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.
Community Meetings
Somerset Neighbors for Better Living’s next meeting is Monday, August 7 at 6:30 p.m. at 2838 Tulip St. and on Zoom. Register here.
The Friends of McPherson and Kensington Neighbors Association’s joint meeting has been postponed to Tuesday, August 8 at 6:00 p.m. at McPherson Square Library. The organizations will resume their regular first Tuesday schedule in September.
HACE CDC meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom. Email smontiero@hacecdc.org to join the next meeting on Wednesday, August 9.
Activities & Events
To browse upcoming programs at Kensington, McPherson Square, and Lillian Marrero libraries, visit freelibrary.org/calendar.
Esperanza Health Center is hosting a support group for caregivers. Participants can enjoy a free dinner while having a discussion around the challenges of parenting while gaining new skills, resources, and support systems. Free childcare is provided. Weekly sessions are taking place from August 1-29 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The CORE. Register here.
The Clay Studio is leading art and literacy activities at Esperanza Health Center on 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.
Esperanza Health Center is also celebrating the completion of a design process to determine future designs of two neighborhood parks. Check out the final layout on Wednesday, August 9 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. outside on the corner of H & Westmoreland Streets. Register here.
Registration is open for all Kensington Multiplex schools. Info sessions for Kensington High School, Kensington High School for Creative and Performing Arts, and Kensington Health Sciences Academy will be available at Kensington High’s auditorium located at 2051 E. Cumberland St. Sessions will be from August 7-10 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and August 14-17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Galaei will be hosting a community cookout on Friday, August 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 118 Fontain St. in Norris Square.
True Love Seeds will be hosting a storytelling event on ancestral crops from local gardeners and urban farmers on Saturday, August 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at La Villa African Colombó on 2267 Palethorpe St. Guests can take a tour of the gardens and witness the unveiling of a new artwork.
Cantina La Martina is hosting its Cemita Festival on Sunday, August 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local vendors will be selling their own versions of cemita, a type of sandwich from Puebla, Mexico. Event entry is free but cemitas will cost $15.
Teen Play Captains are leading a summer of fun at two Kensington parks with activities such as games and relay races until August 17. Sessions at McPherson Square Park take place Monday through Thursday between 11 a.m. to noon and 2:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Sessions at Hissey Playground take place Monday through Thursday between 2:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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 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.
Resources & Opportunities
Mural Arts’ Kensington Storefront is searching for community input on potential programs to be facilitated by the organization this fall. Three to five community curators will be selected and compensated to implement their program idea. Learn more and apply here by August 11.
Applications are open for Feet First Philly’s Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant. The program awards $500 to $2,000 for projects that improve walkability in neighborhoods. The deadline to apply is October 9, 2023.
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.
Volunteering & Jobs
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.
Esperanza Health Center has several job openings available. View listings and apply here.
The Free Library of Philadelphia is hiring part-time library facility guards for custodial and security duties at branches throughout the city. The position will be for nine months and pay is $18.
Kensington Voice Newsroom
Chuckle’s Bar & Grille owner Jermaine Millhouse is working to revitalize it as a space where neighbors can grab a drink while building community. Read more here.
If your child is in need of school supplies for the upcoming school year, check out these upcoming giveaway events throughout Kensington here.
Community members say goodbye and honor the legacy of a neighborhood anti-violence leader who recently passed away. Read more here.
Kensington Voice 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 St., 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.
The Youth Voices Program is for youth grades 6-12, located at Kensington Voice’s space at 3237 Amber St., 3rd floor. The program provides activities based on creative writing, poetry, visual storytelling, and more. The free afterschool program is Monday to Thursday, 3:30-6 p.m. To register, fill out this form. Questions? Email khy@kensingtonvoice.com.
Please send any news or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
Editor: Khysir Carter
