This Week: October 12, 2023

Design/Layout and Writer – Travis Oliver

Writer – Marc Werlinsky

Standing With Israel

The world looked on in horror this past weekend as Hamas launched unprecedented terrorist attacks on Israel. For anyone who wishes to assist Israel, please go here for a list of options.

All these organizations will appreciate donations and put them to beneficial use in the country’s time of need.

CCRA News and Events

Save the Date! Member Meet ‘n’ Greet Happy Hour @ New Eatery Osteria Ama!

As a big “Thank You!” for being members, please join with fellow CCRA members for a fantastic Meet-and-Greet Happy Hour at the new Chestnut Street eatery Osteria Ama, located at 1905 Chestnut St., on the night of October 30th (yes, Mischief Night).

For only $10 you get to enjoy unlimited wine and delicious appetizers along with the festive company of other denizens of Center City. Register here NOW, as attendance is limited to 55.

(This is a Members-Only event from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. Event is on the second floor and accessible by stairs only.)

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 Experience Empathy Through Art.

New Merchant Partner Says:

Empathy and Art? Why Not?

We all know that Empathy is a very good thing; likewise Art. So why not combine the two?

That’s what empathic artist Violet Alexandre does with new Merchant Partner Experience Empathy Through Art, where she creates very person-specific custom artwork which expresses on canvas your hopes, intentions and needs, and serves as a constant reminder of who you are and what energy you need in your space.

Intrigued by the idea of manifesting your dreams with art?

Or by giving this as a gift to someone you hold dear?

Consider also that CCRA Members receive a full 20% off an Empathic Art Experience.

So go there. Go to Experience Empathy Through Art!

Clean, Safe and Green

Watch Your Speed in W. Mount Airy, Casey Jones

In response to resident complaints about speeding, aggressive driving and near-daily crashes, PennDot and the City will be installing four traffic-calming devices called “speed tables” at either end of a dangerous stretch of Lincoln Dr. in West Mt Airy.

As distinct from speed bumps, speed tables are midblock traffic-calming devices that raise the entire wheelbase of a vehicle to reduce its traffic speed. Speed tables are longer than speed bumps and are flat-topped, with a height of 3–3.5 inches and a length of 22 feet.

The traffic-calming projects are to be installed on Lincoln Drive between West Allens Lane on the north side and West Cliveden Street to the south. The work is set to begin this fall and to conclude in the spring or summer of 2024, according to a preliminary schedule. Drive reasonably to the details here.

Bank on a DogGone Good Time

Our friends at Friends of Schuylkill River Park (and Dog Park) invite ya’ll down to The Banks of the Schuylkill for a doggin’ good time at their doggie costume party (10/14 @ 3:30pm), followed by a family fun party (10/14, from 3-9pm), along the Schuylkill River, near Walnut Street. Fall into fall with apple tastings, games, good times, food, drinks, and sooooo much more. Fall here for details.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine Welcomes New Health Director

New health director, Dr. Kevin Kline, has announced plans to enhance LGBTQ+ health care at Penn. With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, Dr. Kline hopes to improve healthcare outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community through targeted initiatives, education, and training. Read more about it here.

Turning a Historic Page

While some of our favorite bookstores are history, Hakim’s Bookstore at 210 S. 52nd St., is making history as the oldest operating Black-owned bookstore in the state. A Pennsylvania Historical Marker was recently installed outside the legendary store, founded 64 years ago by David Hakim to provide the community with Black-oriented books, education and a learning and cultural space. In the vanguard of the civil rights movement, Hakim’s Bookstore was a target of J. Edgar Hoover’s infamous FBI surveillance program that focused on certain places based on unfounded fears of civil unrest. Here’s to many more rewarding chapters for this enduring and cherished enterprise.

Community News and Events

Keep your Eyes on POST 2023

Self-guided, behind-the-scene tours of local artists’ studios are real eye-openers, and the Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST) will certainly stimulate your visual palate. Beginning Oct. 14 and 15 for studios east of Broad St., and continuing Oct. 21 and 22 for those west of Broad, this premier open-studio tour for all ages, encompassing the work spaces of nearly 300 local artists, features special exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops and artist talks. Several artists in our neighborhood will hold a group exhibition on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Ageless Gardens, 2503 Naudain St. Click here for more details on POST.

Important Election Deadlines

Pennsylvania

PA deadline to register to vote: October 23, 2023

PA deadline to request a mail-in ballot: October 31, 2023

PA General Election Day: November 7, 2023

PA mail-in ballots must be received by 8pm on Election Day; postmarks will not be honored

Who’s Running? Where Do I Vote? How do I get a Mail In Ballot? Go to Everything Else You Need to Know this Election

Book Talk - Death in Philadelphia: The Murder of Kimberly Ernest

On Tuesday, October 24, 5:30 pm, at the Philadelphia City Institute Library, author Thom Nickels will discuss his book, Death in Philadelphia: The Murder of Kimberly Ernest - a reporter's behind-the-scenes account of the investigation of the Rittenhouse Square 1995 Center City jogger murder. The event is free and copies of his book will be on sale. More info here.

A Rocky Bike Ride

Everyone knows Philadelphia is a Rocky city. But…. did you know we have rocks dating back some 500 million years? Hidden City Philadelphia is sponsoring a bicycle-based geological history field trip on Oct. 28, starting near Independence Hall and journeying to the banks of the Schuylkill River and Manayunk. Geologist/Guide Ray Scheinfeld will talk about geologic features at selected sites. The ride is limited to 20 participants. Click here for more information.

Raise a Stein for Octoberfest at the Armory

Yes, it’s that time of year – October, and with all the “fests” that go with it – and there’s no better place to chug the suds than at the 23rd Street Armory this Friday through Sunday.

It’s all there: tented ceilings, original biergarten benches from Munich, live German Oompah music, cultural German dance performances, original festival food, and of course, plenty of German beer served in the 1 Liter-Masskrug! Truly one of the most anticipated events of the year, the details can be imbibed here.

Useful links

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.

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

The Rounds, internet only

Urban Tree Painting, Inquire within (445-230-1208)

Veda Modern Indian Bistro, 1920 Chestnut St (267-519-2001)

William Schwartz Jewelry, 1831 Chestnut St (215-665-8115)

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

1600 Spruce St. Home, Design and Gift, 1600 Spruce St. (267-209-3350)

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

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

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

Dom's Shoe Repair, 203 S. 20th St (215-972-0098)

Eazy Computers & iPhone Repair 2005 Chestnut St (215-609-4446)