Happy December, neighbors!

We have exciting news for anyone attending The Christmas Village at Love Park and City Hall this season. From now until Dec. 24, NKCDC is hosting a “Christmas from Kensington” booth featuring goods from Kensington's diverse entrepreneurial community. Items include baked goods, spices, candles, and more. The booth is open from 12 to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 12 to 9 p.m. Friday through Saturday. 

Now, here’s your weekly roundup.

News You Might Have Missed 

Sankofa students join Philly Tree People for tree planting in Campbell Square Park

Philly Tree People organizers, local volunteers, and residents recently planted 11 trees around the edges of Campbell Square Park in the latest effort to beautify the neighborhood and increase tree coverage along Allegheny and Belgrade avenues.

Students from Sankofa Academy Charter School participated, led by Charles McLaughlin, Sankofa’s health and physical education teacher and athletic director. Jacelyn Blank, Philly Tree People’s co-founder, said the event was a meaningful opportunity for students to engage with their community. 

“It's so important for our Kensington youth to be involved in big projects like this, to be a part of their community, and to have the community see them doing positive work,” Blank said. 

Read more here.

News Tips

Have a story you think we should know about or a free activity or event that should be in our Monday newsletter? Email editors@kensingtonvoice.com. 

Monthly Community Meetings

Friends of McPherson
When: Every first Tuesday from 6-7 p.m.
Where: McPherson Square Library at 601 E. Indiana Ave.
Contact: chalmerst@freelibrary.org

Harrowgate Civic Association
When: Every first Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Heitzman Recreation Center at 3631 Amber St.
Contact: harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com

Kensington Independent Civic Association (KICA)
When: Every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Harrowgate PAL Center at 851 E. Tioga St. 

Port Richmond Neighborhood Action (PRNA)
When: Every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Block Church at 2537 E. Monmouth St.
Contact: portrichmondna@gmail.com

Somerset Neighbors For Better Living
When: Every first Monday of the month (except holidays, when it meets the following Monday)
Where: Online Zoom meeting
Contact: phillysnbl@gmail.com

*There is no SNBL meeting in December.  

South Port Richmond Civic Association
When: Every second Wednesday from 7-8:30 pm
Where: Veteran Boxers Association Ring 12733 E. Clearfield Street
Contact: Learn more here  

Upcoming Activities & Events 

Dec. 4

Hive 76 is hosting a free miniature paint day at 7 p.m. Meet other mini-paint enthusiasts and enjoy their high-resolution 3D printer. Painting airbrushes and supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own supplies. Sign up here.

Dec. 5

The Community First Fund is hosting an information session at 6 p.m. for small business owners to learn more about funding opportunities. Go here to register for this week’s session and future ones. 

Dec. 6

HACE CDC is hosting a tree-lighting ceremony at Fairhill Square Park (412 W. Lehigh Ave.) at 3 p.m. There will be hot chocolate, free hats and gloves, and more. 

Dec. 7

Our Lady of Port Richmond Regional Catholic School is hosting its Christmas Bazaar in its cafeteria (3233 E Thompson St.) from 12 to 5 p.m. There will be games and activities, gift shopping, hot cocoa, and more. 

ArtWell is hosting a free workshop at its home location (100 West Oxford St.) from 1 to 3 p.m. The workshop, led by mixed media artist Marilyn Rodriguez-Behrle, will instruct participants on ways to create eco-friendly artwork using recyclable materials. Register and learn more here.

Dec. 8

Juniata Park Civic Association is hosting its “Cookies with Santa at 1225 E Cayuga St. from 1 to 5 p.m. The event is free to attend, but the group is requesting folks to bring at least one unwrapped toy for their Toys For Tots drive. There will be photos with Santa, tree-lighting activities, vendors, and more. Register and learn more here.

Mural Arts Philadelphia is hosting an environmental justice workshop for educators at NextFab (1800 North American St.) from 3 to 5 p.m. The workshop will introduce six art and action-based lesson plans for 8th graders in alignment with Pennsylvania science and language arts standards. Register and learn more here.

Weekly Events

Mondays 

Heitzman Recreation Center hosts a free chess club on Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. for ages eight and up. No registration or prior experience is required. For more information, contact heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov. 

Mondays & Wednesdays

Esperanza Health Center and Philadelphia Youth Basketball are hosting a free basketball afterschool program on Mondays and Wednesdays at The Core Gym (3222 H St.) from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The program is for kids in grades 5 to 8 and offers basketball-related activities, skill learning, and mentorship. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can register online here.

Mondays through Fridays 

The Norris Square Senior Center offers free daily activities for adults 60 and older on Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include art, exercise, games, and socializing. Meals are also provided—$1.25 for breakfast and $1 for lunch.

Tuesdays

Heitzman Recreation Center hosts free art classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays will consist of bracelet making, and on Thursdays, participants will make arts and crafts. For more information, contact heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov or call 215-537-3244.

The Food Trust is hosting a Farmer's Market at 4th St. and Lehigh Ave. every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Every week, The Food Trust’s nutrition educators visit this farmers market to show you how to make a delicious, nutritious seasonal recipe — plus hand out free taste tests and prizes.

Tuesdays and Thursdays

From now until March 15, Impact Services will be hosting free winter programming at McPherson Square Library every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. There will be arts & crafts activities and more.

