Hi there, neighbors.

We hope you’re all staying cool out there. Here’s another list of events to help beat the heat and keep you busy this week.

Check it out below.

Recent News

Rising costs threaten Latino cultural fabric in Norris Square, new community survey finds

Pat De Carlo is known as the “lady who lives in the big house.” It’s a three-story brick row home on the Northwest Corner of Norris Square Park – the green quad at the heart of the neighborhood of the same name. She’s lived there since the late 1990s.

A retired attorney from Puerto Rico, De Carlo has been on the frontlines for decades fighting to keep this once-predominantly-Puerto Rican neighborhood affordable.

Now, the fight has come to her own yard. The lot next to her house - where she picks from her raspberry bush and fig trees daily – recently got a visit from the city’s Office of Property Assessment. The office assesses land for potential development.

Free Activities & Events

July 14

“Two of a Kind” concert at Kensington Library (104 W. Dauphin St.) at 3 p.m. Award-winning duo Two Of A Kind will perform a free, interactive children’s concert featuring songs about reading and books.

July 15

“Campfire Stories” book series launch event hosted by H&H Books from 7 to 8 p.m. Authors Ilyssa and Dave Kyu will discuss their new three-part series, “Campfire Stories,” which dives into the lore of The Adirondacks, the Chesapeake Bay, and Cape Cod. Visit this link to register and learn more.

July 16

Hub4Health resource fair hosted by Esperanza Health Center at the CORE (3222 H St.) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The fair takes place every third Wednesday. There will be free food, clothing, housing resources and more.

July 17

Salsa night hosted by Mural Arts Philadelphia at Taller Puertorriqueno (2600 N. 5th St.) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will feature music by Orquesta el Macabeo, an interactive performance by dance duo Elian Gomez and Ashley Rivera and more. Visit this link to register and learn more.

July 19

Christmas in July hosted by Wanda Community Event Inc. at 1801 Meadow St. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be giveaways, food trucks and more. For more information, contact Wanda Johnson at (267) 579-7345.

July 20

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

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, 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

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

Kensington Health Sciences is hiring for its English Teacher position. To apply, contact Principal Nimet Eren (neren@philasd.org).

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.