Hi there, neighbors.

All the fireworks are gone (hopefully), and a new week is ahead. Here’s your weekly dose of what’s new in Kensington.

Check it out below.

Recent News

Local community orgs shift plans following city’s new opioid grant program: ‘There needs to be some transparency’

As the Parker Administration reshapes how the City of Philadelphia funds grassroots responses to the opioid crisis, some community organizations are feeling uncertain about what comes next.

The city’s recent decision to end a significant community-led grant program has caused many nonprofits to consider cuts and changes during the busy summer season, and prompted concerns about whether the city’s new opioid initiative will meet their needs.

Free Activities & Events

July 7

Intermediate English learning group conversation at Kensington Library (104 W. Dauphin St.) at 4:30 p.m. Advanced English speakers can meet and practice their language skills together.

July 8

Dungeons & Dragons club at Lillian Marrero Library (601 W. Lehigh Ave.) at 3:30 p.m. Players gather together at a table using dice, miniature figurines, maps, and more.

July 10

Science in the Summer at Kensington Library (104 W. Dauphin St.) at 3 p.m. Kids in grades 2 to 6 will participate in science experiments and learn about health sciences and how their bodies work.
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.

July 11

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.

July 12

“Transforming Our Realities” collage workshop hosted by NextFab at 1800 N. American St. from 1 to 3 p.m. Artist Yannick Lowery will lead the workshop and encourage attendees to explore love as a revolutionary force through creating collages out of their own personal images and clippings. 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.

Mondays

Family clay workshop hosted by The Clay Studio at Esperanza Health Center (4417 N. 6th St.) from 4:30 to 6 p.m. from now till July 21, families can come to learn and create clay art together. Visit this link to register and learn 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

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

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.

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.