Thursday, February 28, 2019

CCRA Newsletter

Weekly E-Newsletter
News and Updates
CCRA Zoning Committee Report

Click or tap here to view the report from the 2/26 meeting.  The next zoning committee meeting is scheduled for Tues, 3/26, 7pm.
Public Forum: Property Tax Relief/Deferral & Sewer Insurance.  Holy Trinity, Rittenhouse Sq., March 7, 7pm.
 
Representatives from the City Revenue Dep't will present information about payment programs related to property tax relief/deferral (most of which are directed at seniors).  
 
Representatives from the Water Dep't will present information about the new program that allows homeowners to insure their water and sewer lines for a monthly fee.
 
After brief presentations, we will entertain questions of a general nature.  Tables will be set up so that following the presentations, residents may ask their specific questions of the program representatives.
Crumpet returns to the 2100 block of Spruce tonight, 2/28, and tomorrow, 3/1

Residents should find a "Resident Displacement Parking" sign, which will be posted along the north side of the 2000-2200 blocks of Locust for residents to relocate their vehicles. This area is usually "No Stopping" but the production has been granted the use of the space during filming. The PPD, MDO OSE, Streets Dept. and PPA have all signed off on this exception, and we're hoping this should alleviate some residents' concerns.   
 
The production is planning some sort of thank-you for the neighborhood in the near future, which is TBD.  
 
They believe this will be their last time in the neighborhood, but in the production world, there's always a chance of a re-shoot.

Wanted: Board Member Candidates

CCRA is looking to fill several Board seats for our fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019.  Board members generally serve a term of 3 years. The Board is a working Board.  We are seeking CCRA members who have a passion for living in "CCRAville;" are interested in issues of quality of life and community service; and are committed to active Board participation.  Successful candidates must serve on at least one committee and agree to fulfill the responsibilities set forth in our Board Pledge, which includes devoting at least four hours per month on CCRA activities, not including time spent attending, and preparing for, monthly Board meetings. See website for full Pledge and list of committees.

Interested members are encouraged to forward a resume or summary of qualifications as soon as practicable to:  CCRA; 1900 Market St., 8th Fl.; Phila., PA   19103 or by email:  centercity@centercityresidents.org, with "Board Candidate" in the subject line.
Bike Lanes on 22nd Street

CCRA representatives met with oTIS to discuss the bike lane on 22nd Street. Consistent with the latest plans on Spruce and Pine streets, they plan to swap the bike lane to the left side of 22nd Street from South to Winter Streets, after repaving 22nd Street from Snyder to Market Streets. Stay tuned for details about a planned public meeting in mid-late March to discuss the plans.
Congrats to Monk's Cafe

Hearty congratulations to Monk's Café, our own neighborhood's 2019 James Beard Award semifinalist.
Last Week's Quizzo 

Congratulations to those who scored over 21 points in the quizzo.  We would like to send a special Congrats to CCRA member Bill Kreibel who received a perfect score of 24. 
Greenfield Home and School Association Annual Auction
Join the Greenfield Home and School Association on March 15, 2019 at 6:30pm for our 12th Annual Auction & Social Greenfield 2.0 - Auction for Upgrades 2019 @ Dorrance Hamilton Hall, University of the Arts, 320 S Broad Street.  For more information, click or tap here.
Free Street Trees 

Do you have space for a tree in front of your property? The Friends of Schuylkill River Park PHS Tree Tender group plants free street trees in our area. Property owners must remove dead trees and stumps but PHS will arrange for free concrete removal where necessary. Apply online here. The deadline for the fall planting is at the end of April. Help make our neighborhood green and clean!  Email Susan Kahn with any questions. 
Last Chance: Community Garden Plot Lottery
Each year five garden plots (four 10x10 and one 10x15) in the Schuylkill River Park Community Garden (located at approximately 25th and Spruce Streets) are awarded to non-members of the Center City Residents' Association (CCRA) for a one season term. To be eligible, candidates must be bone fide residents of CCRA's geographic boundaries, defined as residing in the area encompassed by South Street, Broad Street, John F. Kennedy Boulevard and the Schuylkill River, City of Philadelphia, PA. Winners pay a one-time fee of $65 for a 10x10 or $85 for a 10x15. 

