There will be a regular trash collection today, despite the fact that today is a federal holiday, according to the Philadelphia Streets Department. Residents whose regular trash pick-up day is Monday are asked to set trash and recycling at the curb today. Please note that there will be no rear driveway collections this week.

Trash and recycling pick-up was suspended Thursday and Friday due to the snow emergency.

Many Spruce Hill residents know Richard Guffanti, a retired teacher and community organizer who lives near 45th and Spruce. Richard is always ready to help his neighbors with various problems and is also keeping an eye on his block.

This thank you note and photo came from our reader Veronica:

“This is Rich Guffanti, shoveling the pedestrian walkway on 45th and Spruce – an area he isn’t even responsible for as a homeowner! He was just doing it so that people can get through safely. I was catching the bus on 45th and Spruce and saw him being a great neighbor. Thank you, Rich.”

UPDATE (2/15/2014): Many residents around 48th and Warrington are without water this morning, as the broken main has been shut off and water department crews are at the site trying to repair it. The repairs may take several hours and the water service is expected to be restored by this evening, according to PWD.

(2/14/2014, 10:43 p.m.): West Philly Local readers reported a water main break at 48th and Warrington, shortly after 10 p.m. A sinkhole has also formed in the middle of the street (see photos below). The police currently have the road blocked at 48th Street. The water to the neighboring blocks will likely be shut off shortly, according to the officers on site. Photos by Tom Gaeta.

The Philadelphia School District has announced that all public schools, early childhood and after school programs will be closed Friday, Feb. 14.  The second round of severe weather is expected in the region overnight. Schools were also closed today and will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17 for Presidents Day, the school district confirmed.

UPDATE (2:05 p.m.): Bus routes 6, 14, 17, 21, 23, 52, 56, 59, 66, and 79 will resume service at 3 p.m. and continue to operate until 10 p.m., SEPTA recently announced. Please follow SEPTA on Twitter (@septa) for further announcements.

SEPTA has announced that all buses will be suspended beginning at 10 a.m. until further notice. All other modes of transportation will continue to operate and TransPasses may be used as payment on any other SEPTA route.

Twenty-five to 30 buses got stuck this morning as snow turned to freezing rain. The city declared snow emergency at 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

UPDATED (2/11/2014): Due to heavy snowfall forecast, the meeting on the potential sale of the University City High School, Drew Elementary School and Walnut Center buildings has been postponed until Wednesday, Feb. 26.

The School District of Philadelphia has scheduled informational meetings where you can learn more about the potential sale of some West Philadelphia school buildings that have been vacant since their closure last summer. The meetings will provide updates on efforts to sell the buildings, communicate next steps in the sales process and share details about how the public can give feedback and comment.

The remaining meetings are:

• Tuesday, Feb. 11—Shaw Middle School building
  Meeting location: 5400 Warrington Ave.
  Registration: 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  Meeting: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 26—University City High School, Drew Elementary School and Walnut Center buildings
  Meeting location: West Philadelphia High School, 4901 Chestnut St.
  Registration: 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  Meeting: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.