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May is CCRA Month!
We continue to celebrate all month long with exciting events that bring neighbors together and help support the work we do year-round. These events complement —not replace— our spring campaign, offering even more ways to get involved and give back.
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Pizza For a Purpose
Saturday, May 17, 2025
2 – 5 pm
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Don't Forget To Support CCRA This Spring!
CCRA is a nonprofit, community organization primarily run by dedicated volunteers. But we have expenses, and we are not immune from inflation. We receive no government funding and therefore depend on the generous support of our members and friends.
In these uncertain times, there is one thing that you can be certain of: 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
Please consider donating today. Any amount would be greatly appreciated.
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Talk and Tour Reminder!
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Rittenhouse-Fitler Historic District!
When: Sunday, May 11th at 2pm
Where: Trinity @ 22nd (2212 Spruce St)
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The event will begin with a panel discussion featuring architectural historian and former Philadelphia Historical Commission member David Brownlee as well as former Commissioner David Hollenberg and former PHC staff Sally Elk, Lori Salganicoff and Laura Spina who helped with the approval of the district.
The panelist will discuss the challenges and successes in creating the district thirty years ago as well as CCRA's involvement in advocating for the district's nomination that began almost 50 years.
A brief walking tour of part of the district will be offered after the discussion.
The cost of the event is $20. It will help fund CCRA's various neighborhood projects, such as the current "Chestnut Street West Commercial Historic District" project, which will preserve the rich architecture of Chestnut Street West for future generations of CCRA area residents and all Philadelphians to enjoy.
If you would like to attend, please register below. Any additional contributions would be greatly appreciated!
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Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 7 pm
BEX Meeting Space
2005 Market St (One Commerce SQ)
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Members only
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Spruce/Pine Bike Lanes Clean-Up
Saturday May 17, 2025
Join CCRA and Philly Bike Action on Saturday, May 17 to clean the Spruce and Pine bike lanes!
Meet 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. Meet your neighbors, and help make our neighborhood beautiful!
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Annual Meeting
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 6 pm
Trinity @ 22nd, 2201 Spruce St.
In addition to hearing a presentation by a guest speaker (to be announced), CCRA members will elect Directors for terms to begin July 1. A list of nominees, with their bios, will be sent to members in a forthcoming edition of this newsletter.
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Schuylkill River Park Garden: A Legacy in Bloom
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 5 pm
Community Garden
302 S 25th St.
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Join the FREE Ladybug Release Party on Wednesday, May 21 at 5 pm—an annual tradition that helps control aphids so gardeners can grow and donate fresh produce to PHS’ City Harvest Program.
Details about the event are available on their Facebook page. For information on a garden plot, go here.
| | Center City: Recovery in Focus | | |
Center City District (CCD) reports that Center City is bouncing back, with pedestrian traffic at 90% of pre-pandemic levels and restaurant numbers nearing previous levels. Employment is increasing, though challenges like a 20% office vacancy rate and homelessness remain. Read more about the city's recovery here.
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Meet the Artist: Kathleen Spicer
Thursday May 8 (5 – 7 pm)
Cosmopolitan Club Philadelphia
1616 Latimer St.
Join the Cosmopolitan Club for a wine and cheese reception with featured artist Kathleen Spicer.
View her latest work and learn about her creative process in an intimate gallery setting. RSVP here.
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Rittenhouse Square Spring Fine Craft Show
May 9 – 11, 2025
The iconic Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Show returns May 9–11, showcasing works from talented artists in the vibrant outdoor setting of Rittenhouse Square. See more details here.
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Celebrate Mathnasium One Year Anniversary
Friday, May 10, 2025
2 – 3 pm
Mathnasium
320 N Broad St. (Corner of Callowhill)
Mathnasium of Center City is celebrating its first anniversary with a fun-filled event on Friday, May 10 from 2–3 pm at 320 N Broad Street. All ages are welcome.
There will be pizza, games, raffles, and you will have a chance to learn more about summer Mathnasium offerings. To RSVP and learn more about this event, click here.
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Celebrate Bike to Work & Wherever Day 2025 with the Bicycle Coalition!
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
7:50 am meet and 8 am roll
End at City Hall for Coffee
1 South 15th St.
| Whether you're commuting, cruising, or just enjoying the ride, this event is a great way to show your support for better biking in Philly. Join fellow cyclists for a morning of fun, community, and refreshments. More info can be found here. | |
Celebrate Sustainability at EcoFair!
Saturday, May 17, 12–6 pm
Cherry Street Pier
121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Join the Philadelphia Orchard Project and other local changemakers for Green Philly’s second annual family-friendly celebration. Explore community orchards, enjoy local food and drinks, shop eco-friendly vendors, and more. Go here for more info.
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Julie Benko Performs Standby, Me at Rittenhouse Grill
May 19 –20, 2025
Rittenhouse Grill
1701 Locust St.
Catch Broadway star Julie Benko in Standby, Me, a cabaret show with pianist Jason Yeager. Enjoy a three-course dinner followed by an 8 pm performance. More info and tickets can be found 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 Merchant Partner Urban Tree Painting and Refinishing.
Get Those Home Makeovers Done Right With Urban Tree Painting and Refinishing
Got some walls that need a refresh? Cabinets that could use an upgrade? A bathtub reglaze? Cleaning services? For all of the above and more, you really owe it to yourself to contact Merchant Partner Urban Tree Painting and Refinishing.
Woman-owned and woman-operated, Urban Tree professionals are licensed and insured and have extensive knowledge of preparation, product and materials for all surface types to ensure long-lasting durability. No job is too big, and no job is too small. They do both residential and commercial. Pricing is competitive, and the estimates are detailed. Customer service? Second to none.
And this: CCRA Members receive 10% off an interior painting project, 10% off cabinet painting, and free in-home consultations.
| | 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. | | | | |
