Wednesday, April 29, 2015

SSWCA Newsletter

An update from the South Street West Civic Association
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General Meeting Notice - May 6th

 
Greetings neighbor,

We hope this email finds you well. A general meeting of the South Street West Civic Association has been called by the board. First on the evening's agenda will be a brief update on what the SSWCA has been up to followed by a vote on proposed changes to the organizations bylaws. Although any interested community member is welcome to attend, voting is only for members of SSWCA. As a reminder, a voting member is defined as any individual who resides or operates a business in the SSWCA territory (Map below: In all cases both sides of any border street are included in SSWCA’s territory).
 

MAY 6th - SSWCA General Meeting & Bylaw Vote

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Chester A. Arthur auditorium (2000 Catharine St)

To open and review a draft of the proposed bylaws, click here. Please respond to directly to the SSWCA at sswcivica@gmail.com with any feedback, comments, or questions. 
 

Best,

Brad, Matt, Jessica, and Fred

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Friday, April 24, 2015

CCRA Newsletter



WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Building Permit Approved for Boyd Theater Site
"Uncanny Valley" 90 Miles Off Broadway, 90 Times Better
CCRA NEWS AND EVENTS
Public Meeting with the Office of Emergency Management
CCRA Herb Booth
Street Scene Urban Garden and Photography Competition
CCRA Merchant Member Discount Program
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND EVENTS:
Jumbo Jumble Sale and Electronics Recycling
Acad of Vocal Arts Presents "Faust"
Free Walking Tours of Center City and Beyond
Insomnia and Whitman Portrait
The Wister Quartet Concert at Acad of Vocal Arts
Art Exhibition at the Twenty-Two Gallery

  
       
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WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
BUILDING PERMIT APPROVED FOR BOYD THEATRE SITE
Since Pearl Properties purchased the Boyd Theatre in October, giving it ownership of the entire eastern half of the south side of the 1900 block of Chestnut St., we have made many efforts to find out what its intentions are.  Did it intend to honor the commitment of the prior owner to retain the Chestnut St. façade and entrance for a deluxe 8-screen multiplex movie theater?  Did it intend to use its now expanded footprint to build its previous proposed high rise at the SW corner of 19 th and Chestnut, but without the need for legislative rezoning?  Even as demolition of the Theatre auditorium was about to commence, our efforts yielded no more than a "wait and you'll see."  Well, as reported in Wednesday's Philadelphia Inquirer , Pearl has received a building permit for the entire site, and intends to erect a project that will require neither legislative rezoning or variances from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  The permit indicates the following:  a 27-story tower with more than 200 apartments; 66 underground parking spaces; 3 stories of retail fronting on Chestnut; and loading docks (and the entry/exit to the parking) on Sansom St.  Also, instead of being massed at the corner of 19 th and Chestnut, the high rise is now situated mostly behind 1920 Chestnut (La Castagne restaurant), though the pedestrian entrance is on 19 th St.  And the plans contain no suggestion of any movie theaters. CCRA still has not heard anything substantive from the developer, however, due to the size of the proposed structure, even if it does not need any zoning variances, it must go through Civic Design Review (advisory only), which means it will be subject to a CCRA Community Meeting, and receive our formal input at the Planning Commission.  We will keep you posted.
"UNCANNY VALLEY" 90 MILES OFF BROADWAY,  90 TIMES BETTER
For Philadelphia playgoers who select productions because of the actors, a must see is any  performance by Frank X, currently in Interact Theater's "Uncanny Valley".  Hurry, the performances at 2035 Sansom Street close this weekend. The production raises
 NYC - Philadelphia  balance of trade issues. This year Broadway has brought us Glenn Close, a personal fav,  who repeatedly flubbed  lines in A Delicate Balance, Albee's dated  and improbable drama. On the other hand, Bill Nighy (Love Actually, Marigold Hotel) knocks it out of the park in  Skylight salvaging a forgettable script played on a set  bringing to mind a well crafted and innovative middle school production. And all this at prices that would  choke the Koch Brothers, well maybe not both of them at once. On Sansom Street,  Uncanny Valley raises timeless and haunting questions - What is human? Are there limits to science and to love? It is presented on a nifty set. Frank X's mastery is such that a production without his presence is unthinkable.  And for Philadelphia playgoers who select plays because of their actors, there's one more to  add to a growing  list - Sally Mercer - who performs opposite Frank  X in this two person production. 
CCRA NEWS 
AND EVENTS
PUBLIC MEETING WITH THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, MON, 4/27, 7PM, TRINITY CENTER FOR URBAN LIFE, 2212 SPRUCE ST
In response to a CCRA request, Samantha Phillips, Director of Philadelphia's Office of Emergency Management, will explain the  City's plans and procedures for emergencies, including a possible rail-related accident on the Schuylkill tracks.  Following a brief presentation, there will be a monitored discussion with audience members.  Please submit questions to the Center City office at  centercity@centercityresidents.org.  And please keep in mind that freight rail traffic is regulated by the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT); the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the City government and CCRA do not have regulatory authority over CSX or its rights of way.  Attached is    a brief information piece (drafted by our Treasurer, Walter Spencer) that you may find helpful. 