To enter the lottery, please send email with your name, address, phone number, and email to the following address (requests MUST include your residential address and email): Center City Residents' Association 1900 Market St. 8th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 or email, centercity@centercityresidents.org.  
Requests must reach the destination by March 2, 2019. The drawing will take place in early March and winners will be contacted by phone or email. One entry per household.


Community Events
Philadelphia Suburban Artist Shows Recent Abstract Artwork at the Twenty-Two Gallery, 236 S. 22nd Street, beginning Friday, 3/8, 6PM


Defiant - Acrylic on canvas by Tammy Kushnir
Tammy Kushnir has been an artist her whole life.  She finds her passion in her creations.  She is currently licensed with "Roaring Brooks Art" and works with "Oopsy Daisy" designing art for children and teens.  Her artwork has been seen in various brick and mortar and online gallery shows.  She currently resides in Chalfont, PA with her husband and two teen sons.
In the Studio: "La Danse." Exclusive preview of Roni's latest work! Saturday, 3/23, 8pm
 
Koresh Dance Company invites you on Saturday, March 23 to an intimate evening exploring Artistic Director, Ronen Koresh's exclusive preview of his latest work at our home studio on 2002 Rittenhouse Square. Roni's new work is inspired by Henri Matisse's painting "La Danse" and will premiere at their Philadelphia Home Season April 25-28 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. Doors will open at 8:00pm. Performance will begin at 8:30pm at our David Cooper Black Box Theater followed by a Q&A with the artists. Guest are then invited to enjoy a post-performance reception will include wine, beer, food and music. Click or tap here for tickets.  
Classes at the Markward Playground
Mondays: Zumba at 6:00pm
Wednesdays: Ceramics at 7:00pm
Thursdays: Zumba Toning at 6:00pm

Classes are $10 per person 
For more information about neighborhood events, check out CCRA's Community Events Calendar
Useful Links





CCRA Merchant Member 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 and personal identification.

Ursula Hobson Fine Art Framing, 1528 Waverly St (215.546.7889)
Astral Artists - Use promo code "CCRA" to receive a $10 flat rate on all tickets to their concerts.
Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St, (uses separate card, see info here)
Dom's Shoe Repair, 203 S. 20th St (215-972-0098)
Eye Candy Vision, 218 S. 20th St (215-568-3937)
Home Helpers Philly, 1835 S. Broad St., Ste 2 (215-334-2600)
Jason Matthew Salon, 1735 Chestnut St, 2nd Fl (215-665-8030)
Koresh Dance Company, 2002 Rittenhouse Sq St. (267-687-1769)
Nature's Gallery Florist, 2124 Walnut St (215-563-5554)
NextMove Dance - Get $10 off  Dance Performances with your CCRA Membership.  Members use  promo code SAVE10.
Philly Foodworks - Use the code "CCRA" when signing up for home delivery and receive a $20 discount on delivery charges.
Photo Lounge 1909 Chestnut Street (267-322-6651)
Twenty-Two Gallery, 236 S. 22nd St, (215-772-1911)
Raven Lounge, 1718 Sansom St. (215-840-3577)
Rim's Dry Cleaners & Tailors,2203 South St. (215-546-1889)
Rittenhouse Hardware, 2001 Pine St. (215-735-6311)
Suga Restaurant, 1720 Sansom St. (215-717-8968)
STAY CONNECTED:

