This Week November 6, 2025 | | |
Sunday’s turnout for the Pierre Robert tribute told you all you need to know about the heart and soul of Philadelphia. All that love and affection truly showed what kind of town this is.
And so maybe that wouldn’t be the worst thing to keep in mind as we hurtle toward The Holidaze. Yes, of course take part in all the Holiday fun, but at the same time pull back and appreciate and enjoy all that we have here.
Have you seen the new Calder Gardens yet? It’s not what you’d expect. Have you traversed the new Christian-to-Crescent section of the Schuylkill River Trail? And don’t forget the new Surrealism exhibit that starts this Saturday at the Art Museum (or whatever they call it these days).
Like our QB1 says: It’s a Philly Thing. Make it Your Thing.
| | What’s a Senior To Do? Medicare Enrollment 2025 | | Thanks to our State Representative, Ben Waxman, and his Johnny-on-the-Spot team, we now have info for our senior members (and those with senior relatives who could use a hand) about the tricky details of Medicare Open Enrollment this year. To get you started and send you in the right direction, here’s the down low on the details. Still have questions or problems? Give Waxman’s office a call at 215-246-1501. | | Talkin Trash- How to Work 311 to Your Benefit | | |
Here's the dirt from CCRA's trash committee: Philly311 works…well, most of the time, anyway! It’s a great service to perform for yourself and fellow city dwellers (and visitors!).
You can report non-emergency issues in Philadelphia, such as potholes, graffiti, illegal dumping, broken streetlights, or missed trash and recycling pickups through Philly311. It’s the fastest way to get city services where they’re needed. For emergencies, always call 911.
Philly311 typically provides timely updates and efficient follow-up on requests, helping residents stay informed as issues are addressed.
How to Submit
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Online: Visit phila.gov/311.
- Select the issue type, enter the address, describe the problem, and upload a photo.
- App: Download the Philly311 app (iOS or Android) and follow the same steps—it even lets you drop a pin on the map.
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Call or Email: Dial 311 (or 215-686-8686 outside Philly) or email philly311@phila.gov.
Here’s a chart on exactly what to do. You deserve to get results! It’s your city, after all.
| | Fall Leaf Pickup Reminder | | |
Starting Monday, November 3, through December 20, the Department of Sanitation begins its 2025 leaf-pickup program for the city of Philadelphia. Residents in our area can drop bagged leaves at the closest collection point on S. Broad St. & Christian St. (southwest corner sidewalk) from 9am - 3pm. Be sure to use large brown biodegradable paper bags and keep out trash and recyclables.
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Did you know that some of the paving responsibilities in Philadelphia fall under the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) rather than the City of Philadelphia Department of Streets? For instance, PennDOT handles state-route paving and infrastructure, while the City focuses on local street paving.
In November 2025, PennDOT has successfully completed paving on Chestnut Street (22nd to Broad) and Walnut Street (23rd to Broad) just in time for the holiday season. The upgrades enhance accessibility and traffic flow ahead of the city’s 2026 semiquincentennial celebration. PennDOT’s 2026 project plans include the rehabilitation and full reconstruction of the Market Street Bridge corridor, which will involve partial detours and a full closure of Market Street for approximately 14 months, from August 2026 through October 2027.
The Philadelphia Streets Department has scheduled milling and paving on Locust Street between 18th and Juniper Streets, as well as on Sansom Street between 17th and 16th Streets. While a timeline for this work has not yet been shared with CCRA, we will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
| | CCRA held its monthly public zoning meeting on Tuesday, October 28. In case you missed the meeting, you can watch it on our YouTube Channel here. To see the report, visit here. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, at 7pm. | | CCRA Board of Directors Meeting | | |
When: Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025
Where: BEX Meeting Space, 2005 Market St.
This is a members only meeting. Please register here.
| | 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 a local tour company: Excursions from the Square.
Merchant Partner Excursions from the Square Says Get Up and Go!
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Not just any travel outfit, Excursions from the Square is singularly unique in that it focuses on museums, architecture, history and the performing arts.
Recent excursions have included the New York Botanical Garden, the American Ballet Theater, the Crystal Bridges Museum in Arkansas, and New England Summer Festivals (Glimmerglass, the Berkshires, and the Marlboro Music Festival).
