Philadelphia, will present slides and discuss historic Philadelphia structures that have been neglected or demolished at the Ethical Society, Free admission. Donations to Save Our Sites are requested. CONCERT SERIES AT THE ACAD. OF VOCAL ARTS, MON, 12/1, 7:30PM, 1920 SPRUCE ST. Trio Montage - Nancy Bean, violin and Pellegrina viola; Lloyd Smith, cello; and Anne Sullivan, harp, performing in the second of six concerts held at the AVA. Ticket prices are  $17. To purchase tickets, call 215-438-4027 OR 215-978-0969.  Click here for more information and for a list of upcoming concerts.  ART OBJECT BAZAAR AT THE COSMOPOLITAN CLUB, 1616 LATIMER ST, FRI 12/5 AND SAT, 12/6 The Cosmopolitan Club will be open members and non-members on Friday, December 5, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 6, from noon to 4:00 p.m.  For more information click here or call 215-735-1057. SYMPOSIUM ON PHILADELPHIA ARCHITECTURE: SAT., 12/6, 9AM - 3:45PM, THE ATHENAEUM, 219 S. 6TH ST For architecture buffs (& the general public), as part of its 200th anniversary, the Athenaeum of Philadelphia is sponsoring symposium,  Philadelphia Architecture: PRESENT and FUTURE, cost is $50 for Athenaeum members, $60 for non-members. Click here for a list of speakers and topics. To register call call 215-925-2688 or email events@philaathenaeum.org CAFE NOEL HOLIDAY BAZAAR AND WREATH SALE, SAT, 12/6, 10AM - 3PM, TRINITY MEMORIAL CHURCH, 22ND & SPRUCE ST This annual event will feature a Silent Auction and Gift Basket Raffle, Arts and Crafts, events for children, and musical interludes.  Everyone is invited to bring items for men who sleep at WinterShelter. For a list of items needed and details of the bazaar, 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. ICE SKATING AT THE NEW DILWORTH PARK, NOW THRU SAT., 2/22, CITY HALL The Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park in front of City Hall is open 7 days a week. Costs are $3 for kids 10 & younger, $4 for adults, and $8 for skate rental. For hours and a list of special events, click here.

SOSNA Newsletter

Royal Theater Community Meeting- Tomorrow; Community Clean Up- Saturday Friends & Neighbors,  Represenatives from Dranoff Properties will be presenting the plans for the Royal Theater redevelopment at a Community Meeting tomorrow, November 20th from 7:00pm-8:30pm at St. Charles Senior Center (1941 Christian Street). Please plan on attending the meeting if you would like to review the project plans or have questions for the Dranoff team. The SOSNA Community Impact Group is thrilled to announce the SOSNA Warm & Cozy Winter Drive.  Brighten the holidays for neighborhood kids and make sure that they stay warm in this already winter-like weather! Drop off new hats, gloves, scarves and coats at the SOSNA Office (1901 Christian Street) between now and December 18th for students at the Arthur and Stanton Elementary Schools.  This Saturday the SOSNA Clean & Green Committee has planned a neighborhood cleanup! We will be meeting at 9:00am at the SOSNA office (19th and Christian) and cleaning the streets from the office to Carpenter Green (17th & Carpenter) and Catharine Park (22nd and Fitzwater). We have two clean up routes so we are in need of twice as many hands! Spending just two hours of your Saturday morning helping clean up can make a big, and noticable, difference!  Events Zoning Committee Meeting The Novmeber 19 SOSNA Zoning Committee meeting will take place at the SOSNA OFFICE, 1901 Christian Street, at 7PM. The SOSNA Zoning Committee always meets the third Wednesday of every month starting at 7 PM. AGENDA for November 19: 1007 S Bouvier Street: Application for the legalization of a rear yard deck accessed by second floor exterior door, accessory to an existing, attached, two-story structure. 2249 League Street: Application for the complete demolition of an existing structure; and for the erection of an attached structure with roof deck and pilot house for single family household living.  1409 Pemberton Street: Application for the erection of an attached structure, roof deck and pilot house for single family household living with one interior parking garage. Events Community Meeting: Royal Theater Presentation On Thursday, November 20th, SOSNA will be facilitating a public meeting where representatives from Dranoff Properties will present plans for the redevelopment of the Royal Theater building. The meeting will be held at the St Charles Senior Center, located at 1941 Christian Street, and begin promptly at 7 PM. Events Neighborhood Clean Up Day Join the SOSNA Clean & Green committee to help beautify our neighborhood.  We will meet at 9 AM at the SOSNA office. We have two clean up routes (listed below), so we need as much help as we can get! If you have a few hours of free time on Saturday morning, please join us to clean up and meet your neighbors! Events Bagged Leaf Drop Off Bagged leaf Drop-Off will be offered citywide, on a weekly basis, on Saturdays for 6 weeks starting November 22, 2014 at 22 locations from 9 AM to 3 PM (with the exception of the Saturdays following Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving Holidays). Events Dancing in a Winter Wonderland The Holiday Show by BalletFleming: Dancing in a Winter Wonderland, will be gracing the stage this Thanksgiving weekend. Take a break from holiday shopping, to enjoy a family friendly ballet performance that gets everyone in the mood for the holidays.  Events General Meeting & Holiday Volunteer Appreciation Party SOSNA lives and breathes because of the tireless work of scores of volunteers.  To honor your hard work and accomplishments in 2014, the SOSNA Community Impact Committee is hosting a Volunteer Holiday Party on Wednesday December 10 from 7-9 PM News Take the -How is Downtown Doing- Survey The Center City District needs your feedback! Please take their survey to help them plan for new initiatives or improve what they already do. Include your name and contact info for a chance to win $250.00 in local gift certificates!

