The Philadelphia Board of Health unanimously approved a regulation relating to Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s mobile services ban in Kensington. The health department will now oversee a permitting process for all mobile medical providers in the city.
Daisie Cardon'a performance 'Ashes and Iron' is part of the 2025 Philadelphia Fringe Festival and portrays both the struggle and resilience of Kensington.
Though the weather has been unpredictable these past few weeks, we're looking at consistently cooler and clearer days ahead. Consider grabbing a jacket before you leave the house to check out the events happening in the neighborhood this week.
Here’s your weekly roundup.
Recent News
Philly board of health approves city-wide permitting rules for mobile services
The Philadelphia Board of Health unanimously approved a regulation that establishes a city-wide permitting process for mobile medical providers on Thursday night.
The regulation is tied to Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s mobile services ban that was signed into law by Mayor Cherelle Parker in May. The ordinance requires mobile medical providers in the 7th District to apply for permits. Those granted permits can operate in an undetermined, city-designated location or between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on a two-block stretch of Allegheny Avenue in Kensington.
Fringe Festival performance ‘Ashes and Iron’ captures Kensington’s heartbreak and resilience
In a converted warehouse along L Street, Daisie Cardona, 23, hoists a ladder to set up her aerial hoop in a black-and-cobalt blue padded room.
With the hoop locked into the 15-foot-ceilings, Cardona grips the ring with both hands and throws her legs up, hooking her knees before swinging in a circle. She has been practicing almost every day for her first stage performance “Ashes and Iron” — a six-song aerial arts and spoken word show that details not only Kensington’s heartbreak but also its resilience.
In Kensington, a botánica offers candles, counsel and compassion
In a storefront tucked under the El on the 2800 block of Kensington Avenue, Ligia Rodriguez — a Dominican immigrant and longtime Kensington resident — has established herself as the go-to entrepreneur for spiritual goods.
Inside her shop, San Expedito Botánica, shelves are stacked with candles, incense, religious relics and ceremonial objects. The shop also offers spiritual consultations.
Do you have a story idea or free activity we should share with our readers? Email editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
Free Activities & Events
Sep. 10
Ribbon-cutting event hosted by Free Library of Philadelphia and Rebuild Philadelphia at Richmond Library (2987 Almond St.) at 3:30 p.m. The event is in celebration of the completion of the renovations for the Richmond Library branch. The branch now has a brand new clay tile roof, a restored and repainted ceiling, and a complete HVAC system replacement.
Sep. 11
Second Thursday maker night hosted by The Resource Exchange at 1800 N. American St. from 5 to 8 p.m. The Resource Exchange is open for after-hours access to their gallery and includes a BYOB. Maker supplies may not be provided. Visit this link to register and learn more.
“Shades: Expanding the Language of Black Skin” opening reception hosted by The Luster Gallery + Studio at 1400 N. American St. from 6 to 9 p.m. “Shades” is a group art exhibition featuring Black figurative artists like Khari Turner and Shawn Theodore, and centers on redefining how Black skin is depicted through visual art. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Sep. 13
El Jangueo farmer’s market hosted by El Jangueo Market at 2600 N. 5th St. from 2 to 7 p.m. There will be local produce vendors, live music and more.
Community Wellness Block Party hosted by COMHAR at 100 W Lehigh Avenue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This 50th anniversary celebration will feature entertainment, wellness resources, and family-friendly activities.
Sep. 14
Writing group hosted by H&H Books at 2230 Frankford Ave. from 2 to 4 p.m. The group is open to writers of all levels and genres. 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.
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.
