Hi there, neighbors.
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism has released a community poll about ideas for improving the city, and they want to hear from you.
The Philly Pulse online poll asks for input on key issues, including education, public safety, and clean & green initiatives. You can access the 10-minute poll here. The poll closes on June 1.
Anyway, here’s your weekly roundup.
Recent News
Pa. Senate bill to allow involuntary addiction treatment introduced at Philly mayor’s request
State Sen. Anthony Williams has introduced legislation that would legalize involuntary commitment for people with substance use disorder — a move he says was requested by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and could significantly expand the city’s authority to mandate addiction treatment.
Senate Bill 716, introduced May 2 by Sen. Daniel Laughlin of Erie County and co-sponsor Williams, would amend Pennsylvania’s Mental Health Procedures Act (MHPA) to classify substance use disorder (SUD) as a mental illness.
Read more here.
Mobile units banned from most of 7th District after testimony from Kensington kids: “They shouldn’t be rotting in the streets”
Philadelphia City Council have voted to ban mobile service units from most of the 7th District, advancing Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s bill despite pushback from public health advocates.
The ordinance, which will take effect 60 days after it is signed into law by Mayor Cherelle Parker, passed 13-3 with Councilmembers Nicolas O’Rourke, Kendra Brooks, and Rue Landau opposed.
Read more here.
‘Kind of a heartbreaker’: Kensington gun violence prevention group takes funding hit following federal cuts
During a recent training session, Tyreek Counts, Cure Violence's Kensington program coordinator, learned the Trump administration was terminating federal funds for community violence intervention initiatives (CVIPI) — including his own.
“That was kinda like a slap in the face,” Counts said. “To do that in the middle of us working and making a change and being impactful in people's lives throughout our community, just to stop that, was just kind of a heartbreaker.”
Read more here.
News Tips
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Free Activities & Events
May 12
- Crochet workshop at McPherson Library (601 E. Indiana Ave.) from 4 to 5 p.m. Local artist Katie Brown will lead participants through entry-level crochet making. All supplies will be provided.
May 13
- Social services open office hours at Kensington Library (104 W. Dauphin St.) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A social worker will be present to help individuals find, navigate, and connect to relevant community and government agencies.
- Dungeons & Dragons workshop at Lillian Marrero Library (601 W. Lehigh Ave.) at 3:30 p.m. D&D experts from Runehammer game shop will teach participants how to play the game, how to host their own game as a “Dungeon Master” and more.
May 14
- “Cocktails & Capital” business finance event hosted by Kommunity USA at 1624 N Front St from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with other business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, learn about resources directly from a loan officer and more. Visit this link to register and learn more.
May 15
- “Shifting Realities” artist conversation at Taller Puertorriqueno (2600 N. 5th St.) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Artists Hagudeza Rullán-Fantauzz, Liliana Pérez, and Miguel Antonio Horn will discuss their art and how their work seeks to confront the current political landscape. Visit this link to register and learn more.
May 17
- Free paper shredding and electronics recycling hosted by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada at Fairhill Square Park (4th St. and Lehigh Ave.) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can dispose of old documents, phones, tablets and more.
- Bilingual storytime at Taller Puertorriqueno (2600 N. 5th St.) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Attendees will be read “I Am La Chiva!” in English and Spanish. There will also be craft activities, pastries and more. Visit this link to register and learn more.
May 18
- Board game day at Hive 76 from 2 to 5 p.m. Hive 76 offers a selection of board games for community members. 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.
Fridays and Saturdays
- Play Captains games and activities hosted by Fab Youth Philly at McPherson Square Park (601 E. Indiana Ave.) on Fridays from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be games, outdoor activities and 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.
Free Trainings
- Concilio Philly is offering its Summer Career Exploration Camp for students in grades 6 to 12. Participants can earn $445 bi-weekly, with a total of $1,320 over 6 weeks, while learning about various career options through workshops, free field trips and guest speakers. Free breakfast and lunch are included. Visit this link to register your child and learn more.
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.
Jobs
- Gloria Casarez Elementary School is hiring for positions like Spanish World Language Teacher, ESOL Co-teacher and School Nurse. To learn more, contact the school’s front desk at 215-400-7160.
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