Hi there, neighbors.
We’ve got a lighter list of events for you this time around, but no shortage of news stories for you to read as you start your week.
Check it out below.
Recent News
Mobile services ban enforcement delayed, city still creating permit process
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s bill that bans mobile service units from most of Kensington’s 7th District will not be enforced on the bill’s stated start date — Sunday, July 27— according to Mayor Cherelle Parker’s office and Lozada’s office.
The bill, passed in May, requires mobile providers who offer wound care, water, and other basic necessities to people in the neighborhood to have permits. But as of yesterday, outreach groups had still not received information about the permitting process and were worried about operating in violation of the new law.
Read more here.
Philadelphia DA announces charges against man allegedly running Kensington drug trafficking ring
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is charging 35-year-old Edgardo Rivera with felony drug possession with intent to deliver, among other crimes – including 11 counts of misdemeanor weapons offenses.
The Philadelphia Police Department arrested Rivera this spring after observing him selling narcotics on the 800 block of West Venango Street in North Philadelphia. Investigators searched the property and found $19,000 worth of narcotics, $10,000 in cash and nine firearms. Three of the guns had been modified to be fully automatic.
Read more here.
New outdoor art installation brings hope, healing for families of gun violence victims
When Iseia Williams saw a flyer this month for a neighborhood event about gun violence, she wasn’t sure if she was ready to attend. Gunfire took her oldest son, Aasim Williams, a little over a year ago.
The flyer advertised the dedication of a ‘peace park’ just a block south of her house on Argyle Street.
“We’re just gonna have fun,” her younger son said when he brought home the flyer.
“It’s not just about having fun,” Williams said. “It’s about us, what we’re going through. We lost your brother.”
Read more here.
News Tips
Do you have a story idea or free activity we should share with our readers? Email editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
Free Activities & Events
July 28
- Free Hepatitis-C testing hosted by Prevention Point at The Love Lot (2910 Ruth St.) at 12 p.m. This event is being held in honor of World Hepatitis Day. Each person who gets tested will receive a $10 McDonald’s gift card and free health information.
July 29
- Wellness resource fair at The Rock Ministries (2755 Kensington Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be treatment and housing resources, COVID-19 vaccinations and more.
July 31
- Free eye exams at Lillian Marrero Library (601 W. Lehigh Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Eagles Eye Mobile will be stationed at the library with optometrists who will provide free eye exams and glasses for youth in grades K through 12 who have previously failed a vision screening or are having vision problems.
August 3
- Writing group meetup hosted by H&H Books at Valerio Coffee Roaster (2331 Frankford Ave.) from 2 to 4 p.m. This writing group is open to writers of all genres and experience levels. Visit this link to register and learn 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.
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.
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