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Call Us Today:
215.546.6719
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Weekly E-Newsletter - December 10, 2020 |
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Dear Members,
At Tuesday’s meeting, the CCRA Board:
- Heard a presentation from CCRA and Friends of Schuylkill River Park board member Susan Kahn about the Draft Schuylkill River Park Master Plan. Susan said the Master Plan is a draft, and revisions will be considered after the public comment period. There have been many comments about the relocation and expansion of the Recreation Center. The board did not take any action regarding the Draft Master Plan.
- Adopted the following resolution to support the Hi-Rise Homeless Initiative, headed by CCRA board members Matt Fontana and Steve Huntington
- In light of the deteriorating quality of life for residents, businesses, and their employees throughout Center City west and particularly in the eastern end of the neighborhood, it is now moved that CCRA join with other interested organizations, buildings, and businesses to, 1) work with the police department to affect the creation of a mini-police station, and 2) work with the Mayor’s Office to bring more focused programs to provide social services for the homeless people in the neighborhood.
- Reviewed a Conditional Licensing Agreement concerning Ambrosia’s liquor license application that CCRA board member Chuck Goodwin negotiated with the Liquor Control Board on behalf of concerned neighbors.
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We heard various board reports on remapping, membership, streets, communications, and more. The agenda and board packet may be found here. Meeting minutes will be uploaded next month, once the Board votes to adopt. The minutes are always included in the next month’s board packet.
Lastly, a board position is available due to the resignation of a board member who has left the neighborhood. If you are interested, please send a brief resume and statement of interest to centercity@centercityresidents.org. CCRA board is committed to inclusion and diversity. We are especially interested in members who have Development or Communications expertise.
Maggie Mund, CCRA President
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There's still time! Please Donate and Win a Trip to the African Safari Ongava Game Reserve in Namibia for 2022
In this unique fundraising year, CCRA is excited to introduce our expanded Clean, Safe, and Green Appeal to fund our sidewalk cleaning and related programs.
Your generous contributions fund a $30,000 contract with the Center City District for sidewalk cleaning after each week's trash collection. Also, two generous CCRA supporters have pledged to match each gift of $100 or more received by the end of the year, doubling the fundraising power of every qualifying gift. Furthermore, anyone who donates $200* or more will be recognized as a Green Star Donor and entered to win a 5-night, 4-day stay for two at the Ongava Game Reserve hunting lodge in Namibia, Africa, in 2022. Each additional donation of $200 earns another entry into the raffle. The winner will be selected in January. Please note that flights are not included. To enter, we must receive your donation by December 31, 2020.
Click here for more information about the Ongava Game Reserve.
*If you are the lucky winner, please consult your tax advisor about this prize's retail value ($3000).
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There are still two weeks for Philadelphia Citizen’s third annual "Ideas We Should Steal Festival," and as we are a community sponsor, CCRA members are entitled to a 33% discount on tickets. And this year’s festival is all online, making attendance even easier. The remaining dates are December 15 and 22, 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
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CCRA has supported the community's interest in renaming Taney Street, which runs through our catchment area. This effort is being led by Ben Keys, a Taney Street resident, and is supported by other local organizations. Do you have a suggestion for a new name? You're invited to participate in a virtual Town Hall meeting on Monday, Dec. 14, where neighbors are invited to discuss what the street means to them and what values you'd want to broadcast with its name. Click here for more information or to sign up.
If you cannot attend the meeting, please complete a community survey The survey takes less than 2 minutes to complete.
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Visit our special COVID-19 page on our website for more news and info.
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Community Info and Events |
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Can't Fine the Best Christmas Lights? There's an App for That |
One traditional thing we can still do during these social-distanced times is to check out all the homes beautifully decorated for Christmas. But where are they, and who has time to search? Fear not; there is, of course, an app for that. It’s called ChristmasPrism and is the brainchild of Mike Kane, a team leader at Center City tech firm Connectify. Details -> https://bit.ly/37R7dLR. Or you can do it old-school style, by hoofing the Philly neighborhoods: https://bit.ly/2IzFo22.
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Support Bethesda Project this holiday season
Bethesda Project is an organization addressing homelessness in Center City, and operates 14 sites ranging from emergency shelter to permanent housing while providing supportive services. They are looking for community members to provide guests and residents a little cheer during the holiday season. This can include dropping off homemade food or sponsoring delivery from a restaurant (also helps the local economy!), donating gift cards or high-need supplies, dropping off cards or decorations, or making a video of yourself caroling we can share with our sites. All of the opportunities can be done from home with the whole family – a great way to support a local organization while staying safe! More information here or contact communitylife@bethesdaproject.org.
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Philly’s bike-share system Indego is planning a significant expansion beyond its current 1,400 bikes and 140 stations. Sponsored by Independence Blue Cross, Indego is looking to establish locations in West and South Philadelphia, specifically in Cedar Park and Grays Ferry; the eventual goal is to double the number of stations to 350 by 2026. Indego is actively soliciting feedback from riders. To do so, go to https://www.rideindego.com/suggest-a-station/
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A Very Special Penn’s Village Holiday Celebration! |
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
5:00 pm via Zoom
Join your friends and neighbors as they spread some holiday cheer with music, readings, and socializing in keeping with the Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa traditions! Featuring a special concert by a local violin & piano duo, and a performance from Patricia Alsina, our Penn’s Village friend, from her home in Argentina!
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The Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show is celebrating this holiday by sharing their own family traditions with all of you, with The Holiday Pop Up Gallery.
Now until December 15th, you can help support the artists and the show, and bring the color and creativity of their own holiday spirit into your home.
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Holiday Events Begin at Dilworth Park
Deck the Hall Holiday Lights - Illumination and sound effects on the west façade of City Hall, Sunday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. through January 1.
Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park is open seven days a week, now through February 28, with limited number of skaters at one time. Purchase tickets in advance online for 90-minute, timed skating sessions all season long.
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Because of COVID: Philly Flower Show Moves Outdoors for 2021 |
Necessity being the mother of invention. For the first time in its nearly 200-year history, the Philadelphia Flower Show will be held outdoors in 2021. Considered the nation’s longest-running horticultural event and hosted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the show will be held at FDR Park in South Philly from June 5 through June 13.
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CCRA Merchant Partner Discount/Promotion Program
Support our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a discount or promotion to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card and personal identification.
Astral Artists - Use promo code "CCRA" to receive a $10 flat rate on all tickets to their virtual concerts.
East West Acupuncture, center city office closed, but you can use the 10% discount at her Narberth office (415-758-1057)
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1900 Market St, Fl 8
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.546.6719
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