Join the Public Board Meeting TONIGHT at 7 PM

The WSWCA will host the Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC) to re-engage in the rezoning conversation started a few years ago. Read more about this history of this initiative below.

Restaurant Week – Jan 15 – 28

Center City District Restaurant Week returns in the new year to highlight some of the city’s best, and most diverse, culinary venues. Beginning Sunday, January 15 through Saturday, January 28, more than 60 restaurants will showcase their best dishes in a prix-fixe, three course menu. Find out more here.

Free Ice Skating at City Hall

Beginning February 6, skaters of all ages can hit the Rothman Rink ice at no charge on Mondays and Tuesdays through February 21st. Skates do have a rental fee though. Find out more here.

Repair Fair – New Skills

Have something that needs fixing, and you aren’t ready to let it go. Well, whatever the case may be, learn to fix it for free at @nextfab_phl ‘s Repair Fair on January 12th from 6-8pm at their North Philly location (1800 N. American St.)

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

Instead of New Year’s Resolutions,

Start and Stick with ‘Tiny Habits’

Ever heard of the NPR Life Kits? While there is a lot to check out, this one seems appropriate during this time of year. Changing our behaviors can feel like a monumental task. We pressure ourselves to go big or go home. Instead, we should think small — as in tiny behaviors that can become habits. Listen or Read more 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

Film Enthusiasts

In the neighborhood on January 28, the Secret Cinema will present a rare 35mm print of a very early feature starring Brigitte Bardot, THE GIRL IN THE BIKINI. The screening will also be the first offering in an irregular series called Art House Oddities.

Attention Artists, Activists, Researchers

Bring to life the “People’s Budget Office”, a public art installation near city hall. From April – May, the People’s Budget Office will be a space for city residents to co-create the People’s Budget and learn about the budget from city officials, everyday Philadelphians, and grassroots groups.

Artists, researchers, activists are invited to participate in two-week residencies during the duration of the installation, visualizing and re-imagining the budget through creating new artwork.

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. 

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.

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.

Did you know the City has clothing and electronics recycling? – In 2020, SmartCityPHL partnered with Retrievr to offer on-demand doorstep collection for clothing and electronics. Read more about the service here. Schedule a pick up by calling or texting PICKUP to 757.70.FETCH (757.703.3824).