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OMG. Wow. And we mean Wow. How insanely great was the Artemis II mission!
- First crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit in over 50 years.
- Greatest human distance from Earth ever, a mere 252,756 miles. 695,000 total miles traveled.
The Dark Side of the Moon, for crying out loud. Perfect re-entry and splashdown. And, of course, Astronaut Christina Koch repping her (and our) Phillies and Eagles.
In a time of so much misplaced cynicism, polarization and negativity, it was great to see America pull off to near-perfection something so absurdly technically daunting. The word that comes to mind here is “aspirational”.
Thanks, NASA. We needed that.
| | 🧹 CCRA Trash Update: Progress in Center City West | | |
The CCRA Trash Committee continues to make progress addressing sidewalk trash and sanitation issues across Center City West. Encouragingly, we are beginning to see early signs of improvement, including an increase in the use of proper recycling bins and more consistent breakdown of cardboard.
Center City West is nearly 70% renter-occupied. We are working to engage both the City and private partners so that addressing sidewalk trash does not fall solely on property management. Our goal is to develop solutions that involve all stakeholders—property managers, residents, businesses, and the City to create a cleaner environment where businesses and residents can thrive.
We are hosting a Property Management Webinar on Wednesday, April 29 from 2–3 pm focused on sanitation compliance and sidewalk conditions. The session will address ongoing sidewalk trash issues, outline clear expectations for property managers, and highlight practical steps to improve conditions. We will also hear directly from property management companies and other key stakeholders about best practices and what is working on the ground in Center City West. This effort includes not only large property management companies but also smaller landlords and property owners, who play an equally important role in maintaining clean and compliant streets.
📌 If you are a property manager or landlord in Center City West, please join us for the webinar.
If you'd like to join the webinar via Zoom, click HERE.
| | Recap: Should We Stay or Should We Go? | | |
On April 9th, CCRA hosted a knowledgeable panel at the Philadelphia Ethical Society to discuss the effect on the daily lives of Center City residents from the dual impact of America’s 250th birthday and FIFA World Cup 26. Moderated by Larry Platt of The Philadelphia Citizen, a panel of top officials from SEPTA, FIFA, and the City provided a roadmap for navigating the impact of both events within one year. With 1.5 million visitors expected in 2026, attendees got a peek at the logistical roadmap the City has laid out to manage the participation of residents and visitors alike.
Key Highlights & Takeaways:
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FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill: For 39 days (June 11 – July 19) East Fairmount Park will transform into a massive free watch party. Philadelphia is the only U.S. city hosting an official Fan Fest for the entire tournament featuring giant screens, live music and 75 food vendors.
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The 250th & "52 Weeks of Firsts": The Semiquincentennial celebration is already underway with "Saturday Firstivals" and the TED Democracy series. This culminates in a massive July 4th celebration, coinciding with a high stakes Round of 16 World Cup matches at Lincoln Financial Field.
- Logistics & Safety: Collaboration across federal, state, and local levels is designed to ensure a "security bubble" for both residents and visitors alike. SEPTA is increasing frequency on its people transports, while the City is planning supplemental trash collection in high-traffic corridors.
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Community Pride: Residents are encouraged to "double down" on their love for Philly by joining the 10,000-strong "Phambassadors" program to staff five new pop-up visitor centers citywide.
The Verdict: Stick and stay, don't go away! The panel's message was clear: Philly will be more than open; we'll be ON. So channel the buzz, and enjoy these once-in-a-lifetime historic milestones. Whether you’re cheering at Lemon Hill or volunteering as a Phambassador, the city is prioritizing safety and accessibility to ensure 2026 is memorable for all.
And….since you’re likely to be Philly based (most of the time), here’s the easy way to be in the know….. the 2026 Access Philly App is a real-time guide to everything happening across the city, from neighborhood events to major celebrations. Stay connected, explore more, and experience Philly as it unfolds.
You can download the app on iOS and Android.
| | Green Committee Beautifies The Neighborhood | | |
Community pride was on full display in Center City this spring, as neighbors came together to care for our streets and green spaces in meaningful, hands-on ways.
On Sunday, March 29th, members of Philly Bike Action joined forces with the CCRA Streets Committee to sweep the Spruce Street bike lane. The group removed twelve bags of trash, leaf debris, and gravel, and cleared ten storm drains clogged with compacted leaves. This effort helps keep the bike lane safer and more accessible for cyclists. Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves to make the neighborhood cleaner and greener.
