Happy early Earth Day, neighbors.

Wanna get out and take care of the planet? Here’s a list of events happening across the city and in New Jersey this week from WHYY to get you started.

Anyway, here’s your weekly round-up.

Recent News

Philly teens are building foundations for the future through this free Kensington carpentry program

In Kensington, a carpentry program is offering Philadelphia youth more than vocational skills—it's creating a space where teens can build confidence and think about the future.

Founded by Brenda Mosley, a longtime Kensington resident and executive director of By Faith Health and Healing, the Building a Brighter Future through the Art of Construction program draws young people from across the city. It offers not only practical skills in carpentry and other trades but also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.

Free Activities & Events

April 22

Teen job fair hosted by Impact Services at McPherson Square Library (601 E. Indiana Ave.) from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a resume and meet new employers, apply for jobs and more. Applications for a City of Philadelphia ID will also be available.
Town Hall meeting hosted by the Kensington Caucus at Julia De Burgos Elementary School (401 W. Lehigh Ave.) from 6 to 8 p.m. The meeting will be held to discuss the proposed city budget with community members.

April 23

City budget workshop hosted by the People's Budget Office and Ceiba at Taller Puertoriqueno (2600 N. 5th St.) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the city budget, who makes decisions for it and how to get involved. Visit this link to register and learn more.

April 25

Grocery giveaway hosted by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada at 4821-A Frankford Ave. at 3 p.m. This event is first-come, first-served.

April 26

“Save + Sort” volunteer day at The Resource Exchange (1800 N. American St.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will help collect and repurpose items and materials for creative projects. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Art panel discussion at Taller Puertorriqueno (2600 N. 5th St.) from 3 to 6 p.m. Professor Arlene Davila and writer Yasmin Ramirez will participate in a panel discussion on Ramirez’s book, “Nuyorican & Diasporican Visual Art: A Critical Anthology,” which illustrates Puerto Rican art production in the United States from the 1960s to the present. Visit this link to register for this event and learn more.

April 27

Girl Scout storytime with Ms. AJ hosted by H&H Books from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Child educator Adrienne Barnett (Ms. AJ) will be joined by Athena Varvarezis, Girl Scouts’ Northeast Philadelphia Community Engagement Specialist, to read stories, lead an arts and crafts activity and more. Visit this link 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

Harrowgate Run Club at Harrowgate Park (3455 Kensington Ave.) from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. The run club begins April 15 and is open to runners and walkers of all levels.

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 the Veteran Boxers Association Ring at 2733 E. Clearfield Street. Click here for more information.

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.