Hi there, neighbors.

The weather is starting to warm up as we are about two weeks away from the beginning of summer, which begins June 20. We’ve got a few events happening this week to get you out under the sun.

Check it out below.

Recent News

Kensington committee members suggest “removing” people who use drugs, SEPTA pauses social service contracts

The Special Committee on Kensington, made up of council members Quetcy Lozada, Mark Squilla, Mike Driscoll, Nina Ahmad, Curtis Jones and Jim Harrity, held three hearings in May to examine the strategies various city departments, SEPTA, and outside organizations are using to address the opioid crisis in Kensington.

Council heard from Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual and DisAbility Services (DBHIDS), the Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, SEPTA, and Mural Arts.

Free Activities & Events

June 9

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.
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 skills in the language together.

June 10

Will workshop hosted by the Affordable Housing Centers of Pennsylvania(AHCOPA) at Lutheran Settlement House (1340 Frankford Ave.) from 12 to 1 p.m. Experts from AHCOPA will guide attendees through how to create a will, what a power of attorney is, and the importance of the Advance Healthcare Directive. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Author conversation hosted by H&H Books from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Authors Arianna Rebolini and Emma Copley Eisenburg will discuss Rebolini’s latest book, “Better: A Memoir About Wanting To Die.” It’s a telling of Rebolini’s life, history and inner struggle. Visit this link to register and learn more.

June 12

“Surviving In Silence Out Loud” art exhibition at 1800 N. American St. from 6 to 8 p.m. This multimedia art exhibition was created by Philly-based artist Monique Casey. It explores the aftermath of sexual assault and the journey from silence to self-expression. Visit this link to learn more.

June 15

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

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.