CENTER CITY QUARTERLY
Newsletter of the Center City Residents' Association Vol. 10 No. 4 Winter 2019 Contents It’s Academic
It’s Academic Peace Education at Greene Towne Montessori .... 1 Peace Education: Part of Montessori’s Past, Center for Literacy at Peirce College...... 8 Preparation for a Complex Future By Nicole Leapheart, Director of Communications and Marketing, GTMS Town Square CCRA Membership News...... 2 Each fall, Kindergartners at Greene Towne Volunteering at Penn’s Village Montessori School collaborate on an artistic Is a Gift to Giver ...... 13 message for peace that they share with the school community and Philadelphia’s Emily Grant President’s Report...... 3 Logan Square neighborhood, as a symbolic Our Greene Countrie Towne and powerful wish for the world at large. Neighborhood Beautification Through this project they join children the Acknowledgments...... 4 world over as part of the International Day What You Can Do about the Climate Crisis...... 7 of Peace celebration. “Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Green Energy Solutions for Cities...... 7 Peace Day provides a globally shared Tree Tenders Play Favorites...... 11 day for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute Schuylkill River Park Tree Tenders...... 13 to building a Culture of Peace” (https:// City Lit internationaldayofpeace.org). PCI’s Programming Draws All Ages...... 5 Guided by Greene Towne’s art teacher, PCI Lift Contractor Chosen...... 5 Some Kindergarten students show off their pinwheels for peace. Emily Grant, this year Kindergartners CCStreetwise created a mural of mixed media hearts “please” and “thank you” or “excuse me” Uniform Price Auctions for Parking Permits?...... 8 titled “Peace Begins in the Heart,” currently when navigating the classroom. Mindfulness CCCulture installed in the school’s main lobby. The is practiced at this age with the “silence The HeArt of the City...... 9 students also made Pinwheels for Peace, candle” exercise, in which a candle is lit and which they planted along Arch and Croskey there is a moment of silence as the children What’s Going On CCRA Winter Calendar...... 15 Streets; as the wind blows, the pinwheels reflect on students who may be absent or spin, carrying the children’s wishes for peace listen to their heartbeats to establish calm. Out & About into the world. We Are Number One!...... 15 Older children will exercise budding conflict- House Tour Committee Seeks Volunteers...... 16 More than a “feel-good” holiday, resolution skills at a designated peaceful area Montessori’s emphasis on peace is part of the classroom, such as a peace table where of Dr. Maria Montessori’s mission in the the children use a “peace flower” as a sort CENTER CITY Montessori educational philosophy and of talking stick. Children take turns holding RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION approach from its start in the early 20th the peace flower and speaking about their 1900 Market Street, 8th Floor century. Beginning with foundational lessons feelings. Quite often, after listening to one Philadelphia, PA 19103 in “Grace and Courtesy” in the Montessori another and sharing their needs, the conflict 215-546-6719 philosophy, even toddlers are instructed in is resolved and the children return to the [email protected] using respectful manners such as saying focused work of the classroom. www.centercityresidents.org Continued p. 4 Town Square CCRA Membership News CCRA is very excited to launch our enjoy some of our events for free. Our membership-driven organization, and new Residential Membership Levels fan-favorite House Tour and Celebration your support allows us to continue to be and Benefits. We will continue to offer of Center City Living are included in the people-powered voice of Center City "Senior" and "Under 35" discounted some of those levels. West. If you have any questions, levels. Plus, we will be introducing feel free to contact Travis Oliver at "Individual" AND "Family" memberships. The new membership levels will take [email protected] for We are retiring the Sustaining level. effect January 6, 2020. For current more information. All membership levels offer the same members, you will have a greater benefits, such as local merchant discounts, selection when it is time to renew Please refer to the Residential weekly e-newsletters, and the quarterly your membership. From Individual Membership Benefits chart below and see newsletter. We will continue to offer 3 Memberships to Legend Memberships, what the membership levels include. higher-level memberships with new and you are sure to find the package enhanced benefits, allowing people to that's right for you. CCRA is truly a
ResidentialResidential Membership Membership Benefits Benefits Under 35 Senior Individual Family* Patron* Angel* Legend* $40 $45 $55 $85 $200 $500 $1000 Receives 1 membership card ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Receives Weekly Enewsletter and Center ● ● ● ● ● ● ● City Quarterly (CCQ) newsletters
A voting member in membership meetings ● ● ● ● ● ● ● (excluding board meetings)
Merchant Member Discounts ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
CCQ Recognition (optional) ● ● ●
Recognition at Annual Meeting, Website**, ● ● ● and other Social Media (optional)
1 free ticket to House Tour ● ●
1 free ticket to Celebration ●
$50 donated to Neighborhood ● Beautification Campaign
$100 donated to Neighborhood ● Beautification Campaign
2 free tickets to Celebration AND House ● Tours
2 free tickets to any standard CCRA event ●
* Each Family, Patron, Angel, and Legend Member (over the age of 21) will receive their own membership card. Maximum members are 4 in these categories. ** Patron level will be recognized on website only.
