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President’s Message
by Bruce Holberg, President, Society Hill Towers Owners Association
f this newsletter comes out Also at that meeting, we brings to mind the upcoming Ion time, Roz and I will be in opened the floor to suggestions 2019 Employees’ Holiday Fund Uganda looking for Mountain regarding our burgeoning drive. Over the course of a SOCIETY Gorillas while you are reading package delivery problem. year, those of us on Council this. Uganda, post-Idi Amin, Council and management hear so many positive stories HILL TOWERS concluded that there was more heard some interesting points about the quality of our em- profit in becoming a tourist of view and we will attempt ployee “family,” and now is the destination than in terrorism. to devise an equitable policy. time to show your appreciation news Meanwhile, life at Society Hill In any event, we urge you to in a meaningful way. Although Towers goes on. be home in order to accept any amount will be appreciated, very large deliveries. At the we suggest a minimum donation November, 2019 Can you believe that SageWater open meeting, one resident of $175, which amounts to only Issue 338 is roughly two-thirds done with our HVAC project? They noted that many e-tailers offer 48 cents a day. If you are a have begun work in the south “white glove delivery” in which renter at the Towers, we ask tower, including our unit. No large items are brought up to you to donate as well, inasmuch problems at this point. Accord- the proper location in your as you, too, are a recipient of ing to most residents, they are unit by delivery people. That the staff’s efforts. Owners of very professional and efficient. can be a very good alternative combined units may wish to If you were at the open meeting as they typically will bring increase their gift to reflect on October 2nd, you know that them up, unpack them, set their presence. Please make the HVAC project is essentially them up (to a greater or lesser your check out to SHTOA ahead of schedule and very extent) in the desired location, OWNERS HOLIDAY FUND slightly over budget. At this and get rid of the packing. and deliver it to the office or writing, the overage is projected These services vary by shipper, your front desk. This isn’t a to be about $449,000, but most but it is worth checking out “gig” to these folks…for many of that is due to the fact that we if you are ordering furniture, of them this is their life’s work. decided to replace horizontal large appliances, etc. Please bear this in mind. pipes and valves in the ceilings It’s getting to be holiday time. Roz and I will be back to of the 17th floor units now, In order that you may put the “civilization” at the end of the instead of in a future year. Towers’ holiday parties on your month, hopefully with lots of Also, we found that we needed calendar, the Christmas party photos and stories. Looking to install additional valving to is the evening of Wednesday, forward to seeing you then. make the air conditioning run December 18th, and the better. Money well spent, and Chanukah party will be on Bruce Holberg within our means. Sunday, December 22nd. This President, SHTOA n
Photograph by Mary O’Neill
Mark Your Calendar Looking Ahead... Party Planning Thursday, November 7 Residents’ Christmas party Tea Scones & Work With Open Budget Wednesday, December 18 Your Phones, page 3 Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Tuesday, November 12 Community Room. Wednesday, Movie Group, page 3 December 4 Residents’ Chanukah party Staff and Council Thursday, November 21 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 22 wish you and yours Let’s Talk Tango, page 3 Society Hill Towers at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room Community Room. a very Happy January 28 Thanksgiving! Blood Drive, page 5 22 | Society Hill Towers News
Long Pool Season Ends
Sirlin Leads Lap Swimmers in Narrow Win Written by Tom Newman Statistics by Mary O’Neill
