Hey there, neighbors.

It’s a new week with new events and new job opportunities. Check it out below.

Also, check out our Facebook and Instagram profiles to find anything that doesn’t make it in this newsletter this week.

Recent News

Weekly Small Business Spotlight

The Small Business Storytelling Project is a collaborative initiative produced by Kensington Voice in partnership with the New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) and funded by LISC Philadelphia. The project aims to highlight and support local entrepreneurs and small businesses in Kensington through original reporting and photography.

Last week, we published a story about Muralist John Zerbe and his art gallery, which he uses to platform local artists and reduce stigma in the neighborhood. Check out this story and our other Small Business Spotlights here.

News Tips

Do you have a story idea or free activity we should share with our readers? Email editors@kensingtonvoice.com.

Free Activities & Events

Sep. 23

Craft Fight hosted by H&H Books at 2230 Frankford Ave. from 7 to 8:30 p.m. D.C.-based authors Hannah Grieco and Samuel Ashworth will discuss their debut books, “The Death and Life of August Sweeney” (Ashworth) and “First Kicking, Then: Stories” (Grieco), and answer questions from the audience about their writing craft. Visit this link to register and learn more.

Sep. 24

Garden crawl hosted by the Forman Arts Initiative from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Attendees will tour four local green spaces, hear from garden caretakers at each location, and enjoy light food, drinks and activities. The tour will start at Cesar Andreú Iglesias Gardens, then lead to Terra Luna Farms for a bouquet-making activity. Afterwards, the tour will visit Norris Square Neighborhood Project’s Villa Africana Colobó Garden and finish at The Open Kitchen Sculpture Garden’s potluck, happening until 9 p.m. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Cooking workshop and potluck hosted by The Open Kitchen Sculpture Garden at 2241 N. Philip St. from 6 to 9 p.m. Artist Elaine will teach attendees how to make Quipe, a popular Dominican appetizer that is a version of the Lebanese kibbeh. Attendees are invited to bring a dish to share during the potluck, after the workshop. Visit this link to register and learn more.

Sep. 25

“Read, Baby, read” storytime and play group at Richmond Library (2987 Almond St.) at 10:30 a.m. Ms. Meghan will lead the event with stories, songs, rhymes, and more.

Sep. 27

First-time homebuyer workshop hosted by HACE CDC at Casa Indiana (2935 N. 2nd St.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Real estate experts will cover topics such as budgeting, mortgages, finding the right home, and more. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Skilled trades takeover hosted by Office of Human Resources at Lillian Marrero Library (601 W. Lehigh Ave.) from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Attendees can learn about skilled trades like plumbing and mechanics and apply on-site with support from HR professionals.
“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.

Weekly Events

Mondays and Fridays

Mothers Helping Mothers Women of Power Group supported by Mural Arts and NKCDC meets at the CORE at Esperanza Health Center (3222 H Street)) from 12:30-2:30 p.m. to heal from trauma related to gun violence and overdose. Email Brenda Mosley at byfaithenternal@gmail.com to learn more.

Wednesdays

Free writing group hosted by new board game cafe BUBS at 102 W. Berks St. from 6 to 8 p.m. The writing group is for individuals who require a space to write without distractions. Attendees set a goal, focus for 45 minutes, and then engage in peer-to-peer conversation about their writing.

Thursdays

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. *There will be no Harrowgate Civic meeting in September.
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 District Attorney's Office is offering the Violence Prevention Grant from now until September 19. This application round seeks to support local, community-based organizations whose missions are focused on STEM Education, Youth in Technology, Vocational Training for Youth and Young Adults, Parent Training, and Family Violence. To learn more, contact GrantMakingServices@PhilaFound.Org and GLamar.Stewart@Phila.Gov.

Jobs

The Office of Human Resources is hiring for skilled trades jobs like plumbers and electricians. Visit this link to apply and learn more. The applications are open from now until October 12.