Daylight Saving Ends, Sunday, November 1

General Elections: November 3rd

While there's plenty in the news about the 2016 presidential elections, don't forget that the 2015 general election is Tuesday, November 3rd. Check out the Committee of Seventy's web site for more information here.

SOSNA Newsletter

On Halloween: SWCC 5K Run! Friends & Neighbors,  The 8th annual SWCC 5k is coming up this Saturday morning and it benefits Chester A. Arthur Elementary School via the Friends of Chester Arthur! We hope everyone will consider joining in the event by running or cheering on the participants! Go to swccrun.org to register and get more info! The SWCC 5k would also like to advise neighbors of temporary traffic and parking disruptions in the neighborhood on race day- Saturday, 10/31 from approximately 9-10AM. Please refer to this map of the race route to find an unaffected street to park on, if needed. Also, no parking will be permitted on 22nd street between Carpenter and Montrose or along entrances to the garden blocks on 22nd, 23rd, and 24th street, and police will be enforcing posted notices. Hurry and register! TODAY is the last day to sign up for a SOSNA soup group! Meet some friends while making some soup this winter! Events SWCC 5K Run Run through our beautiful neighborhood in one of Philly's most unique races! This year's SWCC 5K has new and improved features including mile markers, a Spooky Sprint kids run, and a fan zone with refreshments.  Register today! Events Save The Date: Neighborhood Clean Up! Save the date! On November 7th our Clean Block Reps are having a neighborhood-wide clean up! Stay tuned for the list of blocks that will be particiapting. You can clean up on your own block if your Clean Block Rep is hosting a clean up, or head to any location to lend a hand. To learn more about the Clean Block Campaign, Clean Block Reps and to sign up, click here.  Events Fall Tree Planting The Southwest Center City Tree Planters are greening our streets and have over 40 news street trees to plant this fall! We're in need of volunteers to help us with the planting effort on Saturday, November 14th! Stay tuned for more info on where to meet on the day of, but mark your calendar- we'll need your help! Events 311 Mobile App Training & Town Watch Group Patrol Join the SOSNA Safety Committee for a 311 Mobile App Training and Town Watch Neighborhood Group Patrol on the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm. These patrols will begin at the SOSNA Office (1901 Christian Street). This is a good opportunity to learn about how to use 311 to resolve neighborhood issues, as well as to check out what Town Watch is all about. News Please Take the Center City District Customer Satisfaction Survey Please take the Center City District 2015 Customer Satisfaction Survey! Each year, the Center City District surveys its constituents to measure how well it is performing. We appreciate you taking the time to respond to this survey. It should take no more than a few minutes to complete. News SOSNA Is Out Of Recycling Bins! SOSNA is currently out of recycling bins!

