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 upcoming programs at Kensington, McPherson Square, and Lillian Marrero libraries, visit freelibrary.org/calendar.
CLAY, PLAY, READ: The Clay Studio will be leading art and literacy activities at Esperanza Health Center every Tuesday from July 18 to August 8 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free books and art kits will be provided. If interested, contact Anna at 215-302-3150 x297. Register here.
COMMUNITY MEETING: The City Council Committee on Public Safety will be holding a public hearing on Tuesday, July 18 at 5:30 p.m. to hear testimony on open-air drug markets in Kensington and barriers to cleanliness and safety in the neighborhood. The meeting will take place at Conwell Middle School on 1849 E. Clearfield St.
FREE DISTRIBUTION: The Greater Philadelphia Diaper Bank will be distributing diapers, menstrual products, and adult incontinence products on Wednesday, July 19 at 11 a.m. at the MaKen North building on 3525 I Street, on the Venango Avenue side.
JOBS: Safe-Hub Philadelphia is hiring coaches for the upcoming fall. You can apply online.
COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR: Ride Free Org is hosting a community resource fair on Friday, July 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1952 E. Allegheny Ave.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION: Get access to free food during a drive on Friday, July 21 at 1 p.m. at the corner of Jasper and Clarence Streets.
KV NEWSROOM: Philly Community Wireless is increasing internet access with over 30 free Wi-Fi access points in the Norris Square area. Read about the process here.
KEEP HOPE ALIVE: Join By Faith Health and Healing, Inc.and Mural Arts’ Porch Light program for a day celebrating life. The event will have food, arts and crafts, games and face painting and will take place on Saturday, July 22 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Kensington Corridor Trust Garden at 3236-56 Kensington Ave.
FESTIVAL JÍBARO: The Norris Square Neighborhood Project is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a festival on Saturday, July 22 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music, food, and dancing while celebrating Puerto Rican culture and local community gardens at Las Parcelas, located on 2248 N. Palethorp St.
JOBS: There are several positions available at Gloria Casarez Elementary School. Apply online for roles such as Pre-4 elementary teacher, 4-6 elementary teacher, special education assistant, school nurse, or student climate staff.
KV LAB: 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 inside Kensington Voice’s office space at 3237 Amber Street, 3rd floor. It is open Monday through Friday from 10:30-2:30 p.m. Get a free membership by filling out this registration form. Questions? Email daisie@kensingtonvoice.com.
KV YOUTH PROGRAM: The Youth Voices Program is for youth grades 6-12, located at Kensington Voice’s space at 3237 Amber Street, 3rd floor. The program provides activities based on creative writing, poetry, visual storytelling, and more. The free summer program is Monday to Thursday, 1-5 p.m. To register, fill out this form. Questions? Email khy@kensingtonvoice.com.
BLOCK CAPTAIN GRANT: Applications are open for Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee (PMBC)’S Beautify Your Block grant. This funding supports the purchase of supplies and tools to keep Philly’s residential blocks maintained.
WATER ASSISTANCE: The Low-Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is currently accepting applications from families needing help to pay overdue water bills. You can receive one crisis grant up to $2,500. Read more about eligibility requirements here.
KV NEWSROOM: Founded in 1980, Cornerstone Community Church provides a variety of free programming, including Children’s Church and Teen’s Club for Kensington youth. Read the story here.
PLAY PARKS: Harrowgate Park’s Play Parks series has special activities throughout the workweek this summer. Soccer takes place Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bucket drumming with Julius takes place Tuesdays from 2p.m. to 3 p.m. Playmobile and water activities take place on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A DJ and ice cream truck are available on Fridays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
FERIA DEL BARRIO: Registration is now open for this year’s Feria del Barrio on September 10. The annual street fair closes off North 5th Street between Huntington and Somerset Streets.
VOTER REGISTRATION: 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.
Please send any news or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