South Street West Civic Association Newsletter

ZONING FOR 2308a Naudain

There will be a zoning meeting for 2308 Naudain Street held jointly with CCRA. These are two of the units destroyed in the fire. There will be a public meeting at CCRA where you can see the plans, speak with the developer and speak up as a near neighbor. The CCRA meeting is 2111 Sansom (the church) at 7 PM on Tuesday the 25^th. We urge you to try to attend if you live within 2 blocks. Near neighbors are invited to speak after the zoning board questions the developer at the CCRA meetings. The developer should have notified you directly, and has indicated that he is willing to speak with neighbors prior to that meeting. He wants to replace the 2 family unit that was there with a 2 family unit. Zoning only permits single family units at that location, so the developer needs a variance. Our board member Keisha Usher-Martin is likely to attend on behalf of SSW Civic Association. A copy of the current plans are attached, and the developer has told us he is reaching out to near neighbors for input. If many people let us know ahead of time, Keisha can also raise the concerns at the meeting and let the CCRA board know how many people share that concern.

Since CCRA does not do petitions, will you please also let us via e-mail know if you approve, are neutral or oppose this development and give us your address when you do so? That way, we can submit a spreadsheet to the Zoning Board and Councilman Johnson with our letter. If you are opposed, please include your reasons for opposition. Please respond no later than Wednesday, November 26^th. We will include that with our spreadsheet.

Zoning for 408 S. 25^th

We don’t have additional information to date, but there is also a zoning application at the very northern end of our area for 408 S. 25^th Street. If we hear from members that they want us to take a role in this, we will. Otherwise, we will defer to CCRA on this property:

"PERMIT FOR THE ERECTION OF AN ADDITION ON THE FIRST FLOOR LEVEL AND A BAY WINDOW OF THE SECOND FLOOR REAR OF AN EXISTING ATTACHED STRUCTURE; FOR THE USE OF A SINGLE FAMILY HOUSEHOLD LIVING AS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED. SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN IN APPLICATION/PLAN." 

Trash

We want to warn that the Streets Department has some new rules about trash

Mattresses must be in a bag when they are put out. You can buy the bags at hardware stores. Unbagged mattresses may not be picked up. The city fears a bedbug problem

Plastic bags from places like the grocery store are recyclable, but they jamb the city equipment. Please do not use them instead of regular trash bags or put them in your recycling. Sometimes trash put out in a grocery store bag will be left. It is best to take these bags back to the store. Also, please put pizza boxes in the trash instead of the recycling – recycling should be clean material only.

Bike Coalition Survey

There is a link to a Bike Coalition group’s draft report online. We’d like you to read and respond if possible. We are not sure how people feel about eliminating church parking on Sunday. We have also got a lot of new bike lanes in our area over the past few years – not all of our members are happy. Our board members have heard concerns that cyclists do not take bicycle riders’ responsibilities to follow traffic laws (not run red lights, go with the traffic, not keep passing cars who have already passed them), stay off the sidewalks, not park where handicapped people need to unload, or other such things into account. So we are interested in your feedback. At the same time, we have tried to make sure cyclists can get around safely including work on the plans for the South Street Bridge. Please provide feedback to the bike coalition.