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CCRA Newsletter

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 23, 2015

WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Public Meeting RE Student Rental Law CCRA NEWS AND EVENTS Cocktail Party at the Print Center Hear Ye Hear Ye CCRA Merchant Member Discount Program NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND EVENTS: Public Issues Forum at the Free Library Country Fair, City Style Free Cello Recital at Trinity Memorial Church View and Discuss Documentary Film Tour the Marian Anderson Residence Museum            OUR SPONSORS        If you would like to donate to CCRA, click below. WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC  MTG RE STUDENT RENTAL LAW : TUES 10/27 6 PM 2111 SANSOM CCRA will seek public comment for feedback to the CCRA board on City Council Bill 150649 which applies to the area between 17th and 21st, Walnut to Spruce and excludes the following uses from residentially zoned properties:   (.1) Rooming houses; (.2) Boarding houses; (.3) Fraternity and sorority houses;                          (.4) Housing, not owner-occupied, for "students" defined in the Code as "any person under the age of twenty-three (23) years enrolled full-time in a college or university undergraduate degree program." Council President Clarke introduced the bill to address concerns of neighbors regarding conversions of two garages to multi-unit residential structures on the 2000 block of Rittenhouse Square Street - the garages at 2023 (The Horsehead garage) and 2028 Rittenhouse Square Street. The current zoning code allows 7 units at 2023 and 13 units at 2028, with 3 bedrooms for each unit, for a total occupancy of 60.  (Neighbors suggest that the developer is including unlawful additional bed rooms.)  These added dwellings easily double the population of the block, which is otherwise dominated by single family homes zoned RM-1 (residential multifamily).  At a meeting on October 13 of CCRA representatives with the residents of the 2000 block of Rittenhouse Square Street in the Council President's office, the neighbors agreed that their concerns could be addressed by legislation that excludes the following uses from residentially zoned properties (the language is in rough draft): (.1) Group living other than temporary overnight housing for homeless people and personal care homes [i.e., supportive housing & assisted living] (.2) Multi-unit occupancy housing where the average number of rooms in a building occupied as bedrooms exceeds 2 per unit. Council President Clarke's staff is currently suggesting legislation providing that students might not occupy more than 40% of the units in a building  but has not supplied  an amended version of the Bill so the only proposal on the table is the current language prohibiting rentals to full time undergrad students under 23 years of age. Bill 150649 is scheduled for a Council Rules Committee hearing  at which the public may testify on Monday November 16 at 10 am in Room 400 City Hall. CCRA NEWS  AND EVENTS CCRA PRINT CENTER COCKTAIL PARTY, MON, 10/26, 5-7 PM 1617 LATIMER ST Join CCRA and the Temple University LGBTQ Alumni Society for a COMPLIMENTARY happy hour at The Print Center, a bi-level photography and print gallery, as part of their Centennial Celebration of its 100th anniversary. Come out for free beer, wine and light hors d'oeuvres as well as a chance mingle with friends and view The Print Center's stunning featured exhibition "Bayside Revisited" which is artist Gabrial Martinez' reflections on the history of the iconimc gay mecca, Fire Island. To RSVP, click here. HEAR YE HEAR YE - DISCUSSION ON NEIGHBORHOOD ISSUES, THURS, 11/12, 6-7:30 PM, GREENFIELD SCHOOL, 22ND & CHESTNUT ST Representatives from 2nd District City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson's office and from Philadelphia's Fleet Management, City Commissioners', Office of Support Housing, and the Streets Dept. will discuss neighborhood issues such as questions already suggested by CCRAers re the city's aging emergency vehicles, voter turnout, ending homelessness, broken sidewalks and curb cuts. Light refreshments will be served.  