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Philadelphia’s First Civic Association

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Cool event alert! This Saturday! Join Philly AID

Cool event alert! This Saturday!

Join Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room in celebrating our 50-year Golden Anniversary!

We take to the streets at 12th and Pine, where Emcee Robert Drake will welcome Queer Performers and Musicians such as DJ Lowiron, Weez the Peeples Collective, Solomon Temple, Jaelyn, Thunder Thighs, Icon Ebony-Fierce and more!

The event will be filled with fabulous Queer art/craft/vintage vendors selling their wares and food/drinks from Mixto Restaurante and more!

Dancing in the streets is strongly encouraged.

Last night, the WSWCA hosted a community meeting t

Last night, the WSWCA hosted a community meeting to hear about the proposed 76rs Arena on Market Street. Check our stories to link to the video, and then be sure and take our survey to help us quantify your opinion! Both links are in stories. EDIT: it looks like our story links didn't work 🫤 Go back to the calendar entry for the meeting on Wednesday night and get the link there. Calendar can be found at link in bio.

Date change! It's definitely too smoky for this ev

Date change! It's definitely too smoky for this event tonight!

What do you think? Be sure and get all the deets

What do you think? Be sure and get all the deets from the 76 Place reps, Comcast Spectracore, and Councilman Mark Squilla about the proposed new arena tonight at 7pm via Zoom. The WSWCA has coordinated this meeting as a public service, but we are looking for your feedback. The Zoom link for this meeting can be found on our calendar at link in bio or at www.washwestcivic.org/hello

Cool event alert! RESCHEDULED to Monday, June 12th

Cool event alert!
RESCHEDULED to Monday, June 12th due to today's air quality!

On Wednesday June 7th, from 6–8pm, Mural Arts will host the opening reception for AND INTO THE STREETS, which will include DJ sets by Lindo, DJ Cookie, DJ Kit, and DJ Andi, an intergenerational roster of local LGBTQ Latinx music producers. Ephemera by KYKY Archives and FORTUNE will be for sale by the artists, and light food and beverages will be provided for this exciting unveiling.

AND INTO THE STREETS is a public art project by artist Rami George running from June through August that represents archival images and materials from the now defunct LGBTQ news publication, Au Courant (1982–2000). George threads together photographs of underrepresented histories and voices that depict a queer cultural memory of Philadelphia life, many of which were never published. Displays of public and private intimacies, political protests, and joyful celebrations are arranged nonlinearly, opening potential for new resonances to emerge as the images leave the solitude of the archives and gain new life in the streets. The result is a complex portrait that foregrounds not just LGBTQ life, but more importantly its intersections with many other hopes and struggles for a world built on care and solidarity.

The project builds upon significant time George has spent in the John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives at the William Way LGBT Community Center, Philadelphia’s most extensive collection of historical LGBTQ materials and ephemera. It is also sited in Louis Kahn Park, the only public space in Philadelphia’s Gayborhood that has historically been a gathering place for the community. AND INTO THE STREETS opens during Pride month as a call to foreground politics in celebrating this year. Many of the political issues that emerge in this installation remain hurdles today, such as affordable housing, disability rights, and the health and well-being of trans and gender nonconforming people. Recurring individuals make appearances as well, some of whom have passed and others who remain stalwart activists and anchors in this community.

WSWCA invites you to a Public Meeting regarding th

WSWCA invites you to a Public Meeting regarding the proposed 76ers Arena site at 11th and Market Street. Hear from 76 Place representatives, Comcast Spectacor (owners of the Wells Fargo Center) and Councilman Mark Squilla. Members of the community will have an opportunity to ask all involved participants questions once presentations have concluded.

** We apologize for the short notice of this meeting. We were waiting on confirmation from one of the presenters who had a family emergency. In the event that you are unable to attend, the meeting will be recorded. **

Please join the meeting on Wednesday, June 7th using the link found here https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88417687779?pwd=bzRFbnM4Y0hrdlJ5TFZ2M2xlbStUQT09 or on our calendar at www.washwestcivic.org/hello

About the participants
76 Place: 76 Place is proposed as the new home of the Philadelphia 76ers, where we will build a new arena that is privately funded and developed. The arena would be located in the part of the mall from 10th-11th Streets on Market Street.