This event is being co-sponsored by Penn's Village and Logan Square Neighborhood Association.
CCRA HERB BOOTH AT RITT. SQ. FLOWER MARKET - 5/6 AND 5/7 - AND CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
The 101st Rittenhouse Square Flower Market for Children's Charities is just around the corner and CCRA will again be selling herbs:   parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, as well as basil, chives, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, and others.  Come by and make a purchase to support this worthy cause.  We still need a few more volunteers - a great way to socialize with other CCRA members, as well as random friends traversing the Square.  There are 3 people per shift. Openings:  Wednesday, May 6 for 11:00 am to 1:15 pm; and 3:30 pm to 6:00;  Thursday, May 7: 11:00 am to 1:15 pm; and 1:15 pm to 3:30 pm.  Please email your date/shift preference to CCRA with "Flower Market" in the subject line, and include a telephone number.
STREET SCENE URBAN GARDEN AND PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION WINDOW BOX PLANTING WORKSHOP, SAT, 5/9, 10AM , GARDEN, 25th & SPRUCE
CCRA's Street Scene urban garden and PHOTOGRAPHY (new this year) returns, bigger and better than ever.  Garden entries are due by June 30, and photography entries are due by August 15.  There will be a  window box planting workshop on May 9 at 10 am with Grace Wicks of Graceful Gardens at the Schuylkill River Park Community Garden.  A photography workshop is planned for later in the summer.  The CCRA Street Scene web page and entry forms will be available on May 4, 2015.  But it's never too early to start dreaming!  Which is why, each week from now through October 31, the CCRA e-newsletter will contain a gardening tip to help you plan, plant and maintain your most fantastic Street Scene entry yet! 

A big thank you to our sponsors, Reinhold Residential, Pam Rosser Thistle, REALTOR, and Friends in the City.  

Window Box Selection and Location
Window boxes, of course, are just containers attached to the house. They're easy to plant. Here are some key points to keep in mind to help you choose, plant, and care for a window box:

  • Select a style that matches your house. Treated softwood or hardwood boxes are easy to paint or stain to blend in beautifully with their surroundings. Plastic, metal, terra-cotta, or concrete boxes can work too, but are harder work with. 
  • A big window needs a bold window box.  Don't skimp on the size of your window box if you have a wide or a tall window.  And be sure to plant the container fully so the plant material matches in height and scale the size of the window and the window box doesn't get overshadowed by the size of the window. 
  • Pay attention to size. A window box looks best if its length is within a couple of inches of the size of the window, although slight differences - long or short - won't hurt. Plants need room to grow and soil that doesn't dry out too fast - boxes should be at least 8 inches wide to provide room for top growth and 8 inches deep for the roots.
  • Go for a sunny exposure to please the most plants. This, though, increases your watering chores. Remember that some window boxes are protected from rains, so you need to check regularly for dryness. Don't worry if there's shade. Many excellent shade plants thrive in partial or full shade.
Position the box below the window by a few inches. If you happen to have a window that opens outward, you have to lower the box. Safety first. The window boxes are heavy when watered, and you'll have to water often during hot, sunny weather. Secure them to the window ledge, or house wall, rather than just balancing the box on the window ledge. Use steel brackets every 18 inches or so and fasten them into the siding or masonry with the proper screws. Rest the box on the supports and screw the bottom to the brackets. Always mount the box before you plant. 
CCRA MERCHANT MEMBERS DISCOUNT PROGRAM
S upport 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
JUMBO JUMBLE SALE AND ELECTRONICS RECYCLING  TRINITY CHURCH, 22ND & SPRUCE , Sat., 4/25, 10 AM - 3 PM
Donations may be dropped off Monday, April 20 to Thursday, April 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Preview sale on Friday April 24, 5 p.m. to  7 p.m.  For more information, click here.
ACAD OF VOCAL ARTS PRESENTS CHARLES GOUNOD'S "FAUST" 4/25 , 4/28  4/30, and 5/2, 7:30 PM, 1920 SPRUCE ST
A classic tale of sin and redemption.  Dr. Faust in despair and near suicide, his passions reawakened by the sound of young men and women outside his window, he curses God and summons Satan. The Devil, Méphistophélès, appears and producing the beguiling vision of a young village girl, Marguerite, convinces Faust to exchange his soul for the chance to revisit youth and desire. Ticket
Prices: $60 Adults / $50 Seniors / $25 30 & Under / $10 Students. For more information, click here.
FREE WALKING TOURS OF CENTER CITY AND BEYOND, 5/1-5/3
What's the secret history of corner stores or the nine lives of our bank buildings? What qualities make a neighborhood walkable? Is it possible to time travel around Rittenhouse? Can Philadelphians walk on water?  Join PlanPhilly as it presents Jane's Walk, a weekend of free walks taking place May 1-3 that rewards curiosity as people explore the city in dialogue together. The walks are intended to be roving conversations led by volunteers, with professional and citizen experts sharing ideas, observations, and thinking out loud about our city. All walks are free and open to anyone. They're occasions to learn from one another as we discuss what we appreciate in our city, how our neighborhoods change, and our hopes for making Philly a more livable city for all.