Page 2 Center City Quarterly | Winter 2019 CCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President’s Report Maggie Mund...... President Donna Cordner...... Executive Vice President New Year, New Agenda Philippa Campbell...... Vice President Since becoming should help address congestion in
Barbara Halpern...... Vice President Nicolini Andres president of CCRA, the neighborhood Charles Robin...... Vice President it has become Robin Sweet...... Vice President increasingly apparent to • Adopted CCRA Policy to join Richard Gross...... Secretary me that most members, Neighbors’ Zoning Board of even longtime Adjustment Appeals Lauren O’Donnell...... Assistant Secretary supporters, have little Matthew Schreck...... Treasurer idea of what CCRA • Adopted a CCRA Mission Statement DIRECTORS (term ending) Maggie Mund really does. So, while that clarifies our value to the Guy Aiman (2020) Douglas Mellor (2021) CCRA President the Board discusses and community (see sidebar pg 4) Michael Bowman (2020) Harvey Ostroff (2021) debates important policies, developments Elena Cappella (2021) Lea Oxenhandler (2020) and possible actions every month, unless • Adopted the recommendations of the Paula Cohen Buonomo Nathaniel Parks (2021) you’re “in the room where it happened” Membership Committee restructuring (2020) Paul Rathblott (2022) you might be in the dark. In an effort to CCRA residential membership levels Jane Epstein (2020) Nanette Robinson (2022) make CCRA activities more transparent so and benefits Michele Ettinger (2022) David Rose (2022) members and friends can stay informed, Kate Federico (2022) Dawn Willis (2022) we have begun to circulate monthly Board • Adopted an Extraordinary Zoning Ayanna Haskins (2021) Benjamin Zuckerman agendas and meeting summaries in the Committee Policy, whereby the Amy Jared (2021) (2020) weekly eNews. And beginning with the standard operating procedures Susan Kahn (2022) September Board meeting, complete of the zoning committee may be COMMUNICATIONS & Board packages are posted on the website altered because the proposal may be OPERATIONS MANAGER http://www.centercityresidents.org/Board- controversial and of significant interest Travis W. Oliver Meeting-Information. Check it out! and importance to residents, businesses, HOUSE TOUR CHAIR or other entities beyond those in Kathleen Federico For now, here is a look at the official actions the proximate neighborhood of the
taken by CCRA’s Board between September property in question COUNSEL Stanley R. Krakower and November. Additionally, in these three months CCRA ZONING CO-CHAIRS (sit on Executive Committee) • Adopted two Community Development board members worked assiduously Wade Albert and Benefit Agreements with both on issues related to streets, trash and Samuel Gordon Parkway Corporation (for the proposed congestion, homelessness, historic PAST PRESIDENTS (active) Morgan Lewis office tower at 23rd and preservation and designation, the Blatstein Wade Albert Eugene Dichter Market) and Brandywine Realty Trust event, the Spring House and Garden Tour, Charles Goodwin Samuel Weinberg (for a proposed mixed-use development other liquor license issues, and zoning Jeff Braff Wm. J. D. Jordan in the 2100 block of Market between the variance requests. Adam Schneider Stephen Huntington fire station and June 5th Memorial Park) Vivian Seltzer Lenore Millhollen that protect neighborhood interests of Blatstein House Tour Pamela Rosser Thistle Kristin Davidson safety, cleanliness and livability The Blatstein House Tour was a complete George R. Brodie, Jr. success. All told, we grossed $25,500. • Negotiated a Conditional Licensing When expenses were deducted, CCRA CENTER CITY QUARTERLY Agreement for 1711 Rittenhouse netted $22,000—10K more than the Fall Nancy Colman...... editor that keeps the noise inside and the 2018 House Tour. New friends were made, Bonnie Eisenfeld...... contributing editor quiet outside and a good time was had by all! Bill West...... production editor
• Endorsed legislation (Bill 190467-A01) More importantly, our relationship with the Cover Photo Credits: (1) Joan Wells (2) Bonnie Eisenfeld (3) Center for Literacy increasing penalties for certain parking, Friends of Rittenhouse Square continues standing and stopping violations that to grow. We are now working together to Newsletter Ad Rates Continued p. 4 4 Issues Members Non-Members Full Page $ 1,350.00 $1,425.00 ½ Page $ 750.00 $ 825.00 Why whisper down the lane when you can shout it from ¼ Page $ 375.00 $ 450.00 the rooftops? 1 Issue Members Non-Members Full Page $ 450.00 $ 475.00 Center City Quarterly wants to hear from you. ½ Page $ 250.00 $ 275.00 ¼ Page $ 125.00 $ 150.00 Contribute an article. Share your pictures. Send us a letter. Pitch an For information and deadlines, please call idea. Email [email protected], with CCQ Editor in 215-546-6719. the subject line.
Center City Quarterly | Winter 2019 Page 3 Continued from p. 1 “The foundational skills of listening, solving old Montessori method is equipping children and is the longest-running Montessori school problems together, as well as practicing to be actively engaged in problem-solving in Center City Philadelphia. Founded in 1966, empathy and a desire for a peaceful world around complex issues in our future.” it is accredited by the American Montessori are critical capacities for our contemporary Society and the Pennsylvania Association of world,” said Head of School Sarah Greene Towne Montessori School serves Independent Schools. To learn more, Sweeney-Denham. “The more-than-century children 18 months old through Kindergarten visit www.gtms.org.