Comcast Spectacor: Comcast Spectacor is an American sports and entertainment company based in Philadelphia, PA.The company owns and manages the Wells Fargo Center and formerly managed the Spectrum in South Philadelphia, plus several community skating rinks in the Philadelphia region.

Councilman Mark Squilla: Councilman Squilla represents the 1st District, where 76 Place would be located. As the district Council member, Squilla is involved in the decision making process for the arena.

If you own a 2011 - 2019 Kia or Hyundai vehicle, c

If you own a 2011 - 2019 Kia or Hyundai vehicle, come out to the 6th Police District, 400 N. Broad Street, on Wednesday, June 7 during the hours of 7am to 7pm to receive a free CLUB Steering Wheel Lock.
To obtain your free lock, you must live within the boundaries of the 6th Police District. You must bring valid identification with your address and the vehicle registration card containing the year, make, model, VIN number and tag number of the vehicle.
Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Feel free to call the District at 215-686-3060 with any questions.

Alright, we got the deets on Pride parking and str

Alright, we got the deets on Pride parking and street closures:

Will you need to move your car for Pride festiviti

Will you need to move your car for Pride festivities this SUNDAY, June 4th? We aren't really sure, so please be sure and check for posted street signs this weekend!

Join the festivities at
THE CORE FESTIVAL

June 4th 12pm – 7pm

In partnership with our local bars and businesses we create music and performance spaces. This will benefit both community and businesses as it will spread attendees out throughout the gayborhood, instead of in one concentrated area. This also mitigates accessibility issues, and drives the focus to resources and the lgbtq businesses that are part of the core of the vibrancy and security of our community.

Dj’s, Performers and Vendors will maintain the flow of traffic and keep our attendees engaged in the core if not the most principal tenet of pride…… joy.

Search for GALAEI PRIDE 365 for more info about Philly Pride '23.

KICK OFF PRIDE MONTH WITH A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMON

KICK OFF PRIDE MONTH WITH A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR PERMANENT RAINBOW CROSSWALKS IN THE GAYBORHOOD
Saturday, June 3, 2023 @ 10:00AM
13th and Locust Streets

PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 31, 2023 – Philadelphia Councilmember Mark Squilla will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday June 3rd to recognize the Permanent Rainbow Crosswalks at the intersection of 13th and Locust Streets. The ceremony begins at 10am.

The City of Philadelphia along with the Streets Department, Councilmember Mark Squilla and Tami Sortman have finally completed a labor of love with the installation of permanent RAINBOW CROSSWALKS in Washington Square West (“Gayborhood”).

These crosswalks were installed by the Streets Department on May 20th. They are a continuation of the permanent Rainbow Streets Signs first installed in 2004 that are throughout the Gayborhood welcoming and directing LGBTQ+ travelers in the Gayborhood. The crosswalks symbolize the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. They are permanently embedded into the streets with a process called thermoplastic.

Tami Sortman, President of the Wash West Civic Association, explains that the Rainbow Crosswalks are truly an exciting initiative that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusivity in our community during a time of hatred and violence against our community.
For over two years, this effort to replace existing “painted” rainbow crosswalks with the new permanent crosswalks was championed by Councilmember Squilla’s office, Celena Morrison Executive Director, Office of LGBT Affairs and Tami Sortman with support from the City of Philadelphia, and Washington Square Civic Association.

Speakers:
Councilmember Mark Squilla
City Representative Sheila Hess
Celena Morrison, Executive Director of the Office of LGBT Affairs
Angela Val, President & CEO of Visit Philadelphia
Sheila Alexander-Reid, Executive Director of PHL Diversity
Franny DiCicco, Community Activist for over 40 years
Marirose Roach, Co-Chair Police LGBTQ+ Liaison Committee
Tami Sortman, President of the Wash West Civic Association
Keeya Branson Davis, Manager of Corporate Contributions at PECO, an Exelon Company

Photo: Mark Henninger/Imagic Digital

WSWCA invites you to a Public Meeting regarding th

WSWCA invites you to a Public Meeting regarding the proposed 76ers Arena site at 11th and Market Street. Hear from 76 Place representatives, Comcast Spectacor (owners of the Wells Fargo Center) and Councilman Mark Squilla. Members of the community will have an opportunity to ask all involved participants questions once presentations have concluded.

