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If it’s not one encampment, it’s another. If it’s not one Presidential candidate, it’s another. If it’s not one thing, it’s your Mother.
Ah, Mother. Let’s take a break from all that and reflect on Motherhood. Mothers literally give life. They sustain life. They nurture, they provide for, they look after. Most of all, they give Love, and there is nothing in the world like a Mother’s Love.
Let’s return all that Love this Mother’s Day. Love You, Moms.
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Get Your Tickets to the House & Garden Tour Today | | |
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On Sunday, June 2, from 1-5pm, you will get a chance to see fabulous townhomes and condos in the historic Rittenhouse and Fitler Square neighborhoods.
Featuring: Tour Stop #2
This $7,000,000 penthouse will leave you in awe! From the marble-studded lobby to the topmost 48th floor, The Laurel, located at 1911 Walnut St, is an open, glass-walled residence with breathtaking views of the City and its sunswept skyline.
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To take it all in, be sure to visit the three-bedroom model unit on the 29th floor, complete with views to die for.
Before or after the tour, dine at one of the participating restaurants, like Ambrosia BYOB, located at 231 S. 24th St, and receive a 10% discount off your food bill. Their hours are limited on Sundays, so make sure you make a reservation. Check the House & Garden Tour registration page on our website for more participating restaurants.
Get your tickets today at:
- Register online here
- Rittenhouse Hardware - 2001 Pine Street (CASH ONLY)
- CCRA, 1900 Market St, 8th Floor (call 215-546-6719 or email to schedule a pick up)
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CCRA Public Zoning Committee Meeting | |
The zoning committee met on Tuesday, April 30. At the applicant's request, the committee postponed hearing the property until the next zoning meeting on May 28. View the report here. | |
CCRA May Board Meeting Canceled | |
CCRA has canceled its board meeting on May 14. The next scheduled Board meeting is Tuesday, June 11. | |
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CCRA Annual Meeting
Wednesday, May 29, 7pm
Freire Charter School, 2025 Chestnut St
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Join our annual meeting as we sum up the fiscal year and vote in new board members for 2024-2025.
Then, new City Managing Director Adam Thiel will speak on the progress of Philadelphia in this Q&A session. Mayor Parker stated that Director Thiel brings “a wealth of knowledge about emergency management, government operations and crisis leadership.” This will be your opportunity to speak with Director Thiel.
Registration is required; please register here.
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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 new Merchant Partner 1600 Spruce Street Home, Design and Gift. | |
Spruce Up Your Home with 1600 Spruce Street Home! | |
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Just moved in, got a space to decorate? Need to put a new face on the old place? Something else? Whatever your deal, let new Merchant Partner 1600 Spruce Street Home, Design and Gift be your new BFF.
A transitional interior design firm and retail boutique, they are known for their design work but also have custom items of all kinds available in their store. They believe in supporting small, which is why all of their custom furnishings are manufactured in the U.S. by small, multigenerational craftsmen.
So by all means stop by their retail boutique and shop their eclectic collection of furniture, lighting, rugs, décor and gifts. And, to CCRA Members: They are offering 15% off store-wide on ALL products and services, including custom furniture, window treatments and more.
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Spring Brings Bling to the Square | |
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What better way to honor the freshness of spring than with a fresh new piece of jewelry, ceramics, wood…. You get the idea, and you’ll get lots of ideas at the Rittenhouse Square Spring Fine Craft Show this Friday through Sunday. Enjoy Spring in the Square while perusing the works of more than 150 functional craft artisans, showcasing works in ceramics, jewelry, wood, digital art, decorative and wearable fiber, furniture, glass, and photography. 10 am-6 pm Fri/Sat, 10a-5p Sun, details crafted here.
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Get Mugged at the Navy Yard | |
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It’s all about the suds this Saturday when the Navy Yard hosts the Beer a Thon. A 5K run/walk kicks off at 10 a.m. Participants have the option of registering just for the activity or to be given a beer as each K is completed on a course within the complex. The beer fest begins at noon. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? Click here for registration and event information.
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Need a Summer Project? Grow your own vegetables in a container garden. | |
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Growing your own vegetables is a rewarding and healthy experience, but container gardening can be a great option if you don't have access to a traditional garden space. With creativity and the right materials, you can grow vegetables in a compact space, from tomatoes and cucumbers to kale and lettuce.
Container gardening allows you to control the environment in which your plants grow, making it easier to maintain optimal soil moisture and nutrients. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of harvesting fresh, homegrown produce right from your own balcony or patio. So why not give container gardening a try?
It's a fun and educational way to flex your green thumb and enjoy the delicious fruits (and vegetables) of your labor! View this How-To video here.
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Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | |
Unveiling History: Exploring the Legacy of the Gratz Family in Philadelphia | |
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On Thursday, May 16 at 6 pm, embark on a captivating journey through the corridors of time as this upcoming tour delves into the profound legacy of the Gratz family in Philadelphia. Through an examination of their books and artifacts, the Rosenbach Museum helps unravel how they, one of only 1,000 Jews within the colonial population of 2.5 million, navigated the new world, shaped by the interplay of faith and revolution. Discover how their experiences influenced our museum's founders, the Rosenbach brothers. Artifacts include personal and business documents, maps, domestic objects, books, and fine art. Dig deep into Philadelphia’s Jewish history, and register here.
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A Guide to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month 2024 in Philly | |
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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, observed as a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans, Pacific Island Americans and Native Hawaiians. Visit AAPI attractions at the National Constitution Center, The Franklin Institute and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. Celebrate AAPI art at the Fabric Museum and Workshop and Asian Arts Initiative. Experience Asian culinary culture at the Southeast Asian Market. Click here for a guide on ways to celebrate AAPI Heritage month in Philly.
