Hello there, neighbors.
We hope everyone had a good weekend. Here’s to a better week and new events to check out.
Here’s your weekly roundup.
News (in case you missed it)
These legislators were re-elected last week. Here’s what they had to say to Kensington.
Last week, residents in Kensington and the surrounding neighborhoods re-elected U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, Pennsylvania State Senator Nikil Saval, and Pennsylvania State Rep. Joe Hohenstein.
Democrats Saval and Hohenstein ran uncontested. Boyle, also a Democrat, defeated Republican challenger Aaron Bashir with 71% of the vote.
Kensington Voice reached out to each official for their perspective on the election results and what their re-elections mean for the community.
Read more here.
Have news you think we should know about? Our work is for and by our communities. Kensington Voice is always looking for locally based residents of Kensington, Harrowgate, Norris Square, Port Richmond, and Fairhill to submit op-eds and other kinds of opinion and artistic pieces. Contact aja@kensingtonvoice.com to discuss something you think should be covered or to submit.
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 (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.
South Port Richmond Civic Association
When: Every second Wednesday from 7-8:30 pm
Where: Veteran Boxers Association Ring 12733 E. Clearfield Street
Find more on the meeting here.
This Week at Kensington Voice
Youth Voices Afterschool Program
Mondays - Thursdays, 3:30-6 p.m.
3237 Amber Street, 3rd Floor
Kensington Voice's Youth Voices after-school program is open to children and youth in grades six through 12 on Monday through Thursday from 3:30 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.
Contact Khysir Carter at khy@kensingtonvoice.com with questions.
Media Lab Workshop Hours
Does your organization need a space to host a workshop? Come book a time with us! We offer our media lab and equipment (Desktops, microphones, access to Adobe Creative Suite) for workshops, podcasting, or assisting with newsroom-related writing. We can also help you get your workshop together and off the ground!
Contact Aja Beech at aja@kensingtonvoice.com to schedule a time or ask questions.
Activities & Events
Have an event that should be in our Monday newsletter? Please send any information, fliers, photos, or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
November 12
The East Police Division is having a Town Hall meeting at 3901 Whitaker Ave. at 5:30 p.m. All three East Division Captains—Capt. Bullick (24th Dist), Capt. Wheeler (25th Dist), and Capt. Gress (26th Dist)—will be there to answer questions and discuss initiatives in the three districts.
November 14
Congreso de Latinos Unidos is hosting its Harvest Festival at 2800 N American St. from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. There will be food, games, giveaways, and more.
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. Go here to register for this week’s session and future ones.
November 15
Ulises is hosting a book launch event for Alex Da Corte’s “Mouse Museum” from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will begin with a conversation between Da Corte and Paulina Pobocha, Chair and Curator of The Art Institute of Chicago, followed by a reception. Register and learn more here.
November 16
NKCDC is hosting a First-Time Homebuyer Workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Join the virtual workshop to learn how you can get support and more information about owning a home. Register and learn more here.
Impact Services, Harrowgate Civic Association, and Mission of Saint Joan of Arc are hosting a food drive at 3546 Frankford Ave. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers are needed, but you can also donate food by contacting Erin Farrell at efarrel@impactservices.org.
Virida is hosting its Garden Art Market from 12 to 4 p.m. There will be local vendors selling a variety of items, such as handcrafted pieces, pottery, artwork, and more. Register and learn more here.
Mural Arts Philadelphia and the We Here Community Advisory Committee are hosting the third “We Here Walk and Talk” event from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The 90-minute event will start at the Kensington Storefront (3208 Kensington Ave.) and feature the Kensington Corridor Trust Garden (3236 Kensington Ave.), the Free Church of St. John (3076 Emerald St.), and other places in the neighborhood along the way. Register and learn more here.
November 17
Philly Tree People is planting trees in the 19125 and 19134 zip code areas from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are looking for volunteers to help out. The meeting place is 2464 Tulip St. Folks are encouraged to bring any available trucks and supplies. Breakfast and lunch are provided.
Hive 76 is hosting a 3D Printing Meetup from 4 to 6 p.m. Come in and meet other 3D printing enthusiasts. Register and learn more here.
Weekly Events
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.
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 to 7 p.m. for ages eight and up. No registration or prior experience is required. For more information, contact heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov.
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.
Wednesdays
From now until November 21, Impact Services is hosting free volleyball activities at Hissey Playground from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Theodore the Impact Play Mobile will also be available for activities.
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
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.
Support our work!
This newsletter, our journalism, and our programs are all made possible by grant funding and the support of our readers. Become a paid member or make a donation to ensure our important community-based work continues.
Volunteer with us! We are always in need of volunteers to support community events, write op-eds for publication, and mentor our youth during our afterschool/summer programs. Learn more here.