PINNING 2015 MAYORAL CANDIDATES DOWN ON BIKING, WALKING, PARKING ISSUES:  COMMENT DEADLINE 11/21

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia held a "listening session" this past Monday to discuss their "Better Mobility 2015" draft report, a series of recommendations the Coalition and other groups intend to give to the 2015 Philadelphia mayoral candidates.  Before the meeting, BCGP released its draft report online. About 20 people came to the meeting and shared their thoughts, including the following suggestions:

• More Bike Parking: It was noted that there are certain sections of the City where there simply aren't enough bike racks.
• New Infrastructure: Things like protected bike lanes (lanes physically separated from the street) and bicycle-only streets were high on the minds of many in attendance. Studies have found that when protected bike lanes are implemented, they improve the safety of not just cyclists, but drivers and pedestrians, as well.
• A Vision Zero Policy: The Bicycle Coalition and its partners have a goal of zero traffic deaths in Philadelphia. While zero is the goal, the Coalition believes the benchmark of cutting the number of deaths in half by 2020 is achievable.
• Sunday Parking: Some cyclists believe churchgoer-parking in the Spruce and Pine bike lanes on Sundays sets a bad precedent.

You can read a report of the meeting here. The Coalition is taking additional comments on the draft report through November 21. Email them at bike@bicyclecoalition.org  or tweet them at @bcgp using the hashtag #BetterMobility2015.

*************************************************************

Everyone have a great holiday. We have no updates about past zoning to share at this time. Please start thinking about issues you might want us to address going forward (in addition to parking & CHOP, which are on our list). We will have an annual meeting in February to set priorities, review bylaws and elect board members.

