Happy Wednesday! We’re midway through the week so hang on tight until the weekend.
Kensington Voice publishes weekly news updates to increase community information. There’s a monthly roundup in our print newspaper, too.
Here’s what you can look forward to for the rest of this week.
Announcements
On August 15, the City of Philadelphia announced the third round of grantees for the Kensington Community Resilience Fund. The grant supports grassroots organizations in Kensington, Harrowgate, and Fairhill. Kensington Voice, a second-time grantee, hosted the celebratory event in our newsroom. View the full list of grantees here.
Expect more traffic and detours in Port Richmond. Due to construction, motorists can’t access Allegheny Avenue between Richmond Street and the I-95 or the southbound on-off ramps until September 22, 2023.
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.
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 14-17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The City of Philadelphia is hosting a virtual overdose prevention and reversal training on Wednesday, August 16 at 5:30 p.m. Register here for this month’s session or future trainings.
Teen Play Captains are leading a summer of fun at two Kensington parks with activities such as games and relay races until August 17. McPherson Square Park’s last sessions take place Thursday between 11 a.m. to noon and 2:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Hissey Playground’s last sessions are Thursday between 2:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha will be hosting a community wellness fair at John H. Webster Elementary School on Friday, August 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cool off with your neighbors in a water gun battle at Harrowgate Park. The Old Lady Gang will be hosting the aquatic fight on August 18 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Water guns that resemble real guns or are not brightly colored will not be allowed for participation.
Join NKCDC for a Paint & Plant Day on Saturday, August 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This activity will activate the vacant lot on Tusculum Street and Kensington Avenue which will be transformed into a community garden.
The Norris Square Children’s Center will be hosting an open enrollment fair on August 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 174 Diamond Street. Register here.
The Fairmount Park Conservancy will be hosting two movie nights in the area this week. The first is a screening of “Puss in Boots” at Rainbow de Colores Park on August 16 at 7 p.m. The second movie night is a screening of “Clifford the Big Red Dog” at Hissey Playground on August 19 at 7 p.m.
Learn traditional techniques and designs for Mexican tin art through a workshop at Open Kitchen Sculpture Garden on August 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Admission is $15. Register here.
Immortal Vision Studio’s annual Community Give Back Weekend is taking place on August 19 and 20. Stop by Hissey Playground on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for school supply giveaways, basketball tournaments, and summer activities. On Sunday, participate in a block cleanup from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Experience tranquility by participating in a free yoga lesson at The Simple Way’s garden every Wednesday at 1 p.m. Register here.
As autumn approaches, Philly pools will begin to close for the season. Here are the closing dates for pools around the city.
Resources & Opportunities
The Philadelphia Water Department is running virtual water bill assistance clinics every Wednesday from now until September 27, 2023. For more information, click here.
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
If your child is in need of school supplies for the upcoming school year, check out this week’s giveaway events throughout Kensington here.
Please send any news or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
