Happy Labor Day, neighbors.
We hope you have plans to enjoy the day off if you are able. If not, here’s a list of things we found from Visit Philadelphia to get started.
Here’s your weekly roundup.
News (in case you missed it)
PennDOT, Parker administration displace about 30 people in I-95 encampment sweep
The cleanup was organized by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) “in conjunction with staff from the City of Philadelphia,” according to a PennDOT spokesperson.
The Philadelphia Police Department and Office of Homeless Services were also present, said Sgt. Eric Gripp, a spokesperson for PPD.
Click here to read more.
Philly’s police oversight agency is tracking dog shootings, but has done zero misconduct investigations
At the last public Citizens Police Oversight Commission meeting, the agency’s Investigations Unit spent 22 minutes of their 24-minute update discussing incidents of Philadelphia Police Department officers shooting dogs.
“The review is not necessarily to go after any specific officers,” said Investigations Unit director Nick Kato at the meeting. “But it is to look critically at the policy and see how we might have better outcomes for the dogs, the dogs’ owners, and police officers themselves.”
Click here to read more.
‘This isn’t about policy’: Vigil honors overdose victims in McPherson Square Park despite disruption from Philly police
Deputy Police Commissioner Pedro Rosario said he did not know the specifics of how or why the officers approached the event. He said any “vending or distribution of material items in the park proper” requires a permit from the Parks and Recreation Department.
“If [officers] see something formalized inside the park, they’re instructed to challenge, to investigate if they have the proper permit,” he said.
The Parks and Recreation Department website includes permit instructions for events of fewer than 500 people. There is no information listed about resource distribution.
Rosario said he was under the impression that Parks and Recreation doesn’t often approve permits for McPherson Square Park because it’s a “more challenging” area.
Click here to read more.
Monthly Community Meetings
Friends of McPherson
When: Every first Tuesday from 6 p.m. - 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 (unless it's a holiday in which case they meet the following Monday)
Where: Online Zoom meeting
Contact: phillysnbl@gmail.com
*There is no SNBL meeting in December.
Activities & Events
September 4
Ride Free Org & Impact Services are partnering to host a clean-up from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants can meet at 1952 E. Allegheny Ave. at 10:30 a.m. Supplies and refreshments will be provided.
Taller Puertorriqueno is hosting a book launch from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for “We Came to Welcome You” by Author Vincent Tirado. “We Came to Welcome You” is a spine-chilling psychological thriller about a multiracial lesbian couple who are thrilled to move into their dream home in a gated community–– until strange things start happening and the pressure to assimilate becomes life or death. Click here to register for the book launch event and learn more.
September 5
The Community First Fund is hosting a free affinity group lending information session at 6 p.m. for small business owners to learn more about funding opportunities. Click here to register for this week’s session and future ones.
September 6
Hearts Out for Palestine is hosting two workshops at The Philadelphia Liberation Center (147 West Susquehanna Ave.) this Friday:
- From 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., folks can join for the “Art For Activism” workshop with instructor Katie O’Neill. This workshop will explore how art can be an impactful outlet for activism.
- From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., instructor Jihan Thomas will be teaching the “Colors Of Liberation” workshop. Participants will learn the history of the African Liberation flag and how the flag and its colors have been used to symbolize liberation.
Click the link for each workshop to register and learn more.
September 7
Hearts Out for Palestine is hosting three workshops at The Philadelphia Liberation Center (147 West Susquehanna Ave.) this Saturday:
- From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., yoga instructor Jackie Walther will be leading the “Ashtanga Remix” Workshop. The workshop is a mix of the traditional Ashtanga standing sequence, therapeutic seated postures, back bends, and inversions with upbeat music and a playful approach appropriate for ages 10 and up.
- From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., yoga instructor Jaz will be teaching the “Mindfulness & Reiki Experience” workshop. Reiki sessions are detoxifying and relaxing and involve laying down and mindful breathing.
- From 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Join mixed martial arts master Rami Ibrahim for the "Self Defense Workshop,” where participants will learn and practice different self-defense techniques. No experience or flexibility is required.
Click the link for each workshop to register and learn more.
September 8
Taller Puertorriqueno is hosting the Feria Del Bario Festival from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feria del Barrio is a large festival in Philadelphia presented by a coalition of organizations dedicated to promoting art, culture, education, health, economic development, and community. The festival will include food, music, art, and more. Click here to register and learn more.
Wag Days Philly is hosting a Grand Opening party from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 2315 N. Front St. There will be free food & drinks, local vendors, and more.
Weekly Events
Monday-Friday
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.
Mondays
Heitzman Recreation Center hosts a free chess club on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for ages eight and up. No registration or prior experience is required. For more information, contact heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov.
Tuesdays
The “Harrowgate Run Club” is hosting walking and running groups at Harrowgate Park on Tuesdays from 6:15 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Heitzman Recreation Center hosts free art classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays will consist of bracelet making, and on Thursdays, participants will be making arts & 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.
From now until October 8, Heitzman Recreation Center is hosting “Lady Wolves Intro to Sports” from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. This program will introduce girls ages 10 to 14 to different sports, build confidence, and teach them about organized sports. The program is free, but registration is required. To register, call 215-537-3233 or email heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov.
Wednesdays
Every Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. 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 and, the stigmas they uphold surrounding race, 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 p.m. 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 Sulsa on American Street event every Sunday from 8 p.m. 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
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. To register and learn more, click 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. Click here to apply and learn more.
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). Click here to apply.
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.
I Love My Librarian Award
The American Library Association is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 “I Love My Librarian” Award, which awards a librarian with $5,000 and the recognition of a lifetime. Nominations must be submitted by other people for their librarians by September 30. Click here to submit a nomination and learn more.
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. To apply and learn more, click here.
Jobs
City of Philadelphia
The City of Philadelphia is hiring for multiple positions. View listings and apply here. The city is also hiring in multiple civil service jobs. Click here to apply and learn more.
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.
Kensington Soccer Club
Kensington Soccer Club is hiring OST soccer coaches for the upcoming season. To apply, send a resume to christian@kensingtonsoccer.org.
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.
Pathways to Housing PA
Pathways to Housing PA is hiring for several positions, including for a truck driver/warehouse assistant at the Philadelphia Furniture Bank at 3650 I St. Find listings and apply 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. Click here to apply.
Philadelphia Parks & Rec
Philadelphia Parks & Rec is currently hiring for multiple positions, including RSI Programming Specialist-Pops Playground and Seasonal Maintenance Attendant. To apply and learn more, click 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. Click here to apply and learn more.
Waste Management
Waste Management is hiring for multiple positions with an average pay of $26 per hour. Click here to apply and learn more.
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
From 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Tuesday, NKCDC’s Kensington Empowerment Hub is open for their Record Clearing Clinic. 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 years old into their 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. Click here to fill out their interest form.
Kensington Voice programs
Youth Voices Afterschool Program
Mondays - Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
3237 Amber Street, 3rd Floor
Kensington Voice's Youth Voices after-school program is open to children and youth in grades 6 through 12 on Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Youth are invited to join us for workshops and activities based on Creative writing, Journalism, Poetry/spoken word, and Visual storytelling. All students under the age of 18 must obtain permission from a parent or guardian to participate in after-school workshops and drop-in activities.
Click here to sign up and learn more.
Contact Khysir Carter at khy@kensingtonvoice.com with questions.
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