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So, let’s see here…
We have a new Mayor, a new Police Commissioner, a new City Council President and a very different City Council, all of which adds up to a new phase in the City’s governance. For now at least there seems to be a new sense of hope and optimism around town.
Closer to home, here at CCRA we have a new President, Leo Levinson (pictured). Leo is Founder and CEO of GroupLevinson Public Relations, today’s iteration of the company he founded as a sophomore at Wharton. Leo is full of good ideas for improving the quality of life in our humble little catchment area, and the CCRA Board looks forward to working with him. Say Hello to Leo!
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CCRA This Week will not publish in July and August, as our hard-working staff takes a much-deserved break. Events and Happenings will publish next week. After that it’s Enjoy the Summer, and see you in September!
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Please donate to the Clean, Safe, and Green Campaign | |
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As we go about our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the importance of a clean, safe and green environment. However, the well-being of our communities and future generations depends on it. This is why supporting the Clean, Safe, and Green Campaign is crucial. The Campaign is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices, reducing pollution and creating green spaces in our communities.
By donating to this campaign, you can help fund vital projects, such as sidewalk cleaning, trash collection initiatives and the development of eco-friendly infrastructure. No matter the size, every donation makes a meaningful difference and helps advance the campaign's cause.
By contributing to the Clean, Safe, and Green Campaign, you are ensuring that your sidewalks are swept after trash collection, that green projects are implemented, like the new Arboretum at the Schuylkill Banks, and that we keep our neighborhood safe.
Your generosity can make a tangible impact on the environment and ensure that our communities remain clean, safe and green for years to come. Please consider donating to the Clean, Safe, and Green Campaign today. Your support will help build a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world. Thank you for making a difference!
Donate here.
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Help CCRA Plan our Events for the next Fiscal Year | |
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Attention CCRA members! Are you excited about what we've been doing? Join the Development Committee to shape the organization's future.
The mission of the Development Committee is to:
- Assure CCRA has predictable, reliable, and sufficient sources of funding.
- Ensure the fiscal integrity of CCRA.
Your insights, ideas and involvement are crucial in ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of our neighborhood. Together, we can work towards enhancing a vibrant and thriving Center City. Join the Development Committee and be a driving force in the positive evolution of our community! If you're interested, email Travis at centercity@centercityresidents.org.
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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 the Rittenhouse framing emporium Frameworks Studio. | |
Frameworks Studio Brings the Art of Framing | |
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Frameworks Studio at 21st & Walnut St., is not just another framing house. How so?
Well, for one, the framers are artists themselves, complete with Fine Arts degrees. For another, there is an active on-site gallery which offers seasonal exhibitions featuring the works of local artists.
And finally, as a CCRA Merchant Partner, FrameWorks offers CCRA members 10% off on all framing. So do please stop by at 21st & Walnut and say hello to FrameWorks!
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Enjoy Outdoor Movie’s On The Big Screen – No Automobile Required! | |
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If you’re looking for a wide variety of outdoor social events this summer, look no further than Sunset Social, the 1.2-acre Rooftop park atop the Cira Center garage at 129 S. 30th St.
For example, every Wednesday night is movie date night, with free feature films shown on the giant 60-foot outdoor movie screen. Coming up next (June 26) is the Hunger Games Catching Fire, starting at 7 pm. For the full line-up of free weekly films, check out the movie line up here.
But wait, there’s more! Every Saturday at noon there’s a matinee movie that’s free and open to the public! Matinees are family friendly and dogs are always welcome! Next up coming on June 22 is the movie Sing 2. For the rest of this summer’s line-up of Saturday Matinees, click here.
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Evening Music in the Park | |
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Summer Concert Series
Bring a chair, blanket/picnic and chill out to some live music this summer at Fitler Square Park. Friends of Fitler Square Park (FFSP) is hosting, and the concerts feature musicians with ties to our Fitler Square neighborhood.
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Friday, July 12 (6-8 pm) features Fitler Square resident Ed Kamarauskas and his band, Kamara, playing originals, new flamenco, ethno-jazz, some classic rock and 1970s pop/rock music. Give a listen here.
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Friday, August 23 (6-8 pm) Local band Plans to Sand will perform its melodic hooks and vocal harmonies with a power-pop sound uniquely their own. The band performs original songs that take an intimate look at the challenges in life that they and their peers face.
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Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | |
A Feast for Eyes, and More, in Franklin Square | |
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Long before Ben Franklin experimented with electricity, the Chinese were lighting the way with exquisite lanterns. So it is fitting that the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is back in Franklin Square through Aug 18.
Running from 6-11 pm daily, rain or (moon) shine, the festival celebrates the Year of the Dragon with new illuminated displays, edible delights, cultural performances and the iconic 200-foot-long dragon. Last entry is 10:30 pm. Click here for ticket pricing and more information.
