CCRA Newsletter

 

This Week: Sept 23, 2021

Editor - Barbara Halpern Lead Writer - Richard Vaughn Design/Layout and Writer - Travis Oliver

R.I.P., Beloved Garden Not unlike too many things these days, there seems no end to the destruction and heartbreak wrought by Hurricane Ida and its tornados and floods. Locally look no further than the CCRA-administered Schuylkill River Park Community Garden (http://www.srpcg.org), all of whose 70+ plots were ruined when the hurricane caused a sewage pipe to back up. Worse, this happened at peak harvest time after a whole year’s worth of work. Among other things, this meant that the food designated for donation to City Harvest needed to be destroyed. Yes, there’s always next year, when the garden will be restored and new memories will replace the old, but for now: To the extent that climate change is a factor, could we please do something about that?

CCRA News and Events

CCRA Zoning Committee Meeting Tuesday, Sept 28, 7pm via Zoom View Agenda Zoom info https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89311980153 Meeting ID: 893 1198 0153 One tap mobile +13017158592,,89311980153#

We need your input! Take the Loading Zone Survey CCRA has been looking at this issue for some time. The problem became more urgent on Tuesday, when the Philadelphia Parking Authority announced that it was creating a dedicated unit of bicycle-mounted enforcement officers, who would be ticketing cars illegally parked in bike lanes and bus lanes. People parking in this way often don't see any option, because there are no spaces available in the parking lane. As we explore ways to make this situation better, we need your input. Please take a minute or two to answer a few questions. Take the survey

Merchant Partner of the Week

Every week we spotlight a member of the CCRA Merchant Partner ‘Deals & Discount’ Program, which helps local Mom and Pop businesses get back on their post-pandemic feet by providing complimentary valuable advertising and exposure by encouraging support from CCRA’s highly-engaged (and growing) membership. This week we feature Rittenhouse stalwart Bakeshop on 20th.   Something’s Always Cooking at the Bakeshop   Why is Bakeshop on 20th always so crowded? Well, why do you think?   Could it be the smell of the baking of pastries such as scones, muffins, sticky buns, chocolate babkas, fudge brownies, and cookies as they’re pulled from the ovens? Could it be the made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, the hand-sliced smoked salmon and avocado toast served on your choice of artisanal English muffins, croissants or wraps? Center City residents aren’t stupid; the Bakeshop is packed for a reason. Why not see for yourself? And while you’re there, mention CCRA and you’ll get an extra little goodie to accompany the treat you just purchased.

Clean, Safe, and Green

Plastic Bag Ban: What You Need to Know By now no doubt you’ve heard of the plastic bag ban due to go into effect October 1. But is it as simple as all that? Please. It’s complicated, of course. Get the lowdown via the City’s FAQ.

Wanna Tell SEPTA Where to Get Off? Now You Can Pardon the pun, but due to the pandemic SEPTA finds itself at a bit of a crossroads. Its schedule is geared toward 9-to-5 commuters, and that ridership all but disappeared with the mass move to remote work. So now SEPTA wants your thoughts in the form of a survey. Tell them how you feel about connections, fares and frequency here.

Useful links Previous CCRA This Week News Blog 9th District Crime Report 17th District Crime Reports Center City Quarterly CCRA Calendar

Community News and Events

City Council Redistricting Workshops Available The Committee of Seventy is currently holding a series of workshops regarding Redistricting City Council and why it’s important. Redistricting happens when the Census numbers are released to make sure that each district of the city are covered, and public/community factors are prioritized. Residents should be engaged in the map-making process to have your voice heard. Learn more and RSVP here. Stop by our Merchant Partner, Di Bruno's, 1730 Chestnut, on Mon, Sept 27th, from 1-3p - to shop for Project Home merchandise

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So You Think You Can Dance? Put on those dancin' shoes and celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with the folks at Taller Puertorriqueño. Immerse yourself in an authentic Hispanic fiesta, with a choice of dance workshops.  Then, kick up your heels and do the Salsa, the Bachata, or the Brazilian Zouk (yes, really!). They'll be performances, as well, for those with two left feet. Located near Broad and Lehigh, be sure to check out some of the amazing murals around the neighborhood The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 9. Hasta Luego!

Barnes Debuts Suzanne Valadon Exhibit If you’re unfamiliar with the name Suzanne Valadon, that’s about to change thanks to the new exhibit at the Barnes Foundation featuring the work of the groundbreaking French model and painter. Entitled “Suzanne Valadon: Model, Painter, Rebel” and running from September 26 through January 9, the exhibition looks at her contributions to early 20th-century art in displaying works from all stages of her career. It’s the first exhibition of her art at a major US arts institution, and all the details can be found here.

Booze News: 2-Bottle Liquor Limit at State Stores Citing supply chain issues, glass and aluminum specifically, the PA Liquor Control Board has announced a two-bottle purchasing limit on a variety of upscale champagnes, cognacs, tequilas and whiskeys. 43 liquor listings in all are affected by the restriction which is expected to last “indefinitely”. Cry in your beer while you imbibe the details here.

Merchant Partners "Deals and Discounts" Program

Please support our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a deal or discount to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card and personal identification. Excursions from the Square (215-732-8487, 215-738-4500) Eye Candy Vision, 218 S. 20th St (215-568-3937) Frameworks Studio and Gallery, 2103 Walnut St, (215-567-6800) 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 Mlkmn, - Use code CCRAMlkmn to receive free membership Nature's Gallery Florist, 2124 Walnut St (215-563-5554) Photo Lounge, 130 S.17th St. (267-322-6651) 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) Veda Modern Indian Bistro, 1920 Chestnut St, (267-519-2001) William Schwartz Jewelry, 1831 Chestnut St (215-665-8115) 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. (215-665-9220) Dom's Shoe Repair, 203 S. 20th St (215-972-0098)

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