Continued from p. 3 address the homelessness and panhandling clean-up. Or drop off coats, school supplies, issues confronting the neighborhood, or canned goods for various charitable CCRA Mission including cohosting a community meeting drives we could participate in—for shelters, about public safety in the aftermath of the underserved schools, etc. And if the space Statement November 21 murder at 18th and Walnut. was donated, funds currently going to rent could be used for improvements like street Serving as the voice of Center City More to Accomplish trees, (CCRA used to have a street tree West since 1947, the Center City As much as we accomplish, I would like fund; that’s how I bought mine 25 years Residents’ Association (CCRA) to do even more. CCRA has long had an ago), allocated for more sidewalk cleaning, promotes urban living; advocates office, and it is one of our biggest expenses. or for hosting more public events. So that for a safe, clean, diverse and Typically, it has been in an office tower; at is my wish for the New Year—donated supportive community; pursues present we are at WeWork on the 8th floor office space, street level, with room for two governmental accountability; of 1900 Market Street, a significant cost desks, a conference table, and storage. If and encourages responsible reduction from previous locations. you have an empty storefront that’s going development while preserving the unrented, but costing you tax dollars, then neighborhood's historic heritage. But CCRA could be so much more donating such a space—or even a portion integrated into the life of the community of your current unused (street-level) office Adopted by CCRA Board of if we could find a street-level space. One space could offer you tax benefits and be a Directors November 12, 2019 where people could walk in and get a win-win for both parties. Let me know if recycling bin. Or pick up tools to do a street you can help.
Our Greene Countrie Towne CCRA Thanks Supporters of Neighborhood Beautification We would like to recognize the following for their donation of $125 or greater to the 2018-2019 Neighborhood Beautification Campaign.
2101 Cooperative, Inc. Thomas & Nancy Eshelman Peter Klenk Charles Robin Guy Aiman S. David Fineman Henry Kranzler Martin Rosenblum Robin Altschuler Peter Ferry Jacqueline & Eric Kraeutler Dan & Barbara Rottenberg Christer Andresen Adrienne Frangakis & Frederick Kroon Ann Seelus Irene & David Baker Marc Redemann Robert & Randi Lane Pamela Sellers-Hoelsken Eugene Gualtieri & Nadine & James Biles Mary McManus Elena Laskin Matthew Schreck Jill & Sheldon Bonovitz Nancy Gilboy & Philip Harvey Joshua & Heidi Levy Corey Smith Cricket Brosius Paula Goldberg Leon & Fran Levi Rebecca Smyrl Deborah Cackowski & Ellen Goodman Suzanne Lindsay Donna & Joseph Strug Thomas Delorenzo Kenneth & Anne Luongo Gloria Tori Elaine Camarda Michael & Roberta Gruber Barbara Halpern Steven & Jennifer Marcus Deborah Tye Philippa Campbell Alan & Ricki Mandeloff Dane & Joan Wells Constance & Michael Cone Barbara & Frank Harder Adrienne & Eric Hart Glenda Marshall Bennett Weinstock Mary & James Colleran Colleen Melchiorre Joan Wohl Avi Eden & Emmy Cooke Michael Hare James Harrison & Gareth Clark Karen Miura Norman & Marian Wolgin Bonnie Davies William Mignucci Tracy Yeomins Helen Davies Ursula Hobson Stephen & Susan Huntington Maggie Mund & Gordon Linda Zaimis & George Trotman Luis De Velasco Henderson Jeffrey Zeelander & John Duffy Babette Josephs Alana Murphy Maureen Welsh Jack & Pam Ende Linda Katz Virginia Nalencz Benjamin Zuckerman & Marian Robinson Andrew Epstein & Colleen Barry Lawrence & Toba Kerson Raymond Reed
Page 4 Center City Quarterly | Winter 2019 City Lit City Lit Philadelphia City Institute Library’s Programs Progress toward Draw Participants of All Ages the PCI Library Lift: By Erin Hoopes, Head Librarian Contractor Chosen I am happy to report that books are alive and By Pam Freyd, President, Friends of Philadelphia City well! The Philadelphia City Institute (PCI) Institute Library Library offers many programs that encourage people to read books, and the library’s PCI Library programs are held programs are expanding and attracting downstairs in the Community Room and Children’s Library,
more participants. More people than ever Margaret Triandafyllis participated in summer reading at PCI this making it important that the library summer: 270 preschoolers, 255 school-age installs a lift so those programs children, 111 teens, and 30 adults. are accessible to all. We are now a big step closer to the installation The library expanded its Family Book of the PCI Lift. In early October, Clubs into three different age categories, the Domus Construction Company for children entering: Kindergarten and 1st was selected as the installation grade, 2nd and 3rd grade, and 4th and 5th contractor. Domus has completed a grade. A Tween Book Club for kids age 10- wide variety of projects, including 14 is also offered; all programs were well- the Divine Lorraine, Barclay Prime attended. Pre-school Storytime attendance Restaurant, and the lobby of 220 West continues to soar, and more summer camp Rittenhouse Square, the building that groups visited the library. Teen Writers Club houses our library. and Teens Cook! Workshops have been Domus will work with our excellent successful. Teen Reading Lounge began a Despite the soggy weather, more than 100 little ones and their architects from Metcalf Architecture caregivers showed off their adorable costumes at PCI’s annual new series in the fall. The adult book club Halloween Costume Parade and Storytime on October 31. and Design, which has designed continues to grow. schools and museum sites such as the Funding for this library and its programs Museum of the American Revolution’s The Social Justice Symposium for comes from the City of Philadelphia, the Discovery Center, Interact young people age 12 to 20 attracted 75 Board of Managers of the Philadelphia Theater, and Children’s Hospital participants, the highest attendance ever. City Institute, the Library Foundation, and of Philadelphia’s Buerger Center. Since 2017, this program has been funded Friends of Philadelphia City Institute. A Metcalf architect Christopher Kircher through grants from the Philadelphia City committee is being formed for continued has been working with us since 2013, Institute Board of Managers. In the fall, lobbying for additional funding from the when we first began to dream of a lift. nine author talks were offered as well as City, especially directed toward the Mayor. Conversations with Pennsylvania Ballet and Advocates are needed for this effort, so Directing it all will be the Free Library two other talks. please sign up to volunteer with Friends of of Philadelphia’s Vice President of PCI: [email protected]. Facilities, James Pecora, who has also The Philadelphia City Institute Library has been working with us since 2013. an Outreach Program to extend its services The Friends’ annual spring sale brings in beyond the building. This fall, the library extra funding to the library. In 2018, book Thanks to both Metcalf Architecture hosted a Goat Walk and Storytime with the sales yielded $1,500, and books left over and Domus Construction, we can Philly Goat Project in Rittenhouse Square; from the sale bring in $100 per month; these look forward to some outstanding held two Storytimes at Schuylkill River funds help support the programs. improvements in our beloved PCI Park on Saturday afternoons; and gave Library, as the long-awaited lift away books and backpacks to 80 children at construction becomes a reality. Chester Arthur School’s Schoolyard Jam.