Jane's Walk is a global event of locally led walks inspired by the legacy of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs . Jane's Walk started in Toronto in 2007 and volunteers present hundreds of walks in more than 100 cities around the globe.  The walk roster is still growing online - so check the Jane's Walk Philadelphia site for more information, including a list of walks, dates, and starting times.
"INSOMNIA" AND "WHITMAN PORTRAIT" CLASSICAL MUSIC BY ARTSONG REPERTORY THEATER COMPANY, SAT, 5/2, 8PM, FIRST UNITARIUM CHUCH, 2125 CHESTNUT ST.
ARTCy will be showing two new works by composers Tom Cipullo (winner of the 2012 Guggenheim fellowship) and Philadelphia-favorite, acclaimed composer Jeremy Gill. For more information, click here.

Tickets are $20 at the door or online with $10 student tickets available with valid ID at the door only. 
THE WISTER QUARTET CONCERT AT ACAD OF VOCAL ARTS, MON, 5/11, 7:30PM, 1920 SPRUCE ST
Hear the Wister Quartet as they perform Sketch Based Indian Themes. Tickets ate $17 per person. For more information, call 215-438-4027 or 215-978-0969.
ART EXHIBITION AT THE TWENTY-TWO GALLERY THRU THURS 5/14, 236 S. 22ND ST.

"Portrait of Dorian Gray #1" (detail); acrylic on canvas; by Tyler Lyke.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

SOSNA Newsletter

Tomorrow: 2nd District Candidate Forum; This Week: Clean & Green and FoCA Night Out!

Friends & Neighbors, 
Don't miss the opportunity to meet the candidates running for City Council's 2nd District seat! The 2nd District CandidateForum, sponsored by SOSNA and SSWCA, will take place tomorrow evening in the Chester Arthur Auditorium (20th and Catharine Street). The event will be moderated by WNYC reporter, author of the "Christie Chronicles" and neighborhood resident Matt Katz. We've asked our neighbors to submit the important questions they'd like to ask the candidates, so please join us and hear from incumbent, Kenyatta Johnson and challenger, Ori Feibush on the issues that are important to your community. The program begins at 7:00pm, but get there early for a meet & greet with candidates at 6:30pm. 
Do you want to see cleaner and greener streets in our neighborhood? The South West Center City Tree Planters are still accepting applications for their fall street tree planting! If you (or your neighbor) have an open sidewalk space for a tree, please apply! The Tree Planters also have their spring planting coming up this weekend, April 25th! If you'd like to volunteer to help plant trees in the neighborhood please click here for more info!
Saturday April 25th is also the Clean Block Campaign Kickoff! SOSNA's Clean Block Campaign is a comprehensive plan to address all of the components that contribute to litter in our neighborhood. SOSNA's goal is to decrease litter and green our streets through partnerships with residents, organizations, schools and community groups. We have had numerous residents sign up to lead their block's clean up efforts, and this Saturday 20 blocks will be participating in the clean up! If you would like to learn more about the Clean Block Campaign, click here and sign up!
Don't delay! Grab your tickets for Friends of Chester Arthur's Night Out happening this Saturday night! FoCA Night Out is a chance for parents, teachers and community members to gather, socialize and support local Philadelphia public education. Proceeds from a silent auction will benefit FoCA and the Playworks Program at Chester Arthur School! Grab your tickets today! FoCA will also be making a special announcement at the Chester Arthur Playground this Friday, April 24th at 2:30pm. Want to know what the secret is? Join them at the playground to find out!

