There is no Zoning Meeting this month

There were no applicants this month so we will not have our typical 4th Tuesday Zoning Meeting next week.

Stay up to date on events and Zoom log-in information by visiting our Civic calendar here, from your phone here.

Show off your holiday spirit

You’ve heard of Elf on a Shelf, but have you heard of… the WSWCA Door Deco Contest?? It’s the time of year to spread some cheer!  Bad poems aside, share your winter holiday door decorations with the WSWCA and you could win a prize! Send up to 3 images of your sparkle or snow, evergreen and bows… to our Instagram DMs or to info@washwestcivic.org! We’d love to share your deco on our social feeds and present a prize to the neighborhood favorite on December 30th! Once we have a few entries, we will initiate a community voting process. Share away, starts today!

Winter Solstice on Wednesday

Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year. It’s the astronomical moment when the Sun reaches the Tropic of Capricorn, we have our shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere in terms of daylight. Regardless of what the weather is doing outside your window, the solstice marks the official start of winter. Since we live in the Northern Hemisphere, our noontime shadow around the time of the solstice will be the longest noontime shadow of the year. Check out more about the history here.

Question for the mayoral candidates?

Philadelphia Crosstown Coalition will be hosting a series of mayoral forums in the next few months. Center City is one location and WSWCA is helping to organize. Read more about the effort here. Email your questions to Info@washwestcivic.org

Free COVID tests

Americans can order four more free COVID-19 tests through the mail again. It’s part of the plan to deal with an increase in COVID cases sparked by indoor holiday gatherings. Order yours here.

Pay for SEPTA on your Phone

Ever wished you could pay for your whole family on one SEPTA Key card? Although you still can’t do this on the Key card, you can do it on your phone now. Read more about this new roll out.

Holidays can be Challenging

The holidays can be hard for those experiencing grief + people cope with loss in different ways. Find ways to help you get through this holiday season If you need help dealing with your loss, resources are available to help, click here.

Shelter from the Cold

The cold can be dangerous, particularly for people experiencing homelessness.

If you see someone outside who may need help, request a street outreach team any time, any place, by calling 215-232-1984

Ever tried Curling?

Now’s your chance to test your skills – sans ice – at Franklin Square starting tomorrow. I know it’s not the neighborhood, but it sounds fun. To find out more, check out this link, and scroll down just a bit.

Artist’s Opportunity

Mural Arts’ Color Me Back program is seeking artists to apply for a mural project to take place over the Winter/Spring 2023, February to June 2023. Deadline is 12/30. Find out more about the opportunity here.

Also, while your there, check out their job postings.

Join Our Civic Association (or Renew)

The WSWCA is a volunteer led civic organization that focuses on improving the lives of WSW residents. We rely on membership dues to provide services to our neighborhood. Did you know that we hire Center City District to do sidewalk sweeping at the cost of a Benefactor AND Leadership Membership each sweeping!

That’s why we need everyone to join. Our wide range of scales for membership meets our neighbors where they are. Then together, we can make an even larger impact. Please consider joining us as a member today.

Fun and festive ways to celebrate the holidays in Philadelphia

Tis the season to be jolly! Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and partners are hosting holiday events at sites across the city this month. Check out the upcoming events here. 

Ice Skating close to home

Ice skating at Dilworth Park has already begun and beginning this Friday, you can ice skate at the BlueCross River Rink at Penn’s Landing too.

Check out this website to read about the Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park’s specials, and this one to read up on ice skating on the Delaware. Pro tip – if you have IBX insurance, you (and 3 guests) get free admission at the Blue Cross River Rink. They also are hiring.

Big changes coming to SEPTA

Do you use SEPTA regularly? If so, make sure you look at their new plan: SEPTA’s Bus Revolution (link in red)

SEPTA is looking for public input and feedback to their new plan.

Independence Library

Our neighborhood library’s normal schedule is Monday-Friday from 1-5PM. But they may have an early closing on Friday for the holiday weekend. Check their website for their hours before heading over because staff coverage impacts hours.

Is Charles Santore library closer to you? Help them determine their future hours. Survey here.

Work for the City

Did you know that the City of Philadelphia has a job’s posting board that has over 175 opportunities open to the public? The job diversity is astounding and your dream job may be on the list. Check it out here.