This Week: November 11, 2021

Editor - Barbara Halpern

Lead Writer - Richard Vaughn

Design/Layout and Writer - Travis Oliver

Streetery Photo Credit: Ben Zuckerman

Veterans Day 2021

Well, what is there really to say about our Veterans?

Can ordinary civilians even begin to appreciate the sacrifices necessary to fight through the Hell of war a million miles from the comforts of home?

To drop everything, leaving loved ones behind, to then go off and fight a foreign enemy in a foreign land?

And then to return to civilian life and pick back up as though nothing had happened?

The word “hero” is both over-used and abused these days. It also seems sometimes that this divided nation can agree on nothing.

But this Veterans Day let’s put all that aside and agree on two simple words to say to these heroes: THANK YOU.

CCRA News and Events

Streeteries Update

This past Tuesday the City’s Streets and Services Committee advanced amended legislation that would make Streeteries permanent in some areas and would require Council approval for all other areas. The bill, 210776, was also amended to include additional restrictions that prohibit the use of adjacent property and allow the Administration to set fees for licenses and Streetery removal. Not included in the amended bill were design standards or additional accessibility requirements.

A separate bill, 210798, was amended to extend by six months permission for sidewalk cafes to remain in operation, through the end of 2022.

The legislation was approved unanimously and will now go to the full Council for a final vote, which is expected by the end of 2021. The text of the amended bill 210776 can be found here; the text of the amended 210798 can be found here.

CCRA continues to advocate for safe, accessible, and attractive design standards to replace what has grown up since the Streeteries were first approved. Here's the testimony from our architectural representative Tim Kerner. Stay tuned for further developments.

CCRA Board OKs Bankroll Agreement

At its Board meeting this past Tuesday, the CCRA Board overwhelmingly (by a vote of 27-1) approved the agreement between its Stakeholders Group and the Stephen Starr organization regarding the operation of the Starr Group’s proposed sports-themed restaurant (to be called “Bankroll Club”) which is to be located at the Boyd Theater site on the 1900 block of Chestnut Street.

Reaching agreement with the proponents was a true achievement on the part of the Stakeholder Group in getting a business to recognize and respond positively to genuine neighborhood concerns regarding its operation. Major kudos to Charles Robin and the Stakeholders Group for bringing this excellent agreement to fruition.

All of the documents distributed at the board meeting can be found here.

A Win-Win in the Tax Code? Do Tell

You’re likely aware of the minimum IRA distribution requirements for people of a certain age. And you’re also likely aware that said distributions are subject to federal income tax. :-(

But what you may not know is that you can dodge the taxman AND contribute to a favorite charity (like, for instance, CCRA).

How? By making the distribution to a section 501(c)(3) charity (again, not unlike CCRA).

That way, you avoid paying taxes on the required distribution. As always, individual circumstances may differ, so do consult with your tax advisor.

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 framer extraordinaire Ursula Hobson Fine Art Framing.

Get Your Art to Ursula Hobson

So you’ve got this beautiful, to-die-for painting/drawing/etching that demands proper framing. Are you man or woman enough to handle it on your own?

If so, bully for you. But if you’re like the rest of us, you’ll need to reach out to a pro, and there’s no one more pro about framing than Ursula Hobson.

Her knowledge of art and framing is unsurpassed, be it material, color, finish or design. Likewise her technique. Pardon the pun, but she totally nails it. And she’s a true aesthetic as well; she knows what looks both appropriate and great.

So whether it’s an original, a print, or something else, you owe it to the artwork to take it to Ursula Hobson Fine Art Framing. And this: CCRA Members receive a 10% Frequent Framer discount. (P.S. Call for appointment.)

Clean, Safe, and Green

What’s the Latest Re Indego Bikes? A Lot

Indego bikes are ubiquitous, only now moreso. 25 new stations were added in 2021, and 300 new electric bikes were added to the fleet. The service area was prioritized to reach more underserved communities. Also prioritized was adding more stations within the existing service area in order to support subsequent increases in ridership from residential stations. For a deeper dive, go here.

Useful links

Community News and Events

Today: A Band of Sisters: Women Veterans Who Paved the Way

Join The Philadelphia Commission for Women and City Council of Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs for a virtual celebration of Veterans Day 2021 today, Thursday, November 11th, at 4 pm. The changing demographics of the military have huge implications for efforts to support the reintegration of women veterans into civilian life and into leadership roles. The panel will provide how the military prepared them to be the leaders that have paved the way for women veterans and all women. Sign up here.

Free Admission for Veterans on 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.

LumiNature at the Zoo

Winter wonderland, 500 colorful illuminated flamingos, a 25-foot-tall flamingo holiday tree, over 200 illuminated penguins, and a 21-foot-tall colored snake, plus performance artists, and a holiday light show. Beginning, Thursday, November 18 through Sunday, January 9

Timed tickets must be purchased in advance.

Purchase Tickets

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.

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)