Coming up for the Holiday Season are excursions to the Brooklyn Museum (November 20), Christmas at Longwood Gardens (December 2), Sunday in New York (December 7), and a production of O'Neill's Anna Christie in Brooklyn (December 17). Click here to join a trip.
(CCRA members receive a $10 discount on a one-day trip and a $25 discount on extended trips.)
| | Speed Cameras on Broad Street About to Get Real | | |
Attention all leadfoots and speed demons: the 60-day grace period for drivers who speed up and down Broad Street is set to expire. As of Nov. 15, drivers who travel more than 11 mph over the speed limit on Broad Street will be fined $100 for any violations they commit. There’s a chill in the air these days; make it chill on Broad Street as well. Details here.
| | Not Love Park . . . Love YOUR Park! | | |
There are more than 100 parks in Philadelphia, including some pretty famous ones right here in Center City, and they all could use some more love.
The “Love Your Park Fall 2025” is around the corner – Nov. 14 -16 – and the organization is looking for nature and park-loving volunteers to help clean up our parks after a busy summer season and prepare these public green spaces for winter. Love Your Park – a collaborative effort by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Fairmount Park Conservancy, and the 140 volunteer groups that make up the Park Friends Network – is organizing the event.
While you are free and encouraged to show up at any park with your own tools to rake leaves, sweep paths and sidewalks, and pick up trash – there are organized events (no tools required!) taking place at Fitler Square Park, Rittenhouse Square Park, and the Schuylkill River Park and others. While we hear/tell Rittenhouse is full, there’s still plenty of room at Fitler and Schuylkill River.
The coordinated workday at these parks takes place on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 am to noon. Organizers will host the volunteers who show up with many fun and free events that invite Philadelphians to get outside and explore our city's incredible park system.
To see a map of all the city parks, and register to volunteer at any of the Love Your Park Day events, visit the Love Your Park web page
| | Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | | Pictures of Belonging Comes to PAFA: Art, Identity, and Endurance | | |
The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts exhibition of artwork by three prize-winning Japanese-American women artists includes portraits, landscapes, cityscapes, still lifes, and, of particular historical interest, images of life in an internment camp during WWII, illustrating the resilience of those who were incarcerated. Aruna D’Souza of The New York Times reviewed this exhibition held at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, earlier in 2025.
Here’s a description:
Art, Identity, and Belonging in America at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Pictures of Belonging brings together the work of Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi, and Miné Okubo for the first time. Featuring seventy paintings, drawings, and sketchbooks spanning eight decades, this nationally touring exhibition offers a profound look at art, identity, and belonging in the American experience.
On view at PAFA until January 4 in the Fisher Brooks Gallery in the Hamilton Building, 128 N. Broad Street (just north of City Hall).
Guest Author: Bonnie Eisenfeld
| | A Scandalous Soirée: A Bridgerton-Inspired Night | | |
Make plans now to see Dark Side Burlesque presents Bridgertease: A Bridgerton Burlesque Show at Franky Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St) on Sunday, November 16. The doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm. Expect performances from your favorite Bridgerton characters, live regency music, and plenty of surprises throughout the evening. The night will be filled with glitter, anticipation, and of course, a good dose of scandal. Go here for tickets.
| | Community Helping Community | | |
Philadelphia-based nonprofit Sharing Excess has created a website that highlights locations supplying meals for those in need. As a result of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) limitations during the shutdown, demand for food assistance has increased throughout the city. This website will direct individuals to local food pantries and distribution sites to ensure those in need can access the support they need. Go here to read more about the work Sharing Excess is doing for our community.
| | Real Time Real Estate: This Month | Fall Real Estate Q&A Corner: Answers for Homeowners & Neighbors | As the leaves change and the air cools, fall is the perfect season to prepare our homes and community for the months ahead. Here are a few timely real estate questions I’ve been hearing around the neighborhood: | |
Q: Is fall a good time to sell a home?
A: Yes! While spring is traditionally the busiest season, fall offers motivated buyers and less competition. Well-maintained homes with cozy seasonal touches—like warm lighting and autumn décor—can make a strong impression.
Q: What home maintenance should I do before winter?