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Get Your Spanish on at Concilio’s Annual Hispanic Fiesta (June 22-23) | |
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This two-day festival, supported by PECO, unites people of all ages through food, dance, and music to celebrate Hispanic culture and heritage. New this year – Philadelphia’s largest event of its kind will move to the John F. Kennedy Bridge at 20th & John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Both days are jam packed with great performances, including legendary artist Joseph Fonseca, an icon of merengue music, and Huey Dunbar, one of the most prominent representatives of the history of salsa in all the Hispanic countries.
Habla Espanol?
Este festival de dos días, apoyado por PECO, reúne a personas de todas las edades por medio de comida, baile y música para celebrar la cultura y la herencia hispanas. Lo nuevo para este año: el evento de Filadelfia más grande en su clase será trasladado al puente John F. Kennedy en 20th y John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Ambos días estarán llenos de excelentes presentaciones, entre las que se incluyen la del legendario artista, Joseph Fonseca, un ícono de la música merengue, y la de Huey Dunbar, uno de los representantes más destacados de la historia de la salsa en todos los países hispanos.
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Community News and Events | |
Matisse + Renoir = The Summer’s Must-See Show at The Barnes | |
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Matisse and Renoir…. Need we say more?
“Matisse & Renoir: New Encounters at the Barnes” features 34 iconic works by Henri Matisse and Pierre-Auguste Renoir from the second floor of the Barnes legendary collection galleries. You’ll see Matisse’s “The Joy of Life”, Renoir’s “Red Madras Headdress” and so, so much more. It’s all on view in the Roberts Gallery from June 23 through September 8.
We were fortunate to be able to attend the press preview, and we can happily report that the exhibit is a stone knockout, truly one dopamine hit after another. DO. NOT. MISS. Details, tickets here.
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Free Admission to Priceless Experiences | |
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Pick and choose from among the more than 40 Philadelphia-area cultural institutions offering free admission through July 4 as part of Wawa Welcome America Free Museum Days.
Participants include the Barnes Foundation, Masonic Temple, the African American Museum, the National Constitution Center and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, as well as many historic mansions.
Some of the participating attractions in this free or pay-as-you wish event may require prior registration or offer visitation times outside regular operating hours. Click here for the full list of museums, operating dates, times, and other information.
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Piano Festival Arrives July 27 at the Academy of Vocal Arts | |
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Just in time for Summertime enjoyment, the Philadelphia Young Pianists’ Academy (PYPA) 2024 Piano Festival returns for nine days of events at the Academy of Vocal Arts at 1920 Spruce.
It all starts on Opening Night, July 27, with PYPA founder Charlotte Hu playing Liszt. After that, it’s one delight after another: Schubert, Faure, Chopin, Bach, etc., plus masterclasses, lectures, and the Philadelphia International Competition. All details play here.
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If you have recently moved into the city recently or have never voted before, you’ll need to formally register to vote. (Requirements: 18+, U.S. citizen, resided at current address at least 30 days.)
You can register online at vote.phila.gov (select “Register Online”). You can also register online at www.vote.pa.gov/register.
If you prefer paper, you can pick up paper registration forms at the Voter Registration Office at 520 N. Columbus Boulevard, 5th floor, or at the Philadelphia County Board of Elections office in Room 142, City Hall. Completed paper forms can be mailed to or dropped off at either of these locations. You can also sign up to vote by mail if you prefer.
All registration forms must be filed by October 21, 2024.
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The State of Center City Philadelphia: The Center City District's Annual Report | |
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The Center City District Report has released its Annual Report, which provides a comprehensive overview of its activities, achievements, and impact over the past year.
This report offers an in-depth look at their initiatives, the state of Center City Philadelphia, and community engagement efforts. Explore the report to learn more about the current challenges, vitality and vibrancy of Center City.
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The Philadelphia Water Dogs of the Premier Lacrosse League have finally landed on their home turf, playing their first two local games this past weekend at Villanova Stadium.
Assigned to Philadelphia last November, the Water Dogs are coached by the legendary Bill Tierney, whose collegiate teams won seven Division I titles and who led the U.S. men’s national team to glory in the 1998 World Lacrosse Championships. Lacrosse fans will also want to get their tickets for the league’s championship game, to be played at Subaru Park in Chester, PA. Click here for tickets and other information.
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Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About the Wawa Welcome America Festival… But Were Afraid To Ask | |
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Wawa Welcome America claims it’s the largest July 4th celebration in America, and who are we to argue? With more than 50 events taking place over 16 days, there’s a ton of things to know about . . . things to do if you want to join the party, and things to avoid if you don’t.
And the best place to get the G2 is at the official Wawa Welcome America website.
One of the first things to know about is that the festival doesn’t start on July 4th. That’s when it actually ENDS! The event has already started, with the official kick-off on Juneteenth with a Block Party and Evening Conversation. Check out the full calendar here, which includes links to each individual event web page.
For other useful deets, including the big July 4th Party on the Parkway and Concern, check out the Frequently Asked Question Page. Take special note of street closures.
As in years past, at the recommendation of our partners in the City of Philadelphia, including the Philadelphia Police Department, Welcome America will be implementing a series of enhanced security measures to help ensure the safety of guests.
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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. | | | | |