Shop Talk CCRA Merchant Member Discount Program CCRA invites you to participate in our Merchant Members Discount Program. Support our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a discount to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card and personal identification. To see a list of our Merchant Members, please go to www.centercityresidents.org., or check out our weekly eNewsletter, which arrives in members’ inboxes each Thursday.
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Page 6 Center City Quarterly | Winter 2019 Our Greene Countrie Towne Climate Crisis: It’s Real and It’s Here. You Can Do Something. By Bonnie Eisenfeld There’s a scene in a Woody Allen movie Environmental Defense Fund, the oceans them. Data on companies are available in which a mother takes her little boy to a have experienced “marine heat waves and from Climate Accountability Institute psychiatrist because he refuses to do his ocean acidification that could push ocean http://climateaccountability.org/ Data homework. The child is depressed since animals and ecosystems to their limits.” on fossil-free mutual funds are available learning that the universe is expanding. on https://greenmoney.com/fossil-fuel- He thinks everything will break apart, so The Union of Concerned Scientists companies-hidden-in-mutual-funds/ what’s the point? His mother tells him he (UCS) says human climate drivers has to do his homework anyway because include heat-trapping emissions from Immediate actions Smerdon recommends Brooklyn is not expanding! burning coal, gas and oil in power plants for individuals are: decreasing beef and vehicles; cutting down and burning consumption (cows produce huge amounts Many people perceive the Climate Crisis forests; tiny pollution particles (aerosols); of methane gas emissions), installing as similar to the universe expanding. and black carbon pollution (soot). The solar panels, and avoiding driving or It’s mostly happening out there beyond UCS concludes that the goal of the Paris switching to a fuel-efficient vehicle. Other our everyday lives. It’s not happening in Agreement of 2015, which aims to reduce sources recommend: limiting air travel, Rittenhouse Square. The news stories are emissions worldwide enough to keep global installing LED lightbulbs, reducing use of still about politics, immigration, crime, warming under the dangerous threshold of appliances and devices, planting a garden, and sports. Advertising still pushes cell two degrees Centigrade, “can be achieved eating local food, and discarding less food. phones, cars, and beer. Maybe the weather through immediate and sustained action The time is now. report hints at it now and then. Yet, it’s to reduce our heat-trapping emissions like hard to believe it’s a real crisis. adopting technologies that increase energy Or, one day you may find yourself sitting efficiency, expanding our use of renewable on the Broad Street beach, listening How the media reports on this issue affects energy, and slowing deforestation (among to your short-wave radio, snacking on public perception of its urgency. The other solutions).” https://www.ucsusa. insects, and holding a one-way ticket on term climate change can sound relatively org/global-warming/science-and-impacts/ the last flight to Antarctica. Then you’ll benign. That is far from accurate. The science/human-contribution-to-gw-faq.html know it’s real. Niemann Journalism Lab reports that The Guardian, a British daily newspaper, has GreenBiz Group, a media, events, and instructed its writers to use “climate crisis, networking company in Oakland, Calif., climate emergency, or climate breakdown” says teenagers are our best hope for Green Energy and “global heating” instead. According leadership to save the planet (the climate Solutions for to The Guardian’s editor-in-chief, “what crisis is the number-one concern of young scientists are talking about is a catastrophe people), along with professional and Urban Problems for humanity.” governmental entities: meteorologists, Dana Robinson of Earth Quaker mayors, investors, health professionals, Action Team (EQAT) and Martha Jersey shore and other coastal residents indigenous peoples, risk managers, farmers Griffen of the Climate Action have already been affected by the climate and fishers, and Silicon Valley techies. Team of POWER presented at crisis, and “America’s Great Climate the Philadelphia Ethical Society Exodus” is starting in the Florida Keys, Per Espen Stoknes, a psychologist, on Rittenhouse Square, October according to Bloomberg. States are buying economist, professor, and director for the 21. Earth Quaker Action Team out homeowners in flood-prone areas and Center for Green Growth at the Norwegian is pressuring PECO to increase bulldozing homes. Business School in Oslo, said in a TED their source of energy to 20 talk that people are more likely to take percent solar by 2025 by building A Florida state demographer predicts action if their neighbors are taking action. solar installations in urban that by the end of this century, 13 million neighborhoods, creating thousands Americans will need to move because What are the actions we neighbors should of new skilled jobs for urban of rising sea levels. Billy Fleming, a take? Jason Smerdon, a climate scientist residents. POWER’s climate team landscape architecture professor at the for Columbia University's Lamont wants local investment in green University of Pennsylvania, says that Doherty Earth Observatory, recommends infrastructure to improve the health we have only 10 or 12 years to mobilize that people use their voting power to of people living in poor and polluted and manage retreat. After that, “it won’t elect policymakers who support major neighborhoods and to create green matter because much of America will be governmental investments, incentives, jobs as a pathway out of poverty. underwater or on fire.” regulations, and taxation to save the planet. — Bonnie Eisenfeld People should also vote with their dollars The earth has seen more floods, by not investing in companies that are storms, wildfires, habitat changes, and the biggest producers of greenhouse gas species extinction. According to the emissions or the companies that finance
Center City Quarterly | Winter 2019 Page 7 It’s Academic Center for Literacy Moves to Peirce College This past summer, the Center for With state-of-the-art classrooms, the Literacy (CFL) moved from its Old City move allows for blended learning (using headquarters into Peirce College campus at both online and in-person learning 1420 Pine Street; classes started the week experiences). The new facilities also of August 12. At this location, CFL offers provide touchdown spaces for instructors,
daytime classes and student support services and offices for Student Support Services Courtesy Center for Literacy for its adult learners in English as a second and administrative staff. Plus, the move language; individuals who have low levels substantially reduced the rent. of literacy or need a high school diploma; and college- and career-readiness classes. CFL believes the move to Peirce will inspire adult students to think more about the opportunities for post-secondary education and careers.
