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Putting politics aside (please!), how great was it to see the Eagles at the White House celebrating their still-amazing Super Bowl victory?
That was our guys up there. Not the Kansas City Chiefs, not the New England Patriots. That was the Philadelphia Freaking Eagles.
In a larger sense it was also a testament to the civic pride that such a victory engenders, and to the teamwork, resilience and unity of purpose that such an accomplishment requires.
| | Help Keep Our Neighborhood Clean — Without Getting Your Hands Dirty! | | |
We all want a cleaner, more beautiful neighborhood—and you can help make that happen with just a few clicks.
If you’re walking or driving through the Center City Residents’ Association (CCRA) area and notice trash or recyclables illegally left out on the curb outside of regular collection days, you can take action:
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Snap a photo or two of the trash, making sure to include something in the shot that links it to a nearby property (like a house number or recognizable landmark).
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Send an email to Philly311@Phila.gov with the subject line: Illegal Trash Dumping at [Address].
- In the body of the email, include a brief note like: "Trash has been illegally dumped at [address] on a non-collection day." You can also mention any specific violations, like an unwrapped mattress, which by law must be fully enclosed in plastic for pickup.
Once submitted, the Streets Department will investigate. If the property is found in violation, the owner may be fined.
Bonus: You don’t have to speak with anyone or wait on hold. You’ll receive email updates on the status of your report—and often see results in just a few days!
Please share this information with your family, friends, and neighbors. The more eyes and voices we have, the cleaner our community will be. Together, we can make a big difference—one report at a time.
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On Tuesday April 22, CCRA held it's monthly zoning committee meeting. If you missed it, you can watch it on our Youtube channel. Make sure you subscribe to the channel so you can receive when a new video is released.
Visit here to view the report.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 27.
| | Please Support CCRA This Spring Campaign Season! | | |
For over 75 years, CCRA has worked tirelessly to make Center City West - our neighborhood - a better place to live, work, and visit. Here’s how we do it:
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We negotiate with real estate developers and city planners for smart development that improves our neighborhood
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We protect the historic fabric of our neighborhood by nominating buildings and neighborhoods for inclusion in the City’s Register of Historic Places
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We clean the sidewalks on trash days
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We combat crime and lawlessness by working closely with the Philadelphia Police Department
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We green the neighborhood by planting and tending to street trees and operating the Schuylkill River Park Community Garden
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We advocate for policies and programs that keep our neighborhood cleaner, safer, and greener
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We promote culture through collaboration with arts organizations
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We bolster local businesses
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We create community through publications, forums, and opportunities to meet and talk with neighbors
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We collaborate with others who share our objectives
This is our Spring Fundraising Campaign. We ask that you give as generously as you can to support our vital work – and your neighborhood!
| | Save The Date: Spruce/Pine Bike Lanes Clean-up Saturday, May 17 | | |
Join CCRA and Philly Bike Action on May 17th to clean the Spruce and Pine bike lanes as a part of CCRA Month!
We'll be meeting at the corner of 22nd and Spruce St at 11am and expect to finish by 1pm. Light refreshments will be provided.
Attendees are encouraged to bring brooms, rakes, shovels, and/or gloves, but such items will also be provided. Come on out, meet your neighbors, and help make our neighborhood a little more beautiful!
| | 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 Circle Compost!
New Merchant Partner Circle Compost Makes Composting Easy!
Join the movement towards a sustainable future with woman-owned and new Merchant Partner Circle Compost’s composting service, established in 2016.
They transform food scraps, leaves, and organic discards into nutrient-rich compost, reducing landfill waste in Philadelphia. Their convenient pickups utilize e-bikes and trucks, offering flexible options for households and businesses alike.
Partnering with local farms, they return your organic waste to the earth, supporting healthy plants and vegetables. Enjoy perks like free compost and discounted rates while contributing to a greener planet.
Together, let’s turn trash into treasure and combat climate change, one compost bin at a time with Circle Compost!