Wednesdays

Every Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Galaei hosts its weekly discussion group, “Code Grindr,” in person at its location. This discussion group will unpack the negative impact that hookup apps have, the stigmas they uphold surrounding race and gender identity, and the harm they cause people. 

Looking for more open mics in the neighborhood? Tina’s Tacos hosts an open mic and live-band karaoke night every Wednesday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Come by and show off your vocal skills or enjoy some local talent.

Fridays

The Sunday Love Project is hosting “Crochet for Beginners” classes for adults and children ages 10 and up from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 3206 Kensington Ave. The classes are free, and supplies will be provided.

Saturdays

NKCDC and The Health Federation of Philadelphia are partnering to host “The Diabetic Prevention Program” at Firm Hope Baptist Church on Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. The year-long lifestyle change program focuses on developing a healthy lifestyle and learning how to manage things like diabetes, stress, exercise, and meal prep. If you are 18 or older and are at risk or have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you qualify for the program. Enjoy light refreshments, taste tests, raffles, and more. 

West Kensington Ministries is hosting Zumba classes every Saturday at 10 a.m. All are welcome, and the entry fee is pay-what-you-can.

Sundays

Izlas Food Truck is hosting its Salsa on American Street event every Sunday from 8 to 9 p.m. Join fellow community members in learning the art of salsa and enjoying Latin music. Click here to register and learn more.

Free Trainings

Esperanza Health Center’s Heights Health Equity Class

Esperanza Health Center is currently accepting applications for its Heights Health Equity Class program, which is available for all 11th and 12th-grade students. The class will meet once a week on Wednesday evenings at Esperanza Health Center’s CORE building from January 22nd to April 25th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Students will learn about career options in the health field and practical skills necessary for patient care. They will also receive career development through workshops and more. Register and learn more here.

JEVS Project WOW

JEVS Human Services is offering its free Project WOW Certified Production Training Program to young adults ages 18 to 24 who did not complete a high school diploma. This program offers hands-on training in OSHA 10, a Production Technician Certificate, a High School Diploma through Penn Foster, and more. Register and learn more here.

Mental Health First Aid Training

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.

Sheet Metal Workers

Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 19 is currently accepting applications for their Philadelphia training center. Earn money while you learn a new trade and learn from experienced professionals in the field. To learn more, apply here.

Funding Opportunities

Block beautification

As part of the Keep It Clean Philly campaign, the city is offering funding to block captains the PMBC Block Captain Beautification Grant to beautify their block. The grant amount can be as much as $500 and is only available to block captains registered through the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee (PMBC). Learn more here.

Business Security

Does your business need extra security? Click here to apply for the city’s Business Security Camera Program. If your company wants additional upgrades, check out the Storefront Improvement Program.

Nonprofits can also apply for security enhancements through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.  

Pennsylvania Department of Revenue

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is offering the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to older adults and people with disabilities ages 18 and up. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania by providing a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000. Learn more and apply here.

Philadelphia Water Department State Grants

The Philadelphia Water Department has grants available for its Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund. Eligible homeowners can get up to $10,000 for unpaid water bills. Apply and learn more here.

Jobs

Are you hiring locally? You can send all job listings and links to khy@kensingtonvoice.com

City of Philadelphia

The City of Philadelphia is hiring for multiple positions. View listings and apply here.

Division of Substance Use and Harm Reduction

The Division of Substance Use and Harm Reduction has several job openings available. View listings and 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, including Housing Advisor, Part-Time Kensington Planning Connector, and more. View listings here. 

PennDOT

PennDot is hiring new engineers, equipment operators, inspectors, and mechanics. View listings and apply here. 

Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW)

PGW is hiring for multiple positions, including Call Center Representative, Field Service Technician, and more. Apply here.

Philadelphia Parks & Rec

Philadelphia Parks & Rec is currently hiring for multiple positions, including RSI Programming Specialist-Pops Playground and Seasonal Maintenance Attendant. Learn more and apply here.

Safe-Hub Philadelphia

Safe-Hub is hiring soccer coaches. Head coaches are paid $22 per hour, while assistant and flex coaches are volunteer positions. Apply here. 

Septa

Septa is hiring for multiple skilled trade positions, such as Plumber and Millwright. Apply here.

Waste Management

Waste Management is hiring for multiple positions with an average pay of $26 per hour. Apply here.

Services

Filter Philly

Filter Philly provides free air purifiers, masks, and tests to local events and organizations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses. If you’d like to be supplied with a free purifier or equipment, contact filterphilly@proton.me.

Fresh Choice Food Pantry

The Community Center at Visitation’s Fresh Choice Food Pantry is open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Additional offerings include coffee, light snacks, free vital checks, HIV testing, and Hepatitis-C testing. 

LIHEAP

Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program are now open. Income-eligible families could receive up to $1,000 to pay for heating bills. Apply online or by mail. 

NKCDC

NKCDC’s Kensington Empowerment Hub is open for its Record Clearing Clinic from 1:30 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday. Clients can meet with lawyers from the Lawyers for Social Equity organization to have their cases reviewed to see if they can be cleared of any records.

Youth Employment Project (YEP)

Temple University’s Youth Employment Project (YEP) is looking to enroll out-of-school young adults ages 16 to 24 in its program to support them with earning their GEDs and transitioning to employment or higher education. Requirements include being a Philadelphia resident, highly determined and self-motivated, and having a basic understanding of computer skills. Go here to fill out their interest form.

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