CFL continues to provide additional classes, including family literacy, in
Courtesy Center for Literacy schools and libraries in low-income communities throughout Philadelphia. Through a new partnership with Philadelphia Technician Training Institute (formerly Berean Institute), CFL now holds classes at that location, 7446 Ogontz Ave. Classes are also held at 17 neighborhood Vicki Lynam, Chief Administrative Officer, at the front entrance. locations across Philadelphia. ESL instructor, Song Han (back right), with her students.
CCStreetwise Uniform Price Auctions: How to Price Parking Permits By Bill West
A few years ago, Donald Shoup had a look So, how many Zone 1 parking permits in
at Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood and force? When I looked into it in 2015, there Ben Shahn found there were 983 on-street parking were 6,957, or roughly two permits for spaces. Only residents with city-issued every Zone 1 spot. parking permits could park in these spots. Shoup looked a little further and found I agree with Professor Shoup that this is a that there were 3,933 permits in force. bad outcome, although my analogy is to That's roughly four permits for every spot. an overstuffed trash can. But how do you (Donald Shoup, The High Cost of Free fix it? Parking, 2011 edition, p. 516; footnotes 31 and 32, p. 552.) The obvious answer is to charge more for Auctioneer, central Ohio, Ben Shahn/FSA, 1938 the permit. Currently the Philadelphia permit But how to determine those prices? For As Shoup points out in his more recent costs $35 a year, uniform across the whole several years, I thought the best idea would Parking and the City, "A district with more city. Every permit costs the same, regardless be to simply float the price up, a little bit on-street parking permits than on-street of the demographics or congestion of the each year, until the number of permits in parking spaces would be like a theater that zone. The current process for setting the the zone was in rough equilibrium with the sells more tickets than it has seats." (Shoup, price is essentially political, and it is not number of spaces. ed., Parking and the City, 2018, p. 484.) doing the job it should be doing. Then, last year, I was reading Shoup's new I live in the Rittenhouse area, which is Over the ensuing years I have kept coming book, and on page 484 I discovered the part of Philadelphia’s Residential Parking back to this problem. Fairly early on, uniform-price auction: Permit Zone 1. This zone is quite large, I decided that each zone needed to be with a total of 3,687 zoned parking spaces. assigned its own price. The neighborhoods "Consider how a uniform-price (It's so big there's a proposal to split it in of this city are way too varied for a single auction would work on a block with two; I agree, but that's another story.) price to fit all. Continued p. 13 Page 8 Center City Quarterly | Winter 2019 CCCulture The HeArt of the City Bonnie Eisenfeld Bonnie Eisenfeld
Sally Eisenberg's work on display in her studio at 1241 Carpenter Studios on Saturday, October 12, during Philadelphia Open Studio Tours. Eisenberg says works in this exhibition are "mixed media abstracts inspired by food and the world around me." https://www.sallykeisenbergartist.com/ The building houses four floors of artists’ studios. http://www.1241carpenter.com/
Center City artist Susan Howard in her studio at 915 Spring Garden on Sunday, October 13, during Philadelphia Open Studio Tours. Bonnie Eisenfeld Howard's oil paintings are intricate, colorful, and fanciful depictions of imaginary creatures. This renovated building houses two floors of artists' studios. https://www.915springgarden.com/ Bonnie Eisenfeld Bonnie Eisenfeld
"Yumi Flower Chair II" by Laura Kishimoto at the Center for Art "Purses" by Michaela Criestone at the Center for Art in Wood, "Windsor Flower Chair II" by Annie Evelyn at the Center for Art in Wood, 3rd and Cherry Sts. Their current exhibit is "Making a 3rd and Cherry Sts. in Wood, 3rd and Cherry Sts. Seat at the Table: Women Transform Woodworking." Bonnie Eisenfeld Courtesy Naudain Art Collaborative Courtesy Naudain Courtesy Naudain Art Collaborative Courtesy Naudain
Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair. Martin Moon at work during the October weekend fair in Rittenhouse Square. Moon "Naudain Lake and Flowers #12" by Sarah Hicks. The Naudain is a Pennyslvania-based metal artist who creates decorated Art Collaborative presented works by 12 artists from our functionalware and jewelry, primarily in copper and silver. neighborhood, winners of the First Juried Community Show on "Three Graces" by Eric Mencher Photography. The Naudain Art Martin studied in Turkey, where he learned traditional Turkish November 2 and 3. A group show with small works was planned Collaborative presented works by 12 artists from our neighborhood. coppersmithing. http://www.moonmetalsmithing.com/ for December 7 and 8. Center City Quarterly | Winter 2019 Page 9 Debbie Poryes Jazz Pianist, Teacher
Composer, Vocalist
