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Kensington news: City Council public hearings, KV programs, and Saturday community events

Neighborhood children and families play with new and improved playground at Heitzman Recreation Center on May 4, 2023. (Photo by Khysir Carter)

The start of June brings hot weather, summer vacation, and festivals. Need a roundup of the local news impacting Kensington?

Kensington Voice publishes weekly news updates to increase community information. There’s a monthly roundup in our print newspaper, too.

Here’s this week’s roundup below.

FREE ACTIVITIES: To browse this week’s programs at Kensington, McPherson Square, and Lillian Marrero libraries, visit freelibrary.org/calendar.

COMMUNITY MEETING: Friends of McPherson and the Kensington Neighbors Association will have a joint meeting this Tuesday, June 6 from 6-7 p.m. at McPherson Square Library. Neighbors can also join virtually by emailing mgonzalez@impactservices.org.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK: Esperanza Health Center and the Community Design Collaborative are hosting an outdoor community event on Wednesday, June 7, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Residents will vote on EHC’s green space designs in Kensington. The event, located at the corner of H and Westmoreland streets, will have pretzels and water ice. Questions? Call 215-302-3150, ext. 297, or email wecare@esperanzahealth.com.

KV PROGRAMS: Miss Awilda’s Media Learning Lab is a safe, supportive space where people of all ages can access free computers, internet, creative software, and learning support. The lab is located inside Kensington Voice’s office space at 3237 Amber St., 3rd floor. It is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Get a free membership by filling out this registration form. Questions? Email daisie@kensingtonvoice.com.

KV PROGRAMS: The Youth Voices Program is a free program for youth grades 6-12. The program leader provides self-guided and group activities based on creative writing, poetry, visual storytelling, and more. The program is located inside Kensington Voice’s office space at 3237 Amber St., 3rd floor. The program schedule is Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. To register, fill out this form. Questions? Email khy@kensingtonvoice.com.

VETERANS FAIR: Impact Services, Vet Center, and the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs are hosting a career and resource fair at Campbell Square Park this Saturday, June 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come say hi to us at our table!

HARROWGATE CLEAN UP: The Harrowgate Civic Association’s “Harrowgate Clean Up” event is on Saturday, June 10, starting at 10 a.m. There will be equipment and refreshments provided at 3640 Emerald St. The clean up will be on the 3600 block of Emerald Street and the 1900 block of Pacific Street. For more information, email harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com.

PROCESSION AND BLOCK PARTY: On Saturday, June 10, the Hope Back to Kensington event will be a celebration of community and collective hope. Walk with Mural Arts and artist Jose Ortiz-Pagan in a festive procession around McPherson Library and along E. Indiana Avenue from 1-2 p.m. Between 2-4 p.m., there will be a block party with art activities, music, and food.

SUGAR CANE FESTIVAL: APM’s annual Sugar Cane Festival is this Saturday, June 10 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will take place on 6th Street and Germantown Avenue and on Susquehanna Avenue between 6th Street and Fairhill Street. The public event will have entertainment, food, resources, and a new Dominoes tournament. Come say hi to us at our table!

PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING: City Council’s Public Safety Committee will host a second hearing in Kensington next Monday, June 12 from 5:30-9 p.m. at Conwell Middle School. In February, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada called for public hearings about the open-air drug market in Kensington.

Please send any news or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.


Editors: Siani Colón / Designer: Siani Colón