Happy Women’s History Month, neighbors.

Here’s some of what’s happening in Kensington for the first week of the month. Check it out below.

Recent News

Parker administration launches Kensington data dashboard with focus on crime, public safety

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration announced a Kensington data dashboard last week as part of the city’s Philly Stat 360 platform, emphasizing crime and public safety.

The new dashboard provides data on violent crime, property crime, police response times, overdose incidents, and emergency services efforts. It also monitors health, quality of life, and economic opportunity metrics.

Free Activities & Events

March 4

Bible Nook at CHANGE Church (1600 N 5th St.) from 7 to 9 p.m. The Bible Nook offers a “cozy” environment to connect with others for bible study and other activities. Go here to register and learn more.

March 5

Small business Information session hosted by Finata at 6 p.m. Go here to register for this week’s session and future ones.
Miniature Paint Day hosted by Hive 76 from 7 to 10 p.m. Free event with airbrushes, paintbrushes, and a high-resolution 3D printer provided. Sign up here.

March 8

Art with Ms. Amy at The Sunday Love Project (3206 Kensington Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Art teacher Ms. Amy will lead an art workshop open to all community members.

March 9

Hoagie and coat distribution hosted by The Philadelphia Socialist Rifle Association at Zip Car Parking Lot (1849 Clearfield St.) at 8 p.m. The organization is inviting anyone interested to come out to help with the distribution. Register and learn more here.

Weekly Events

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Free Afterschool Program hosted by CADEkids at Mother of Mercy House (720 E Allegheny Ave.) from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The program is for youth ages eight to 14, and includes games, snacks and other activities. Go here to register and learn more.

Tuesdays and Saturdays

Community fashion clothing drive hosted by Fashion Dealers Society at the Fashion Retail and Style Institute (426 E Allegheny Ave.) from 12 to 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring gently used clothing and enjoy music, refreshments and $100 prize raffle for registered donors. The drives will take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays until April 8. Go here to register and learn more.

Wednesdays

Free Yoga Classes hosted by Yoga 4 Philly at The CORE (3222 H St.) at 5:30 p.m. Free childcare will be provided. Go here to register and learn more.

Monthly Community Meetings

Friends of McPherson meets every first Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at McPherson Square Library at 601 E. Indiana Ave. Contact chalmerst@freelibrary.org for more information.
Harrowgate Civic Association meets every first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Heitzman Recreation Center at 3631 Amber St. Contact harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com for more information.
Kensington Independent Civic Association (KICA) meets every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Harrowgate PAL Center at 851 E. Tioga St.
Port Richmond Neighborhood Action (PRNA) meets every third Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Block Church, 2537 E. Monmouth St. For more information, email portrichmondna@gmail.com. *There are no monthly PRNA meetings in January, November or December
Somerset Neighbors For Better Living meets every first Monday of the month (except holidays, when it meets the following Monday) online via Zoom. Contact phillysnbl@gmail.com.
South Port Richmond Civic Association meets every second Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Veteran Boxers Association Ring at 2733 E. Clearfield Street. Click here for more information.

Funding Opportunities

Thanks to funding from Rite Aid Healthy Futures, NKCDC is offering microgrants for new and existing gardens in Kensington. Up to eight existing neighborhood gardens can receive a $500 microgrant and a $2,000 microgrant can be used to create or rehabilitate a new community garden. The deadline to apply is March 7. Go here to apply and learn more.

Jobs

Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) is hiring for multiple positions, including Semillas Futuro Instructor and Development Manager. To learn more about the organization, visit NSNP’s website.

Services

Energy Coordinating Agency is offering to lead energy efficiency workshops for community organizations to help residents save money on utility bills this winter. The ECA will provide an instructor and free weatherization kits for every workshop attendee. To schedule a workshop, call Tracey Mathis at 215-939-0275 or email traceym@ecasys.org.
Esperanza Health Center offers free pregnancy testing at its Kensington(861 E. Allegheny Ave.) and Hunting Park(4417 N. 6 St.) clinics Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome and no insurance is needed.