Events
Join us for an evening of conversation with Second Councilmanic District Candidates Kenyatta Johnson and Ori Feibush. The event will be moderated by WNYC reporter, author of the "Christie Chronicles" and neighborhood resident Matt Katz. This event is brought to you jointly by the South of South Neighborhood Association and the South Street West Civic Association. The event will be held in the Chester A. Arthur auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 on April 22nd and programming begins promptly at 7.
We want to hear from you! What questions do you want to ask the 2nd District candidates? Send us your questions and choose the topics you think are most important to our neighborhood: Send us your questions here!
 
Events
Join SOSNA, Your Clean Block Reps and your PMBC Block Captains in a neighborhood-wide clean up on April 25th! This clean up is the kick-off of our clean block campaign! Neighbors will be cleaning up 20 blocks in our community! 
Events
The Southwest Center City Tree Planters will be planting trees on Saturday, April 25th at 9am and they’d love to have you join them! To volunteer meet the planters either at the parking lot at 22nd and Baingbridge Streets (for the west side planting), or at the SOSNA Office, 19th and Christian (for the east side planting).
News
YOU can help clean up our neighborhood. Sign up to be a SOSNA Clean Block Rep with the Clean Block CampaignThe goal of the Clean Block Campaign will be to reduce litter through an infrastructure of volunteers, or Clean Block Reps, throughout all of South of South. Block Reps will disseminate information, educate neighbors, report issues to the City, and most importantly, schedule clean ups with their neighbors. Help us make South of South the cleanest neighborhood in Philly!
Events
From our friends at FoCA:
Friends of Chester Arthur’s Night Out is a chance for parents, teachers and community members to gather, socialize and support local Philadelphia public education. Proceeds from a silent auction will benefit FoCA and the Playworks Program at Chester Arthur School. Grab your tickets, here.
Events
PLAZAPALOOZA 2015 IS COMING SATURDAY MAY 16th (May 17th rain date) TO THE GRAYS FERRY TRIANGLES PLAZA! JOIN US FOR FOOD, DRINK, LIVE MUSIC, GAMES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Food from our neighboring businesses as well as food trucks; and beer and food from Grace Tavern. Live music hosted by Jeff from South Street Sounds and his band, Tall Trees, along with Dreaming Tree, The Rosemary Fiki Band, AlyCat, and Natural Selection!

Monday, April 20, 2015

Household Hazardous Waste Event

Apr 25, 2015
Household Hazardous Waste Events - Streets Department, Training Center
8401 State Road at Ashburner Street
Event time: 9am – 3pm

Typical Materials Accepted at HHW Events

Computer Electronics and Televisions No Longer Accepted at HHW Events

If you have any computer electronics and Televisions to dispose of, please bring them to the Sanitation Convenience Centers.

Donate your used computer to the Freedom Rings Partnership – an organization providing broadband access and Internet training to low-income residents. Learn how to donate.
 

Paint and Paint Related Materials

  • Solvent-based paints and stains
  • Paint thinner
  • Varnish
  • Paint stripper and paint brush cleaners
    (NOTE: Latex paint is not hazardous.)
  • Lawn and Garden Project and Outdoor Products
  • Pesticides (fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides)
  • Chemical fertilizers
  • Grill type propane cylinders (up to 20 lbs.)
  • Swimming pool chemicals
     

Kitchen, Bathroom Products and Cleaning Solvents

  • Cleaning solvents
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Aerosol cans
  • Bathroom and tile cleaner
  • Toilet bowl cleaner
  • Oven cleaners
  • Drain cleaners
     

Automotive Products

  • Used motor oil
  • Antifreeze
  • Lead-acid batteries
  • Auto body repair products
  • Brake fluid
  • Degreasers
     

Flammable Materials

  • Kerosene
  • Old gasoline
     

Other Materials

  • Fluorescent Light Tubes (transport in original box if possible) and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL)
  • PCBs
  • Dioxin forming compounds
  • Mercury
  • Asbestos (Non-Friable Only) for Information on proper asbestos removal, go to City of Philadelphia Health Department's web site
  • Artists' paints
  • Photographic chemicals
  • Lead products, including solder, fishing weights, and similar items
  • Household Batteries
  • Rechargeable computer and cell phone batteries
  • Button cell batteries used for hearing aids, watches, and calculators
    (NOTE: Household batteries size D, C, AA, AAA and 9 volt are not considered hazardous.)
     

Other Household Products

  • Moth balls
  • Stain and spot removers
     

Used Motor Oil Drop-off Site Information