Thursday, May 7, 2020

CCRA Newsletter


Weekly E-Newsletter
Message from the President

First  I'd like to thank all the members who have already contributed to our special spring "clean, green and safe" campaign.  Whatever your level of contribution,  CCRA genuinely appreciates it more than ever during these uncertain times.  If you have not yet contributed, it's not too late; please click here.
 
When and how life returns to normal is still unclear, but the need for CCRA's role in communicating between neighborhood residents, businesses, and government has never been larger.  We continue to work with the Ninth Police District to address public safety issues due to the lack of social distancing and face masks throughout the neighborhood.  And new this week, check out our FB page (see announcement below), which is now promoting neighborhood restaurant specials. 
 
This weekend, the second in May, is indelibly associated in my mind with the Fitler Square Fair, where I bought presents while supporting the Square for many years, and I danced to the Mummers with many others.   CCRA's House and Garden Tour, Fitler Square Fair, Rittenhouse Row Festival, Lollapalooza, and other wonderful neighborhood celebrations are all postponed this year.  But Thankfully, Spring has not postponed.  Walking around the neighborhood, I am so grateful to all the residents and buildings with beautiful window boxes, tree wells, flowering trees, container gardens, and now colorful balloon bouquets.  They all represent a gift to the residents and visitors to our great neighborhood and a sign of hope for the future.  Please keep it up!  
- Maggie Mund, President
News and Updates
We Can Still Celebrate Our Mothers this Mother's Day

Mother's Day is an important time to honor motherhood and the influence of mothers. Unfortunately, this year's celebration falls in the middle of the "Stay at Home" Order. However, your Mother's Day should not be ruined due to these rough times. Thankfully, the City has gathered several ideas that can help us celebrate our moms:

Spend time together-virtually! - There are many apps out there to connect you with mom. Have a video call with your mom through Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, FaceTime, and Happy Hour are just a few. If that doesn't work, a phone call is just as good.

Write a letter or make your own Mother's Day card.- Take a piece of paper and a pen, and let your creativity flow. You don't need a lot of money to do this and it's a way to show your gratitude and love. A handwritten letter or homemade card will be a meaningful and unique gift.

Create memories. - Get to know your mom better. Talk to her and find out more about who she is as a person. If you live with your mom, you can review old photo albums and cherish good moments. This is also an excellent way to create new memories. 

Support local businesses. - If your budget allows it, you can buy her a gift, flowers, or a nice dinner from her favorite local restaurant. Always remember to follow social distancing protocols.

Treat her like a queen. - You don't have to wait until Mother's Day to treat your mom like a queen. If you want to make this day extra special and you live with your mom-or are currently staying with her-you can cook a special meal, take an online class together, or have a movie night at home. Those little activities can make her day memorable! 

Bottom line: don't let what's happening today get your down. Let's celebrate our mothers! How will you be celebrating Mother's Day? Share your pics and stories on our Facebook page.
Free Shout-Outs with our Local Restaurants

CCRA is standing with our LOCAL RESTAURANTS in these troubled times by offering them a FREE "SHOUT OUT" via CCRA's Facebook, Instagram and other social media outlets. The survival of these local fooderies and dining spots is essential to the quality of life of residents of Center City West. We look forward to the day (shortly, we hope) that they will again be able to open as a full-service dine-in restaurant!
Meanwhile, let's all support them by using them for TAKE OUT, FOOD DELIVERY AND NOW ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES delivered to your home! Check out their specials, hours, and locations on our Facebook page. Feel free to post your comments, food photos, etc. on our site, as well.
Please pass on this info to your favorite restaurants. They just need to contact Travis Oliver, our Office Manager at 215-546-6719 for details.
Stay well and know that your neighborhood association is here to serve you and our community.
Covid-19 Updates

- Here's an updated list of  area restaurants and businesses.   Thank you all for the continued suggestions and updates. Keep 'em coming!  If you know of any restaurants that are open (or have suspended service), please notify Travis Oliver

Visit our special Covid-19 page on our website for more news and info.
We Need You! Please Renew Your Membership

If your CCRA membership is soon to expire or has already done so, please
RENEW and do not delay! Even in this time of Covid-19, CCRA continues to be an ever present 'voice' of advocacy and a highly regarded organization having a direct pipeline communicating with the city. The stronger we are in numbers, the stronger our voice.
 
CCRA has been advocating for its citizens since 1947, through many periods in history. Presently, we have become a Covid-19 resource sharing current information and updates in real time with our members. 

