This Week: March 14, 2024 | |
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Yeah yeah yeah, “It’s Only Sports” and all that, and it usually is, only not this time. Eagle icon and lifetime legend Jason Kelce retired last week. If you missed his epic retirement speech, you need to view it here.
In his own words:
I consider it a great blessing to play in the most passionate sports town in America. No one celebrates their own like the City of Philadelphia.
Yes, they will let you know when you are not performing well – every time. But they will also love you if you show effort, aggression, desire, the will to fight.
There is no chance I would be here without the bond Travis and I share. It’s only too poetic I found my career being fulfilled in the City of Brotherly Love.
Farewell, 62. We look forward to seeing you in the broadcast booth.
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Under the category of all good things must come to an end, CCRA President Rick Gross announced at the March 12th Board Meeting that he will resign effective June 30, 2024. At that point, Gross will have served 3 years as CCRA President. He and his wife Roberta are moving to Santa Barbara to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Executive Vice-President Richard Vaughn will step up to the presidency upon Gross’ resignation, leaving a vacancy in the position of EVP. Gross asked anyone who was interested in serving as EVP for the remainder of his term and a new, two-year term commencing on July 1, 2025, to contact him. It is expected that the Board will vote to replace Vaughn at its May meeting. | |
WANTED NOW: BOARD MEMBER CANDIDATES | |
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CCRA is looking to fill several Board seats for our fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024. Board members generally serve a term of 3 years. The Board is a working Board. We are seeking CCRA members who have a passion for living in “CCRAville;” are interested in issues of quality of life and community service; and are committed to active Board participation. Successful candidates must serve on at least one committee and agree to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in our Board Pledge, which includes devoting at least four hours per month to CCRA activities, not including time spent attending, and preparing for, monthly Board meetings. Go here to see a list of all standing committees.
Interested members are encouraged to forward a resume or statement of interest that includes a summary of qualifications by Friday, March 22 to: centercity@centercityresidents.org, with "Board Candidate" in the subject line. (We also welcome your suggestion of any individual who resides in CCRAville who you believe would be an asset to the Board. Be sure to include their email address and/or phone number.)
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Whither the Homeless: What to Do? | |
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There are fewer more intractable problems in urban life than that of the homeless. CCRA Streets Chair Bill West shares his thoughtful ruminations here.
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For the second year in a row, CCRA is proud to sponsor the Freire Charter School's entire 9th-grade class to see the Lantern Theater Production of Romeo and Juliet, a staple of HS English classes for what seems like centuries, Lantern Theater alo provides educational materials for the School's use, and each school matinee also includes a talk-back with the cast following the performance. Frreire's 9th graders have read the play and are well situated and excited to see it onstage. Thanks to our members for helping to enhance the education of our next gen. It takes a village. | |
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 spotlight new Merchant Partner Estelle Carraz-Bernabei. | |
Let New Merchant Partner Estelle Carraz-Bernabei Light Up Your Home with Art | |
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Intrigued by art and photography that tells the story of nature and cosmic energy? Maybe have such pieces adorning your home, or that of a dear friend? Look no further than local artist and new Merchant Partner Estelle Carraz-Bernabei.
Estelle’s art is both unique and arresting. Inspired by visions, dreams, meditations, and a connection to universal energy, she uses a combination of oils, acrylics, watercolors, charcoals, clays, alcohols, botanicals, and sometimes quartz crystals in capturing the energy and intuitive emotions that she feels.
Interested? Of course you are, and you should also know that CCRA Members receive 10% off her intuitive ambient abstracts.
Have a look at Estelle’s work here!
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The calendar may not reflect it, but the eyes can’t reject it. Signs of spring: Tulips, cyclists, folks in shorts! Here are two ways to follow the rollout:
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Here are some simple tips from the Academy of Natural Sciences to make your environment biodiverse and bird-friendly. Help our feathered friends soar through their spring migration.
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Take a walk on the wild side (for Philly, think Wissahickon) Here are some photos to help you ID Philly’s harbingers of spring: skunk cabbage, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Mayapple….and so much more.
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What’s Next for the Bus Revolution | |
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Bus Revolution Community Meetings Spring 2024
The Bus Revolution team will be holding a series of eight community meetings in the City of Philadelphia so people can meet the project team and learn more about the recommended changes. Meetings will be held across Philadelphia and will include time for informal discussion and a presentation by SEPTA staff.
Can’t attend, but still want to be heard? You can provide testimony at the Bus Revolution website or submit comments by email at busnetwork@septa.org or by phone 267-291-6045.
For more info click here.
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Keeping Streets Safe(r) for All | |
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Because streets can always be safer, City Council has been authorized to place five new speeding-enforcement cameras at high-speed, dangerous roadways throughout the City, and they need your help as to which five to select. Please take their survey here.
Meanwhile, the Bike Coalition is having its annual Vision Zero conference on March 22 at the Temple Student Center South. The goal? Zero fatalities for all who use Philadelphia’s streets - cars, bicycles, and pedestrians. Find all relevant info here.
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Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | |
Current Needs at Holy Trinity's Open Hearts Cafe | |
The Church of the Holy Trinity, located on Rittenhouse Square created The Open Hearts Cafe to help those in need of clothes.
Open Hearts Cafe is requesting donations of coats, jackets, pants (sizes 32-38), sweatpants, hoodies, sweaters, thermals, gloves, hats, sneakers, and boots for people experiencing homelessness or food insecurity. Donating is easy! Drop off your donations at Open Hearts Cafe, located at 1904 Walnut Street, during business hours (Mon-Fri, 8:00am-4:00pm).Or, simply drop off your offerings at the Church of Holy Trinity every Sunday and Tuesday at 4:30 pm.
