Thursday, October 29, 2020

CCRA Newsletter


Call Us Today:
215.546.6719
Weekly E-Newsletter
News And Updates
These Troubled Times

While it goes without saying, it remains worth saying: We all live in enormously difficult times. Especially so here. Not only is Pennsylvania the Mother of all Swing States, but now the City of Philadelphia has serious law enforcement issues to deal with.

At the moment there are many questions and few answers. We trust that things will clarify as time goes on.
 
But for now, let this be clear:

  • We condemn the shooting.
  • We condemn the looting.
  • May Justice for All be done.

Please feel free to contact the CCRA Office
(centercity@centercityresidents.org, 215.546.6719) with any questions or concerns
Useful Links
Our Sponsors:
111 Street Behavior Survey Responses - keep ‘em coming!

The “See Something, Say Something” Street Behavior Survey distributed on September 24 has, in less than a month, netted 111 responses. We encourage everyone to continue reporting street incidents here so that we can assemble statistical data rather than relying on anecdotal reports. 

The major takeaways from the responses received to date:
  • CONDUCT REPORTED – Nearly half of the respondents (45%) complained of harassing or intimidating street conduct while 37% of the responses identified sidewalk obstruction.
  •  LOCATION – 81 % of the reports emanated from the eastern end of the CCRA neighborhood, between Broad Street and 16th Street. On a north south axis, Locust Street accounted for 37% of the responses while Market Street generated 26% and Spruce Street engendered 14% followed closely by Walnut with 13%.
  • TIME OF DAY – 78% of the incidents reported occurred between noon and midnight with 47% arising between 6 pm and midnight.

So keep those responses coming and thanks to Matt Fontana for spearheading this effort with help from Steve Huntington and Barbara Halpern
Highest Number of Registered Voters in 35 Years

One good thing in 2020? 90% of eligible voters are registered to vote this year in Philadelphia. That represents a record high for the past 3 decades. Additionally, total volume of registered voters exceeds 1.12M, the highest number since 1984. Want more stats? Philadelphia voters have requested nearly 410,000 mail ballots, which is close to 60% of total votes cast in the last presidential election.

Election Day is almost here. Here’s some tips to make voting easier on Nov 3rd!

  • Be prepared: The lines may be long. Know who is on your ballot beforehand.
  • Mail-in Ballots: If you haven't sent in your ballot you can still vote in person. Bring your mail-in ballot so it can be voided. You can still drop your ballot off prior to election day at the closest location, City Hall.
  • Be safe: Remember to social distance while waiting. Wear a mask or face covering at all times. Bring your own blue or black ink pen. If necessary, please leave your children at home.

Remember, voter intimidation is illegal! If you spot someone contact the voter hotline at 1-877-868-3772. If you are registered, you have the right to cast your ballot.

Here is a link where you can find your EXACT polling location by inputting your address:
Thank you to our long standing Merchant Partners. Please support our local businesses! 

Rittenhouse Hardware:
For over 15 years, Rittenhouse hardware has been proudly serving Center City and is well known for their knowledgeable, personal service and vast array of supplies for all your household needs. Rittenhouse Hardware is a neighborhood shop, an independently owned and operated small business. No need for a big box store when Rittenhouse Hardware is here. They are opened 7 days a week for your convenience. CCRA members get an additional 5% off for in-store purchases- membership cards must be presented. Conveniently located at 2001 Pine Street. 215-735-6311 http://rittenhousehardware.com/index.html 

Dom’s Shoe Repair
Visit independently owned and and operated Dom’s Shoe repair and CCRA members will receive an additional 10% off. They have been an institution in the city for years. In addition to mens, womens, orthopedic and children's shoe repair, they also fix jackets, luggage, handbags, belts, special requests and more. Rest assured you will have friendly, personalized service, quality workmanship and a quick turn around. Bring in your worn, torn shoes and they will come back looking like new! Opened 6 days a week for your convenience- membership cards must be presented. Dom's Shoe Repair is located at 203 S. 20th Street. 215-972-0098 https://doms-shoe-services.business.site
Community Info and Events
COVID-19 Updates
City continues to be in a "modified" green phase





Visit our special COVID-19 page on our website for more news and info.
Judges Rule: Painted Bride can be Sold

A Panel of Common Court judges has approved the contested sale of the Painted Bride building in Old City. The panel overturned a previous decision from last year which had blocked the sale of the performance and art gallery space. The decision may well bring about the destruction of a large mosaic mural by artist Isaiah Zagar which is located on the exterior of the building.