Our side walk cleaning continues as cleanliness is critical in these times. CCRA is trying to spearhead the Clap Because We Care idea in our area too, as is done every night in NYC. Homelessness and public safety remain a priority, and we are in regular contact with the police force. CCRA's lone employee, our manager, is working daily to maintain our excellent standard of operations. The Board and committees regularly meet via zoom so that we can continue to be the 'people powered voice' today, through the recovery, and beyond.
 
Please renew today and thank you for your continued support!
 
Stay safe and healthy!

- CCRA Membership Committee

Would you like to be a member of CCRA?  It's easy to join.
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For more information about neighborhood events, check out CCRA's Community Events Calendar
Community Info
Important Primary Election June 2 Update Voting by Mail is Crucial - Polling Locations Will Be Reduced, Combined, and Changed 

We've learned from leaders in the 8th Ward that due to COVID-19 health and safety needs, "in person" polling places Citywide and in our 8th Ward will be greatly reduced in number.  

Voters need to expect that their polling place will change, including polling places located inside residential buildings and high rises. The City Commissioners Office urges all primary voters to sign up online to vote by mail at https://votespa.com/ApplyMailBallotIt's easy and secure - just use your PA Id or Drivers License number to go online. For a "how to" video see: https://youtu.be/y3Xizxvswfg
 
If you don't have a PA Id or Drivers License, you can download the paper sign up form  https://apps.philadelphiavotes.com/  and send it in ASAP to receive a mail in ballot.  If you need a form mailed to you, call
1-877-VOTESPA. 
 
Be sure to vote!!  This primary includes important contested state races, and will decide our next State Senator, State Representative, and nominee for Auditor General
 
Raising Adults
Parenting Discussion Group
For parents of children of any and all ages.
 
Friday, May 8, 2020
4:30 - 5:30p
 
Join the Church of the Holy Trinity Zoom group and exchange ideas to be the parent you need to be and raise adults you want your child/ren to be. This is a no judgement zone and a chance to unwind with other parents after a week of juggling, before you head into a weekend of more juggling.
 
We will begin with an opening check-in question:
What has changed in your parenting style since the beginning of March 2020?
 
We will close with sharing reactions to a quote by Carl Jung: "Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically on their environment and especially on their children than the unlived life of a parent."
 
In between the opening check-in and the closing circle, we will have other interesting pieces of research to discuss about raising adults.
 
For questions, please contact, co-leaders:
Soozung Rankin (srankin@htrit.org)
Amy Perkins (sagle.perkins@gmail.com).
 
We hope to see you!
 
Greenfield Auction Online
Now thru May 9
Fresh Fish for Sale

If you want to cook your own fish dinner, Robert Amar, owner of Small World Seafood, is selling fresh fish on Friday on Rittenhouse Square in front of The Dorchester. You can sign up for notifications about seafood selection each week. Order forms are sent to you on Thursday. Pick up Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 11.45 a.mFriends report this is very good fish.
Love Your Park @ Home kicks off this Saturday! 

This year, Love Your Park Week, the annual springtime celebration of Philly parks, encourages Philadelphians to celebrate from the comfort and safety of your homes with  Love Your Park @ Home from Saturday, May 9 to Sunday, May 17. Each day, Love Your Park @ Home will offer free park-themed activities for the whole family, from virtual art and history tours to gardening tutorials and much more.


How will the Covid-19 pandemic shape the future of our urban parks? On Thursday, May 14 from 12-1pm, join us for a conversation about resilience and the future of civic spaces with three leading park advocates: 
  • Carol Coletta, President and CEO, Memphis River Parks
  • Maura McCarthy, Executive Director, Fairmount Park Conservancy, Host
Kathryn Ott Lovell, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

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.
Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St, (uses separate card, see info here)
Dom's Shoe Repair, 203 S. 20th St (215-972-0098)
East West Acupuncture, 419 S. 19th St (415-758-1057)
Eye Candy Vision, 218 S. 20th St (215-568-3937)
Home Helpers Philly, 1835 S. Broad St., Ste 2 (215-334-2600)
Good Karma Cafe, 331 S. 22nd St, (215-546-1479)
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)
Ursula Hobson Fine Art Framing, 1528 Waverly St (215.546.7889)
Alimentari Restaurant at Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St, 2nd Floor 
Astral Artists - Use promo code "CCRA" to receive a $10 flat rate on all tickets to their concerts.
215.546.6719 | centercity@centercityresidents.org |  www.ccraphilly.org

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