This Week: February 15, 2024 | |
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The beginning of the week brought the first significant snowfall in nearly two years, and while locally it didn’t last terribly long, it sure was pretty while it was here.
And that’s the thing about snow for us city dwellers. Unlike our suburban brethren, when it snows we typically don’t have to worry about shoveling it or driving in it. We get to enjoy the snow as the children do, simply for what it is.
So… More Snow? Yes, Please! Let It Snow!!!
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Open Mic Community Potluck | |
On Sunday, February 25, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Trinity at 22nd Street, 2212 Spruce St.
Join your friends and neighbors for a joyful evening of friendship, conversation, community and live music. Bring a dish to share. Beer and wine are welcome. Plates and cutlery provided.
Open mic spots are still available. Email bffphilly@gmail.com to pre-register to play.
We hope to see you there!
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Chestnut: Loading on an Open Space | |
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Ever notice how much of a bollix traffic and parking on Chestnut St is compared to, say, Walnut and Locust? Us, too. Ever wonder what that’s all about?
CCRA Streets maven Bill West explains it all in style here.
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O.K….you may not Jump at the chance to dive into a cold outdoor pool on Feb. 24th, but we can JUMP-start the City’s campaign to raise enough money for lifeguards at all city community pools, including our O’Connor Pool at 25th and Locust. And…. you don’t have to JUMP through a lot of hoops to do it. Simply JUMP in here to donate a few bucks, and no one will JUMP down your throat about diving into cold water…..unless you’re JUMPING at the chance to impress the hell out of us, in which case, take that leap of faith….and, for $50, JUMP!!
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Won’t You Be My Neighbor? | |
Looking for more social connections and hands-on activities within walking distance? Look no further than Fitler Square. Thanks to BFF and all its local resources, you can choose from knitting, Tai Chi, Bridge, or a music-infused pot luck dinner. One of the key folks pulling this all together is local resident Lindsey Bingaman, President of Schuylkill River Park. The Fitler Focus shines its light on her and…possibly your next “adventure” down the street. Read here to explore. | |
Office Closure and Trash Collection | |
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In observance of the Presidents’ Day Holiday, CCRA is closed on Monday, February 19. The office will reopen on Tuesday, February 20.
Due to the holiday, no trash will be collected on Monday. Collection will resume on Tuesday.
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CCRA MERCHANT PARTNER FEATURE | |
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 feature Merchant Partner Sandcastle Fun Co! | |
Merchant Partner Sandcastle Fun Co. Brings the Fun! | |
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Have you seen the groups of young children in Rittenhouse Square being led in music and games by enthusiastic teachers and wonder what that was? Wonder no more, as that was none other but our newest Merchant Partner, the Sandcastle Fun Co!
Sandcastle Fun Co. is a dynamic collective of performing artists – many with BFA’s from the University of the Arts -- providing educational and entertaining programs for children from infancy to six years old. Their innovative classes – outdoors in the Square and indoors at the Ethical Society -- create fun and educational experiences that inspire young minds to learn, grow, and create unforgettable memories. They even offer fabulous customizable birthday party packages for children and families to enjoy.
And, for CCRA members: After taking a free demo class, any CCRA member who presents proof of membership will receive 15% off their first purchase of a bundle of classes and will be eligible for 10% off their birthday party or private event!
So whether the little ones in your life are children, grandchildren or beyond, let Sandcastle Fun Co bring the fun to YOU!
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Meet Your Match Through Mother Nature | |
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Looking for a budding romance? Then Matchmaking for the Planet - Volunteer Mixer, Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 6-8 p.m. at the Indy Hall Club House, 709 N. 2nd Street, is for you. Through eco speed dating you can connect with one of the city’s environmentally active groups, like the Fairmount Park Conservancy. Partake in discussions about sustainability. And savor the fruit of the vine with wine from Bonterra Organic Estates. Advance tickets are $5; general admission $10. For more information, and to register, click here.
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Help Wanted - Greeters at the Guardhouse in the Square | |
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Friends of Rittenhouse Square is looking for volunteers interested in taking part in their new Guardhouse Greeters project. Greeters will work from the guardhouse and act as an information resource to visitors to Rittenhouse Square. For more information, send your best smiley-face message here 🙂
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Lucky Streakers in Sneakers | |
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You could be one of the 40,000 entrants speeding 10 miles down Broad Street, from Somerville to the Navy Yard, by entering the lottery to win a coveted bib in the 2024 Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run, kicking off at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 5. Registration, now underway, closes at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 15. If you’re not picked, you can still run in the nation’s longest road race on behalf of a charity partner. Winners will be notified the week of Feb. 19. Click here to register and for more details.