The Circle folks offer a 30-day free trial. And, for CCRA members who sign up using a bank account for their ongoing automatic subscription payments, they will receive a 5% discount on any individual home composting services. Please email the company (info@circlecompost.com) after sign-up and the discount will become active.
| | Center Yourself Here to Think Global and Act Local | | |
Yes, we do our part by putting out our recyclables, buying responsibly, helping with greening the neighborhood….and dreaming of that electric car in our future!
But now, here’s an op to get the facts and explore the science of environmentalism with scientists and sustainability experts from Drexel and the City of Philadelphia. This conversation is taking place on Thurs., May 8, 6-7:30pm, at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education…..a perfect respite for a late afternoon walk before the event starts.
The conversation will not be a free-for-all (ie, it’s moderated), but the cost is free for all! (ok, our bad “dad” joke for the day). For details, dig in here.
| | Getting into the Spring of Things | | |
Spring has indeed sprung, and you don’t want to get short-changed out of many peoples’ fav things to do this season.
Let our friends at Billy Penn lead the way here.
| Dig In for a Greener Greenfield! | Schuylkill Bank Riverboat Tours | |
Discover the Hidden River on a fun and educational riverboat tour while seeing spectacular views of Philadelphia.
From kayaking to meandering down the river in the Riverboat, learn about the tidal Schuylkill River's past, present, and future impact on Philadelphia on a one-hour Secrets of the Schuylkill tour.
Visit here to see the 2025 Kayaking Tour and here to see the Riverboat Tour schedules.
Schuylkill Bank Riverboat Tour is a CCRA Merchant Partner. Check here to see our discount. Call them at 215-309-5523 to get your tickets.
| | Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | | Celebrate Asian American Heritage Month at the Philadelphia Museum of Art! | | |
Bring the family on Sunday May 4, to the PMA, which is highlighting several Asian American artists with unique hands-on experiences.
Choose your activity from building sculptures, ink blots, or dancing. This is “pay what you wish” admission (1st Sunday of the month). For more information click here.
No kids with you? Then check out Friday, May 9th, 5-8pm, at the museum, and feed the child within you by learning printmaking techniques with artist Cynthia Zhou while you decorate your own Chinese-inspired kite.
| | A Month of Meaningful Events at The Weitzman Museum | | |
Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) starting May 1 with the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.
Enjoy a month-long series of free programs highlighting the rich diversity and lasting contributions of Jewish communities across the United States. Events include musical performances, film screenings, and thought-provoking conversations with artists, authors, and scholars. Go here for the full schedule.
| | Real Time Real Estate: This Month | | |
Thinking of Buying? In this Market? Here are Three Things you Should Know.
If you’ve been considering buying a home this year, this article just might be for you.
Truth be told, purchasing a home or condo can be stressful, no matter what type of market you are in. You can keep the stress to a minimum by being prepared and knowing what to expect.
Here are a few tips:
- It’s not the right market for everyone to buy a house. There’s no right or wrong time to buy a home...just the time that’s right for you. If you’re financially ready and a move makes sense, go for it! However, if you’re not a fan of competition or only plan on staying a few years, this market may not be for you; and that’s ok too.
- Buy what you can afford; the dream home will come later. Your first home is a stepping-stone. Focus on what fits your budget now; you can always upgrade later. Don’t just go by what your lender says you can afford; stick to the budget! In a competitive market, it’s easy to get caught up and pay a premium, but that can lead to being “house poor”, which no one wants to be…
- Stop following the media’s advice; the media thrives on puffing and fluffing from time to time. Real Estate is local. Don’t let clickbait scare you; talk to knowledgeable and experienced brokers and lenders to guide you based on your specific situation, not the media’s hype.