A Musician Who Enjoys Teaching! All Ages, All Levels Kids welcome! Classical too Functional Harmony Rhythm Learn to play the tunes you love! Riverfront is a community of friends living In Rittenhouse Square cooperatively in an intergenerational building. Neighborhood Members reside in their own spacious Call me to discuss taking piano condominiums, and share in private community lessons. I’m happy to answer any questions you have. I want spaces, where they enjoy weekly dinners, to hear about your wishes for discussions, exercise, and entertainment. your musical development. Visit debbieporyes.com to listen to my CDs, read student To learn more about availability or to be on the
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BOOKING CONCERTS, PARTIES, EVENTS LARGE AND SMALL call 267-639-5257 I love to play the piano, in your house, restaurant, any venue. ______Solo piano, or add acoustic bass or also add drums. Friends Center City – Riverfront Add sax or vocals too. Swinging, relaxed, beautiful! 22 S. Front St. Phila., PA 19106 Call- 510-915-3346 email- [email protected] www.friendscentercity.com
NOBODY KNOWS THE NEIGHBORHOOD LIKE A NEIGHBOR If you’re thinking of selling your home or buying a new one, let me show you how we can make it happen.
Paula Cohen REALTOR® Mobile: 215.284.7060 [email protected] @paulaknowsphilly @paulaknowsphila
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Page 10 Center City Quarterly | Winter 2019 Our Greene Countrie Towne Tree Tenders Play Favorites By Susan Kahn People develop deep personal connections In a walk around the neighborhood, Judith with trees and Center City trees have their can recount stories associated with nearly own admirers. These two advocates are every tree, including the ones circling among the most senior and junior of Center The Philadelphia School, where she City’s Tree Tenders. Hearing about their taught Language Arts for nearly 30 years. Meredith Adams Moore favorite trees may inspire each of us to Each year she helped students create leaf notice more fully the majesty of a tree we booklets inspiring a new generation of pass daily. For more information about how tree advocates. “People don’t know the you can plant trees with the Pennsylvania different varieties of trees. You have to Horticultural Society’s Tree Tenders, email teach them,” Judith says. Susan Kahn ([email protected]) or Ellis Stafford Moore at 16 go to (https://phsonline.org/programs/tree- EARLY TREE MEMORY: As a child tenders/) growing up in suburban Washington, D.C., Judith was put to bed in summer long Judith Parker before the sun set and well before she was FAVORITE TREE: Japanese lilac tree sleepy. The tree outside her window kept
(Syringa reticulate) her company during these solitary hours and Meredith Adams Moore she talked to it like a friend.
TREE TIP: Tree gators can be helpful in
Susan Kahn getting 15 to 20 gallons of water weekly to a tree, but take them off in the winter months. They hold moisture next to the trunk that rots the tree. Judith advises that, during the Ellis Stafford Moore at age 6 warm months, annuals such as impatiens be planted around the base of a tree as a Tender class. Since then he has planted reminder to water and to discourage visits street trees in Center City twice a year. “I from doggie friends. love taking care of trees,” says Ellis. “As I walk around, I cut the strings and wires off Ellis Stafford Moore of trees before the tree can grow into them FAVORITE TREE: Oyamel fir and become strangled.” (Abies religiosa) EARLY MEMORY: Ellis’s work with Sixteen-year old Ellis Stafford Moore has butterflies began years ago when he and never seen his favorite tree, an Oyamel fir, his mother first tagged them in Cape May, Judith Parker as they grow 2500 miles away in southern and the leader of the demonstration let Mexico, but forests of them shelter his Ellis release the tagged butterfly. Each year PHS Tree Tender Judith Parker has planted beloved but endangered Monarch butterflies he and his mother would return to “tag hundreds of trees in Center City since the over the winter. Since the age of two and and release butterflies, go to the beach, days of CCRA’s Greening Project in the a half, Ellis and his mother have nurtured a then have a slice,” he recalls. “It’s a nice early 1980s, so it is not easy for her to pick butterfly sanctuary in their garden plot in the tradition.” When Ellis could not go in 2014, a favorite. “They are all my children!” Schuylkill River Park Community Garden he decided he should use the tagging skills she says. Still, she relishes the memory of that includes a butterfly bush, milkweed, he had acquired to tag Monarchs himself. planting a Japanese lilac tree on 25th Street spicebush, fennel and goldenrod. He also He and his mother have been tagging five years ago with a mother and her teenage tags Monarchs in the garden in cooperation independently since then. son from North Philadelphia. Judith never with Monarch Watch, a network of heard the whole story, but the mother insisted scientists and citizens who study Monarchs. TREE TIP: Ellis encourages everyone to that the teen needed to “do something Their world population is 150 million, join the battle against Spotted Lantern Flies to give back to the community.” When down from a billion just two decades before they hurt our trees. “Look out for their digging revealed a layer of cement ago. Because pesticides have decimated gray egg masses on trees, bricks and patios requiring a sledgehammer to break it up, the milkweed, their only food source before and scrape them into a baggie. Smash them young man threw himself into the project turning into butterflies, Ellis urges that or kill with alcohol or hand sanitizer before enthusiastically. Judith remembers him milkweed be planted wherever possible. His throwing them away,” he advises. saying when they had finished, “I’m never interest in the natural world was expanded going to look at a tree the same way again.” two years ago when he took the PHS Tree