n summer, the pool is the ITowers’ “Village Commons.” We are grateful for the Council’s decision to extend the season at both beginning and end, and for the staff who shouldered SOCIETY extra duties to make it possible. HILL TOWERS To mention only one of many who kept things going, Chief news Engineer George Trimbur maintained the chemistry, Published by so the water was safe. Society Hill Towers One of our many Towers’ Owners’Association traditions is lap swimming, 285 St. James Place the only athletic competition. Philadelphia, PA 19106 Each swimmer is allowed to 215-923-4105 record a daily maximum of Council Officers one mile, 96 lengths—or laps Bruce Holberg as they are called in the President Towers. Thus it is consistency Jerrold “Jim” Moss that wins the race. Vice President The 2019 season was 135 days. Jeremy Siegel Treasurer For several years Karen Sirlin and Mary O’Neill have vied for Wendy Handler top spot in the Top Ten, with Secretary virtually perfect attendance. Council Members Last year, Mary ended Karen’s Ben Avicolli Maggie Schultz long winning streak. This year, J Otis Smith Karen (135 miles) took back First Place. Mary (134 miles) Management took Second Place. Third Place Beverly Shien Sherman went to Tom Newman (96 miles), General Manager Bob Uris (4th), Mary O’Neill (2nd), Tom Newman (3rd), Karen Sirlin (1st), in a late-season surge. Bob and Adam Braun, Pool Manager. Photo by J Otis Smith Design Uris, who held Third well into Judy Lamirand the season, ended up Fourth Jane Friedman (25.4), and Next year it could be you! Editor / Designer, ParallelDesign with 88.75 miles. Following plenty more who earned Swimming is great exercise. them were Roz Holberg (53.5), T-shirts for swimming at least Joining the pool may be the Barbara Tobin (52.6), Bennur 10 miles. Congrats also go to best investment you can make, Koksuz (51.3), Jaydev Dave those consistent swimmers and whether you just want to take (50.94), Jim Matour (45), aqua exercisers who chose not an occasional dip, sunbathe, Jeremy Newberg (39.4), Bill to participate in the contest— or dive into the Towers’ unique Raich (39.1), Otis Smith (26.3), you know who you are. athletic competition. n
We are strictly enforcing the If you hear water dripping Laundry Room Courtesy: 10-minute parking zone. or running from above call Please remove your laundry Cars parked longer than 10 the office at 215-923-4105. at the end of the cycle to minutes will be ticketed After hours and on week- reduce waiting time for and/or towed. ends, call your desk clerk. washers and dryers. November, 2019 | 3
Thursday, November 7th Tea Scones & Work with Your Phones Penn’s Village Event
or the sixth year, Penn’s we will look to our savvy is no charge for Society Hill FVillage is repeating the "super users" to assist with Towers residents. You may bring much-applauded program, Tea your questions. MacBook help a non-resident guest for a $10 Scones and Work with Your will also be available. Scones donation per guest. Guests are Phones, at 2 p.m. on November will be lovingly homemade welcome to attend three Penn’s 7th the Community Room. by Penn’s Village members Village programs before and volunteers. joining and/or volunteering. If you would like to learn more about your smart phone, Please register by emailing If you find you cannot attend, this is the program for you. [email protected] or by please cancel to make room Bring your smart phone and calling 215-925-7333. There for others. n
Tuesday, November 12th “Pain and Glory” Movie Group Meeting By Bob Uris
he movie group will meet Banderas as a famous film- Tnext on Tuesday, November maker much like Almodóvar 12th at 7:30 p.m. in the Com- himself. The movie, currently munity Room. The group will playing at the Ritz Five, should consider Pain and Glory, a film provide a great opportunity for written and directed by Pedro discussion. As usual, all Towers Almodóvar, starring Antonio residents are welcome. n
Thursday, November 21 “Let’s Talk” about the Tango By Jo Holz
he next “Let’s Talk” us to the fascinating world will even be a dance T presentation takes place of the global network of performance by her and a on November 21st at 7:30 p.m. tango meet-ups and festivals. partner! Mark your calendars in the Community Room, Kathleen will share her and keep an eye out for a when South Tower resident experiences dancing the tango more detailed announcement Kathleen Karlyn will introduce around the world, and there soon. n Kathleen Karlyn Monday Mornings With Donna Welcome, Exercisers By Donna Cotzen
