Firefighters Local 22 backs Trump
Philadelphia Firefighters’ and Paramedics’ Union Local 22 has endorsed President Donald Trump.
“The members of Local 22 respectfully break with the undemocratic IAFF endorsement of Joe Biden and pledge our full support to President Donald J. Trump,” said Local 22 president Mike Bresnan. “The Biden endorsement was done without a canvas of local unions and the consideration of the rank and file IAFF membership. Local 22 members were surveyed and overwhelmingly chose President Trump. They know what is at stake in this election, and this endorsement should be a wakeup call to IAFF leaders that have lost touch with the will of the membership.
“There is tremendous support for President Trump among first responders, and we encourage other IAFF locals to confer with their members. Under the Obama-Biden administration, several Philadelphia fire companies were shut down. The FEMA grants provided by President Trump put Engines 1, 8, 14 and 39 back into service protecting the people of Philadelphia.”
Trump signed H.R. 4661, the United States Fire Administration, AFG, and SAFER Program Reauthorization Act of 2017, which authorizes appropriations for FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration, and reauthorizes three FEMA firefighter assistance grant programs.
IAFF Local 22 represents the interests of more than 4,700 current and retired firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and officers of the Philadelphia Fire Department. ••
Nazareth honored for care
Nazareth Hospital was recognized by the American Heart Association for high-quality care for stroke and cardiac patients.
Nazareth earned these awards by reaching specific criteria set forth by the American Heart Association to improve care and health outcomes for patients experiencing stroke or heart attack.
The hospital received the Get With The Guidelines’ Stroke Gold Plus and Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Heart Failure Gold Plus.
The award for stroke care means Nazareth has had 24 consecutive months or more of continued success in applying the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment guidelines to improve patient care and outcomes. ••
High marks for Rhawnhurst Elementary
The U.S. Department of Education announced that Rhawnhurst Elementary School has been awarded the National Blue Ribbon Schools designation for an exemplary achievement gap-closing school.
It is one of 14 schools in the state — and the only school in Philadelphia — to achieve Blue Ribbon status this year.
“I am very proud of the progress made under the direction of principal Joy Kingwood and know that, especially during these challenging times, this news will go a long way as we remain committed to providing a high-quality education for all students,” said School District of Philadelphia superintendent William Hite.
Rhawnhurst serves more than 600 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Students represent a diverse range of nationalities, speaking more than 27 languages.
“This is a wonderful honor, and we have so much to be proud of during this moment. I am encouraged when I see how impactful we are in our own school community,” Kingwood said. “Our students need us, our parents depend on us and society progresses as a result of our fearless educators.”
Rhawnhurst will be recognized in a virtual ceremony hosted by National Blue Ribbon Schools in November and receive its Blue Ribbon plaque and banner later this year. ••
Flea market on Oct. 24
Crescentville United Methodist Church, 412 E. Sentner St., will hold an outdoor flea market on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ••
Apply for scholarship
Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia announced the opening of its 2021-2022 application season.
Applications for need-based, four-year K-8 scholarships for Philadelphia families will be open through March 1, with a priority deadline of Nov. 15, and are available at www.csfphiladelphia.org.
All new CSFP scholarships will be awarded through a random lottery and can be provided to a family as a whole for up to three children.
Applications received by Nov. 15 will be entered into a December lottery. All other applications will be selected in a March lottery. ••
Nazareth adds to lung cancer services
Nazareth Hospital has added endobronchial ultrasound — a new, advanced procedure for diagnosing and staging lung cancer – to its lung cancer services, which range from screenings and surgical care to radiation therapy, chemotherapy and survivorship.
EBUS is a procedure used to diagnose and stage lung cancer and take less invasive biopsies. A pulmonologist uses a flexible tube that goes through the mouth and into the windpipe and lungs to take an ultrasound of the area in question. Patients can expect to receive moderate sedation or general anesthesia and usually go home the same day.
“We are truly pleased that we are able to invest in technology and make it available to our community,” said Dr. Edward O’Dell, chief medical officer at Nazareth. “Offering a comprehensive continuum of lung cancer care is a great source of pride for us.”
To learn more, visit trinityhealthma.org/cancer. ••
Playground could change name
City Council will consider renaming Chalfont Playground, 4382 Deerpath Lane, as the “Corporal Jimmy O’Connor Memorial Playground.” The bill is sponsored by Councilman Brian O’Neill.
There will be a Council committee public hearing on Friday, Oct. 2, at 10 a.m. A committee meeting will follow. They can be viewed on Xfinity Channel 64, Fios Channel 40 or http://phlcouncil.com/watchcitycouncil/.