Barstool Sports Steps Up to the Plate for Reading Terminal Market

The adored but struggling Reading Terminal Market is getting athletic support from Barstool Sports and Penn National Gaming. For every new person who signs up and deposits $100 via its sports betting app, Barstool will donate $100 to Reading Terminal Market. Sadly, due to Covid, foot traffic is down 50% at the Market.

Socks and the City: Lend a Hand to Warm Some Feet

A welcome warming trend is Panama St.’s “Panama Holiday Block Sock.” The idea? Bring Holiday cheer to both a neighbor and an inpatient at the local VA hospital. The how? Purchase two pairs of funky socks – holiday, ugly, funny – one pair of which will be given to a designated neighbor, the other to a deserving VA inpatient. To participate? Contact Nan Kneeland at nankneeland@gmail.com. You know you want to.
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Philadelphia Orchestra Halloween Celebration Concert

October 30, 7:00 p.m. through November 2, 11:00 p.m. Halloween Celebration Family Concert, Tickets $15. Halloween content will be available to all ticket-holders in the Digital Lobby, available one hour before the premiere performance on Friday evening. The concert will be presented on the Orchestra’s Digital Stage at www.philorch.org and will available to view for 72 hours. Tickets are on sale at www.philorch.org or by calling Ticket Philadelphia at 215.893.1999.
CCRA Facebook Halloween Challenge
Show Us Your Pet's Halloween Costume

Are your furry friends dressing up for Halloween? Share their photo in CCRA's Howl-o-ween pet costume challenge!

To enter, post a photo of your pet in the comments below. Be sure to “like” your favorites! On October 31, we will kick off Halloween by celebrating Center City’s favorite costumed pet.

Follow our Facebook page, click here.
Take a Stroll to Raise Awareness for the Health of Black Men and Boys in Philadelphia

The Brothas Stroll is a neighborhood-based walk for Black Men and Boys to gain access to health resources and screenings, connect with neighbors, and raise awareness about the issue of Black men's health.

The second Brothas Stroll event will take place in Philadelphia's 4th District on November 7 at 11:00 a.m. and will start at the steps of the Please Touch Museum.

Register for the Annual Brothas Stroll to receive more details about this event.
Free Admission to Vets and Blue Star Families

The Museum of the American Revolution will offer free admission to veterans, those currently serving in the military, and Blue Star Families, courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal on Veterans Day Weekend, Wednesday, November 11 to Sunday, November 15. The Museum will honor veterans through a virtual lecture, pop-up talks and performances, take-and-make crafts.

The Museum is now open Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stories of the diverse range of people who served and sacrificed during the American Revolution are available anytime with the Museum’s free Virtual Museum Tour and Virtual Field Trip.
Monday, November 9 through Thursday, November 12
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Online.

The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts invites you to our fall virtual Open House, from Monday, November 9, through Thursday, November 12. Each evening's presentation will include a behind-the-scenes video of projects currently in our lab and follow-up discussion from a panel of staff and experts. Featured objects will include items from the Edward Hopper House, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Masonic Temple Library & Museum. When you register, you will be provided with a Zoom link that will work for all four nights. More information on each night's program will be sent a week before each program. Click here to register.

Love Your Park Day

Friends of Schuylkill River Park is participating in fall Love Your Park Day. Join volunteers on November 14, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to plant bulbs, mulch trees and spiff up the park. Volunteers must wear masks and preregister here -  https://www.fsrp.org/events. The group size is limited to 25. The park has been much loved at the same time that Parks and Recreation has cut back significantly on maintenance. Come out and give the park some much-needed TLC! 
CCRA Merchant Partner Discount/Promotion Program

Support our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a discount or promotion to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card and personal identification.


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.
Blue Sole Shoes, 1805 Chestnut St, (215-496-9244)
Branzino Italian BYOB, 261 S. 17th St, (215-790-0103)
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, center city office closed, but you can use the 10% discount at her Narberth office (415-758-1057)
Eye Candy Vision, 218 S. 20th St (215-568-3937)
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)
Philly Foodworks - Use the code "CCRA" when signing up for home delivery and receive a $20 discount on delivery charges.
Raven Lounge, 1718 Sansom St. (215-840-3577)
Rittenhouse Hardware, 2001 Pine St. (215-735-6311)
Seafood Unlimited, 270 S. 20th St (215-732-3663)
The Bake Shop on 20th, 269 S. 20th St. (215-644-9714)
Ursula Hobson Fine Art Framing, 1528 Waverly St (215-546-7889)
1900 Market St, Fl 8
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.546.6719