Happy MLK Day, neighbors.

Whether you’re out cleaning, helping out your neighborhood, or enjoying the day off, we hope you are enjoying this special Monday. Here’s a look at what’s happening over the next seven days. 

Recent News 

Why gun violence dropped in Philadelphia last year — and what happens next

This story was originally published by The Trace, a nonprofit newsroom covering gun violence in America. Sign up for its newsletters here.

Just before 9:30 p.m. on December 30, Philadelphia City Councilmember Jim Harrity was home watching TV when he heard a series of rapid bangs. As a longtime resident of the city’s Kensington neighborhood, which is notorious for street-corner drug dealing and its accompanying violence, he suspected it was gunfire.

Harrity looked out the window and saw a young man crumpled on the ground, so he jumped and yelled to his wife upstairs, telling her to get down and call the police.

“I see the kid laying there, then, all of a sudden, he sat up,” said Harrity, who was still rattled two weeks later.

Read more here.

Port Richmond fire company Engine 6 returns after 16 years

Community members, elected officials and firemen brought a warm presence to the Engine 6 fire station at Huntingdon Street and Aramingo Avenue last week as they celebrated the engine company’s reactivation after 16 years. The company, which included a fire engine and the firefighters that operated it, was deactivated in 2009. 

Attendees joined Mayor Cherelle Parker in raising their index fingers and reciting the “One Philly, United City” slogan, signifying the moment as part of the administration’s larger initiative for the city.

“I am proud to be here now to announce yet another way that we will ensure that our city is safer, cleaner, and greener,” Parker said.

Read more here.

News Tips

Do you have a story idea or free activity we should share with our readers? Email editors@kensingtonvoice.com. 

Free Activities & Events 

Jan. 20

Correction: Events on this date have been canceled or postponed due to weather conditions. Additional dates are TBD.

• MLK Day Street Tree Care event hosted by NKCDC at 2501 Cumberland St. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Philly Tree People will be joining to guide volunteers in mulching, pruning and aerating trees on the block.
• MLK Day community cleanup hosted by Impact Services and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation at Hissey Playground on the corner of C Street and Indiana Ave from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cleaning supplies and light refreshments will be provided.

Jan. 22

• Social Services Office Hours at Lillian Marrero Library (601 W Lehigh Ave.) from 2 to 5 p.m. A social services team will be around to connect people to active community and government agencies, resources, and more.

Jan. 25

• Musical Storytime with Ms. AJ hosted by H&H Books from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Child educator Adrienne Barnett (Ms. AJ) will lead in story and song, featuring books like “88 Instruments” by Chris Barton, “Rey del Mambo” by Monica Brown, and more. Go here to register and learn more.
• Songs from Hope & Justice at Kensington Neighborhood Library from 1 to 2:30 p.m. ​​This event will include a gathering for all ages to sing and play instruments, using the songbook “Rise Up Singing” by Peter Blood and Annie Patterson.

Jan. 26

• Hoagie and coat distribution hosted by The Philadelphia Socialist Rifle Association at McPherson Square Park. The organization is inviting anyone interested to come out to help with the distribution. Preparation will take place at Lancaster Avenue Autonomous Space (LAVA), located in West Philly, at 8 a.m. The distribution will happen at 11 a.m. at McPherson. Register and learn more here.

Weekly Events

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

• Free Afterschool Program hosted by CADEkids at Mother of Mercy House (720 E Allegheny Ave.) from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The program is for youth ages eight to 14, and includes games, snacks and other activities. Go here to register and learn more.

Wednesdays

• Free Yoga Classes hosted by Yoga 4 Philly at The CORE (3222 H St.) at 5:30 p.m. Free childcare will be provided.

Monthly Community Meetings

• Friends of McPherson meets every first Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at McPherson Square Library at 601 E. Indiana Ave. Contact chalmerst@freelibrary.org for more information.
• Harrowgate Civic Association meets every first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Heitzman Recreation Center at 3631 Amber St. Contact harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com for more information. 
• Kensington Independent Civic Association (KICA) meets every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Harrowgate PAL Center at 851 E. Tioga St. 
• Port Richmond Neighborhood Action (PRNA) meets every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Block Church, 2537 E. Monmouth St. For more information, email portrichmondna@gmail.com.
• Somerset Neighbors For Better Living meets every first Monday of the month (except holidays, when it meets the following Monday) online via Zoom. Contact phillysnbl@gmail.com.
• South Port Richmond Civic Association meets every second Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Veteran Boxers Association Ring at 2733 E. Clearfield Street. Click here for more information. 

Free Trainings

• Beyond Literacy is recruiting for its Free Pre-Apprenticeship Weatherization Program. Participants will learn trade skills such as plumbing, carpentry, and more. The program will be held at 106 W. Clearfield from February to June, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Go here to apply and learn more.

Jobs

• Gloria Casarez Elementary School is hiring for positions like Special Education Assistant, Safety Climate Staff, and School Crossing Guard. To learn more, contact the school’s front desk at 215-400-7160.
• Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) is hiring for multiple positions, including Semillas Futuro Instructor and Development Manager. To learn more about the organization, visit NSNP’s website.

Services

• Energy Coordinating Agency is offering to lead energy efficiency workshops for community organizations to help residents save money on utility bills this winter. The ECA will provide an instructor and free weatherization kits for every workshop attendee. To schedule a workshop, call Tracey Mathis at 215-939-0275 or email traceym@ecasys.org. 

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