** We apologize for the short notice of this meeting. We were waiting on confirmation from one of the presenters who had a family emergency. In the event that you are unable to attend, the meeting will be recorded. **

Please join the meeting on Wednesday, June 7th using the link found on our calendar at link in bio.

About the participants
76 Place: 76 Place is proposed as the new home of the Philadelphia 76ers, where we will build a new arena that is privately funded and developed. The arena would be located in the part of the mall from 10th-11th Streets on Market Street.

Comcast Spectacor: Comcast Spectacor is an American sports and entertainment company based in Philadelphia, PA.The company owns and manages the Wells Fargo Center and formerly managed the Spectrum in South Philadelphia, plus several community skating rinks in the Philadelphia region.

Councilman Mark Squilla: Councilman Squilla represents the 1st District, where 76 Place would be located. As the district Council member, Squilla is involved in the decision making process for the arena.

This week’s WSWCA retail business sponsor is Lea

This week’s WSWCA retail business sponsor is Lead Testing Services LLC

Congress passed the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 to protect families from exposure to lead from paint, dust, and soil. Most houses built before 1978 used lead-based paint.

The Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) require the disclosure of any known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before the sale or lease of most housing built before 1978. Most houses in Philadelphia (and Washington Square West) were built before 1978 and The City of Philadelphia now requires all rental properties (built before 1978) to be “lead certified”.

Additionally, for those homeowners who are concerned about the presence of lead in their property, Lead Testing Services LLC will perform lead testing to give you peace of mind.

Woofstock begins June 6, 5:30-7:30 and every Tuesd

Woofstock begins June 6, 5:30-7:30 and every Tuesday until August 29 weather permitting. And it isn’t just for dog owners! Anyone can bring blankets and food/drink to enjoy the music while spreading out on the lawn area of the park. The Event is sponsored by the Seger Dog Park and is free to everyone in the community.

A note from the 6th District Police:

A note from the 6th District Police:

Once the weather finally cooperated, the 2nd Annua

Once the weather finally cooperated, the 2nd Annual WSWCA Neighborhood "Yard" Sale happened today! Thanks to all who participated and who shopped! Tell us about all the goodies you got in the comments.

😕😩😭 What is this weather!? Re-do! Yard Sa

😕😩😭 What is this weather!? Re-do! Yard Sale round 2 on SUNDAY, May 21st, 9-2.

Some people still haven't heard about Saturday's W

Some people still haven't heard about Saturday's WSWCA Neighborhood Yard Sale! Crazy but true. Don't miss out on getting some new-to-you items from these 10 sellers.
And... There's still time to sign up! Find links for the map and to sign up on our calendar at link in bio.

ICYMI, here's what we talked about at our May Boar

ICYMI, here's what we talked about at our May Board Meeting! We hope to see you online at our next meeting, on June 13th.

SPOTLIGHT ON WASHINGTON SQUARE WEST Fairfield Inn

SPOTLIGHT ON WASHINGTON SQUARE WEST

Fairfield Inn & Suites, Center City Philadelphia

This week’s business: Fairfield Inn & Suites, Center City Philadelphia

There’s no better way to experience the best Philadelphia has to offer than when staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites.

Washington Square West’s own boutique hotel by Marriott provides the best luxury hotel experience at the epicenter of art and culture in the city. Whether it is the theater district, the Avenue of the Arts, or historic Old City, the Fairfield sits at the crossroads of them all.

A plethora of entertainment venues and restaurants are walking distance to the hotel including Libertine located on the premises and serving nouveau American fares.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites is the ultimate urban chic experience.

Recommend to your visitors to stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, located at 261 South 13th Street.

Fairfield Inn & Suites, Center City Philadelphia Website

This Mother's Day, the Washington Square West comm

This Mother's Day, the Washington Square West community mourns the senseless loss of a mother of 3 girls, all who attended McCall Elementary School. Kharleema Tilghman died of injuries sustained as she tried to protect her children from a hit and run driver who was going the wrong way of JFK Blvd on Wednesday night. The family was just on a walk to get some snacks. The girls were also injured, but will recover. Please consider donating to the Go-Fund-Me to help this family and these girls work through this tragedy. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-mccall-family-injured-in-a-hitandrun

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