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) Liberty Vet Pets, 265 S. 20th St. (888-458-8587) Nature's Gallery Florist, 2124 Walnut St (215-563-5554) 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) Rittenhouse Pet Supply, 135 S. 20th St (215-569-2555) Computer Troubleshooters ,108 S. 20th St. (215-825-2101) Dance Affiliate - Get $10 off  Dance Performances with your CCRA Membership.  Members use  promo code allattheprince Uber - Limo service Uber provides $20 off a first ride, Good for new users only. Members use promo 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 PUBLIC ISSUES FORUM AT THE FREE LIBRARY, SAT 10/24, 2 PM, 1901 VINE ST The Greater Philadelphia Philosophy Consortium Board of Governors will sponsor a four-member panel discussion regarding the challenges and opportunities that face cities like Philadelphia in 2015. The panel consists of members each with experience in fields such as civic associations, business, and city planning. COUNTRY FAIR, CITY STYLE, SAT, 10/24, 7-11 PM TRINITY MEM CHURCH, 22ND & SPRUCE ST Come to the Country Fair inside Trinity Memorial Church for games, contests, desserts, pet photo contest, dancing, food and friends. Tickets $10/person online or at door.  RSVP by Friday, 10/16. Food by Bacchus Catering. Music by Silver Sound DJ's. FREE CELLO RECITAL AT TRINITY MEM CHURCH, SUN 10/25, 8PM, 22ND & SPRUCE ST Cellist and CCRA member Ulrich Boeckheler will present as a gift to the neighborhood a free community concert. Together, with Pianist Tony Barone, he will perform some of the greatest works from the cello repertoire. Among them are sonatas by Boccherini, Debussy, Beethoven, Rochberg and Brahms. Come early to reserve your seats!   VIEW AND DISCUSS DOCUMENTARY FILM  PALIO AT THE ROXY THEATER, FRI, 10/30, 5 PM, 2023 SANSOM ST Palio documents the oldest horse race in the world, taking place twice a summer in Siena Italy.  With origins in the Middle Ages, Palio is full of tradition, drama and strategy as jockeys representing ten of the city's historic districts fiercely compete. Screen Daily describes the film as a "rare kind of documentary - muscular and refined, and a splendor for the eyes." Penn's Village has reserved a block of tickets for the film showing. Admission is free but arrive early (4:30 at the very latest) to assure seating.  For more information, click here. TOUR THE MARIAN ANDERSON RESIDENCE MUSEUM WITH PENN VILLAGE, FRI, 11/13, 11AM, 762 S. MARTIN STREET Marian Anderson Residence Museum Marian Anderson was born in Philadelphia in 1897 and with her rich contralto voice, hard work and courage became one of the most celebrated singers of the twentieth century. She also was an important figure in the struggle for black artists to overcome racial prejudice in the United States during the mid-twentieth century.    Her 19th home is located at 762 S. Martin Street (which is between 19th & 20th Streets), and runs between Fitzwater and Catherine Streets. Because of the historic structure, the house is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. The cost is $10. Please register by Friday, 11/6, by mailing a check, including your contact information, to 201 South 21st Street Philadelphia, PA 19103. If you prefer to pay through PayPal, click here.

