Hi there, neighbors.

It’s a new week with clearer skies and more things in the neighborhood to do. Check it out below.

Recent News

Amid praise and pushback, Philly mayor signs bill restricting Kensington mobile services

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker signed Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s bill that bans mobile service units from most of the 7th District at the Kensington Free Library on Wednesday. The legislation will take effect on July 27.

The bill imposes strict permitting, time, and location limits on medical providers offering wound care and addiction treatment as well as any organization offering basic necessities like food, water, and clothes in the district, which includes parts of Kensington.

Free Activities & Events

June 2

Job search assistance at Lillian Marrero Library (601 W. Lehigh Ave.) from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Attendees can meet one-on-one with a Community Workforce Connector from PA CareerLink® and get support with resume building and career counseling.

June 3

Labor rights info session hosted by StaffMeal at Ulises (1525 N. American St., Studio #104) from 1 to 3 p.m. Ryan Allen Hancock & Sam Datlof from Pennsylvania law firm Willig, Williams, & Davidson will lead a roundtable discussion and be featured in a Q&A to inform attendees about the rights of service industry workers and how to claim them. Visit this link to register and learn more.

June 4

Community potluck hosted by The Open Kitchen Sculpture Garden at 2241 N. Phillip St. from 6 to 9 p.m. Folks are invited to bring a dish and socialize and eat with other community members.
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.

June 5

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.

June 6

Student engagement teacher training hosted by Out-of-School Time (OST) | Programs and initiatives at 2141 N. Howard St. from 1 to 3 p.m. Attendees will develop skills to create an inclusive environment for their students, encouraging them to contribute their own perspectives. Visit this link to register and learn more.

June 7

“Lady Without Land” artist talk at Taller Puertorriqueno (2600 N. 5th St.) from 3 to 6 p.m. Author Krystal Anali Vazquez will discuss her novel “Lady Without Land,” a story about a woman who feels lost in and lost without Los Angeles. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Pedal For Peace bike ride & Kensington Summer Kickoff at McPherson Square Library (601 E. Indiana Ave.) from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.For the first hour, attendees will take a 5-mile bike ride and return to McPherson Library by 12 p.m. for the Summer Kickoff event. The kickoff event will take place from then until 3 p.m. and include free food, games and more.

June 8

Art on Hart hosted by Hart Lane Neighborhood Farm and Vizion Art gallery at 514 Hart Ln. from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be interactive art, live music, food 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

Plant Power Hour hosted by New Kensington Community Development Corporation at Kensington Engagement Center (3000 Kensington Avenue) from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Seeds, gardening tips and snacks are provided.

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.
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

Lutheran Settlement House is hiring for several positions, including Administrative Assistant, Education and Youth Coordinator and Shelter Case Manager. Visit this link to apply and learn more.
The School District of Philadelphia is hiring School Safety Officers for the 2025-2026 school year. The full-time position will last 10 months and have a starting salary of $34,526. Visit this link to apply and learn more.

Services

The Philadelphia Community Action Network (PhillyCAN)’s We CAN Cook program provides weekly produce boxes to pregnant people living in zip codes (19120, 19121, 19122, 19126, 19132, 19134, 19138, 19140, 19141, 19144, 19150). Participants in the program will also receive a free Instant Pot and access to recipes. To be eligible, you must be 18 years old or older and be within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Visit this link to apply and learn more.