Happy spring, neighbors.

Easter and other spring holidays are on the horizon, and we’ve gathered a long list of events for this week to keep you busy throughout the month of April. Check it out below.

Recent News

Port Richmond streetlight outages draw more than 75 complaints, residents frustrated by 'no results'

Around 2 a.m. on March 13, Frank Trout’s son was walking home from his boxing club when a car struck him near Richmond Street and Indiana Avenue. The driver fled the scene, so Trout turned to security footage for answers. But the street was pitch dark.

The hit-and-run is one of many incidents residents say underscore a growing problem in Port Richmond: streetlights left broken or missing for months, plunging blocks into darkness. With no clear timeline for full repairs, many say the lack of lighting puts their safety—and faith in the city—at risk.

Free Activities & Events

April 14

Spring job fair hosted by Esperanza at 4261 N 5th St. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes and connect with employers and recruiters or explore new industries.

April 15

Author conversation event hosted by H&H Books at 2230 Frankford Ave. from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Author Jeremy Gordon and poet Sadie Dipuis will discuss Gordon’s debut book “See Friendship.” The novel tells the story of a culture critic who produces a podcast investigating the death of his high school best friend. Go here to register for the event and learn more.

April 16

Hub4Health resource fair hosted by Esperanza Health Center at the CORE (3222 H St.) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be free food, clothes, housing resources and more.

April 17

Career Fair hosted by Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) at Camino De Oro (730 W. Berks St.) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event offers opportunities in fields including child welfare, behavioral health and community services. Go here to register and learn more.
Easter food giveaway hosted by Paragon Home Care and Concilio at 3000 N. 6th St. at 1 p.m. There will be free food, resources for families and more.

April 18

Poetry reading and film screening event at Ulises (1525 North American St.) from 7 to 8 p.m. Writers David Richardson and Leigh Gallagher will read original prose and poetry themed after the term “half halt,” which is a horsemanship term for rebalancing and preparing the horse for a change in direction without coming to a complete stop. Following the poetry reading is a screening of short films “Exterior Turbulence” and “Half Halt,” by filmmaker Sofia Theodore-Pierce. Go here to register and learn more.

April 19

Mural Dedication hosted by Mural Arts Philadelphia at 2200 N. Front St. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is in celebration of a new mural at the corner of Front & Susquehanna, honoring the Norris Square community's rich history and Caribbean heritage. At 9 a.m., the event will begin with a park cleanup at Norris Square Park, led by the Friends of Norris Square Park. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a tour of the new mural, speeches, live performances from the students of Mad Beatz Philly and more. Go here to register and learn more.
Easter basket giveaway hosted by Wanda Community Event inc at Harrowgate Park (3455 Kensington Ave.) at 2 p.m. There will be free raffles, snacks and 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 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.