Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day, neighbors.
Here’s a list of events from Visit Philadelphia to attend and celebrate in solidarity with Indigenous Americans. Check out more local events below.
News (in case you missed it)
Celebrating the art of podcasting: Kensington Voice hosts inaugural panel discussion and networking mixer
On September 30, Kensington Voice hosted a panel discussion and network mixer event celebrating International Podcast Day. The event highlighted the podcast resources in the city and brought together a diverse array of local voices and perspectives.
The event featured Panelists Kevin Esposito with Riot Radio, Brad Linder from PhillyCam, and Emily Rizzo, Kensington Voice’s accountability reporter. Local recording studios that came to the event included PIFF Films TV and RideFreeOrg.
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.
Activities & Events
October 14
Indigenous Peoples' Day Philly Inc. is hosting an Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration at Shackamaxon (Penn Treaty) Park (1301 N Beach St.) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible and is donation-based (pay-as-you-wish). Learn more here.
October 15
The Kensington Library is hosting a city jobs information session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The City of Philadelphia's Office of Human Resources will be present to inform folks about how the hiring process works, the types of jobs that are available, employee benefits, and how to apply. This event is not a job fair.
October 16
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada and Council President Kenyatta Johnson are hosting a property tax relief workshop at West Kensington Ministries (2140 N Hancock St.) from 6 to 8 p.m. Receive in-person assistance to find the right programs and learn about senior and low-income tax freezes, Longtime Owner Occupants Program, and more.
October 17
Taller Puertorriqueno is hosting a Velocity Fund info session from 6 to 7 p.m. The Velocity Fund is an arts-based funding source that offers $5,000 project grants to 12 Philly-based artists and collectives, particularly those that are experimental in genre, collaborative in practice, grounded in their communities, and thoughtful in their impact. Taller Puertorriqueno’s information session will inform participants more about the Velocity Fund and how to apply. Learn more about the info session here.
October 18
The Friends of Harrowgate Park is hosting “The Little Mermaid” movie night at Harrowgate Park at 5 p.m. As well as the movie screening, there will be activities for kids and families.
Ray Philly is hosting a launch party for Farnoosh Fathi’s latest poetry collection, “Granny Cloud,” from 7 to 9 p.m. In “Granny Cloud,” Fathi explores themes of family, memories, and more. Learn more here.
October 19
Safe-Hub Philly is hosting its Fall Fest at Scanlon Recreation Center from 12 to 2 p.m. There will be trick-or-treating, activities, games, and more.
McPherson Square Library is hosting a Fall festival from 12 to 3 p.m. There will be treats, kid’s activities, and more.
Taller Puertorriqueno is hosting the “We Here Community Forum” from 12 to 4 p.m. Lead artist Roberto Lugo will be present to have a conversation with community members, followed by family-friendly clay activities, food, and music. Register and learn more here.
Fireball Printing is hosting “Weirdo: The East Kensington Arts and Oddities Festival” at Philadelphia Brewing Company (2423 Amber St.) from 2 to 10 p.m. There will be puppets, wrestling, and more. Learn more here.
Termite TV Collective and Norris Square Neighborhood Project are hosting an El Bembe Celebration at 2267 N. Palethorp St. from 2 to 6 p.m. There will be food, live music, and more. Register and learn more here.
October 20
Philly Iranians is hosting an Iranian community forum at 1400 N. American St. from 3 to 5 p.m. Folks in the local Iranian community are encouraged to attend and enjoy conversation, sweets, and Chai. Register and learn more here.
Hive 76 is hosting its Board Game Day. Come and play some games with friends or family. Register and learn more here.
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, 6-7 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, 6:30-7:30 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.
Wednesdays
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 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 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. 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. 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). 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.
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. To learn more and apply, click 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. To apply and learn more, click here.
Jobs
Boys & Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Club is hiring for multiple job openings. To apply, contact Libby Lascalleet at lescalleetl@bgcphila.org.
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.
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
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. Click here to fill out their interest form.
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