Hello there, neighbors.
Keeping the spirit of the spooky season going all month long, we’ve got another list of events with Halloween-related activities for you to look forward to this week. Check it out below.
Monthly Community Meetings
Friends of McPherson
When: Every first Tuesday from 6-7 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 7-8:30 pm
Where: Veteran Boxers Association Ring 12733 E. Clearfield Street
Find more on the meeting here.
This Week at Kensington Voice
Youth Voices Afterschool Program
Mondays - Thursdays, 3:30-6 p.m.
3237 Amber Street, 3rd Floor
Kensington Voice's Youth Voices after-school program is open to children and youth in grades six through 12 on Monday through Thursday from 3:30 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.
Contact Khysir Carter at khy@kensingtonvoice.com with questions.
Activities & Events
October 21
NKCDC is hosting its Art in the Garden event at Tusculum Gateway Garden from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The event will include pumpkin carving, seed collecting, snacks, and more.
October 22
Ulises is hosting a book launch and screening for “Enrique Bostelmann: Apertures and Borderscapes” from 6 to 8 p.m. The catalog combines the most recent scholarship and extensive interviews with Bostelmann’s family with rich reproductions of the artist’s experimental and pioneering photography. Register here to learn more.
October 24
The Monkey Club is hosting its monthly open mic for comedians at 7 p.m. Sign-ups for the open mic start at 6:30 p.m., and each set will have 5 minutes. Sign up here.
October 25
Friends of Hissey & Hope Park and Impact Services are hosting “Hissey Halloween Trick-or-Treat Movie Night” at Hissey Playground and Indiana Avenue, starting at 6 p.m. First, there will be a trick-or-treat activity and a 7 p.m., everyone will sit and watch “The Addams Family.”
October 26
Friends of Norris Square Park is hosting a monthly clean-up and Halloween donation drop-off at Norris Square Park from 9 to 11 a.m. Volunteers will meet at the shed near the center of the park. Those looking to donate Halloween decorations for the group’s upcoming festival should bring them during the clean-up or contact friends-of-norris-square-park@googlegroups.com.
H&H Books is hosting a community-oriented storytime for “We Are The Builders!” by Deepa Iyer from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. This children’s book provides a gentle introduction to social change. Iyer will answer questions and engage with young people in exercises to help them consider their roles in changing their community. Register and learn more here.
Join Impact Services and Friends of Hissey & Hope Park for the “Hope Park Halloween Corn Maze” at the corner of A and Indiana Avenue from 12 to 3 p.m. Go through the maze, and if you make it to the other side, engage with fellow community members in a party with fun, food and more.
Mural Arts Philadelphia and the We Here Community Advisory Committee are hosting the second “We Here Walk and Talk” event from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The 90-minute event will start at the Kensington Storefront (3208 Kensington Ave.) and feature the Kensington Corridor Trust Garden (3236 Kensington Ave.), the Free Church of St. John (3076 Emerald St.), and other places in the neighborhood along the way. Register and learn more here.
October 27
The Philadelphia Socialist Rifle Association will be distributing hoagies and clothing to the unhoused community at McPherson Square Park. The organization is inviting anyone interested to come out to help with the distribution. Preparation will take place at Lancaster Avenue Autonomous Space (LAVA), located in West Philly, at 8 a.m. The distribution will happen at 11 a.m. at McPherson. Register and learn more here.
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 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 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays will consist of bracelet making, and on Thursdays, participants will make arts and 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.
Wednesdays
Every Wednesday from 5:30 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, the stigmas they uphold surrounding race and 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 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 Salsa on American Street event every Sunday from 8 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
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. Register and learn more 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.
PSPCA Youth Medicine and Animal Care Pre-apprenticeship Program
The PSPCA is offering its Youth Medicine and Animal Care Pre-apprenticeship Program to youth ages 15 to 18 years old, taking place on Tuesdays from October 29 to December 17. The program serves as an introduction to prepare participants for entry into a formal Veterinary apprenticeship program. Participants will earn $15 an hour learning about medicine and animal care while building skills and learning the fundamentals of the veterinary industry. Apply and learn more 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. To learn more, apply 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). Learn more here.
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. Learn more and apply 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. Apply and learn more 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.
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.
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. Apply here.
Philadelphia Parks & Rec
Philadelphia Parks & Rec is currently hiring for multiple positions, including RSI Programming Specialist-Pops Playground and Seasonal Maintenance Attendant. Learn more and apply 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. Apply here.
Waste Management
Waste Management is hiring for multiple positions with an average pay of $26 per hour. Apply here.
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 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 in its 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.Go here to fill out their interest form.
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