It’s a rainy day out there, Kensington. Fall is just around the corner, and with that, several activities to welcome the season.
In case you didn’t see the stories we published over the last week, take a look at what you missed:
- Norris Square sculpture garden fosters community connection and creativity through food and art
- A false account of controversial killing takes Philly police ‘a hundred steps back from the community (by Mensah M. Dean for The Trace)
We’re also hosting a coloring contest in our print newspaper featuring a coloring page illustrated by Zerbe Artz. Submit your finished coloring page by Sept. 30 for a chance to win a $25 gift card. Click here to learn where you can find our September issue.
Now, here’s what’s happening around the neighborhood this week.
Activities & Events
Sept. 20
The Philadelphia Diaper Bank is giving away diapers, menstrual products, and wipes on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. The distribution will take place at 3525 I St.
H&H Books is hosting its fifth installment of The Bricks, a reading series focused on transcultural conversations about literature and aesthetics on Sept. 20 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sept. 21
Join Fab Youth Philly to learn about trauma-informed tools to use in your OST program. The workshop for youth development professionals will take place on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 2400 N. Howard St. Register here.
Taller Puertorriqueño is hosting an author talk with Isabel Díaz Alanís for her book “No hay nadie en la casa” on Sept. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sept. 22
The Perch Music & Arts Studio is hosting “Musical Pathfinders: Creative Voice Discovery” on Friday, Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. The music program will work with youth between the ages of four to 12 years old to find their voice and set creative goals. Register here.
Sept. 23
Clean out your closet to make room for some new-to-you clothes. Veggie Mijas Philly and Kensington Corridor Trust is hosting a clothing swap on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The swap will take place in the courtyard of J-Centrel at 3400 J St. Register here.
Swap and stock up on children’s goods by attending this month’s Free Baby & Kids Goods Exchange. The event will take place on Sept. 23 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 2771 Ruth Street.
Taller Puertorriqueño is hosting an author talk with Lucas Rivera for his book “My AfroRican State of Soul: A Journey of Identidad, Struggle, Love & Faith” on Sept. 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursdays through Oct. 5
Esperanza’s donation-based farmstand is running every Thursday from now through Oct. 5. Fresh produce will be distributed in Fairhill from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. outside 2940 N. 5th St. and in Kensington between 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 3222 H St.
Oct. 11 to Nov. 29
Registration is now open for The Lighthouse’s ceramic class which will run from mid-October to the end of November. The class is for children from 10 years old to 13 years old at 141 W. Somerset St. The class is $25.
Saturdays
Norris Square Neighborhood Project’s farm stand operates every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Raíces Garden located at 2217 N. 2nd St.
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.
Recurring
To browse upcoming programs at Kensington, McPherson Square, and Lillian Marrero libraries, visit freelibrary.org/calendar.
Funding Opportunities
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 Oct. 9, 2023.
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.
General Election 2023
The General Election is on Nov. 7, 2023. Check out the Committee of Seventy’s free, interactive voter guide here.
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.
Jobs
Norris Square Neighborhood Project
Norris Square Neighborhood Project is looking for a new executive director. Salary ranges from $65,000 to $75,000 based on experience. Application closes Sept. 19. Apply here.
Philly Community Wireless
Philly Community Wireless is hiring a technician. Duties will include carrying out internet installation, network maintenance, and community engagement. Pay is $24 per hour. Application closes Oct. 1. Apply here.
City of Philadelphia
The City is hiring school crossing guards. The part-time seasonal position pays $68.18-$70.80 per day. Deadline to apply is Oct. 6. Apply here.
Free Library of Philadelphia
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 per hour.
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.
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.
Services
Kensington Library
The Kensington Library has COVID-19 rapid tests and hand sanitizer available free for community members.
Philadelphia Water Department
The Philadelphia Water Department is running virtual water bill assistance clinics every Wednesday from now until Sept. 27, 2023. For more information, click 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.
Meetings
Philadelphia City Council’s next stated meeting is on Sept. 21 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.
Trainings
Interfaith Philadelphia
Interfaith Philadelphia is hosting a virtual training on navigating difficult conversations. The training will take place Thursday, Sept. 21 from noon to 1 p.m. Register here.
Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services
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 training is facilitated weekly. Register here.
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health hosts an overdose prevention and reversal training virtually twice a month. The next training is on Sept. 20. Register here.
Volunteer Opportunities
Philly Community Wireless
Philly Community Wireless needs tech and outreach volunteers. Learn more here.
Philly Unknown
Philly Unknown is still collecting school supplies to distribute to students in need. The group is looking for volunteers to help prepare bags to hand out. If interested, email phillyunknownproject@gmail.com. To donate, order supplies from Philly Unknown’s wishlist or send monetary donations to the following:
- Venmo: @Philly-Unknown
- Cash App: $PhillyUnknown
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.
We Love Philly
We Love Philly is looking for mentors to support its youth participants. Learn what it means to be a mentor and how to get involved in an info session on Monday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. Register here.
Have something you’d like us to share in our Monday newsletter? Please send any news or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