In addition, the Church provides space, kitchen, food, and chefs, so they are able to feed and clothe hundreds every Sunday and Tuesday at 4:30 pm with wide-open hearts. Consider donating or volunteering your time at the Open Hearts Cafe. Visit here for more information.
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On March 15/16th, head over to the Suzanne Roberts Theatre to see “Sing OUT Louise!”, a spectacular musical performance from the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus. This event promises to be an entertaining and uplifting experience for all attendees. The performance features an incredible lineup of talented musicians and vocalists who will take you on a journey through the beautiful and diverse world of music. With catchy tunes and an inspiring message of love and acceptance, “Sing OUT Louise!” is a must-see event that will surely inspire and energize you. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to experience the magic of music and support the LGBTQ+ community. Get your tickets here today!
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Real Time Real Estate: This Month | |
A Father, Son and Holy Ghost for Easter | |
The Philadelphia Trinity or “bandbox” home made its debut more than a hundred years ago & could be viewed as the trendy tiny home of the past. Built to fit on small alleys and behind larger properties, the term Father, Son & Holy Ghost homes is a familiar term to long-term center city dwellers. | |
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Kate Frederico
Realtor, Compass
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Originally built out of necessity for tradesmen & artisans, the home has one room on each floor with the kitchen usually in the basement. Some have been expanded over the years, getting modern updates and gaining square footage. These homes are more affordable than a typical style home and typically appeal to history buffs and budget-conscious people alike.
Take a stroll in the sun through our borough and you’ll find that just west of Fitler Square you will enter charming Panama Street. Located on the north side is a small opening between two homes and there you will discover a couple of these hidden gems. The homes on the south side of the 2200 block of Panama St also emulate this charming style. A variation of the Trinity can also be found on the south side of 19th & Waverly known as Ringgold Place and on the south side of Latimer behind the spacious townhomes on the 2100 block of Locust.
Currently for sale per the MLS, a Trinity located on Beechwood St is 14’x27’ containing 885 square feet with an asking price of $475,000 and yes, it is located on a tiny alley bordering 22nd St, Van Pelt, Walnut & Sansom streets. Also available for sale, is a Trinity at 16th & Naudain containing 855 square feet for $375,00 with an original asking price of $399,900. Many of our Tiny Homes can be found in Center City river to river. According to the MLS, in the past year, 9 Trinities have settled ranging from $275,000 (Circa 1875) to $400,000 (Circa 1920) Prices vary greatly depending on location and condition. If you live in one of these architectural delights, we would enjoy hearing about your experiences living in a bandbox.
If you have any input or if you would like to contribute to this exciting new column, please let us know here.
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Community News and Events | |
Population, Residences Continue to Grow in Center City | |
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While the number of people in and around Center City on a given day has dropped 8% over the last four years, the population living here has grown by 3%, according to the latest Housing Report from the Center City District.
Some fast facts:
· Greater Center City’s population grew by 26% from 2011 to 2022.
· In the past two decades, Center City's population has risen 26%.
· The number of housing units here grew by 24%.
· Roughly 2,840 housing units were completed here in 2023 — more than in any of the last five years.
Details reside in the report, found here.
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In the Limelight- Specials For Our Members | |
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On Sunday, 3/17@ 7 pm, join the Resident Artists and Orchestra of the Academy of Vocal Arts for Jubilate - A Concert of Sacred Music, featuring beautiful selections from the master composers of vocal repertoire. You’ll hear many styles, from baroque to contemporary sacred music. The performance takes place at the Church of the Holy Trinity on Rittenhouse Square. Tickets for Jubilate are $45 each, and AVA is offering CCRA members $5 off each ticket. CCRA members can apply the discount code AVA5OFF when purchasing their tickets via the ticket link here.
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Next up…..from 3/29 to 4/23, catch the world premiere of The Last Yiddish Speaker at InterAct Theater (near 16th and Spruce) invoking themes familiar to the Jewish Diaspora….whether to take flight or fight. This dystopian vision assumes a successful Jan 6 insurrection and its consequences. Use code CCRA20 for 20% off the show!
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The Benefits (and Blessings) of the Curtis Institute | |
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How lucky are we to have a world-class organization like the Curtis Institute of Music nearby? And how even luckier are we to have their brilliant Student Recitals available to attend FREE? It’s amazing, we must admit. If you’re not familiar, that needs to change. Start here for details.
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Wanna Understand the Supremes/a/k/a SCOTUS? | |
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Not Diana Ross and Motown’s Supremes…..the real Supremes! Need help understanding our current SCOTUS?? Or as Justice Briar implies, are they the ones that needed a new philosophy? Find out from one of their own. On Thurs., 3/28, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer (Ret.) unveils his new book at the National Constitution Center in conversation with NCC President Jeffrey Rosen. In Reading the Constitution: Why I Chose Pragmatism, Not Textualism, Justice Breyer deconstructs the textualist philosophy of the current Supreme Court's majority and makes the case for a better way to interpret the Constitution. Attend in person (requires admission to Nat. Con Center) or hear it online (free!). Register for either, here. A book sale and signing with Justice Breyer will follow the discussion.
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It’s that McTime O’ the Year, Sure ‘n’ Begorrah…. | |
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This Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day: Are you ready to be Irish? Got McPlans? This being Philly, you’ve got a shillelagh full o’ options.
Start with “Shamrocks and Shenanigans”, the green-a-heck blowout at Xfinity Live!, featuring
DJ’s, bull riding (!), a silent disco and Karaoke. Doors open at noon. Details in the suds here.
Then of course there’s the one and only McGillin’s Old (very old) Ale House, the home of Green beer and Green cheer. Opens early; 10am! Pot o’ details here.
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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. | | | | |
