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.

Clark Park is the place to be on snow days. (Archived photo / West Philly Local)

Now might be the time to teach the kids about chickens coming home to roost or paying the piper or something. The School District of Philadelphia just announced that three days would be trimmed from spring break in mid-April to make up for the recent snow days.

Public schools will now be open April 15, 16 and 17, days that were originally part of the spring recess. Sorry kids.

A crew working on the building at 722 S. 49th St. on Friday afternoon.

Part of an abandoned residential building at the corner of 49th and Florence collapsed this morning. No injuries were reported when the rear of 722 S. 49th Street caved in.

City Paper‘s Ryan Briggs reports that neighbors have been warning city officials about the building. The city declared the building “imminently dangerous” in September and ordered its demolition.

The building’s lengthy list of violations is available here.

The long-abandoned building has a lengthy list of code violations and was slated for demolition. It’s unclear why it was still standing. (Photos by Mike Lyons/West Philly Local)

Ever want to tell someone who would listen about a spot that needs a bike rack? Now there’s an app for that.

Named “Got Bike Racks?,” the app (it’s more of a web-based survey and mapping tool, but still pretty cool) will help the University Bike Collective make an argument for getting bike racks where they are needed. The tool allows you to make a case for your spot, include a photo and comment on the requests of others.

Requests on the site so far include one for more racks at The Fresh Grocer. We echo that, but would add that the Supreme Shop ‘n Bag at 43rd and Walnut could use a couple more. Oh, and as long as you’re asking, how about 30th Street Station?

The app will be up until mid March.

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.