ur exercise class is up of exercise types including presents a problem you can Oand running (or is it down Pilates and yoga. For part modify using a chair or asking and stretching?) on Mondays of the time we will use body us to help you get up and down. from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the bands, which I supply. All you We are happy to help you! Community Room. This class need to bring is your mat and Please join us. I look forward focuses on stretching and ton- your energy. Part of the time to being with you. n ing, and we do a combination we are on the floor. If that 44 | Society Hill Towers News
Society Hill
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Blood Drive Is a Huge Success Towers Is Named a Premier Partner Photos by Mary O’Neill
arm thanks to everyone Activities Committee, and she collected for Career Wardrobe, Wwho participated in the volunteers and collaborates an organization that helps folks October 4th Red Cross Blood with the other organizations return to the workforce with Drive. Nearly 50 residents and to insure the success of gently worn outfits for the neighbors signed in… that’s this event. office. Anyone can visit their the best turnout all year! store at N. 19th and Spring Not only was blood donated Garden Streets! For 2019, our debut year, the to help save lives, generous Towers, along with co-spon- contributions of sheets, towels The support and enthusiasm The next sors Penn’s Village and Society and blankets rolled in for of office, garage, maintenence, Blood Drive Hill Civic Association, have PAWS and Morris Animal and security staff, as well as is planned for donated a total of 118 pints of Refuge. In addition to old volunteers who gave their time January 28th, blood! Our organizations and items in the linen closet, neigh- and good cheer, made this year 2020. volunteers were recognized as bors found other items to clean fun and also a huge success! Premier Blood Partners. Mary out. Men’s and women’s busi- The next Blood Drive will be O’Neill represents the SHTOA ness appropriate clothing was held January 28th, 2020. n
Donations of towels rolled in for PAWS and Morris Animal Refuge, and business-appropriate clothing was collected for Career Wardrobe.
Mini pumpkins made the Harriette Mishkin, a Towers resident, plaza colorful and festive. and her colleague Barbara Nodine, who represents Penn’s Village, a co-sponsor of the blood drive.
Team CVS Gives Free Flu Shots to Towers Residents
Thanks to a creative collaboration between Towers office staff and our neighborhood CVS on S. 2nd and Lombard Streets, the team pictured here visited the Community Room, and in one day administered free flu shots to more than 65 Towers residents. Thanks to them we will have more people well all fall and winter. If you have not gotten your flu shot yet, please visit the CVS at 421 S. 2nd Street. Flu shots are covered by health insurance 95% of the time. We hope to have Team CVS visit again in 2020. n Photo by J Otis Smith 66 | Society Hill Towers News
Oenophiles Unite Wine Lovers Gather To Toast End of Summer By Tom Newman
riday night’s alright for the Prosecco, a sparkling Ftasting, according to the LaLuca confection with notes turnout for a late September of white fruit, while some found wine tasting by the pool, their tastes ran to a completely organized by Tom Newman surprising and delightful off-dry under the aegis of the Activities Rosé from New Jersey’s Alba Committee. Forty participants Vineyards, which showed flavors —residents and a few guests— of watermelon and strawberry. enjoyed pours of eight wines Still others found the wine of from Bistro Romano, a great their choice to be one of the Morellino di Scansano, Italy assortment of homemade hors reds, perhaps the Morellino, More wine tastings will give d’oeuvres from the kitchens of a less-known Italian fruity you a chance to educate your Annie Uris and Stephen Weitz - Sangiovese grown near the taste buds (and your tasting enhoffer, and a gorgeous sunset coast where it captures a buddies) and enjoy the fellow- courtesy of the perfect weather. salinity rare in Tuscan wines, ship of the grape. Just watch or perhaps the Napa Valley Friendships were made and BuildingLink for upcoming merlot bombshell with conversations extended into dates. This was the last outdoor chocolate notes weaving the night, as comparisons event of the season, but there around a spiced plum core. between the wines evolved into will be indoor tastings over diverse topics. For wine geeks, Whatever the pleasure, it the cooler months. We’ll enjoy there were those who favored was a night to remember. the open air again in Spring. n
Reminders for Residents Emergency Phone Numbers