Fitler Square Fun Fest

Kids 18 months to 8 years old

Come to Fitler Square, 23^rd & Pine Streets, for the Halloween Fun Fest and our famous Pumpkin Hunt (starting promptly at 11am). Bring your own Basket (BYOB) to hunt in our age-designated areas of the park.  Special prize pumpkins and a DJ playing your favorite tunes.   

SOSNA Newsletter

SOSNA's Economic Development Survey Results Friends & Neighbors,  In 2014, SOSNA's Economic Development Committee polled the neighborhood to find out what our neighbors love about living here, what the challenges are, and what SOSNA can do to help. The results are in and we're ready to share! Responses and feedback from the survey determine the projects and initiatives SOSNA's committees focus on. Take a look at the survey results and if there's an idea you're passionate about join us at an upcoming committee meeting and get involved, all are welcome! With your help we can attain more of the goals shared by our community. Check out the SOSNA calendar for all dates and times of committee meetings and events! The SOSNA Zoning Committee Meeting is tonight at 7PM at the SOSNA office, please see below for the agenda. And don't miss Pumpkin Painting at the Triangles Plaza this Saturday from 1-3PM! Lastly, there's still time to register for the SWCC 5K and to join a SOSNA Soup Group!  Events Zoning Committee Meeting The next SOSNA Zoning Committee meeting will take place at the SOSNA office, 1901 Christian Street, at 7PM on October 21, 2015. The SOSNA Zoning Committee always meets the third Wednesday of every month starting at 7 PM.     October 2015 SOSNA ZONING AGENDA : 1. 2211 League Street: Relocation of lot lines to create one lot from three lots, and for the erection of an attached structure with roof deck and pilot house to be used as a six-unit, multi-family dwelling.    Events Pumpkin Painting at the Triangle Decorate your own pumpkin! Bring your little one to the Triangles Plaza on Saturday, October 24th between 1-3PM for pumpkin painting! We'll supply the pumpkins and decorations, thanks to South Square Market.  Events Save The Date: Neighborhood Clean Up! Save the date! On November 7th our Clean Block Reps are having a neighborhood-wide clean up! Stay tuned for the list of blocks that will be particiapting. You can clean up on your own block if your Clean Block Rep is hosting a clean up, or head to any location to lend a hand. To learn more about the Clean Block Campaign, Clean Block Reps and to sign up, click here.  Events Fall Tree Planting The Southwest Center City Tree Planters are greening our streets and have over 40 news street trees to plant this fall! We're in need of volunteers to help us with the planting effort on Saturday, November 14th! Stay tuned for more info on where to meet on the day of, but mark your calendar- we'll need your help! News It's Getting Chilly- Join a SOSNA Soup Group! Do you like soup? Want to get to know your neighbors? Join a SOSNA Soup Group!   A SOSNA Soup Group is a collection of folks who take turns making a big batch of soup for the group to share! It gives our neighbors the opportunity to meet and get to know your neighbors while enjoying lots of homemade soup (with minimal effort) and chance to taste new recipes! Do you want to learn more about the SOSNA Soup group and sign up? CLICK HERE! Events SWCC 5K Run Run through our beautiful neighborhood in one of Philly's most unique races! This year's SWCC 5K has new and improved features including mile markers, a Spooky Sprint kids run, and a fan zone with refreshments.  Register today! News SOSNA Is Out Of Recycling Bins! SOSNA is currently out of recycling bins!  News Please Take the Center City District Customer Satisfaction Survey Please take the Center City District 2015 Customer Satisfaction Survey! Each year, the Center City District surveys its constituents to measure how well it is performing. We appreciate you taking the time to respond to this survey. It should take no more than a few minutes to complete. Events Philosophy and Urban Life The Greater Philadelphia Philosophy Consortium will be organizing an event on the topic of philosophy and urban life and discussing challenages and opportunies that face cities like Philadelphia. There will be a panel discussion on October 24th at 2PM  at the central branch of the Philadelphia Free Library, Room 108.