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

CCRA Newsletter

Weekly E-Newsletter
Public Forum on Taxes & Sewer Insurance
Public Forum:  Property Tax Relief/Deferral & Sewer Insurance.  Holy Trinity on Rittenhouse Sq., March 7, 7PM.
CCRA (in conjunction with Councilmembers Darrell Clarke and Kenyatta Johnson and the City of Philadelphia) will host a forum with the City Revenue Dep't for property tax relief/deferral programs (most of which are directed at seniors) as well from the Streets Dep't on the new program that allows homeowners to insure their water and sewer lines for a monthly fee (because otherwise owners are responsible if they break).  Bring your questions!
STAY CONNECTED:

Monday, February 25, 2019

PSA 1 Police Meeting with Captain O'Donnell


Next PSA 1 neighborhood meeting with the Police will be this Thursday evening (Feb 28), 7 pm at the SOSNA office, 1901 Christian St. Both Captain O'Donnell and Sergeant Rechner will be there to review the month's crime patterns and will be prepared to answer questions about the recent sexual assaults and gun incidents in the neighborhood. All are urged to attend!

Thursday, February 21, 2019

CCRA Newsletter

Weekly E-Newsletter
News and Updates
Zoning Committee Meeting, Tuesday, 2/26, 7pm, BEX, 1 Commerce Sq, 2005 Market Street

Click or tap here to view agenda.
Last Chance: Renew Your Membership To Get The DiBruno Brothers Discount

The deadline to submit our list to DiBruno's is fast approaching.  DiBruno Brothers has renewed their popular 10% discount to CCRA members who join or renew by 2/28/19.   The discount will be good as of today to members who have already renewed.  Remember to pick up your card at your local DiBruno Brothers establishment to start saving today!  
Greenfield Home and School Association Annual Auction
Join the Greenfield Home and School Association on March 15, 2019 at 6:30pm for our 12th Annual Auction & Social Greenfield 2.0 - Auction for Upgrades 2019 @ Dorrance Hamilton Hall, University of the Arts, 320 S Broad Street.  For more information, click or tap here.
Streets Department Sidewalk Closure Web Map
The Streets Department published a webmap of all open permits that close some part of the "street and footway," which includes work by utility companies, developers, or the City itself that result in closing part of a street or sidewalk to accommodate the construction project.
This tool is helpful for revealing the actual permit for each construction project. It allows you to view the permit and see if the construction project is legal and in conformance with its permit.
How Well Do You know Philadelphia?

Billy Penn hosted a Quizzo event where the questions were about Philly history.  The highest score was 21/24.  Can you do better?  Without using Google, click or tap here to take the quiz and see how high you can score.  If your score is greater than 21, let us know and we'll post a "congrats" to you in next week's enewsletter.   
Free Street Trees 

Do you have space for a tree in front of your property? The Friends of Schuylkill River Park PHS Tree Tender group plants free street trees in our area. Property owners must remove dead trees and stumps but PHS will arrange for free concrete removal where necessary. Apply online here. The deadline for the fall planting is at the end of April. Help make our neighborhood green and clean!  Email Susan Kahn with any questions. 
Community Garden Plot Lottery
Each year five garden plots (four 10x10 and one 10x15) in the Schuylkill River Park Community Garden (located at approximately 25th and Spruce Streets) are awarded to non-members of the Center City Residents' Association (CCRA) for a one season term. To be eligible, candidates must be bone fide residents of CCRA's geographic boundaries, defined as residing in the area encompassed by South Street, Broad Street, John F. Kennedy Boulevard and the Schuylkill River, City of Philadelphia, PA. Winners pay a one-time fee of $65 for a 10x10 or $85 for a 10x15. 

To enter the lottery, please send email with your name, address, phone number, and email to the following address (requests MUST include your residential address and email): Center City Residents' Association 1900 Market St. 8th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 or email, centercity@centercityresidents.org.  
Requests must reach the destination by March 2, 2019. The drawing will take place in early March and winners will be contacted by phone or email. One entry per household.
Interesting Things are Happening at the Markward Recreation Center
Markward would like inform our neighbors about some things happening at the Markward Rec Center (aka Taney Playground), located in the western-most part of the neighborhood.   Click or tap here to see what's going on at the Playground.


