This Week: March 30, 2023

Editor – Barbara Halpern

Lead Writer – Richard Vaughn

Design/Layout and Writer – Travis Oliver

Not Your Father’s (nor Your) Baseball

The fact that the Phillies are the reigning National League Champions isn’t the only – or even the best – reason to follow Major League Baseball this season. No, MLB is a whole new ballgame in 2023.

The poohbahs who run the sport have finally heard the complaints that the games are both too long and too slow, and in response they’ve uncharacteristically swung into action with a number of rather drastic rule changes, the most significant of which is the implementation of a “pitch clock”, which mandates that no more than 15 seconds may elapse between pitches (20 with a runner on base).

Combined, these new rules amount to a true game-changer. Whether you’re a dedicated fan, a casual fan, or no fan at all, it promises to be a fascinating watch, a new game ushered in with all the newness of Spring.

Play Ball!

CCRA News and Events

CCRA Public Zoning Committee Meeting

On Tuesday, March 28, CCRA held its monthly zoning meeting. You can view the meeting on our Youtube page. To see the report, visit here.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25.

CCRA Public Community Meeting re: 19th & Chestnut

On Thursday, March 30, at 7 pm, CCRA is holding a public meeting, via Zoom, regarding the proposed tower to be constructed over the CVS at 19th & Chestnut. The plans will be shown and discussed by the project architects and the public will have a chance to ask questions. To register, click here.

Philadelphia Mayoral Forum

To reserve a spot, go here.

CCRA MERCHANT PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

CCRA’s Merchant Partner program is a true Win-Win: It provides local businesses with complimentary advertising and exposure while giving CCRA members generous deals and discounts. This week we spotlight Chestnut St Jeweler William Schwartz Distinctive Jewelry.

All That Glitters is at William Schwartz

Anything but a big-box chain store, William Schwartz Distinctive Jewelry is truly distinctive in that they offer an unusually wide selection of both unique and custom pieces, and their personal, on-site repairs are done right the first time with very quick turnaround. (If you disbelieve, check out the raves on Yelp.)

So what could be better, you ask? They offer a 10% discount to CCRA members. So do please stop by at 1831 Chestnut and say hello to Russell at William Schwartz Distinctive Jewelry!

Clean, Safe and Green

Gardening in March? Yes, You Can!

As past seasons can tell us, Spring could be hit-or-miss in March. Wet soils and frost warnings will remind you that your garden is still under limitations (the last frost/freeze date is April 17). However, this still shouldn’t stop you from getting started. Here are some options:

Plant hardy annuals such as pansies.
Wait until the soil dries some and warms up before planting, such as dahlias and gladiolus.
Once the danger of frost has gone, plant perennial vegetables and fruits.
If you have rosebushes, prune them before the buds break.
Plant trees and shrubs as soon as you can work the soil.

If you are a new container gardener, now is the time to grow from seeds. You can grow strawberries, herbs, and lots of veggies. Make sure you have enough light.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Museums Celebrate Women’s History Year-Round

With the end of the month of March, Women’s History Month may be winding down, but the museums around town provide a year-round opportunity to learn about and celebrate the many important roles played by women throughout our history. From Betsy Ross to women’s suffrage to the new exhibit at the Barnes, our many museums tell the tales. Consider the options here.

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Community News and Events

Celebrate Easter With a Brunch Feast

This being Philly, there’s no shortage of eateries to choose from when it comes to enjoying an Easter Brunch-time celebration. Many establishments feature Easter-specific specials. You can taste the details here, or here.

Get in the Swing at Maja Park

Thanks to our friends at Logan Square Neighborhood Association, we learned that Leon Jordan Sr. and the Renaissance will perform every Saturday in April from 12 – 1:30 p.m. Each week they will be joined by a different featured soloist. Be sure to bring your own blanket and chair, a picnic, and enjoy spring on the Parkway.

Performances are sponsored by the Parkway Council @pkwycouncilphl and supported by The Recording Industry’s Music Performance Trust Fund. Luckily, 5 Sats in April!

The Speakeasy Experience Lives at Hop Sing Laundromat

You push the button at the unmarked gate at 1029 Race St, and you wait to be let in.

Once inside you provide photo ID and proof-of-vax (originals only) while the rules are explained: limit 4 people per party, no cellphones, no photo-taking, no flip-flops, sandals, shorts. But after that you’re in for an upscale-cocktail treat at the dimly-lit establishment that was raved about in the pages of Esquire and Conde Nast Traveler. More here.

Author Talk at the Philadelphia City Institute Library: Jennifer Lin - Beethoven in Beijing, April 4, 2023 5:30 p.m.

Author Jennifer Lin will present her book Beethoven in Beijing; a photo-rich oral history of the boundary-breaking series of concerts the Philadelphia orchestra performed in China during a time when Western music was banned in the communist nation.

In 1973, Western music was banned in the People’s Republic of China, but in a remarkable breakthrough cultural exchange, the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted a tour of closed-off China, becoming the first American orchestra to visit the communist nation. A companion volume to the film of the same name, Beethoven in Beijing shows how this 1973 tour came at the dawn of a resurgence of interest in classical music in China—now a vital source of revenue for touring orchestras.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase. This event is free, in-person and open to the public.

Think You Know Philly? Think Again.

Like all great cities, in Philly you never really get to “do it all”. There are always surprises and unknowns. Lucky for you, we’ve found a list. So whether you’re looking to entertain yourself, family or friends, begin your search here.

Behind Boathouse Row: The Stories

Boathouse Row is one of the true jewels of Philadelphia – it’s even been featured on Sixers’ jerseys – but as well-known and beloved as the Row is, the stories behind it remain relatively unknown. But not to worry, as the Head of Schuylkill Regatta has “Story Hour”, and the next one is tonight! It starts at 7, and is via Zoom. Register here.

R.I.P. Richard Kiniry

The Philadelphia Ethical Society invites you to join us in celebrating the life of its Leader Emeritus, Richard Kiniry, who passed away on December 18, 2019.

The program will be held in person in the PES Auditorium at the Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103, at 2 pm, Saturday, April 15, 2023. Details can be found here.

Useful links

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.

City Fitness, 2101 South St & 1819 JFK Blvd (609-254-9048)

Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St (215-665-9220) - Temporarily Suspended

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 & Gallery, 2103 Walnut St (215-567-6800)

Loews Hotel Philadelphia, 1200 Market St (215-627-1200)

Kimmel Cultural Campus, 300 S. Broad St (215-893-1900)

Liberty Pet Vets, 265 S. 20th St (888-458-8587)

Mr FIX, 413 S. 20th St (215-261-5646)

PhotoLounge, 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 Philadelphia Orchestra, One S. Broad St (215-893-1955)

The River Boat Tours, Schuylkill River & Walnut St (215-309-5523)

The Rounds, internet only

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 - Temporarily Suspended

Astral Artists, 1500 Walnut St. (215-735-6999)

12th Street Catering, 3312 Spring Garden St (215-386-8595)

Blue Sole Shoes, 1805 Chestnut St (215-496-9244)

CCRA assumes no responsibility, and makes no representations or warranties, regarding any product and/or services sold by any Merchant Partner.

Center City Residents' Association | 1900 Market St, FL 8, Philadelphia, PA 19103

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Thursday, March 30, 2023

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