Triangle Pumpkin Painting

CCRA Newsletter

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 9, 2015

WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD CCRA Scoops Inky on Penn State Ice Cream CCRA NEWS AND EVENTS 57TH Annual CCRA House Tour Road Closures Volunteers Needed for CCRA's 57th Annual Tour Complexions Contemporary Ballet Cocktail Party at the Print Center Preservation Easement Workshop Supreme Crt Candidate Forum Hear Ye Hear Ye CCRA Merchant Member Discount Program NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND EVENTS: Forum Homeless in Phila Public Space Exhibition Penn Medicine Presents: Mindful Parenting Save the Date - Schuykill River Park Fall Festival Penn's Village Presents Dan Coren, Musicologist Country Fair, City Style            OUR SPONSORS        If you would like to donate to CCRA, click below. WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD CCRA SCOOPS INKY ON PENN STATE ICE CREAM Thursday's Inquirer headlined Penn State's  iconic (iconeic?) ice cream shop, the Creamery,  BUT the Inky missed the BIG STORY: Forget Happy Valley, authentic Penn State Creamery flavors  have been available in our backyard since last April's grand opening  at Ventuno, 2111 Chestnut (next to Mix, across the street from Caffeination). Twelve fav flavors churned at State College are for sale, including Peach Paterno, Death by Chocolate and Coffee Break  along with a menu of sandwiches, soups and, yes, even salads.  Proprietor Gabe Fellus says " I have it from sources that our ice cream is exactly what they feed the Nittany Lion on game days".   Lion lovers homesick for Happy Valley (and others) can enjoy Creamery products on weekdays from 11 am to 8 and until 9 on the weekend. CCRA NEWS  AND EVENTS 57TH CCRA HOUSE TOUR, SUN, 10/18,1-5 PM Visit ten residences including a traditional Delancey Street brownstone, the repurposed Swedenborgian Church, the inside/outside gardens of a sleek Chestnut Street bi-level apartment, 37th floor views from the Murano and a Lombard Street hideaway featuring an indoor Roman bath and outside shower designed by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar.  Thanks to this year's tour sponsors:  AMC Delancey, Clemens Construction,  Allan Domb Real Estate, Robin Apartments and Dranoff Properties.   The self-guided tour begins at ticket stands at Trinity Church, 2212 Spruce Street in or Beth Zion Beth Israel (BZBI) at 18th & Spruce Streets.  Participants receive a booklet with complete tour information, house descriptions and route map which entitles them to a day-of-tour 15% discount on food for dinner at area restaurants (reservations are suggested), including:  Aldine, Audrey Claire, Twenty Manning Grill, and The Crow and the Pitcher.  Parkway Corporation (31 S. 19th Street & 23rd and Market Streets) will offer $10 flat rate parking during the afternoon and evening of the tour.   Tour tickets are $35 each ($30 prior to 10/16). Tickets are available with a credit card through the CCRA web site www.centercityresidents.org, by calling (215) 546-6719,  mailing a check to CCRA (1600 Market St., Suite 2500, Phila. 19103) and, after 10/1, in person at the following locations:                    Rittenhouse Hardware, 2001 Pine St. Pure Florist Design, 500 S. 22nd  St. Jomici Apothecary, 273 S. 15th  St. Maxx's Produce, 255 S. 20th  St. Waffles & Wedges, 1511 Pine St.  Good Karma Café 2319 Walnut   On the day of the tour tickets will be sold at: 18th & Spruce Streets, Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel 22nd & Spruce Streets, Trinity Center for Urban Life  25TH & LOCUST CLOSURES MIDNIGHT, FRI 10/9 - 4 PM SAT 10/10 The One Riverside Construction site on 25th & Locust is preparing for a very large concrete pour involving 300 trucks arriving in ten-minute intervals. The following streets will be closed EXCEPT FOR RESIDENT ACCESS (residents will be permitted to come and go as needed): Locust Street (25th to 23rd) 25th Street (Spruce to Locust) In addition, No Parking signs will be posted for the street closure along 25th and Locust Streets 24 hours prior to the pour.  VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CCRA'S 57TH ANNUAL FALL HOUSE TOUR, SUN, 10/18 Hosts/Hostesses are stationed in beautiful homes and condos from 1:00PM until 3:00PM or from 3:00PM until 5:00PM.  Duties include greeting tour goers, protecting household items, and encouraging a safe flow of foot traffic.  In thanks for your gift of time, you will receive a free ticket to use either before or after your volunteer assignment to tour other homes. If you wish to volunteer, email us at centercity@centercityresidents.org. NEW CCRA DISCOUNT OPTIONS FOR DANCE AT THE PRINCE THEATER, OCT 14-18, 7:30 PM, 1412 Chestnut St Under the direction of former Ailey superstars Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, Complexions Contemporary Ballet (CCB) launches Dance Affiliates' inaugural NextMove Series, October 14-18 in six performances.  Program highlights include two Philadelphia premieres choreographed by Dwight Rhoden and repertoire favorites showcasing Rhoden's unprecedented approach to contemporary ballet.   Tickets cost $20-$57 and can be purchased in person at the Prince Theater Box Office, by phone 215-422-4580 by email or online. CCRA Members use promo code allattheprince to obtain a $10 discount. CCRA PRINT CENTER COCKTAIL PARTY, MON, 10/26, 5-7 PM 1617 LATIMER ST Join CCRA and the Temple University LGBTQ Alumni Society for a COMPLIMENTARY happy hour at The Print Center, a bi-level photography and print gallery, as part of their Centennial Celebration of its 100th anniversary. Come out for free beer, wine and light hors d'oeuvres as well as a chance mingle with friends and view The Print Center's stunning featured exhibition "Bayside Revisited" which is artist Gabrial Martinez' reflections on the history of the iconimc gay mecca, Fire Island. To RSVP, click here. PRESERVATION EASEMENT WORKSHOP, WED, 10/21, 6 PM, WELLS FARGO BANK, BROAD & WALNUT Preservation easements provide tax Incentives which encourage current owners of historic properties to restrict the development options of future purchasers. If you wish to ensure that future owners will "do the right thing" with your property, you should explore the merits of a preservation easement.    