Center City Quarterly | Winter 2019 Page 11 Sold 2410 Delancey 2413 Spruce 2133 Green 279 S 5th 113 Naudain 624 Kenilworth 1420 Locust 2330 Pine 304 Cypress 1919 Chestnut 1617 Lombard 2509 Pine 2330 St Albans 1702 Panama 1839 Addison 1134 Waverly 507 S 24th 1632 Bainbridge 506 Pine St STRENGTH TRAINING 426 S Taney 925 S 2nd 609 Lombard 1932 Bainbridge 2609 Aspen St CARDIO YOGA WEIGHT LOSS HEALTHY EATING RITTENHOUSE AREA
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Page 12 Center City Quarterly | Winter 2019 Continued from p. 6 Our Greene Countrie Towne 20 on-street parking spaces reserved a car, but the current permit rate is clearly for residents. Any resident can bid a subsidy for private car ownership, and as Schuylkill River Park for a permit. The bids are ranked in a matter of public policy I think we should descending order and the highest 20 move away from that. Tree Tenders bidders receive permits. In a uniform- price auction, all the winning bidders Test it out in a few neighborhoods, like Susan Kahn, Leader of the Friends then pay the same price: the lowest mine, that are both prosperous and highly of Schuylkill River Park Tree accepted bid. All successful bidders congested. See what happens. I suspect Tenders, organized tree planting except the lowest bidder thus that the initial opposition—a given for any in our neighborhood on Saturday, pay less than what they bid." innovation in Philadelphia—might quickly November 16. Tree Tenders® is give way to quiet satisfaction. sponsored by the Pennsylvania This basic idea could work in Philadelphia. Horticultural Society. “Since 1993, It would tend to increase the cost of having more than 5000 volunteers in the region have become certified Tree Tenders, receiving hands-on training on the biology, identification, planting Town Square and proper care of trees. Each year, with PHS support, neighborhood Tree Tenders groups plant more Volunteering at Penn’s Village: “I Have Gotten than 1000 trees, and also focus their Back Tenfold” efforts on follow-up monitoring and By Victoria Dailey, Penn’s Village Marketing & Communications Intern care to ensure their survival.” https:// phsonline.org/programs/tree-tenders/ Penn’s Village positions itself as a grassroots organization dedicated to helping older adults remain in their homes
longer. Beyond the services provided by Joan Wells Penn’s Village volunteers (rides to the Courtesy Penn's Village doctor, companionship, computer support) or programs our members enjoy (talks on current events or a health-related topic, French conversation, men’s group, knitting circle, happy hour), it is the relationships formed between members and volunteers Susan Kahn, Leader of the Friends of Schuylkill River Park Tree Tenders. that are the essence of the organization: Volunteers are integral members of the Penn’s Village team. neighbors together—connecting, They enhance the work of Penn’s Village and thus strengthen our engaging, thriving. community.
Meet Dawn, a Penn’s Village volunteer Volunteering with Penn’s Village, Judith Parker with a variety of skills and tasks. She reads according to Dawn, was the impetus to members, helps with Internet and phone for changing her career to a helping software, accompanies them to the farmers profession. After taking an early retirement market, and performs general house from a telecommunications company, repairs. In short, Dawn is “Ms. Fix-it.” she began training for a new job as a caseworker. When she looks to her She recounts this powerful and future, she mentions helping “the greater heartwarming anecdote: She helped a good” in any capacity that it takes. She is member set up a CapTel phone, which thankful that Penn’s Village gave her the employs real-time closed captions for opportunity to find her niche. people with hearing impairment. Dawn never knew such a device existed, but Dawn says volunteering for Penn’s Village learning about it enabled Dawn to share was a win-win situation for her. “I have this information and technology with gotten back tenfold what I put forth.” an aunt experiencing similar hearing problems. The phone worked wonders. “I For more information on volunteering or Sandra Sokol, her granddaughter Amelia, and Peter still have my aunt’s voicemail telling me membership, visit www.pennsvillage.org, Arriaza plant a tree outside Doobies Bar at 22nd and how much she loved having the phone… or call 215-925-7333. Lombard Streets. It is one of 18 planted by the Tree She could now hear people on the phone Tenders this fall. — she had a new lease on life.”