A: A little prep goes a long way. Be sure to:
• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Seal windows and doors to improve energy efficiency
• Service your heating system
• Trim trees and remove debris
These steps protect your home and enhance neighborhood curb appeal through the colder months.
Q: Will fall window boxes help my property value?
A: Yes. Absolutely. Seasonal curb appeal matters.
Q: Are buyers still touring homes during the holiday season?
A: Many are! Fall and early winter buyers tend to be serious, motivated, and often working under relocation deadlines—meaning a well-priced home can sell quickly.
Q: Is it smart to start home renovation projects now?
A: Fall can be a great time. Contractors are often more available than in spring and completing updates before winter means you can enjoy a more efficient and comfortable home during the colder months.
Have a real estate question for the next issue?
Send it in—we’re here to help keep our community informed and prepared each season!
Kate Federico Compass RE
| Community News and Events | | A Salute (and Love) to Our Veterans At This Saturday’s Parade | | |
While a “divided nation” we may be, there’s one thing that all sides agree on: love and respect should be afforded our Veterans, who sacrificed and gave so much for the rest of us.
And there’s no better time to give those props and flowers than at the annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade to be held this Saturday, starting at noon at 21st St. and the Ben Franklin Parkway and ending with grandstand seating at the Art Museum.
Yes, it will be televised on 6abc, but with over 7,000 parade participants expected, Philly folks have the option to be there to give the love in person. Details here; see you there!
| | Where Art Meets Craft: The Philly Show You Can’t Miss | | |
The Philadelphia Art Museum Contemporary Craft Show is back! The 49th show includes art created by 195 artists from 13 different categories. From Friday, November 7, to Sunday, November 9, enjoy and buy unique art from super talented artists. Learn more about the craft show here and grab a ticket here.
When:
Friday, November 7, 11 am - 7 pm
Saturday, November 8, 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday, November 9, 10 am - 5 pm
Where:
Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107
| | Pour me another one WineDive | | |
Hello again, WineDive. After a fire at their original location and a few years of delays, WineDive has opened a second location in Rittenhouse at 1534 Sansom Street. Officially opening Thursday, November 6, WineDive Rittenhouse has aimed to create an atmosphere that combines “Old Hollywood" and “Atlantic City.” Enjoy happy hour, throwback cocktails, and elevated classic foods from their kitchen. Learn more about the Rittenhouse WineDive here.
| | It’s Time… 🎶Cue Mariah Carey | | |
Celebrate the upcoming holidays at the Comcast Center from Thursday, November 27 through Friday, January 2. See “The Comcast Holidays Spectacular," a free cinematic experience featuring Shrek characters at The Universal Sphere, the holiday fair, visits with Santa, and so much more. All we want is for YOU to have all the info here.
| | A Phantom Sighting in the Grand Court | | |
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the movie that frightened audiences 100 years ago when the classic 1925 silent horror film “The Phantom of the Opera” is shown in the Grand Court of the Wanamaker Building, 1300 Market Street, Monday, Nov. 10, at 7 pm. Adding to the chills will be the musical accompaniment of the world famous Wanamaker organ, played by Peter Richard Conte. Seating for this free event is on a first-come basis. Doors open at 6:30. Click here for more details.
| | 45th Jewish Film Festival | | |
Philadelphia Jewish Film & Media Festival is back November 12-23, 2025. The annual festival will display unique Jewish international films and other media content from around the world. Within these 12 days, PJFM features everything from Philadelphia movie premieres to repertory cinema and collaborative events with local organizations. Grab tickets here.
| | The Future is Now (well, Friday) | | |
In the furiously fast-paced world we live in, it’s more important than ever to remain au courant, and there’s no better way to do that than to attend the Future Forward Summit this Friday at Convene Two Commerce Square.
The centerpiece of Innovation Weekend, the Future Forward Summit is a full-day gathering where tech founders, investors, and ecosystem builders come together and where you’ll hear smart discussions about speed of change, disruption, new (and old) media, the future of fundraising, tech, branding and, of course, AI.
The future won’t wait; in fact, it’s here. And the details? Here.
| | 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. | | CCRA assumes no responsibility, and makes no representations or warranties, regarding any product and/or services sold by any Merchant Partner. | | | | |