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Take a Peek at Some Banned Books | |
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Have you seen these little book boxes around town at local arts/cultural gathering spots? You won’t hear “don’t touch”. Instead, grab a banned book or two and see what someone didn’t want you to. The Little Free(dom) Library initiative encourages Philadelphians to pick up a free, banned book at one of 14 locations.
Initially launched in February 2024 to highlight banned books by Black authors for Black History Month, the initiative has expanded with new banned titles added during heritage months and observances throughout the year, including Women’s History Month, Arab American Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Pride Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Month.
And then share the book and any new perspectives you’ve gained. And if your curiosity is piqued, check out this full list of books which have been banned in cities and towns around the good old U.S.A.
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Community News and Events | |
They Built It, Now You Should Come: New Retail in Center City | |
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Can’t keep a good town down: 18 recently opened retailers and restaurants in Center City. A new Dizengoff, Insomnia Cookies, mini golf, a new hair salon… even pierogies!
It all breaks down here.
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Making the Scenery More Greenery | |
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Do your part to get our beautiful parks ready for the season by participating in Love Your Park Week, which runs from Saturday through May 19. Volunteers are needed to plant flowers, tend to trees and remove litter in neighborhood parks and throughout Fairmount Park. Featured events include movie nights, park exploration, and birdwatching. Find a park in need of TLC and an array of activities here.
And…..give yourself some lovin’, too, at our fave pop-up beer garden in our park, right here on the Schuylkill Banks, through this Sunday.
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Soul and Jazz is in the Air | |
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Catch dynamic pianist/vocalist V. Shayne Frederick for an enchanting evening of soulful melodies and timeless jazz on Saturday May 18 from 2-3pm at Calvary-St. Augustine Episcopal Church in West Philly. Grace notes here.
And/or, if jazz is your jam, enjoy local jazz ensemble Vibe-A-Delphia at Capriccio Cafe and Bar @ Cret Park. That’s this Sunday, May 12, aka Mother’s Day. Bring Yo Mama! Details here.
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Did You Hear It First? Eurovision 2024 | |
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Looking to do something unique, global, a bit glittery, controversial, and fun? Check out Eurovision 2024. What? Never heard of it? Neither did we….until now. Here’s the deal:
The event starts with a “watch” party, hosted by the German Society, They will livestream the show as stars from 37 Europe and beyond countries battle it out to be crowned best crooner. Enjoy food and beverages and cheer for your favorite performers. Since the Eurovision host country this year is Sweden, the “watch party” will turn “live” after the winner is enthroned, with an in-person dance party, ABBA-inspired, featuring lots of glam and glitter.
Intrigued? Check out the uber performances here to see if it’s your jam. Past performers have been Abba, Celine Dion, Olivia Newton-John, and Julio Iglesias.
Come for the watch party, stay for the dance party, or choose just one part of the event - either way, have a great time. Tickets: $20 includes food during the watch party, and one drink ticket.
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Sculpture Show Explores the American Story | |
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The National Liberty Museum has just opened its ambitious multi-media exhibition entitled “In Pursuit: Artists’ Perspectives on a Nation”, curated by Philadelphia Sculptors. The exhibition features sculptures and large-scale installations by seven internationally acclaimed artists displayed across three of the museum’s four floors. “In Pursuit” serves as a form of civic dialogue, delving into the rich complexity of the American story while acknowledging the many perspectives and journeys that have shaped it.
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The Hand that Built America | |
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Before factories, machines, and 3D printers, the basic necessities of life were made by hand. Now you can experience the skill and artisanry of colonial craftspeople at the Historic Crafts and Arts Fair, this Saturday and May 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Carpenters' Hall, 320 Chestnut Street. Feting the 300th anniversary of the Carpenters’ Company and the 250th anniversary of the Hall’s completion, this free event will feature trades such as blacksmithing, carpentry, masonry, and basket weaving using period tools. Click here for more information.
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Don’t just take mom to brunch this Mother’s Day, get out and go on an adventure. | |
Important Women at the Museum of the American Revolution: May 11-12, 2024
Celebrate inspiring, trailblazing women this weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution. Pick up a free carnation on Mother’s Day for the revolutionary mother figure in your life. Click here for more info.
Gospel Concert at the Liacouras Center: Sunday, May 12 at 4 pm
Experience a star-studded Mother’s Day Celebration that the entire country is talking about. Enjoy unforgettable music from gospel artists - Donnie McClurkin, Ricky Dillard, The Clark Sisters, and Jason Nelson. Tickets can be found here.
Mother’s Day Crafternoon at the Betsy Ross House: Sunday, May 12 from 3-4:30 pm
Share in a one-of-a-kind afternoon with a hands-on sewing lesson with mom. Everyone in attendance can learn how to sew a lavender sachet and take a tour of the Betsy Ross House. Tickets to this historic event can be purchased here.
Design Textured Jewelry, Workshop 1800 N. American St.: Sunday, May 12 from 11 am to 1 pm
Try your hand at jewelry-making at NextFab’s workshop. This beginner-friendly class provides an introduction to the world of jewelry design. Craft a unique pendant, pair of earrings, or keychain to take home and cherish. Click here to start a new memory with mom. All materials are included in the cost of the workshop.
Sunset Social, Cira Green, 129 S. 30th Street: Sunday May 12th, 12-3pm
Celebrate mom with crafts, caricatures, ice cream, and music. Purchase a ticket to gain access to a shaded tent, dance floor and all kinds of fun. Reserve your seats here.
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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. | | | | |
