Cast your vote, Kensington!
Tomorrow is Election Day and the ballot is packed. Seats are up for grabs in the following positions:
- Mayor
- City Council
- City Commissioner
- City Controller
- Register of Wills
- Sheriff
- PA Supreme Court
- Commonwealth Court
- Court of Common Pleas
- Municipal Court
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you’re in line by 8 p.m., you are still allowed to vote. Find your polling place here.
If you have already mailed your ballot, double check that you aren’t one of several voters whose ballots have errors. Cure your ballot by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day to make sure your vote is counted.
Scroll down to find more resources to prepare you for the Nov. 7 election.
In other news, last week we published a story about a Harrowgate resident’s family-run organization connecting neighbors to basic needs. Learn what services volunteers have available and where to find them in the neighborhood.
Our upcoming programs
We’re hosting a few of our own programs at our newsroom at Allegheny & Amber Street:
Mural Art Mondayz (Youth Voices)
Mondays from 3:30 to 5:30 PM
Students in grades six through 12 are invited to this free workshop series, where they will develop a mural design at Kensington Voice with community artist John C. Zerbe (zerbeartz.com).
Students can drop in for one workshop, a few, or all! But youth participants who attend at least half (5) of the workshops will receive a $75 gift card at the final event in December.
Click here for more info, including registration.
Creative Writing Corner (Youth Voices)
Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 PM
Students in grades six through 12 are invited to join our Creative Writing Corner with Khysir Carter, a writing workshop dedicated to building creative writing skills with peers and writing professionals.
Students can drop in at any time. However, youth participants who work with us to publish their writing in our newspaper, website, or other media will receive a gift card ranging from $75 to $150 for their work.
Click here for more info, including registration.
Lastly, this newsletter and our stories are free to read because we believe it’s important to make local news accessible. If you’d like to help support this work, please consider becoming a paid member.
Now, here’s what’s happening around the neighborhood this week.
Announcements
Friends of McPherson is transitioning back to a resident-run Friends group and is seeking members for its Board of Directors. If interested, submit your nomination by Nov. 14. To learn more about what Friends groups are and do, click here.
Small Things, a local food bank, opened a “free grocery store” style food pantry at 3510 A St. in Fairhill over the weekend. Operating hours are Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is also looking for volunteers.
A new budget will be proposed to City Council this spring. Before the proposal is created, tell the City what you think should be prioritized by attending a feedback session. Space is limited and attendees will be compensated $40 for their time. Find dates here.
Activities & Events
Nov. 8
Asociación de Puertorriqueños en Marcha is hosting a Parent Partner Cafe at Lillian Marrero Library from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nakatani Gong Orchestra and Tatsuya Nakatani will perform harmonies from multiple layers of bowed gongs live at 2223 E. Dauphin St from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $20.
Nov. 9
Mural Arts’ Climate Justice Initiative’s upcoming workshop will give participants the opportunity to meet with Indigenous members of the initiative. Attendees will explore their relationship with environmental justice and learn ways to deepen said relationship by connecting with local Indigenous groups. The workshop will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 1800 N. American St.
Nov. 10
The Mission of Saint Joan of Arc, in partnership with Impact Services and the Harrowgate Civic Association, is hosting a food drive from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Bring dry and canned goods to 3546 Frankford Ave.
Taller Puertorriqueño is hosting an opening reception for its new exhibit “Los Paisanos del Puerto: Portraits of Chinese diaspora community in Puntarenas, Costa Rica” this Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibit will be on view from Nov. 10 to March 9, 2024.
The Monthly Fund, an event series that fundraisers for a different local organization each month, is hosting its next performances at The Perch at 2321 Emerald St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. and proceeds will benefit Project Meow.
Nov. 11
Norris Square Neighborhood Project’s farm stand is preparing to end operations for the season. Stock up on veggies from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Raíces Garden located at 2217 N. 2nd St.
Kensington Soccer Club is hosting its annual Fall Family Day to celebrate the end of the Fall Travel and Recreation season. Athletes will be honored for their work and resources will be distributed to the community. The event will be held this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 3400 J St., G4.
Philadelphia Park & Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy’s Love Your Park Fall Service Day. Participating neighborhood parks include 3rd and Norris Playground, Campbell Square, Fairhill Square Park, Harrowgate Park, Konrad Square, McPherson Square, Norris Square Park, and Powers Park. Find and register to volunteer with your park here.
Weekdays
The Norris Square Senior Center offers free daily activities for adults 60 years old and older on Mondays through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include art, exercise, games, and socializing. Meals are also provided – $1.25 for breakfast, $1 for lunch.
Recurring
Galaei has several programs coming up for Philly’s Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community including a book club, transgender support group, sexual health discussions, and more. Keep up on Galaei’s Instagram.
To browse upcoming programs at Kensington, McPherson Square, and Lillian Marrero libraries, visit freelibrary.org/calendar.
Funding Opportunities
Does your business need extra security? Click here to apply for the City’s Business Security Camera Program. If your business is looking for 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.