That same spirit of stewardship continues to grow through the work of the Green Committee, which has just wrapped up its Native Seed Giveaway for the year. In total, 1,000 packets of native seeds were distributed to local businesses. Many shops actually ran out due to high demand. With luck (and a little spring sunshine), these seeds are already taking root, and we can look forward to seeing more native flowers blooming throughout the neighborhood in the months ahead.
| | Zoning Meeting: Tuesday, April 28 at 7 pm | | |
Via Zoom
For the full link to the meeting agenda, click here.
| | Say Hello to the Cool Kid in Town: The Franklin on Rittenhouse | | |
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 The Franklin on Rittenhouse!
Say Hello to the Cool Kid in Town: The Franklin on Rittenhouse
Did you know?? There is a boutique beauty of a hotel located right in the heart of Center City! It’s The Franklin on Rittenhouse, and it’s a lavishly reimagined hideaway where details make all the difference.
Guests have their choice of numerous styles of rooms with all the desired amenities. And then there’s the Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company, which is not a fiduciary institution but which is in fact their Art Deco-inspired bar named after the largest rum-running ring in the country during Prohibition.
Pets are welcome, and needless to say you cannot beat the location, with high-end shopping on Rittenhouse Row, historic landmarks, exceptional art museums, and a vibrant cuisine scene.
So whether it’s a stay-cation for you or an unforgettable getaway for out-of-town family or friends, make your mark at the Franklin on Rittenhouse.
And for CCRA Members? 15% off the first night stay, or receive a VIP table for 2 at the Franklin Lounge and receive a 10% discount on the total bar tab for one evening.
| | Philly Bike Ride Returns This Fall | | |
Looking for a fun and active way to experience Philadelphia? The Philly Bike Ride is back, offering riders of all levels the chance to cruise through the city on a completely car-free course.
This year’s ride takes place on Saturday, October 18, 2026, starting and ending at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with scenic routes showcasing some of the city’s most iconic streets and landmarks.
Participants can choose from a 20-mile ride or a shorter family-friendly 7-mile option, making it accessible whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a casual outing. The event also features live entertainment, rest stops with refreshments, and a festive finish-line celebration.
Registration is open now, with early bird pricing currently available (typically around $55–$75 depending on timing). Bikes, helmets, and a sense of adventure are all you need—this is a great opportunity to enjoy the city in a whole new way, traffic-free.
Whether you’re riding solo, with friends, or as a family, the Philly Bike Ride is a memorable way to get outdoors and connect with the community. Spots fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged.
For full details and to sign up, visit: https://register.phillybikeride.com/
| | Are You Up to the Challenge? | | |
The City Nature Challenge is an annual four day “bioblitz” during which people around the world are asked to find and document the biodiversity in their communities with the aims of raising awareness about the environment and assisting science and conservation.
From April 24-27, residents in the Greater Philadelphia area will be documenting plants, animals, and fungi in the region and uploading their observations on the iNaturalist app. The species will be identified from April 28 to May 10 and the results announced on May 13.
For a description of the local geographic area covered and instructions on how to participate go here. If you’d feel more comfortable with a naturalist, our Academy of Natural Sciences has some group activities to join here.
To follow results for Philly, check out here.
| | Send a Little Love to Your Fav Park! | | |
Love Your Park Week is a nine-day celebration of Philadelphia's public parks from May 9-17, 2026, in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Fairmount Park Conservancy, and Park Friends Groups across the city including Friends of Rittenhouse and Fitler Squares.
On Saturday, May 9 you can participate by volunteering to do garden clean up and planting flowers at these three fabulous, local parks to prepare them for spring, and spring visitors.
Plants will also be for sale at Fitler Square. Refreshments and garden supplies will be provided.
For more information and to register (slots may be limited) dig in here for Rittenhouse Square, here for Fitler Square, and here for Schuylkill River Park.
| | Calling all Organizations: Earth Day Organizational Fair | | |
Your organization is invited to table at the Philadelphia Ethical Society's Earth Day Organizational Fair this April 26th from 10:30 am - 2 pm at our beautiful building on Rittenhouse Square. There will be around 15 environmental/justice orgs from Philadelphia present.
We expect upwards of 100 participants from the Center City area and beyond. There is no cost to participating organizations, though we would greatly appreciate it if you can bring some snacks or beverages to share! The focus of this event is on connecting to each other and understanding the overlaps between our organizational missions. We are also celebrating the 100th anniversary of Camp Linden, which serves hundreds of youth from Philadelphia every year with free environmental and swimming education.
