Hello, neighbors.

It will be a warmer week ahead, so here’s a list of events to help you enjoy the weather. Check it out below.

Recent News

Kensington committee scrutinizes cost, impact of Philly’s diversion programs at City Council hearing

Philadelphia City Council’s Special Committee on Kensington is pressing top city officials on the effectiveness and cost of the city’s diversion programs, which aim to keep low-level offenders, including those arrested for drug-related offenses, out of jail.

During a five-hour hearing last week, the committee—which includes council members Curtis Jones, Nina Ahmad, Mark Squilla, Mike Driscoll, and Jim Harrity—heard testimony from city officials involved in the city’s various diversion programs.

Free Activities & Events

March 10

Job search assistance hosted by PA CareerLink at Lillian Marrero Library (601 W. Lehigh Ave.) from 2 to 4:30 p.m. A Community Workforce Connector will be present to offer one-on-one job search assistance.

March 11

Preschool storytime at the Kensington Library (104 W. Dauphin St.) at 11 a.m. Caregivers of children ages two to five years old are invited to join for stories, songs and dancing.

March 12

Narcan training at McPherson Square Library (601 E Indiana Ave.) from 1 to 2 p.m. Narcan specialists will teach attendees how to administer Narcan in an emergency situation.

March 13

Senior Fair hosted by State Rep. Joe Hohenstein at Columbia Social Club (3529 Almond St.) from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Seniors 65 and older can come and learn about available resources, enjoy a free lunch and more. For more information, call (214) 744-2600.
Storytime with Ms. AJ hosted by H&H Books at 1 p.m. Child educator Adrienne Barnett (Ms. AJ) will read books and engage with kids in a “song circle” using instruments provided by sustainable online toy shop Unless Kids. Go here to register and learn more.
Open House hosted by Philly Bridge & Jawn (PB&J) at 3415 Kensington Ave. from 5 to 7 p.m. This event is open to all adults who want to volunteer to expand the organization's capacity to serve local youth. To learn more, email bdbelknap@gmail.com.

March 15

Ramadan community giveback at Prevention Point (2602 B St.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be free clothing, food, haircuts and more. Money and item donations are also welcome.
Free ceramics workshop hosted by The Clay Studio at Ulises (1525 N. American St.) from 2 to 4 p.m. Inspired by Candice Lin’s “Commodities” exhibition, “Interspecies Imbitments,” attendees will create ceramic items based on an interspecies beverage. Go here to register and learn more.

March 16

Board game day at Hive 76 (1821 E. Hagert St.) from 2 to 5 p.m. Hive 76 offers a selection of board games for community members. Go here to register and learn more.

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.

Tuesdays and Saturdays

Community fashion clothing drive hosted by Fashion Dealers Society at the Fashion Retail and Style Institute (426 E Allegheny Ave.) from 12 to 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring gently used clothing and enjoy music, refreshments and $100 prize raffle for registered donors. The drives will take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays until April 8. 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. Go here to register and learn more.

Saturdays

March events at Sunday Love Project (3206 Kensington Ave.) every Saturday in March from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Community members can participate in different events each Saturday, including cooking with Chef Liz on March 22 and more.

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 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Block Church, 2537 E. Monmouth St. For more information, email portrichmondna@gmail.com. *There are no monthly PRNA meetings in January, November or December
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.

Jobs

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.
Esperanza Health Center offers free pregnancy testing at its Kensington(861 E. Allegheny Ave.) and Hunting Park(4417 N. 6 St.) clinics Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome and no insurance is needed.