Find out more at a special workshop by the Center City Resident's Association and the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.  It is sponsored by George C. Pilallis, Connelly & Moore Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.  The meeting will begin at 6:00 with a wine and cheese reception in the Wells Fargo banking museum, at Broad and Walnut Streets.  The registration fee is $15 for an individual, $20 for a couple and seating is limited.  For more information and to make a reservation, click here.  Supreme Crt. Candidate forum  COSPONSORED BY CROSSTOWN COALITION, Sat. 10/17, 12-2pm @ Phila  Community Coll  On Nov 3, voters will elect 3 Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices for 10- year terms from a 7 candidate field.  All are invited to this forum and, so far, five are expected to attend. The Court could address key community issues - a school funding formula providing our City's children their fair share of resources; the retention of the death penalty. For more information check the Supreme Court Voter Guide.   WHERE: Bonnell Building, Phila Community College. Enter on 17th Street betw. Spring Gdn & Callowhill HEAR YE HEAR YE Representatives from 2nd District City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson's office and possibly from Philadelphia's Fleet Management, City Commissioners', Office of Support Housing, and the Streets Departments will discuss neighborhood issues such as questions already suggested by CCRAers re the city's aging emergency vehicles, voter turnout, ending homelessness, broken sidewalks and curb cuts.   November 12, 2015, 6-7:30 pm,  Albert M. Greenfield School, 2200 Chestnut Street. Light refreshments will be served. 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) Liberty Vet Pets, 265 S. 20th St. (888-458-8587) Nature's Gallery Florist, 2124 Walnut St (215-563-5554) 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) Dance Affiliate - Get $10 off  Dance Performances with your CCRA Membership.  Members use  promo code allattheprince. Uber - Limo service Uber provides $20 off a first ride, Good for new users only. Members use promo 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 FORUM:  HOMELESS IN PHILA: CHALLENGES/SOLUTIONS, TUES, 10/13, 6 PM, TRINITY MEMORIAL CH, 22ND & SPRUCE ST  If you're safe home disappeared tonight, what could you face? Hear answers regarding issues peculiar to Philadelphia, the toughest issues women face. Speakers from Peace Islands Institute, Church Shelter Program, and Welcome Church.   For more information, click here.   Public SPACE EXHIBITION at Grace Tavern & The Igloo, Wed, 10/14, 5-7PM, South St & Grays Ferry Ave. DesignPhiladelphia presents an exhibition of the ongoing design efforts to turn an underused portion of Grays Ferry Ave at South Street into a Public Plaza that provides a public realm that serves the community.  PENN MEDICINE PRESENTS: Mindful Parenting: a 1/2-day workshop, Sat, 10/17, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Trinity Ctr for Urban Life, 22nd & Spruce St This workshop will explore parenting from a mindfulness perspective. Participants will examine common themes of parenting all ages of children from infancy through teen years, and will practice experiential exercises to support our children to grow and be themselves, and to better notice how our own thoughts and emotions get in the way. Participants will be introduced to a variety of mindfulness techniques designed to enhance awareness of attention, intention, mindful communication, and presence within the parenting experience, and consider how to apply these tools to decrease stress in the experience of parenting.  Ticket price: $59. For more information and to register, click here. Refund Policy: Full refunds are available up until Thursday, October 15th. After this date the program is non-refundable. No exceptions.   save the date - Schuylkill River Park Fall Festival, Sat, 10/17, 11AM - 3 PM, Schuylkill RIver Park  Come join the Friends of Schuylkill River Park for their annual Fall Festival. Fun for the whole family including your dog! Food, raffles, DJ, petting zoo, crafts and dog activities including a doggy costume parade. The festival opens at 11:00 and runs until 3:00pm. Rain date is Sunday October 18th.  PENN'S VILLAGE PRESENTS DAN COREN, MUSICOLOGIST, TUES, 10/20, 3 PM, ACAD OF VOCAL ARTS, 1920 SPRUCE ST Enjoy a series of music discussions. The first will focus on theme and variations, a musical form in which a composer states a melody and then repeats with changes. Examples from Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and American jazz. Please RSVP by calling 215 925 7333 or emailing  info@pennsvillage.org. Ask if you need handicap access since there is an alternative entrance. COUNTRY FAIR, CITY STYLE, SAT, 10/24, 7-11 PM TRINITY MEM CHURCH, 2212 SPRUCE STREET Come to the Country Fair inside Trinity Memorial Church.  There will be games, contests, dessert and pet photo contest, dancing, food and friends. Tickets are $10/person and will be available to purchase online or at the door.  Please RSVP by Friday, 10/16. Food provided by Bacchus Catering and beverages will be available. Music provided by Silver Sound DJ's.