A few other tips for a competitive market: Price is always important, but so are the terms of an offer. Settlement date, shorter home inspection periods and creative ways to have your offer stand out. Perhaps it’s offering the Seller a lease-back if their new construction purchase isn’t complete, which happens… or maybe it’s heavy earnest money down. Inventory is still at an all-time low in our district and homes are selling fast! Sometimes, even before they hit the open market! Stay diligent, positive, and prepared to win! Good luck and remember: Have fun!
Cheers! Kate Federico
| | Community News and Events | | Road Closure Saturday, May 3 | | |
ALERT: 23rd Street between Market and Ludlow will be closed on On Saturday, May 3 (both Market and Ludlow will remain open). A construction team has to place a crane on 23rd street. The closure will start at 6 am, and will take about 3-4 hours.
| | Catch a Rising Star at Rittenhouse Grill | | |
If you’re the kind of culture vulture who loves to discover talented performers on their way up, you’d do well to check out Julie Benko’s show “Standby, Me” at the Ritttenhouse Grill on May 20. (Tellingly, the May 19 show is SOLD OUT.)
Julie is the breakout star of the 2022 revival of “Funny Girl”, and “Standby, Me” – accompanied by her husband Jason Yeager on piano -- reflects on Julie's journey and meteoric rise, sharing songs and behind-the-scenes stories.
Rittenhouse Grill being a proud CCRA Merchant Partner, you’ll get a $25 savings on their offer of a complimentary upgrade from standard to premium seating. (New customers only, 4 ticket max, based on availability.)
For Merchant Partner info, dance over here.
| | What Pew’s State of the City Report Reveals About Philadelphia | | |
This year’s Pew’s State of the City report has a number of encouraging things to say about our fair City. Below are a few excerpts; the full report is here.
- Violent crime in Philadelphia has significantly decreased, with fewer homicides in 2024 (269) compared to 2021 (562). While over 1,000 people were shot last year, this is down from 2,253 in 2022.
- The high school graduation rate has risen to about 75% from 65% in 2013.
- The population also showed a slight increase from 1.57 million to 1.573 million.
- Although poverty remains high, it has decreased to about 20%, down from 30% in 2013.
- Additionally, the number of teen births dropped dramatically from 2,500 in 2012 to 958 last year.
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For Friends of Hugh Taft Morales, Leader of the Philadelphia Ethical Society:
Well, the rumors are true (and no, we didn’t read it on Facebook): Hugh Taft Morales is retiring as Leader of the Philadelphia Ethical Society.
Cue the mixed emotions – joy for him, mild existential crisis for the rest of us!
But before Hugh sails off into the well-earned sunset of leisure and not writing weekly talks, the Ethical Society is planning a few heartfelt, celebratory, and slightly teary events — and they want all who cared or knew Hugh to be part of them.
Here’s a few “save the dates”:
📸 Sunday, May 4 at 2:00 PM – Group Photo & Banner Love
Join his “friend group” in front of the Ethical Society building for a group photo, banner in hand, as we collectively say “Thank you, Hugh!” in the most photogenic way possible. This photo will be framed and gifted to Hugh at his final Platform – so bring your smile and your best “retirement grin.”
🍽️ Saturday, May 31 at 7:30 PM – Fancy(ish) Farewell Dinner
They’re hosting a catered dinner at the Ethical Society, because what says “thank you for your service” better than good food, good company, and maybe one or two heartfelt toasts (and possibly an awkward slideshow)? Dress up, show up, eat up.
🎤🍰🥂 Sunday, June 1 at 11:00 AM – Hugh’s Last Platform + Cake + Prosecco
This is it: Hugh’s last hurrah as their Sunday morning star. Expect a few surprise moments, plenty of reflection, and afterwards — cake and a prosecco toast to seal the deal. It’s the Platform version of a mic drop.
We’ll try to keep you updated as more info is available, but for now….If you knew Hugh, you’ll want to save a date or two on your calendar….and check for upcoming details on their calendar.
| | Christian to Crescent Opening Day Celebration | | The Italian Market Festival Is Coming! | | |
If you’ve never been, it’s hands-down one of the most “Philly things” you can experience. Philadelphia's largest block party celebrates the 9th Street Italian Market, the nation's oldest outdoor market, coming up May 17-18 from 10 am to 5 pm.