• Schedule large deliveries and pickups t is very important that we have work and with the Management Office, including Iemergency phone numbers for all residents. drop-off and pickup of supplies If you moved into The Towers within the past year or if your contact information has changed recently, belonging to caterers and contractors. please fill out this notice and leave it with your desk clerk or in the Management Office. • Schedule the moving in and out of large
household items with the Management Name Office. If you can’t fit it into a shopping cart, call to reserve a freight elevator. Apt Number • Schedule all moves well in advance Home Phone
with the Management Office. Cell Phone
• Contractors must complete paperwork Work Phone (along with the unit owner) and submit insurance documents. Once approved, Email
contracting jobs must be scheduled Emergency Contact with the Management Office prior to starting work. Emergency Contact’s Phone November, 2019 | 7
Beautiful Rooms, Beautiful Views New Hospitality Suite Ready for Your Guests on the Seventh Floor of the North Tower
second hospitality suite, The first suite, on the sixth Will friends and family be visiting you for A this one on the seventh floor of the West Tower, is the holidays? Book a one or two-bedroom floor of the North Tower, has still available for only $90 to Hospitality Suite now for up to four or been opened to provide even $100 per night. It sleeps four. six overnight guests. more room for your guests. Both units have four-star This two-bedroom suite can furnishings and fully function- accommodate up to six guests. ing kitchens, allowing your It’s priced at $150-$175 per guests to rest and relax in night (prices varying according complete comfort. For more to the day of the week and the details or to make reservations level of demand, which goes up call Donna in the Management and down throughout the year). Office at 215-923-4105. n
Cancellation Policy If a reservation is cancelled 14 days in advance or more, then there is no cancellation fee. If a reservation is cancelled between five and 13 days in advance and there is no one on the waiting list to take over the reservation, then there will be a one night charge. If the cancellation is made less than five days before the reservation date, and there is no one on the waiting list to take over the reservation, then there is a two night cancellation fee. 88 | Society Hill Towers News November, 2019 | 9
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FITNESS AT ANY AGE
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Seamlessly Combined Three Bedroom Seamlesscombinationofthreeadjacentunits creatinganexpansive3bedroomplusden,2.5bathroom withviewsoftheBenFranklinBridge,DelawareRiverand SocietyHill.Thehomefeaturesgrandentertainingspaces, generouslysizedbedroomsandaspaciouskitchen. Withsomeupdating,thisunithaspotentialtobeone of the mostmagnificenthomesintheTowers! 2,616 sf | Offered for $995,000
Proposed layout for a 3 bedroom plus family room/den, 3.5 bathroom.
Sun-soaked Corner Two Bedroom
SOLD! We can sell yours, too! Sun-soakedtwobedroom,twobathroomboastingviewstotheeastandsouth, recentlyupdatedkitchenwithstainlesssteelappliancesandampleentertainingspace. 1,183 sf | Offered for $499,900 Allan Domb Real Estate PHILADELPHIA’S LARGEST SELLING CONDOMINIUM REALTOR® WE COOPERATE WITH ALL REALTORS® 1845 Walnut Street, Suite 2200, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Phone: 215.545.1500 allandomb.com [email protected] | Society Hill Towers News 1212 Society Hill Towers Owners’ Association 285 St. James Place, Philadelphia, PA 19106
SOCIETY HILL TOWERS news
Selling at Society Hill Towers for 38 Years
Some of our recent sales Thinking of buying at Society Hill Towers or selling a condo at 3B North 27B West Society Hill Towers? 11BCD North 22AH West 24G North 5B North Call us. 14C South 19A North We are happy to 28E North 4G North 23B South 31C West help you. 26C West 24B West 26B West 2B South 10E West PH5 South 19BCD South 12G South 8F South 29E South 2D South 28F North PH6 South 10AH North 21F West 27AH South 21G West 4E South 22D North 4B West 2E West Allan Domb Real Estate PHILADELPHIA’S LARGEST SELLING CONDOMINIUM REALTOR® WE COOPERATE WITH ALL REALTORS® 1845 Walnut Street, Suite 2200, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Phone: 215.545.1500 allandomb.com [email protected]