Basic Program
9 to 10:15 am Tabling orgs setup.
10:15-10:45 am Guests arriving.
11 am Introduce Philadelphia Ethical Society and Camp Linden. Go around introductions of each org.
11:30 to 2 pm Tabling, Networking, Relationship building.
| | Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion | | Proud, Pride, and oh so Welcoming | | |
The CCRA community is excited to welcome the Philly Pride Visitor Center to our city, now open in the heart of the Gayborhood at 1130 Locust Street. This welcoming, year-round hub offers tours, history, curated gifts, and so much more, in celebration of identity, connection, and....the spirit of Philadelphia.
Leaders behind the project hope the center becomes an immediate point of belonging for LGBTQ+ travelers. With 63% of LGBTQ+ visitors already viewing Philadelphia as a welcoming destination, the center builds on that momentum while supporting a community with $1.4 trillion in annual purchasing power.
As part of Philadelphia’s Semiquincentennial legacy, the Philly Pride Visitor Center arrives just in time for a major tourism surge, with the 250th anniversary, global sporting events, and new cultural festivals on the horizon. Click here for more information on the Philly Pride Visitors Center.
| | Community News and Events | | The Indie Lens: Storytelling, AI & the Fight for the Narrative | | |
As part of the 16th Annual Philly Tech Week, the 19th Independent Film Festival will be held from May 5 through May 8 at the Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square. The festival will include “screenings, panels and late night conversations exploring storytelling in the age of AI.”
Topics will include “Creatives and the Blockchain”, “Does AI Change the Storyline?”, and “Can Filmmakers Reclaim the Narrative?” The event is ticketed. To purchase tickets and find out more about the event, shoot over to here.
| | Get Lit at Schuylkill River Park’s Glow Party | | |
Enjoy a kid-free night on June 6, when the Friends of Schuylkill River Park host a Glow Party, from 7 to 10 pm, at the park, 300 S. 25th Street. You’ll be dancing to the music of The Panamaniacs and enjoying an open bar and food, all included in the ticket price.
The neon and LED-lit event will also feature an auction of Philadelphia art. Glow up here for party details and to buy tickets.
| | Celebrate National Bike Month this May | | |
May, when the weather is warmin’ up and the breezes ease, is rightly National Bike Month. To celebrate, the Bike Coalition of Philadelphia is planning events throughout the month that you can cycle into your exercise routine. The main events planned are:
National Ride a Bike Day – Saturday, May 2 (1 – 4 pm)
Join fellow riders along the Schuylkill River Trail; there will also be giveaways at several locations.
Bike to Work & Wherever Day – Wednesday, May 13 (8 – 10 am)
Join a group ride that culminates at Dilworth Park for a press conference that advocates for “fair access to safe, high-quality bike lanes”
Ride of Silence – Wednesday, May 20 (6:30 – 8 pm)
Commemorate the countless individuals impacted by motorists with the goal of having an upcoming year with zero bicyclist deaths. This Ride of Silence begins at the North Apron of City Hall and rides to the Philadelphia Art Museum.
To find out details of these events, how you can get involved and other events planned, click here for more details.
| | Decision Time 2026: Dwight Evans Replacement? Undecided? Here’s help! | | |
The link below takes you to a YouTube video of an event sponsored by the Philadelphia Citizen, "Ultimate Job Interview, Let's Hire a Congressman," March 31, 2026. Three Democratic candidates for U.S. Congress are interviewed about their views and experiences ~ Dr. Ala Stanford, PA State Rep Chris Rabb, and PA State Senator Sharif Street.
The topics covered are Interesting and informative. It may help you decide which one to vote for in the May primary election, or convince you to change your mind! As long as you vote, your civic duty is done.
| | Limited-Time Community Meals at Hart of Catering & Café | | |
The Hart of Catering & Café is offering a complimentary dinner on Thursdays from 3–4:30 pm throughout the month of April. No reservations are needed at the 21st & Sanson Street cafe.
Open to all, with specific emphasis on those in need, facing financial insecurity, job loss or simply loneliness. Click here for more information on the cafe. And take advantage of this opportunity now because there’s no telling how many more Thursdays are scheduled.
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Editor – Barbara Halpern
Lead Writer – Richard Vaughn
Writer – Marc Werlinsky
Writer - Bob Vogel
Writer - Terry Demchak
Contributor - Bonnie Eisenfeld
| | 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. | | | | |
