Good morning, Kensington!
We hope you were able to celebrate Indigenous People's Day yesterday, but if not, the organizers at Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly 2023 captured all of their festivities at Shackamaxon (Penn Treaty) Park. The event was filled with Indigenous art, dance, food, and music.
Today, we're back at it with a look at our programs and what’s happening around the neighborhood this week. In case you missed our latest story, here’s a look inside Fairhill’s Pivott Boxing Academy.
Also, here's an important reminder that all of our stories are free to read because we believe local news and information should be accessible to all people. To keep us going and growing, consider supporting our work by becoming a paid member.
Our upcoming programs
We’re hosting a few of our own programs at our newsroom at Allegheny & Amber Street this week:
Mural Art Mondayz (Youth Voices)
Mondays from 3:30 to 5:30 PM
Students in grades six through 12 are invited to this free workshop series, where they will develop a mural design at Kensington Voice with community artist John C. Zerbe (zerbeartz.com).
Students can drop in for one workshop, a few, or all! But youth participants who attend at least half (5) of the workshops will receive a $75 gift card at the final event in December.
Click here for more info, including registration.
Creative Writing Corner (Youth Voices)
Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 PM
Students in grades six through 12 are invited to join our Creative Writing Corner with Khysir Carter, a writing workshop dedicated to building creative writing skills with peers and writing professionals.
Students can drop in at any time. However, youth participants who work with us to publish their writing in our newspaper, website, or other media will receive a gift card ranging from $75 to $150 for their work.
Click here for more info, including registration.
Announcements
The Amber Owls cheer team has limited spaces left for youth between the ages of five to eight years old. Contact Coach Mimi Martinez by calling 267-597-2446 or emailing MimiMartinez1374@gmail.com for more information.
The School District of Philadelphia’s Board of Education is conducting a survey to learn how to better communicate with school communities. Do you have suggestions on how they can do better? Fill out the survey here.
Know someone doing excellent work impacting immigrants in the areas of education, arts & culture, economy, public safety, and health? The Office of Immigrant Affairs is accepting nominations for its Philadelphia Welcoming Awards. The application closes Oct. 16.
Activities & Events
Oct. 10
Stock up on fresh produce at The Food Trust and HACE’s farmers market at 4th and Lehigh from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the last market for the season.
Oct. 11
Taller Puertorriqeño will be hosting a book launch for “Hatchet Girls” by Diana Rodriguez Wallach on Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Spend a haunting evening with food and crafts at the Open Kitchen Sculpture Garden. Attendees at this week’s potluck can also create their own Halloween costumes and decorations with recycled and reusable materials. The potluck will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 2241 N. Philip St.
Oct. 12
The Philly Fixer Guild’s Repair Fair is taking over NextFab’s space as part of the Second Thursday series. Learn how to repair your item free of charge with the help of a volunteer. The Repair Fair will be on Oct. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1800 N. American St. Sign up for a slot here.
Oct. 13
Immortal Vision Studio is hosting “The School Museum”, an immersive exhibit exploring the school of yesteryear with live music, poetry, and painting. A portion of proceeds from the donation-based event will go towards local youth programs. The event will take place on Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 426 E. Allegheny Ave., Suite B.
Taller Puertorriqueño is hosting a screening for “Esto No Tiene Nombre”, a one-woman show performed and written by Denice Frohman at 7:30 p.m.
Philly Create is hosting “Immortal Void”, a multimedia exhibit featuring live performances, visual artists, and vendors. The 18+ event will take place from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 3525 I Street and tickets are $10-20. A portion of proceeds will be donated to AIDS Fund Philly.
Oct. 14
The Street Dog Coalition is offering free veterinary care and resources for pets of people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. Services include vaccinations, physical exams, parasite control, and spay/neuter vouchers. The clinic will take place at Ruth Street Garden on 3049 Ruth St. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Preregister by emailing philadelphia@thestreetdogcoalition.org or walk-up for an appointment.
The Latin American Book Fair is back to honor Hispanic Heritage Month in Philadelphia through a celebration of literacy. The book fair will showcase work from authors across genres. The event is taking place at Taller Puertorriqueño on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Harrowgate Civic Association’s Fall Festival is taking place Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Harrowgate Park. Enjoy pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, and a new seasonal farm stand. This is a rain or shine event.
Power 4 Puerto Rico, in partnership with Philly Boricuas, is hosting a civic engagement workshop on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 3554 N. 6th Street. Lunch is provided and the first 10 people to register and attend a full workshop will receive a gift certificate to the Julia de Burgos Bookstore.
MaKen Studios North will be hosting this year’s Philadelphia Open Studio Tours on Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 15. at noon. Explore the studios of over 300 artists at 3525 I St.
Explore an array of artwork at Bodega: The Art Department presented by Blanco Studios. The debut solo art show will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 3525 I St. Tickets are $15.
Oct. 15
Hart Lane Farm is partnering with Mural Arts to host art activities using natural and thrifted materials. The workshops will take place every Sunday until Nov. 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 514 Hart Lane.
Big Top Vintage is hosting a Richmond Street Clothing Swap on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 3112 Richmond St. Swappers can bring clothes, shoes, and accessories in good condition to trade.
Chuckles' Bar & Grill is hosting a Fall Fest & Resource Fair on Sunday at noon. The event will take place at 3057 Frankford Ave. and include mural painting, free food, and resource tables. For more information, call 215-739-1881.
DTL Poetic Vibez is hosting an open mic at Philly Create Studios. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the show starts at 2 p.m. The studio is located at 3525 I St.