Expect wall-to-wall crowds along much of the 7-city block event, with more than 100 area vendors showcasing a range of food, beverages, music, services, souvenirs, jewelry, arts and crafts. What's a South Philly event without a Greased Pole Climb?
Learn more about it here.
| | It’s A Hoagie House Party! | | |
Celebrate National Hoagie Day at the Hoagie House Party, a pop-up at Ricci’s Hoagies (1835 Callowhill St) on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 6-9 pm.
Catch a live “behind-the-counter” DJ set by Nico Oso from Q102. Expect music, exclusive merch for sale, and flavorful hoagies all weekend long. You’ll also have chances to win free food, T-shirts, gift cards and more. For full event details and to RSVP, visit here.
If you can’t make that one…stay tuned for Wawa’s Free Hoagie Day, coming up on June 26th. Hoagies will be served FREE at Noon along Arch Street between 5th & 6th Streets in the Independence Mall area. Guests can enjoy entertainment, along with free admission all day to the National Constitution Center courtesy of Wawa Hoagie Day.
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Get ready, Philly
Barnes and Noble is taking things off-site and up a notch on Wednesday, May 28th at 7pm, as it rolls out the red carpet (okay, maybe just a welcome mat) for Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer and best-selling brainiac Ron Chernow.
He'll be dishing on his latest literary adventure: Mark Twain — a juicy, deeply detailed portrait of the mustachioed mischief-maker himself. Expect wit, wisdom, and maybe a few riverboat-worthy surprises as Chernow dives into the life of the man who was one of our “founding fathers” of American literature.
📍Heads up! This event won’t be at their usual book-filled HQ. They’re setting up shop at the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia – that’s 2125 Chestnut Street in Center City. Trust us, Twain would approve of a little location plot twist.
Come for the insight, stay for the storytelling—and maybe buy a book or two (wink). Pilot that riverboat here for details.
| | Two BIG Spring Events Coming to Rittenhouse! | | |
First up, Walnut Street will burst into life this Saturday (May 3 from Noon-5 pm) as the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival returns, turning five city blocks into a lively showcase of Center City’s best.
From 15th to 19th Street, you can enjoy live music from local favorites like the Paul Green School of Rock, while beloved businesses such as SPIN Philadelphia, LeVain Bakery, and the Bellevue Hotel roll out special experiences. The Sisterly Love Collective highlights more than a dozen women-owned local vendors, from Flakely Gluten Free to Fishtown Pickle Project.
Each block has its own vibe — from the 1600 block, where restaurants like Spice Finch and Pizzeria Salvy mix with newcomers like Flight Club and Weckerly’s, to the 1700 block, packed with dining options from HipCityVeg, Bar Bombon, and Wilder. On 18th Street, festival goers can enjoy a splashy Philadelphia Distilling Pool Party, while 1800 Walnut delivers gourmet bites from Stephen Starr’s signature spots, plus luxe offerings from Rescue Spa and the VIP Lounge.
With Walnut Street closed to traffic, walking, biking, or taking SEPTA is the best way to join the fun. This free, all-ages event is a spring highlight you won’t want to miss in the heart of Rittenhouse.
For more info, VisitPhiladelphia.com.
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Then, coming up right on its heels is the Rittenhouse Square Spring Fine Craft Show May 9-11, 2025. More than 150 fine craft artisans grace the square surrounding the park showcasing works in ceramics, jewelry, wood, digital art, decorative and wearable fiber, furniture, glass, and photography.
Show hours 10-6 Friday/Saturday and 10-5 Sunday Rain or shine. For a list of the artists, with photos of some of their works and links to their web sites, visit Rose Squared Art Shows.
| | Shuckfest 2025: It's TIME! | | 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. | | | | |
