There is no Zoning Meeting this month

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

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

Trash Delayed this Week

Due to the Christmas holiday, trash pick up in the neighborhood is delayed by a day. Help keep the neighborhood clean and do not put your trash out early.

Check out the Streets Department page on where to recycle your tree. The closest free drop is Broad & Christian – Jan 7 & 14 from 9AM to 3PM. Bennett Compost is doing curb-side pickup. Find out more here.

End of Year Giving Benefits Us All

As 2022 comes to an end, WSWCA wants to thank you for all your support. Your membership & donations helped us improve the neighborhood through regular sidewalk sweepings, tree plantings, community events & the annual clean up. Only with your support can we continue to serve the neighborhood. Please consider donating now before the end of the year.

There are also tax benefits to donating as well. Did you know that you can make charitable donations using your required minimum IRA distributions? They are called Qualified Charitable Donation (QCD). Reduce your adjusted gross income and increase the benefit of the standard deduction. Click here to read about more tax benefits around giving.

Looking for something to do?

Philly mag has collated a full list of things to do with (or without) the kids this week. Several of them are in the neighborhood, or just outside in walking distance. Other neighborhood activities can be discovered through the Old City Holiday Pass. This Thursday @ 4PM, Santore Library will teach kids (grades 2-12) to play chess, or learn to play better chess!

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 shuntington@hhflaw.com

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

Micro Habits to Improve Life

Scroll past the article title and the intro text and you will find ideas on small ways to improve your life. Simple suggestions that can boost your physical health, mental health, productivity, and creativity.

Retirement: New Rules Are Coming For 401(k) and IRA Accounts

Retirement accounts like 401(k) plans, IRAs will soon be under a new set of regulations. Some retirement account changes would take effect immediately after the passage of the bill, while others would start in 2024 or beyond. Although there’s over 90 updates, this article highlights some of the most impactful.

Holiday giving

Everyone deserves to have a joyful holiday season, but reality is that not everyone is that lucky. Although the city does what it can, we are fortunate that Philadelphians show up time and time again to help our unhoused citizens with an outpouring of donations and a showing of love. This link has a list of ways you can give back this holiday season.

New Year, New… Headshot

Ready to take the next step in your career? The Free Library has a wide variety of resources to help – many you would never expect. This Thursday (and every 1st & 3rd ones), they provide free professional headshots & resume reviews between 1-3PM. Find out more here.

Find their Career Guide here.

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.

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.

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. 

Big changes coming to SEPTA – Do you use SEPTA regularly? If so, make sure you look at their new plan: SEPTA’s Bus Revolution. SEPTA is looking for public input and feedback to their new plan.

Neighborhood Free Libraries – Independence Library (18 S. 7th Street) is typically open Monday-Friday from 1-5PM. Check their website for their hours before heading over because staff coverage impacts hours. Just outside of the Civic boundaries is Charles Santore Library (932 South 7th Street). They host programming for all ages.