Hello there, neighbors.

While it may have already started for some, spooky season is officially upon us. We’re looking forward to seeing your houses decorated with cobwebs and fake skeletons. In the meantime, here’s your weekly roundup.

News (in case you missed it)

Kensington native to open grocery store with shared kitchen, “King Kenzo” olive oil in Harrowgate

Thomas Sheridan wants Kensington residents to know he’s “not phony.”

The certified olive oil sommelier and balsamic analyst will soon be the neighborhood’s one-stop shop for produce, pantry staples, fresh doughnuts, coffee, and Italian imported, organic, cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil. 

He’s opening a grocery store on Kensington Avenue near Tioga Street with the community and small, local businesses in mind. The storefront will also be a bakery and a shared commercial kitchen. 

“We are from the neighborhood, we know the neighborhood, and represent the neighborhood with pride,” said Sheridan, who was born and raised in Kensington.

Click here to read more.

State lawmakers tour Kensington ahead of city's opioid settlement appeal: “I just didn’t know”

State Sens. Greg Rothman and Christine Tartaglione, along with most of the 13-member opioid settlement trust, voted “no” to Philadelphia’s spending on Kensington eviction prevention, home repairs, and improvements to schools and parks. The trust will hear the city’s appeal on Oct. 3.

Click here to read more.

Monthly Community Meetings

Friends of McPherson
When: Every first Tuesday from 6 p.m. - 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 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Veteran Boxers Association Ring 12733 E. Clearfield Street

Find more on the meeting here.  

Kensington Voice Activities & Events

October 7

Please join us at the Kensington Voice Community Baby Shower on October 7 from 6 pm to 8 pm for a fun-filled day celebrating parents-to-be and connecting them with resources. There will be free diapers, raffles, career connection resources, and more. Click here to register.

Activities & Events 

September 30

NKCDC is hosting a “Sunprints with Plants” event at Tusculum Gateway Garden from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Come by and make plant art using the power of the sun and enjoy a peaceful coloring activity. Click here to register and learn more.

October 2

Hive 76 is hosting another free miniature paint day at 7 p.m. Meet other mini-paint enthusiasts and enjoy their high-resolution 3D printer. Painting airbrushes and supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own supplies. Click here to sign up. 

October 3

The Community First Fund is hosting a free affinity group lending information session at 6 p.m. for small business owners to learn more about funding opportunities. Click here to register for this week’s session and future ones.

H&H Books is hosting another author talk this Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tony Tulathimutte will joined by Alyssa Songsiridej to discuss his newest book, “Rejection,” a collection of seven connected stories that address themes like relationships, identity, and the internet. Click here to register and learn more.

October 5

The Harrowgate Civic Association is hosting its “2nd Saturday Cleanup” on the first Saturday of this month at 3640 Emerald St from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cleaning supplies and refreshments will be provided.

Creative Becoming is hosting a Writer’s Circle workshop at 2321 Emerald St from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The 70-minute workshop includes free-writing based on prompts, peer-sharing and positive feedback, and drop-in flexibility. Click here to register and learn more.

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 from 6 p.m. to 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 from 6:30 p.m. to 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.

From now until October 8, Heitzman Recreation Center is hosting “Lady Wolves Intro to Sports” from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. This program will introduce girls ages 10 to 14 to different sports, build confidence, and teach them about organized sports. The program is free, but registration is required. To register, call 215-537-3233 or email heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov. 

From now until October 15, NKCDC’s Nourish team is hosting “ A Taste of African Heritage” cooking lessons every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. From 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Nourish team will be in Tusculum Gateway Garden for activities in the garden, before heading back to NKCDC’s office (2771 Ruth St.) from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. for cooking lessons and free samples for participants. Childcare will be provided.

Wednesdays

Every Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. 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 p.m. 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 Sulsa on American Street event every Sunday from 8 p.m. 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

Creative Resilient Youth(CRY)

Creative Resilient Youth(CRY) is extending the application deadline for its Queer Theory Cohort to October 1. The Queer Theory Cohort is a new, paid opportunity for queer and BIPOC youth between the ages of 15-24 to study queer theory and make art together. The cohort is limited to 15 participants and will include:

• Studying artworks, essays, etc
• Having discussions with one another about what queerness means to them
• Learning what it means to own and tell their stories as queer youth/people

Click here to apply and learn more.

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. Click here to apply and learn more.

Women In Nontraditional Careers (WINC)

Women In Nontraditional Careers (WINC) is currently supporting women 18 years and older in Philadelphia to apply to Fall pre-apprenticeship training at the Finishing Trades Institute - MAR from October 15 to November 21. This 6-week program focused on skills required for careers in the construction trades and help them build the math and personal skills to qualify for apprenticeship work. WINC works to increase and advance the participation of women in the trades and connect them to job opportunities. Applicants must have a high school diploma/GED, a valid driver’s license, and pass a drug test. To apply and learn more, click 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. 

Pathways to Housing PA

Pathways to Housing PA is hiring for several positions, including for a truck driver/warehouse assistant at the Philadelphia Furniture Bank at 3650 I St. Find listings and apply 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

From 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Tuesday, NKCDC’s Kensington Empowerment Hub is open for their Record Clearing Clinic. 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 years old into their 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.

Kensington Voice programs 

Youth Voices Afterschool Program
Mondays - Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. 
3237 Amber Street, 3rd Floor

Kensington Voice's Youth Voices after-school program is open to children and youth in grades 6 through 12 on Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. 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.

Click here to sign up and learn more.

Contact Khysir Carter at khy@kensingtonvoice.com with questions. 

Want to support our work? 

This newsletter, all of our stories, and our programs are all made possible by grant funding and the support of our readers. Please consider becoming a paid member or making a donation to ensure our important community-based work continues to be accessible to all.

We are also accepting volunteers to support us with community events, writing op-eds for the publication, and mentoring our youth during our afterschool/summer programs. Click here to register.

Have something you’d like us to share in our Monday newsletter? Please send any news or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.