Center City Quarterly | Winter 2019 Page 13 KATE & KATHLEEN FEDERICO Your neighbor, Your Realtor
FEATURED PROPERTIES For Sale: 406 S. 22nd St. 4 bed, 2.5 bath, $1,495,000
Under Contract: 23 S. 23rd St., unit xx, 2 bed, 2 bath, $899,000
CCRA Board Member/Chair Annual House & Garden Tour
Licensed in 3 States PA, NJ, CA
RIVER TO RIVER, TOWN HOUSE, CONDO, NEW CONSTRUCTION
Call KATE [email protected] 215.840.0049 or Allan Domb Real Estate 1845 Walnut Street, Philadelphia KATHLEEN 215.545.1500 215.850.3876
Page 14 Center City Quarterly | Winter 2019 What’s Going On CCRA Winter Calendar—Time to Chill Out Christmas Village Philly Loves Bowie Week Philly Wine Week Love Park, JFK Plaza, 1500 Arch St. Saturday, January 4 to Tuesday, January 13 Annual eight-day festival of wine-centric Through Tuesday, December 24 https://phillylovesbowie.wordpress.com/ events, tastings, pairings, specials at bars, 11 am – 8 pm plb-week-a-glance/ restaurants phillywineweek.org https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to- Thursday, April 2 to Sunday, April 5 do/attractions/christmas-village-in- Center City Restaurant Week philadelphia/ Three-course dinners for $35 per person, Philadelphia Fine Arts Fair three-course lunches for $20. 23rd Street Armory Franklin Square Holiday Festival and ccdrestaurantweek.com 22 S. 23rd Street Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show Sunday, January 12 to Friday, January 24 Forty art galleries and institutions— Presented by PECO including the Barnes and the Art Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street Invisible City: Philadelphia and the Museum—present contemporary works; Free shows nightly. Saturdays with Santa; Vernacular Avant-garde (1956-1976) benefits city’s public art. Tickets required. holiday train and carousel rides, mini-golf, Art Alliance on Rittenhouse Square, philfineartfair.com food, beverages. University of the Arts Philadelphia’s Saturday, April 4 to Sunday, April 12 Through Tuesday, December 31 significant contributions to visual culture, Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/ 1950s through `70s, exhibition, publication Japan America Society of Greater events/electrical-spectacle-holiday-light- and performances. Philadelphia show-at-franklin-square/ Tuesday, January 21 to Saturday, April 4 Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, Comcast Holiday Spectacular Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Fairmount Park Horticultural Center. Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a Volunteers do community projects Screenings, live performances, arts and magical sleigh ride over the city, and a mlkdayofservice.org crafts, tea, fashion, flower arranging, sing-along. Tuesday, January 21 kimono dressing, demonstrations of nihon The Market and Shops at Comcast Center, buyo, traditional dance and martial arts. 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard Lunar New Year Sakura Weekend, Saturday, April 4 and Until Wednesday, January 1. Free. Chinatown Parade, midnight lion-dance Sunday, April 5 https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/ performances, special events at Reading The Cherry Blossom 10K and 5K Race events/the-comcast-holiday-spectacular/ Terminal Market, Independence Seaport Saturday, April 4 Museum, The Rail Park. japanphilly.org Macy’s Christmas Saturday, January 25 89th Annual Easter Promenade Light Show South Street Winter in Dilworth Park The Grand Court at Macy’s, Wanamaker Sunday, April 12 Building, 1300 Market St. West side City Hall. Sugarplum fairies, dancing snowmen in Ice skating, Wintergarden, and beverages a100,000-light show narrated by Julie Andrews, Through Monday, February 24 Out & About accompanied by the Wanamaker Organ. Free, every two hours during store hours. Black History Month We Are Number One! Major attractions at The African American By Bonnie Eisenfeld Dickens Village Museum, the National Constitution Center, National Geographic Traveler just meet Santa, second floor. the Free Library of Philadelphia and more named Philadelphia as the top city https://www.visitphilly.com/articles/ visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/black- to visit in 2020 on its “Best Trips philadelphia/must-see-holiday-attractions- history-month-in-philadelphia 2020” list of 25 top destinations in in-philadelphia/#vp-article-section--item-11 Month of February the world. Author Johnna Rizzo calls Wanamaker Grand Court Organ Philadelphia “a scrappy underdog African-American Children’s Book Fair Free. Recitals at noon and 5:30, Monday, with a heart of gold,” “a city of 28th Annual African American Children’s Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Recitals ingenious makers,” and “an American Book Fair at the Community College of at noon and 7 p.m. Wednesday and Friday classic” with a combination of Philadelphia. Through Sunday, April 5 https://phillyfunguide.com/free/free-daily- “old school glamour” and “quirky theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org recitals-on-the-wanamaker-grand-court-organ culture spots.” The magazine rates Until Tuesday, December 31 American Voyages: HERMAN MELVILLE destinations in four categories: cities, AT 200 nature, adventure and culture. Our For more holiday attractions in the city was one of only two U.S. sites on Philadelphia area, please go to Rosenbach Museum, 2008 Delancey Street Melville’s 200th birthday exhibition, first the entire list of destinations; the other https://www.visitphilly.com/articles/ one was the Grand Canyon. https:// philadelphia/must-see-holiday-attractions- editions, rare manuscripts (including Moby- Dick). Through Monday, April 6 www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/ in-philadelphia/ features/best-trips-2020/#close rosenbach.org Center City Quarterly | Winter 2019 Page 15 CENTER CITY RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION NON-PROFIT 1900 Market Street, 8th Floor ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE Philadelphia, PA 19103 PAID 215-546-6719 PHILADELPHIA, PA PERMIT NO. 05448 [email protected] www.centercityresidents.org
DATES TO REMEMBER: Sunday, April 26, 2020 CCRA Spring House & Garden Tour
Out & About
House Tour Committee Seeks Oscar Beisert Volunteers and Homes/Gardens Join us for a new take on an old favorite: our CCRA Annual Spring House and Garden Tour Sunday, April 26, 2020!
The House Tour committee is looking for unique homes and outdoor spaces for the tour, and asking members to join them in making our biggest fundraiser a success.
If you would like participate on the committee, or wish to donate your home/space for the day, call our Operations Manager, Travis Oliver, at 215-546-6719 or email [email protected], with the subject line: House Tour.