Hi there, neighbors.

This week, we’ve compiled a list of informational sessions and additional summer events for you to explore. Check it out below.

Recent News

Outcry after ex-cop in Irizarry killing gets no additional prison time

A judge sentenced former Philadelphia Police Officer Mark Dial on Thursday to no further prison time after he was convicted of voluntary manslaughter for his role in the 2023 killing of Eddie “Junito” Irizarry Jr.

Dial, 29, received a punishment of nine-and-a-half months to two years in prison – well below judicial guidelines, prosecutors said – and was paroled immediately because he was given credit for about 10 months of prior incarceration.

Read more here. Check out the original post on Metro Philadelphia.

New library opens in Kensington: 'You can never have too many books'

After closing its food pantry of five years in July 2024, local non-profit The Simple Way wanted to find a new way to serve people in Kensington. Through its 30-year presence in the neighborhood, the team observed an abundance of free food services and realized it was time to fulfill another need.

After taking a break to assess the neighborhood’s needs, the team resolved to build The Simple Library, a space for children and families to relax and read books in a safe environment not too far from their homes.

Free Activities & Events

July 21

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.

July 22

Art and Change application support sessions hosted by the Leeway Foundation at InLiquid gallery (1400 N. American St.) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A member of the Leeway staff will meet with attendees to provide one-to-one virtual applicant support for the Art and Change Grant (ACG) application, which ends August 1st. Visit this link to register and learn more.

July 23

School District of Philadelphia info session at Julia De Burgos Elementary School (401 W. Lehigh Ave.) from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Community members are invited to come and learn the decision-making process for school facilities and share their thoughts.

July 26

First-time homebuyer workshop hosted by HACE at Casa Indiana (2935 N. 2nd St.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Expert speakers will share with attendees their knowledge of budgeting, mortgages and more. Visit this link to register and learn more.
“Save + Sort” volunteer day at The Resource Exchange (1800 N. American St.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will help collect and repurpose items and materials for creative projects. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Summer Splash event hosted by the Bedrock Church Fishtown at Norris Square Park (2100 N. Howard St.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be water-related activities, inflatables and more.
“Places of Power” Augmented Reality art installation hosted by the Norris Square Neighborhood Project at 2263 N. Palethorp St. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. “Places Of Power: Villa Africana Colobó Garden” is a documentary that celebrates the West African diaspora in Puerto Rican culture and the legacy of Grupo Motivos, a group of Puerto Rican women who transformed vacant city lots into vibrant community gardens. The event will include a guided tour, a reception with food and more. Visit this link to apply and learn more.

July 27

July storytime hosted by H&H Books from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Child educator Adrienne Barnett (Ms. AJ) will be reading books and playing with toys and instruments with children 12 months and younger. 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 programming 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.