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Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | |
Trees Rooted in the Civil Rights Movement | |
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Trees sing songs of our ancestors. They tell of relationships forged in war and peace. Learn how some of America's oldest trees played pivotal roles from outdoor classrooms to shelters for refuge. Share your experience of trees in conversations on gentrification, education, and community building. All ages are welcome, as this is a family-friendly activity. This event is free to attend, but donations to UC Green are always appreciated. Event held will be held Saturday, February 24 from 12-2PM in The Dornsife Center: Ryan Hall Room S109, 3509 Spring Garden St. For questions or assistance, please contact Dominique London at dlondon@ucgreen.org. To register (it’s free!), root yourself here.
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Community News and Events | |
Join Local Chef Aliza Green for an Aruba Dinner at Winkel on Tuesday, March 12 | |
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There’s just no stopping local mega-chef Aliza Green. Her newest book is entitled “Aruba's Papiamento Cuisine”, and you can sample the book’s scrumptious recipes Tuesday, March 12 at Winkel Restaurant at 1119 Locust.
Aliza will be partnering with chef-owner Joncarl Lachman on the dinner, which will benefit the scholarship and mentorship fund of Les Dames d'Escoffier Philadelphia. The price of the dinner –- which includes vegan options -- includes a copy of the book ($40), a welcome cocktail, and an after-dinner drink (although it is BYOB). All the delicious details can be found here.
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A Journalist’s Look at Philadelphia
with Dan Rottenberg
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Monday, February 20 at 2 pm
First Presbyterian Church, 201 S. 21st St.
Join Penn’s Village for a presentation by Philadelphia-based journalist and editor Dan Rottenberg on his latest book, The Education of a Journalist: My 70 Years on the Frontiers of Free Speech (Redmount Press, 2022). Dan will discuss what he learned through 70 years of media turmoil, as editor of seven groundbreaking publications, author of 12 books, press critic, business writer, film critic, arts critic, and dining critic. As a champion of free speech, he successfully defended seven libel suits and survived protest demonstrations and death threats. Along the way, he helped launch the alternative media movement, the modern Jewish genealogy movement, and the “Forbes 400” list of wealthiest Americans. He covered the Chicago Seven trial for the Wall Street Journal and chronicled billionaires for Town & Country Magazine. Registration Info here.
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The Newest of the New in Center City | |
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One of the greatest things about Center City life is that there are always new things to check out, and now is no exception. All new now, among other things: a Greek restaurant, athleisure, a barcade, bubble tea, tacos, and underground jazz lounge, Miss Saigon and a sporting club. We’re not making this up; read all about it here.
Not to mention, just in time for March Madness, the NBA/NHL playoffs and, of course, beisbol, here comes a new sports bar, -- Lucy’s – right in the middle of it all, at 1720 Chestnut. Cheers here.
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Learn More Than You Knew About Public Art and Sculpture | |
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Of course you’re aware that there is a lot of public art and sculpture in and around town, but we bet there’s a lot more that you don’t know, and the way to remedy that is to attend Jim Murphy’s presentation Feb. 21 at Old Swede’s Church. Entitled “A Fast, Fun Look at Philly’s Awesome Public Art & Sculpture”, Jim's slides will take you from the Art Museum area all the way down to the Washington Avenue pier, with many, many stops along the way. A great way to spend an evening, the details can be discovered here.
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Motorists are advised to avoid the closure area because significant backups and delays will occur on I-95 and several surface streets in the vicinity of the work area, PennDot said in a statement. Here is a timeline for the closures on I-95 near Penn’s Landing:
- Saturday, Feb. 24, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.: One lane will be closed on I-95 South between I-676 (Exit 22) and Walnut Street.
- Saturday, Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. until Monday, Feb. 26, at 5 a.m.: All lanes of I-95 South will be closed from Exit 22 to the Morris Street on-ramp after Exit 20.
As part of that weekend’s construction, two ramps will shut down — the ramp from I-676 East to I-95 South and the ramp from I-95 South to Columbus Boulevard and Washington Avenue at Exit 22. Both will reopen at 5 a.m. on Feb. 26. Click here for more information
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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. | |
CCRA assumes no responsibility, and makes no representations or warranties, regarding any product and/or services sold by any Merchant Partner. | | | | |
