Hello, neighbors.

Flowers are blooming, the air is warming and spring is in full swing. Check out some of the spring-themed events happening this week to celebrate.

Recent News

Here's how East Kensington's Arcadia Commons came together to protect vacant lots that were being stewarded by the community

Last year, Catherine Lowther, a neighbor who walks her daughter to school near the park, had enough. She noticed a mural on a wall asking neighbors to report illegal dumping and parking, indicating an ongoing struggle and showcasing community efforts to reclaim this forgotten parcel of land. Another community member tipped her off to the name of the group taking care of the lot: Arcadia Commons.

Arcadia Commons is an advocacy group trying to activate the land at Huntingdon Emerald for years despite ongoing bureaucratic hurdles. They are among many other land stewards – like those at La Esquina Community Garden, Tioga Hope Park, and Tulip Street Garden – who contribute to a pattern of hard-fought, community-driven battles to green vacant lots around the city.

Read more here. Original story by Angie Bacha for Green Philly.

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Free Activities & Events

April 7

Crocheting at McPherson Library (601 E. Indiana Ave.) from 4 to 5 p.m. Local artist Katie Brown will guide attendees through crocheting different items. All supplies will be provided.

April 8

Poetry workshop at Kensington Library (104 W. Dauphin St.) from 4 to 5 p.m. Local poet Aja Beech will lead attendees in creating poems to celebrate Poetry Month and Earth Day. All supplies will be provided.

April 9

Record clearing & expungement clinic hosted by Esperanza at 4261 N. 5th St. from 12 to 3 p.m. Attendees can speak with legal experts about clearing past criminal charges, connect to reentry services and learn about available job opportunities. No registration is required.

April 10

“April Afternoon Story Time with Ms. AJ” hosted by H&H Books from 1 to 2 p.m. Child educator Adrienne Barnett (Ms. AJ) will read books geared toward infants 12 months and younger. Go here to register and learn more.

April 12

Spring Festival hosted by the Harrowgate Civic Association at Heitzman Recreation Center (3631 Amber St.) from 12 to 3 p.m. There will be free raffles, lawn games and more.

April 13

Spring tree planting event hosted by Philly Tree People from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will meet at the starting location (2564 Tulip St.) and break off into groups to cover different places in the 19125 and 19134 zip codes. Breakfast, lunch and planting supplies will be provided. 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.

Fridays

“Edible Alphabet” English and cooking class at Lillian Marrero Library (601 W. Lehigh Ave.) from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Adults are invited to this class to learn English through reading, writing and speaking the language while cooking a meal together. Classes will take place every Friday from April 4 to May 16. Go here to register and learn 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.

Funding Opportunities

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities is offering its four-year Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship to two high school seniors per year. The award will go towards the cost of tuition and fees for a four-year program at a college, university, or career school in Pennsylvania. The deadline to apply is April 15. Go here to apply and learn more.

Jobs

Cantina La Martina is hiring for several positions, including Server, Bartender and Host. Contact cantina@cantinalamartinaphilly.com to apply and learn more.

Services

The Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC) and the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative are offering their driveway repair program for those with damaged driveways. To qualify, 80% of residents on the impacted block must sign this petition. Applicants may only apply for one driveway, and it must be the driveway of their primary residence. To apply, contact your local council member to receive an application and a petition.