Barb on behalf of Barb, Peg, Keisha & Mayva

CCRA Newsletter

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER 13, 2014

WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Little Pete's and the Lady or the Tiger Pinning 2015 Mayoral Candidates Down CCRA EVENTS Interfaith Thanksgiving Gathering & Reception Sacred Spaces House Tour CCRA NEWS CCRA Merchant Member Discount Program NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND EVENTS: Winter Collections Drive Holiday Bazaar at the Cosmo Club Christmas Village Returns to Love Park Opera Performance at AVA Creative Solutions presents, "Rock to the Future" Concert Series at the Acad. of Vocal Arts Teen Series at the Inst. Branch Library            OUR SPONSORS                If you would like to donate to CCRA, click below. WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD LITTLE PETE'S AND THE LADY OR THE TIGER Our August column headlined  "Zoning Trends: Rule of Law or Legislators" discussed what was then a merely academic question: Whether  large developments not conforming to Code requirements should be processed by law via the Zoning Code through the Zoning Board of  Adjustment  or whether such non Code compliant  projects should be ruled by legislators and greenlighted by City Council ordinances. In October, the CCRA Board  resolved  that projects not in compliance with existing zoning should seek relief through the Zoning Board of Adjustment  rather than through Council ordinances, except in "Extraordinary Circumstances", a term very narrowly defined in the policy provisions (click here to view document). At the same time, a task force was appointed to attempt to expedite comprehensive remapping of the zoning in our neighborhood to bring it up to date.  (Remapping of the entire City is contemplated by the new Zoning code that went into effect in August of 2012.) This Code v. Council question is academic no longer. At issue is a  proposed 12 story 300 unit Hudson Hotel on the southeast corner of 17th & Chancellor (betw. Locust & Walnut). Click here to view picture. The parcel presently contains Little Pete's restaurant and an adjacent nails salon and beauty parlor on 17th and, on Chancellor, a parking garage.  Councilman Kenyatta Johnson has introduced legislation converting the zoning classification from CMX-4  to CMX -5.  CMX -4  permits a 500% FAR (floor area ratio) - meaning that a building taking up the entire footprint of the property could only be 5 stories tall. CMX -5 has a  1200% FAR which accommodates the planned structure EXCEPT the project would still not conform to CMX-5's  off street vehicle loading requirements.  Not to worry. The proposed  ordinance also eliminates those loading requirements. It is good to be king. The issue presented is very Lady or Tiger. Behind Door One is the Lady - a modern midrise with  a  rooftop restaurant,  underground parking, and  ground floor retail with a main entrance on Chancellor Street,  thereby enhancing what is now an uninviting  and  threadbare thoroughfare.  Behind Door Two is the Tiger - the danger of embracing ad hoc site-specific legislative zoning.   The Association expects  to convene a public meeting regarding the proposal in early December. Stay tuned.  PINNING 2015 MAYORAL CANDIDATES DOWN ON BIKING, WALKING, PARKING ISSUES:  COMMENT DEADLINE 11/21 The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia held a "listening session" this past Monday to discuss their "Better Mobility 2015" draft report, a series of recommendations the Coalition and other groups intend to give to the 2015 Philadelphia mayoral candidates.  Before the meeting, BCGP released its draft report online. About 20 people came to the meeting and shared their thoughts, including the following suggestions: More Bike Parking: It was noted that there are certain sections of the City where there simply aren't enough bike racks. New Infrastructure: Things like protected bike lanes (lanes physically separated from the street) and bicycle-only streets were high on the minds of many in attendance. Studies have found that when protected bike lanes are implemented, they improve the safety of not just cyclists, but drivers and pedestrians, as well.  A Vision Zero Policy: The Bicycle Coalition and its partners have a goal of zero traffic deaths in Philadelphia. While zero is the goal, the Coalition believes the benchmark of cutting the number of deaths in half by 2020 is achievable. Sunday Parking: Some cyclists believe churchgoer-parking in the Spruce and Pine bike lanes on Sundays sets a bad precedent.  You can read a report of the meeting here. The Coalition is taking additional comments on the draft report through November 21. Email them at bike@bicyclecoalition.org  or tweet them at @bcgp using the hashtag #BetterMobility2015.  CCRA EVENTS Interfaith Thanksgiving Gathering & Reception Tues, 11/25, First Presby Church, 201 S., 21st, 7PM  Congregation Leyv Ha-Ir, First Unitarian Universalist, First Presbyterian Church, Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, Peace Islands Institute, Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel, and Trinity Memorial Episcopal invite you to their Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and reception afterwards sponsored by CCRA.  SACRED SPACES HOUSE TOUR, SUN, 12/14, 1-4PM Thirteen participating congregations in the neighborhood will open their doors to visitors to create a Sacred Spaces Open House tour. Representatives will answer questions about each building's architecture and history and  provide information about communal activities. Refreshments, music and tours are offered at many locations. This free, self-guided tour, sponsored by CCRA, will include a tour map, as well as historical/architectural descriptions of each facility. For more information, click here. 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. 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)  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) Twenty-Two Gallery, 236 S. 22nd St, (215-772-1911) Rim's Dry Cleaners & Tailors,2203 South St. (215-546-1889) 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. NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND EVENTS WINTER COLLECTIONS DRIVE ENDS SAT, 11/15, FIRST PRESBY CHURCH, 201 S. 21ST ST. Tens of thousands of kids in the Philadelphia region face the cold winter months without the essentials they need to stay warm and safe. Help Cradles to Crayons provide these children with warm winter essentials listed below: * Children's coats (sizes newborn-14/16) * Winter boots (sizes infant/child 0-14/16) * Children's warm, winter clothing (sizes newborn - 14/16) * Hats, gloves, mittens and scarves Drop items off at any time during church hours. Please contact Bob Gross at  robert.gross@fpcphila.org with questions. For more information, click here. ART  OBJECT BAZAAR AT THE COSMOPOLITAN CLUB, 1616 LATIMER ST, FRI 12/5 AND SAT, 12/6 The Cosmopolitan Club will be open members and non-members on Friday, December 5, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 6, from noon to 4:00 p.m.  For more information click here or call 215-735-1057. CHRISTMAS VILLAGE RETURNS TO LOVE PARK, FROM THUR, 11/27, TO SUN, 12/28. CCRA DISCOUNT Christmas Village in Philadelphia is returning for the 7th straight year bringing the holiday atmosphere of a traditional German Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt) to Love Park on JFK Blvd. between 15th & 16th streets. As a special gift to CCRA members, show your valid membership card and receive discounts on your favorite items! Choose from a  German bratwurst or schnitzel served on a warm roll (Brötchen); both feature a hearty complimentary side of delicious German sauerkraut. For more information visit the official website: www.philachristmas.com. OPERA PERFORMANCE AT AVA TONIGHT, 11/14, & SAT 11/15; 1920 SPRUCE, 7:30PM  The Academy of Vocal Arts' is holding their first-ever fully staged production of Rossini's L'italiana in Algeri. This two-act opera will be performed in the original Italian with English supertitles.  Ticket Prices: $60 Adults / $50 Seniors / $25 30 & Under / $10 Students. Premium Tickets and Group Rates Available. For more information, click here. Creative Solutions presents "Rock to the Future," Fri., 11/21 6:30-9:30 PM, Morgan Lewis, 1701 Market St As the City of Philadelphia faces an ongoing financial crisis that creates overcrowded schools, a lack of school counselors to help with the college application process, and removal of extracurricular programs, our local community has stepped up to create a support system and programs that our youth so desperately need. Creative Solutions will feature a presentation and panel discussion of the ongoing work of local nonprofits that ensure youth have the same opportunities as those in wealthier school districts. Learn how you can get involved, network, and to meet other professionals and nonprofit philanthropists. In addition, Creative Solutions will feature live music and other performances, a collaborate canvas to give words of encouragement to our youth, and light refreshments. This event is free. Click here to register. CONCERT SERIES AT THE ACAD. OF VOCAL ARTS, MON, 12/1, 7:30PM, 1920 SPRUCE ST. Trio Montage - Nancy Bean, violin and Pellegrina viola; Lloyd Smith, cello; and Anne Sullivan, harp, performing in the second of six concerts held at the AVA. Ticket prices are  $17. To purchase tickets, call 215-438-4027 OR 215-978-0969.  Click here for more information and for a list of upcoming concerts.  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.