Happy August, neighbors.

There’s a lot of fun to be had on the first full week of the month. In this newsletter, you’ll find back-to-school events, a community picnic and other fun summer activities.

Check it out below.

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Free Activities & Events

August 4

Public Safety Awareness Month festival hosted by the Office of Public Safety at Fairhill Square Park (4th St & Lehigh Ave.) from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. There will be giveaways, music by Philly Bomba Plena LLC. and more.

August 5

Soccer Summer Smash event hosted by Kensington Soccer Club at Scanlon Park (1099 E. Venango St.) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be soccer games, free books and more.
Community health fair hosted by Congreso de Latinos Unidos at 216 W. Somerset St. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be free health screenings, community resources and more.

August 6

Miniature Paint Day hosted by Hive 76 at 1821 E. Hagert St. from 7 to 10 p.m. Attendees can bring in miniature figures or small canvases or be supplied with them. Airbrushes, paintbrushes, and a high-resolution 3D printer are provided. Visit this link to register and learn more.

August 7

Community picnic hosted by Senator Christine Tartaglione at Norris Square Park (2100 N. Howard St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a back-to-school give, games and more.
Small business Information session hosted by Finata from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit this link to register for this week’s session and future ones.

August 8

“Back 2 School” giveaway event hosted by Boost Mobile at 3847 Aramingo Ave. from 12 to 4 p.m. There will be free school supplies, food and more.

August 9

Second Saturday cleanup hosted by the Harrowgate Civic Association at 3171 Janney St. from 9 to 10 a.m. Supplies and light refreshments will be provided.
Norris Square Game Day hosted by Mural Arts Philadelphia at Norris Square Park (2100 N. Howard St.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be board games, prizes and more.
Back to School Fair at St Mark's Church (4442 Frankford Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be backpack giveaways, arts & crafts and more.
Rock the Block block party hosted by Rock Ministries at 2755 Kensington Ave. from 1 to 6 p.m. There will be music, family activities and more.

Weekly Events

Weekdays

Free summer activities hosted by Impact Services at McPherson Square Library (601 E. Indiana Ave.) from 12 to 4 p.m. There will be arts & crafts, outdoor games and more.
Impact Summer camp hosted by Street Soccer USA, Kensington Soccer Club, and Impact Services at Hissey Playground (Indiana Avenue and Boudinot Street) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The camp will run from August 4 to August 22 and is for children ages 6 to 14. Programming includes soccer games, skill-building activities and more. Visit this link to register and learn more.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays

Free summer activities hosted by Impact Services from 12 to 4 p.m. from now until August 22. The programming will take place at Hope Park (A Street & Indiana Avenue) on Tuesdays, Hissey Playground (C Street & Indiana Avenue) on Wednesdays and Harrowgate Park (3455 Kensington Ave.) on Thursdays. There will be sports activities, games and more.

Tuesdays

Free music production program hosted by Rock to the Future at The CORE (3222 H St.) from 4 to 5 p.m. Participants will learn how to produce music and will play it at the end-of-program listening party. The program will run from now until August 12. Visit this link to register and learn more.

Thursday

Teen mentorship program hosted by Timoteo Sports at The CORE (3222 H St.) from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The program is for teens ages 12 to 18 and provides participants with goal setting, character development and confidence building. Food will be provided. Visit this link to register your teen and learn more.

Monthly Community Meetings

East Kensington Neighbors Association meets every third Monday in person at the Philadelphia Brewing Co. (2440 Frankford Ave.) at 7 p.m. Contact info@ekna.org for more information.
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 Philadelphia Department of Commerce is offering its Small Business Catalyst Fund to qualifying small businesses. The grant for each business could go up to $50,000 and includes business education and technical support. To qualify, your business must be located in Philadelphia, be up to date on city taxes or have been approved for a tax payment agreement, and be registered and licensed with the City of Philadelphia. Visit this link to apply and learn more.
The city’s Business Security Camera Program is open for applications. Businesses who use the program must register their cameras with the Philadelphia Police Department, which allows the police to contact the business to view footage in case of a crime.

Jobs

The Department of Commerce is hiring for multiple positions, including Small Business Programs Manager, Business Service Manager and more. Visit this link to apply and learn more.

Services

Free lunch giveaway at 3105 Gaul St. every week from Monday through Friday from 12 to 2 p.m. Lunch will not be served on July 4.
Summer lunch program for children at the Simple Way Community Library at 3234 Potter Street from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Books are available for checkout by both children and adults.