Community Events
Hudson Street Gallery Exhibition Artwork by Gail Gaines

Gail Gaines is a Philadelphia resident, fashion designer, illustrator, and educator.  Friday, February 22, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square. Free and open to the public. 
Singing City Presents "The Children's March," Sunday, 2/24, 2019, 3pm Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 23 S. 38th St.

The Children's March in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963 was the catalyst for bringing about the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. On May 2, 1963, the children of Birmingham flooded the city's streets-and the city's jail-to challenge segregation. With dogs and fire hoses, police tried to stop them. Yet, in ways their parents could not, the children prevailed, defying the police intimidation that long had plagued Birmingham's black community. Singing was a large part of the protest that resulted in the arrest of thousands of children. A DJ used code and song to spread the word, transmitting news of the march over the radio. This is a work that unites all ages in re-telling the story that changed the direction of the Civil Rights movement in America.  Click or tap here for more information.
Philadelphia Suburban Artist Shows Recent Abstract Artwork at the Twenty-Two Gallery, 236 S. 22nd Street, beginning Friday, 3/8, 6PM


Defiant - Acrylic on canvas by Tammy Kushnir
Tammy Kushnir has been an artist her whole life.  She finds her passion in her creations.  She is currently licensed with "Roaring Brooks Art" and works with "Oopsy Daisy" designing art for children and teens.  Her artwork has been seen in various brick and mortar and online gallery shows.  She currently resides in Chalfont, PA with her husband and two teen sons.
In the Studio: "La Danse." Exclusive preview of Roni's latest work! Saturday, 3/23, 8pm
 
Koresh Dance Company invites you on Saturday, March 23 to an intimate evening exploring Artistic Director, Ronen Koresh's exclusive preview of his latest work at our home studio on 2002 Rittenhouse Square. Roni's new work is inspired by Henri Matisse's painting "La Danse" and will premiere at their Philadelphia Home Season April 25-28 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. Doors will open at 8:00pm. Performance will begin at 8:30pm at our David Cooper Black Box Theater followed by a Q&A with the artists. Guest are then invited to enjoy a post-performance reception will include wine, beer, food and music. Click or tap here for tickets.  
Classes at the Markward Playground
Mondays: Zumba at 6:00pm
Wednesdays: Ceramics at 7:00pm
Thursdays: Zumba Toning at 6:00pm

Classes are $10 per person 
For more information about neighborhood events, check out CCRA's Community Events Calendar
Useful Links





CCRA Merchant Member 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 and personal identification.

Suga Restaurant, 1720 Sansom St. (215-717-8968)
Ursula Hobson Fine Art Framing, 1528 Waverly St (215.546.7889)
Astral Artists - Use promo code "CCRA" to receive a $10 flat rate on all tickets to their concerts.
Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St, (uses separate card, see info here)
Dom's Shoe Repair, 203 S. 20th St (215-972-0098)
Eye Candy Vision, 218 S. 20th St (215-568-3937)
Home Helpers Philly, 1835 S. Broad St., Ste 2 (215-334-2600)
Jason Matthew Salon, 1735 Chestnut St, 2nd Fl (215-665-8030)
Koresh Dance Company, 2002 Rittenhouse Sq St. (267-687-1769)
Nature's Gallery Florist, 2124 Walnut St (215-563-5554)
NextMove Dance - Get $10 off  Dance Performances with your CCRA Membership.  Members use  promo code SAVE10.
Philly Foodworks - Use the code "CCRA" when signing up for home delivery and receive a $20 discount on delivery charges.
Photo Lounge 1909 Chestnut Street (267-322-6651)
Twenty-Two Gallery, 236 S. 22nd St, (215-772-1911)
Raven Lounge, 1718 Sansom St. (215-840-3577)
Rim's Dry Cleaners & Tailors,2203 South St. (215-546-1889)
Rittenhouse Hardware, 2001 Pine St. (215-735-6311)
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