CCRA Newsletter

 

This Week: November 4, 2021

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

Whither Streeteries? Not much great has come from the pandemic, but one bright spot has been the birth of Streeteries. A quick, simple and effective solution, they kept restaurants afloat and residents sane.  But that was then. Now, looking ahead…. Not so simple. It is, as they say, complicated. Steeteries represent a new and different type creature, created on the fly with aspects both unanticipated and unaddressed, too numerous of which to speak to in this space. As always, it’s best to be informed. Start with Inga Saffron’s column from last Sunday’s Inky (available, albeit paywalled, here). Then, on Thu., Nov. 4 at 5:30 pm WHYY is presenting a virtual panel discussion about the future of street dining. To register, go here.  Following that, next Tuesday morning 11/9 the Philadelphia City Council will have a hearing on both Allan Domb’s bill to make Streeteries permanent and Darrell Clarke’s bill to extend the temporary authorization for six months.  Finally, also next Tuesday, CCRA’s Board will hear personally from Councilmember Domb, our architectural consultant Tim Kerner and others on the issue as well as receive public comment. The meeting will be live and in-person at 7 pm at Brandywine Bex at Commerce Square at 2087 Market St. Plenty of opportunity to listen, learn and weigh in. CCRA members are most welcome to attend. Please contact Managing Director Travis Oliver to inform him. Proof of vaccination is required. ‘til then, bon al fresco apetit.

CCRA News and Events

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 Center City delivery service The Rounds. Making The Rounds Work For You Bothered by the amount of the simple, sheer physical waste in your life? Who isn’t? Well, local startup The Rounds is working to do something about it. Originally called Mlkmn, The Rounds is in fact built on the “milkman” model in that it delivers products to the customer’s door in reusable packaging (think milk bottles). Then, when the user is done, it retrieves the packaging, rinses, and repeats. The idea being to lower the amount of waste from individual, disposable orders, The Rounds delivers everyday essentials like oats, toilet paper, paper products, and cleaning products. In short, it’s green, it’s sustainable, and it’s cheaper. Intrigued? Thought so. For more info and to get started, please visit The Rounds.  And know this: Use the code CCRATHEROUNDS in the promo field at signup and your monthly membership will be free for as long as you are a CCRA member.

Clean, Safe, and Green

Local Legislative Updates Two recent bills, both introduced by Councilman Mark Squilla: 210866: Allow for innovative use of loading zone and metered parking spaces 210870: Prohibit loud noises from motor vehicles and authorize an automated system for detecting violations To express comments: Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson: https://phlcouncil.com/KenyattaJohnson/ Councilmember Mark Squilla: https://phlcouncil.com/MarkSquilla/ Council President Darrell Clarke: https://phlcouncil.com/darrellclarke/ CCRA email: centercity@centercityresidents.org

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Richard J. Watson Exhibit at African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) Richard J. Watson is an artist, civil rights activist, and mentor who for nearly 40 years has been an icon at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Now the AAMP artist-in-residence has an exhibit of his own at AAMP, entitled “ Portals+Revelations: Richard J. Watson Beyond Realities”.   Running from now through March 6, the in-person exhibit offers a variety of his art created over three decades: both rural landscapes and mixed media draw on memories of family. Much more about this remarkable artist can be found 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

Bike Expo Rolls Into Town This Weekend Attention Bike Nerds (you know who you are): The 2021 Philly Bike Expo wheels into town this weekend, specifically at the Convention Center this Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 6 and 7. There are exhibits, there are seminars, and there is more merch than you can throw a torque wrench at. All the details are here.

Victory Declared at 1776 on the Parkway Downingtown’s Victory Brewing Co. has launched a 14,000 square-foot brewpub at the noteworthy address of 1776 Ben Franklin Parkway. Formerly (and since 1990) the home of a TGI Friday’s, the space has seen a bottom-to-top redo and features two indoor levels and a roof deck, totaling 330 seats overall. There’s also a scratch menu, gift shop, and a whole lotta beer and hard cider. Details here.

Trinity Memorial Church needs donations to help with Free Food Bag Program Trinity Memorial Church at 22nd & Spruce Street is distributing two free bags of groceries per household to anyone who is having food insecurity. No questions asked; advance reservations required. This food distribution program is accessible to neighborhood residents who do not have cars, and it has been a lifeline to seniors, families, children, and laid-off and unemployed workers. Groceries are distributed in the afternoon on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. For people who are unable to pick up at Trinity due to a disability or illness, volunteers will try to deliver. Trinity gets donated groceries from a hub in Northeast Philadelphia. Financial donations are needed to purchase supplemental food such as eggs and fresh produce and to pay for drivers. Make a Donation. For all donations, please note TMC Food Bag Program. If you need information, please email Susan Weinman: susanweinman@yahoo.com

Free Admission for During Veterans' Day Weekend The Museum of the American Revolution Offers Free Admission for Veterans, Active Military, and Blue Star Families During Veterans Day Weekend, Thursday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, November 14.  More info here.

Go Out for Thanksgiving Dinner? Why Not? Of course, you want a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends, but maybe this time around you don’t want all the fuss and all the cleanup? Maybe outsource the food prep, or maybe even go out to dinner? OK. But how? Where? No worries! Irene Levy Baker’s City Pulse piece has you covered, as in it she details all the options, the number of which will likely surprise you. You can dive in here.

No Emergency: New ER at Penn Med After much work and $1.6 billion later, Penn Med’s 17-story Pavilion opened its new emergency department this past Saturday. One of the largest hospital projects in the U.S., it will house HUP’s cardiology, oncology, neurology, and neurosurgery units along with 504 patient rooms and 47 operating rooms. For the many details re the facility, go here.

The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink returns to Dilworth Park Experience the city’s most-anticipated wintertime destination, open 7 days a week from November 5, 2021, to February 27, 2022. Reservations are encouraged for timed, 90-minute skating sessions. Purchase tickets online ahead of time, and find the full schedule at ticketsocket.rothmanrink.com

Merchant Partners "Deals and Discounts" Program

Would you 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. 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) The Rounds, Use code CCRATHEROUNDS to receive free membership 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) 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)

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