Thursday, January 28, 2021

CCRA Newsletter


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Weekly E-Newsletter - January 28, 2021
News And Updates
So Much for Normal

In this space last week, we noted the smooth and peaceful transfer of power that the world saw at the nation’s Inauguration and expressed our fervent hope that Normal would soon become the New Normal.

Well, that was fun while it lasted, at least locally, as anyone following the Philly Fights Covid story knows full well. What allegedly went on, in that case, gets harder and harder to believe as details emerge. Of course, the worst of it is that peoples’ lives appear to have been put in danger.

More to come on this, no doubt, and we trust that investigations will proceed and, where appropriate, justice will be done.

For now, though, here is the official (and legit) place to register with the City’s Department of Public Health to receive the Covid-19 vaccine: https://covid-vaccine-interest.phila.gov. May we all be vaccinated, and soon.

Useful Links
Our Sponsors:
CCRA Zoning Committee Meeting
The zoning committee meeting of January 26 is now streaming on our YouTube channel. To view the report, click the button below.

The next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, February 23, 2021.
Save the Date: CCRA Public Meeting for 2300 Market Street Project

Lupert-Adler Properties is proposing to develop the three properties on the south side of Market from 23rd Street to the Aramark Building. A public hearing to review the project and seek input will be held via Zoom on February 22nd at 7 pm. The Zoom meeting can be accessed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82127029584

The Controller Report regarding the City's Response to the 2020 Civil Unrest
CCRA President Maggie Mund was part of @PhilaController’s independent investigation into the City’s response to civil unrest. Conversations with members of the Community Advisory and Accountability Council have been incorporated into a supplemental Call to Action.
COLD BLUE is in effect tonight
A Code Blue is enacted during extremely cold conditions when temperatures feel near or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. During a Code Blue, the City takes special measures to keep people who are homeless safe.
Winter Tree Care Tip 
It’s time to take the tree gators off! Gators can be helpful to get water to newly planted trees during the growing season but they should come off in December. Gators hold unwanted moisture next to the trunk leading to rot. See the unhealthy dark color on this London Plane in Schuylkill River Park. Just move the gator over to a nearby stake, if there is one. 
COVID-19 Updates
Community Info and Events
Schools Begin Transitioning to Hybrid Learning
Pre-K through second-grade students with families who selected hybrid learning will phase in first, starting on Monday, Feb. 22. Staff members supporting those students will return to school buildings on Feb. 8 to prepare. 
Trinity Memorial Church Food Bag Program
Trinity Memorial Church at 22nd and Spruce street is distributing two bags of groceries per household to anyone who is having food insecurity. No questions asked. You must reserve in advance. If you cannot pick up due to a disability or illness, they can try to deliver. Groceries are distributed in the afternoon on the second and fourth Tuesdays.

Volunteers are needed with large vehicles to drive and load the groceries from our partner in the Northeast and about 6 to 8 volunteers to unload and sort the groceries and drive groceries to disabled people. The amount of food varies each week.

Strong double paper grocery bags are needed (or strong fabric bags) and smaller bags for sorting fruit as well as socks and notes that say “You Matter.”

You can donate funds to our main provider of groceries: www.caringforfriends.org or donate directly to Trinity Memorial Church online: https://bit.ly/3iOTkD7 or by check toTMC Food Bag Program c/o Trinity Memorial Church2212 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For all donations, please note TMC Food Bag Program.

To reserve food bags, to volunteer, or to ask questions, please email Susan Weinman: susanweinman@yahoo.com. Thank you!
Out: Res Ipsa. In: Lost Bread Co.
One door closes, another opens, sometimes literally. Sad was the farewell to Res Ipsa, the Rittenhouse coffee shop that turned into an Italian BYOB after dark. Its three-year run became a casualty of the pandemic. But: Into the same 2218 Walnut space comes a café and retail location of Lost Bread Co., the artisanal bakery that James Beard-nominated pastry chef Alex Bois operates with Avram Hornik and Four Corners Management. Bois was a biochemistry major, and it shows.
For Real: Numerous New Restaurants Debut
Pandemic, Schmandemic. More than a few Philly eateries are now opening up. We’re talking takeout-only along with indoor/outdoor dining with, of course, social distancing. Coffee and sweets, rotisserie chicken, sustainable/seasonal, and the return of Bridget Foy!
CCRA Merchant Partner Discount/Promotion Program

Please 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.

Nature's Gallery Florist, 2124 Walnut St (215-563-5554)
Photo Lounge, 1909 Chestnut St (267-322-6651)
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) (TEMPORARILY CLOSED)
The Bake Shop on 20th, 269 S. 20th St. (215-644-9714)
Ursula Hobson Fine Art Framing, 1528 Waverly St (215-546-7889)
Veda Modern Indian Bistro, 1920 Chestnut St, (267-519-2001)
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 virtual 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 a 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)
Koresh Dance Company, 2002 Rittenhouse Sq St. (267-687-1769)
Liberty Pet Vets, 265 S. 20th St (888-458-8587
1900 Market St, Fl 8
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.546.6719