November 1-5
Cook, meet other youth, and get paid for it! Philly Bridge & Jawn and Nourish will be hosting workshops for youth to learn how to cook and network with local organizations and each other. Teens between the ages of 12 to 19 years old can participate and earn a stipend of $20 each day. The pilot program will run through the first week of November from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 2001 E. Allegheny Ave. Register here.
Tuesdays & Thursdays
NKCDC is hosting a record clearing clinic at its Kensington Empowerment Hub on 2771 Ruth St., Suite 2. From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Participants can walk in or schedule an appointment by calling 215-427-350.
Saturdays
Norris Square Neighborhood Project’s farm stand operates every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Raíces Garden located at 2217 N. 2nd St.
Weekdays
The Norris Square Senior Center offers free daily activities for adults 60 years old and older on Mondays through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include art, exercise, games, and socializing. Meals are also provided – $1.25 for breakfast, $1 for lunch.
Recurring
Galaei has several programs coming up for Philly’s Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community including a book club, transgender support group, sexual health discussions, and more. Keep up on Galaei’s Instagram.
Recurring
To browse upcoming programs at Kensington, McPherson Square, and Lillian Marrero libraries, visit freelibrary.org/calendar.
Funding Opportunities
Does your business need extra security? Click here to apply for the City’s Business Security Camera Program. If your business is looking for additional upgrades, check out the Storefront Improvement Program.
General Election 2023
The General Election is on Nov. 7, 2023. Check out the Committee of Seventy’s free, interactive voter guide.
You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at the Voter Registration Office at 520 N. Columbus Blvd., 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19123. You can also call the office at 215-686-1590 to request voter registration applications by mail. The deadline to register before the General Election is Oct. 23.
Spotlight PA is hosting an Election 101 on Statewide Judicial Candidates webinar on Oct. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Learn about who is running and their record during this session.
Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts is hosting a virtual forum for Pennsylvania’s appellate courts on Oct. 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Urban Affairs Coalition is hosting a mayoral candidate forum on Oct. 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Temple University’s Liacouras Center on 1776 N. Broad St. Philadelphians can submit questions when registering. Register here.
Jobs
Documenters
Resolve Philly, in partnership with City Bureau, is looking to train and hire community members to attend public meetings and take notes to share with the wider community. Pay is $17 per hour per assignment. Learn more here.
Free Library of Philadelphia
The Free Library of Philadelphia is hiring part-time library facility guards for custodial and security duties at branches throughout the city. The position will be for nine months and pay is $18 per hour.
Kensington Food Company
Kensington Food Company is hiring a warehouse team member. Tasks would include receiving shipments, packing orders, and delivery. Pay is $18 per hour for 30 hours per week. Apply here.
Providence Center
The Providence Center is hiring high school students for a teen leadership internship. Interns would work 5 days for 11.5 hours per week. Pay is $12 per hour. Apply here.
Esperanza Health Center
Esperanza Health Center has several job openings available. View listings and apply here.
New Kensington Community Development Community
NKCDC is hiring for several full-time positions. View listings here.
Meetings
Philadelphia City Council’s next stated meeting is Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. in Room 400 at City Hall. Community members can attend in-person or watch online. To give public testimony, you must call the phone number or send an email to the address listed in the agenda for that hearing by 3 p.m. the day before.
Services
Department of Health and Human Services
Every U.S. household can now order four COVID-19 rapid tests for free through the U.S. government. Click here to order tests.
Kensington Library
The Kensington Library has COVID-19 rapid tests and hand sanitizer available free for community members.
Homebound Services
If you’re homebound or a caregiver of a homebound individual, you may be eligible for the Free Library’s Homebound Services. Books and other materials can be delivered to your home and returned for free. To apply for a Homebound Services Library Card, click here.
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
The health department is providing free air purifiers for early childhood centers and K-12 schools. If you’re an educator with an eligible classroom, click here to request a purifier.
Trainings
Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services
The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) offers free training for those interested in earning a Mental Health First Aid certification. The virtual training is facilitated weekly. Register here.
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health hosts an overdose prevention and reversal training virtually twice a month. The next training is on Oct. 18. Register here.
Volunteer Opportunities
Avenues of Change
Avenues of Change is looking for volunteers to assist with its afterschool programming for Kensington students. Volunteers must have a background check, fingerprinting, and child abuse clearances to participate. If interested, contact executive director Matt Nocho by calling 267-826-6740 or emailing AvenuesOfChange215@gmail.com
Kensington Soccer Club
Kensington Soccer Club is hosting a food drive from now until Nov. 21. Donors can drop off canned and non-perishable food items between Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3400 J St., G4. Contact Brianna Banks at 267-972-9077 for more information.
Philly Community Wireless
Philly Community Wireless needs tech and outreach volunteers. Learn more here.
Safe-Hub Philadelphia
Safe-Hub is looking for volunteers to participate in its Tent-or-Treat event at Scanlon Rec Center on Oct. 28 from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. To volunteer, sign up here.
Sunday Love Project
Sunday Love Project is looking for volunteers at their Greater Goods grocery in Kensington. If you’re interested in acting as a personal shopper, helping pack bulk items, or stocking shelves, email Ryan@sundayloveproject.com.
St. Francis Inn
St. Francis Inn is accepting volunteers to work with them for a year. If interested, apply here.
The soup kitchen’s free community wardrobe, Marie’s Closet, is in need of donations of blankets (twin size or larger) and men’s pants, hoodies, and long-sleeved shirts of any size. Drop-offs can be made Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2441 Kensington Ave.
Have something you’d like us to share in our newsletter? Please send any news or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
