After an August 18 reopening, the library held a ribbon-cutting event to shed light on the building’s importance to the lives of the Port Richmond community.
An ordinance that expands a business curfew currently in effect in a section of Kensington will be enforced in much of North Philadelphia and more of Kensington in 60 days.
We’ve got a few events to tell you about for next week, and you can always check back in on our Facebook and Instagram profiles to find anything that doesn’t make it in this newsletter this week.
For now, here’s your weekly roundup.
Recent News
Richmond Library reopens after eight-month renovation: ‘The community feels whole again'
Almond Street in Port Richmond was buzzing with life as community members and elected officials gathered in front of the Richmond Library to celebrate its long-awaited reopening. After an eight-month-long closure to renovate the library’s roof and interior structure, it has now returned to serve its community as it has for over 100 years.
Residents and library staff shared their sadness in its closure, but also their joy in its reopening. For everyone, Richmond Library’s return marks the restoration of a big piece of the Port Richmond community.
Some Kensington business workers say overnight curfew has been a financial hit, as council votes to expand
An ordinance that expands a business curfew currently in effect in a section of Kensington will be enforced in much of North Philadelphia and more of Kensington in 60 days. The law was passed by Philadelphia City Council in June and became law without Mayor Cherelle Parker’s signature on Thursday.
The ordinance requires businesses without liquor licenses to close from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., or face a $1,000 fine for each day violation continues. It will soon apply to businesses in all of the 7th and 8th Districts, and parts of the 1st District. It applies to businesses located on both sides of the boundary blocks.
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 Lua Vietnamese Restaurant, a newly opened Vietnamese spot near Kensington Avenue and Huntingdon Street. 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. 15
“People’s Workshop” kickoff event hosted by NKCDC at The Kensington Engagement Center (3000 Kensington Ave.) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This event marks the beginning of a series of housing workshops dedicated to forming discussions around affordable housing, gentrification and more. The event also includes the debut of a new art exhibit in the space.
Sep. 16
Harrowgate Run Club at Harrowgate Park (3455 Kensington Ave.) from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. The run club is open to runners and walkers of all experience levels.
Sep. 17
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.
Sep. 18
Utility clinic hosted by HACE CDC at Casa Indiana (2935 N. 2nd St.) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees have the opportunity to discuss their utility bills with legal experts, meet with utility company representatives and more. The clinic is on a first-come, first-served basis and attendees are encouraged to bring their utility bills.
Sep. 20
La Guagua Creativa: Art-Making Party hosted by Taller Puertorriqueño at 2600 N. 5th St. from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Families, artists, and community members are invited to design and create artwork for the La Guagua 47 parade float for Philadelphia’s Puerto Rican Day Parade on September 28. 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 NKDCDCmeets at Community Center at Visitation (2646 E. Kensington Avenue) 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.
Khysir Carter is a multimedia journalist, writer, and editor from Kensington who covers community stories, builds local partnerships, and engages youth in finding their creative voice through writing and multimedia.