General Election 2023
The General Election is on Nov. 7, 2023. Check out the Committee of Seventy’s free, interactive voter guide.
Presente Media sat down with mayoral candidates Cherelle Parker (D) and David Oh (R) to discuss how they plan to address the opioid crisis in Kensington. View the interview here.
Should Philly create an Office for People with Disabilities and add it to the city charter? Learn the details of November’s single ballot question from Billy Penn.
While Philly’s mayoral race dominates this year’s election, there are several judicial seats on November’s ballot. Learn from Spotlight PA how your vote can impact specific issues, what is judicial retention, and how the Pennsylvania Commonwealth and Superior courts work.
Local art leaders shared what they would like to see the next mayor do for the city.
Where do mayoral candidates stand on education issues? Learn their stances in this interview with Chalkbeat.
Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts hosted a forum last month with Pennsylvania Appellate Court Candidates. Watch the video here.
Jobs
Documenters
Resolve Philly, in partnership with City Bureau, is looking to train and hire community members to attend public meetings and take notes to share with the wider community. Pay is $17 per hour per assignment. Learn more here.
Kensington Corridor Trust
The Kensington Corridor Trust is hiring an Investment and Fundraising Lead. This person would secure funding, manage investments, and build sustainable financial resources. Salary ranges from $95,000 to $105,000 a year. Application deadline is Nov. 17. Apply here.
Kensington Food Company
Kensington Food Company is hiring a warehouse team member. Tasks would include receiving shipments, packing orders, and delivery. Pay is $18 per hour for 30 hours per week. Apply here.
Providence Center
The Providence Center is hiring 2-4 high school students for a teen leadership internship. Interns would work 5 days for 11.5 hours per week. Pay is $12 per hour. Apply here.
Safe-Hub Philadelphia
Safe-Hub is hiring soccer coaches for the fall and spring seasons. Head coaches are paid $22 per hour while assistant and flex coaches are volunteer positions. Apply here.
Division of Substance Use and Harm Reduction
The Division of Substance Use and Harm Reduction has several job openings available, including communications specialist and graphic designer. View listings and apply 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.
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. View listings here.
Meetings
Philadelphia City Council’s next stated meeting is Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. in Room 400 at City Hall. Community members can attend in-person or watch online. To give public testimony, you must call the phone number or send an email to the address listed in the agenda for that hearing by 3 p.m. the day before.
Services
Department of Health and Human Services
Every U.S. household can now order four COVID-19 rapid tests for free through the U.S. government. Click here to order tests.
Ceiba
Ceiba still has open slots for its Educational and First Time Home Buyers Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Program. The organization also has Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) applications available for immigrants. For more information, contact Ceiba here.
Homebound Services
If you’re homebound or a caregiver of a homebound individual, you may be eligible for the Free Library’s Homebound Services. Books and other materials can be delivered to your home and returned for free. To apply for a Homebound Services Library Card, click here.
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.
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
The health department is providing free air purifiers for early childhood centers and K-12 schools. If you’re an educator with an eligible classroom, click here to request a purifier.
Trainings
Mental Health First Aid
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.
Volunteer Opportunities
Avenues of Change
Avenues of Change is looking for volunteers to assist with its afterschool programming for Kensington students. Volunteers must have a background check, fingerprinting, and child abuse clearances to participate. If interested, contact executive director Matt Nocho by calling 267-826-6740 or emailing AvenuesOfChange215@gmail.com
Joan of Arc Food Pantry
The Saint Joan of Arc Food Pantry is in need of donations. The food bank operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The site is located at the church on 2025 E. Atlantic St. Call 215-535-4641 to schedule a drop off.
Kensington Soccer Club
Kensington Soccer Club is hosting a food drive from now until Nov. 21. Donors can drop off canned and non-perishable food items between Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3400 J St., G4. Contact Brianna Banks at 267-972-9077 for more information.
Philly Community Wireless
Philly Community Wireless needs tech and outreach volunteers. Learn more here.
Sunday Love Project
Sunday Love Project is looking for volunteers at their Greater Goods grocery in Kensington. If you’re interested in acting as a personal shopper, helping pack bulk items, or stocking shelves, email Ryan@sundayloveproject.com.
St. Francis Inn
St. Francis Inn is accepting volunteers to work with them for a year. If interested, apply here.
The soup kitchen’s free community wardrobe, Marie’s Closet, is in need of donations of blankets (twin size or larger) and men’s pants, hoodies, and long-sleeved shirts of any size. Drop-offs can be made Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2441 Kensington Ave.
Taller Puertorriqueño
Taller Puertorriqueño is looking for donations and volunteers for its annual Sansgiving Community Lunch on Nov. 22 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The organization is accepting donations of (preferably) winter clothes and shoes, canned goods, and non-perishable food items. If interested in preparing food, serving meals, and managing the food drive, contact Jose Santiago at JSantiago@tallerpr.org or Erikka Goslin at EGoslin@tallerpr.org.
Have something you’d like us to share in our Monday newsletter? Please send any news or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
