The Philadelphia Board of Health postponed a vote on Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s mobile service regulations, citing legal, policy and equity concerns about a district-specific law affecting Kensington.
After seeing the redesign plans for McPherson Square Park and Library, residents asked for more shade, and requested the library stay open during construction.
Free backpacks are distributed to children and families during IMPACT’s End of Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)
We’re about a week away from the start of the school season for some students. We’ve compiled a final list of back-to-school events to get some last-minute school supplies for your kids.
Check it out below.
Recent News
Board of health delays vote on Kensington mobile service rules amid legal, equity concerns
The Philadelphia Board of Health delayed an expected Thursday vote on regulations tied to Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s mobile services ban, citing legal and equity concerns over its restriction to the 7th Councilmanic District.
The regulations would let the city’s Department of Public Health create and manage a permitting system specifically for mobile medical providers operating in the 7th District, which includes most of Kensington.
A first look at McPherson Square renovation plans, city to continue gathering input
Kensington residents can expect a brighter, sunnier McPherson Square Library and a new playground by 2028.
The City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild team held a virtual meeting Tuesday evening to share the plans for the $21.7 million project and collect community input.
Most of the 40 or so community members who attended expressed gratitude for the plans. But some expressed concerns after the city shared that the library could be closed during the 18 to 24-month construction period, which is expected to begin in fall 2026.
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Free Activities & Events
August 20
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.
August 21
Business loan workshop hosted by NKCDC at 3000 Kensington Ave. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees will learn about how to secure funding for their business, what types of loans exist and more. Visit this link to apply and learn more.
Back-to-school carnival hosted by Kensington Health Sciences Academy at 2463 Emerald St. from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be giveaways, resources and more.
August 23
“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.
Back-to-school event hosted by McPherson Square Library (601 E. Indiana Ave.) from 12 to 3 p.m. There will be free backpacks, school supplies and more.
August 24
Back-to-school giveaway hosted by Kingdom Builders Worship Assembly at 3225 I St. from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be free school supplies, resources and 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.
Impact Summer camp hosted by Street Soccer USA, Kensington Soccer Club, and Impact Services at Hissey Playground (Indiana Avenue and Boudinot Street) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The camp will run from August 4 to August 22 and is for boys and girls ages 6 to 14. Programming includes soccer games, skill-building activities and more. Visit this link to register and learn more.
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.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
Free summer activities 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.
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 Kensington Business Assistance Program is accepting applications from small businesses. The NKCDC program offers financial services, legal support, marketing, tech support and more. Learn more and apply here.
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 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.
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.
Backpack season is underway! We’ve got lots of places for you to scoop up new school supplies before classes start – plus a few opportunities to get wet and cool off on hot days.