O’Connor, of Millbrook, was a police SWAT team member shot to death on March 13 as he served a fugitive murder arrest warrant in Frankford.
To give testimony, call 267-225-1668 or email sabrina.aponte@phila.gov. ••
Dems sink spectator bill
The state House voted 130-71 to override Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of a bipartisan bill that would allow schools to determine whether to allow spectators at sporting events and other activities.
However, a two-thirds vote was needed.
The bill passed 155-47, but enough Democrats who voted for it declined to override Wolf. Reps. Mike Driscoll and Ed Neilson were two of the Democrats who voted for the bill but against the override.
Democratic Reps. Kevin Boyle, Jason Dawkins, Isabella Fitzgerald, Joe Hohenstein and Jared Solomon voted against the bill and override.
Republican Reps. Tom Murt and Martina White voted for the bill and override.
The bill passed the Senate, 39-11. Sen. John Sabatina Jr. voted for it. Sen. Tina Tartaglione voted against it. ••
A call for extended outdoor dining
City Councilman Allan Domb introduced legislation to amend his initial outdoor café expansion legislation to allow restaurants and food establishments to offer the outdoor seating option through December 2021.
“We need to provide stabilization for the restaurant industry,” Domb said. “We still don’t know where COVID-19 will take us, and this amendment provides restaurants with breathing room to keep their doors open and employees working. City government needs to continue to be flexible in this climate and respond to the constantly changing dynamics associated with the pandemic.”
Councilman Bobby Henon cosponsored the initial legislation with Domb.
“I think the program has proven to be successful in helping restaurants and their employees get through this difficult time,” Henon said. “The look and feel of these outdoor seating options have also brought back some life into our neighborhoods during COVID.” ••
Mass of remembrance
A COVID-19 Mass of Remembrance will take place Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 2000 Shelmire Ave.
This special Mass is for anyone who was unable to have a proper memorial because of the pandemic.
People are encouraged to bring a framed picture of loved ones to place around the altar. Ashes are also welcome. Masks are required. ••
AHCU among the best
American Heritage Credit Union has been named one of the 2020 Best Credit Unions to Work For by the Credit Union Journal publication. Credit Union Journal partners with Best Companies Groups to find the country’s top companies that excel in creating quality workplaces for their employees.
This year, American Heritage was ranked No. 8 nationwide of credit unions with assets of $1 billion or more and was ranked 20 overall nationally. This year, also taken into consideration was how each credit union adapted to the pandemic and how they supported their staff and members.
“On behalf of our team, I am so proud of this national recognition,” stated Flora Caranci, senior vice president of human resources at American Heritage. “We have always prided ourselves on fostering a collaborative, diverse, fun and healthy workplace. Although this year has introduced unprecedented challenges to our employees and members, our team rallied and showed great flexibility and commitment in serving our members when they needed us the most.”
“With more than 5,000 credit unions nationwide, we are excited to be recognized among the top 10 in our peer group,” said Bruce K. Foulke, president and CEO of American Heritage. “Our board of directors and management team strive to provide our employees with best-in-class training, resources, benefits and overall work environment, which has a direct impact on our outstanding member service.”
The Best Credit Unions to Work For evaluation process starts by assessing each participating credit union’s workplace policies, practices and employee benefits. The second step is a survey completed by the credit union’s employees. This survey evaluates the experiences and attitudes each employee has toward their respective workplace. ••
Anniversary party on Saturday
Philadelphia Community Corps will be hosting its sixth anniversary party on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2-6 p.m. at Philly Reclaim, 5200 Unruh Ave.
The event will feature a live band, games, beer, raffles and food.
Proceeds from the event will go toward funding the Philadelphia Community Corps job training program and saving architectural heritage from going into a local landfill.
The event will be held mostly outside due to COVID safety precautions. The suggested entrance donation is $20, which will include two drink tickets. Philly Reclaim will also be open for guests to browse and shop for salvaged goods. ••
Pet blessing, special Mass at BVM
Maternity BVM, 9220 Old Bustleton Ave., will hold a blessing of the animals on Saturday, Oct. 3, at noon in the church parking lot. It’s in honor of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
BVM will celebrate the closing Mass of its 150th anniversary celebration on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 12:30 p.m. in the upper church. Archbishop Nelson Perez will be the main celebrant of the Mass, which will be streamed live on the church Facebook page. ••
Take Judge entrance exam
Father Judge High School will hold a scholarship entrance exam for eighth-graders on Oct. 8 and 15, from 4 to 7:15 p.m., and Oct. 17-18, from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
All students who take the test receive a free FJ mask.
To preregister, go to fatherjudge.com. ••
Boyle wants to rein in “faithless” electors
State Reps. Kevin Boyle and Malcolm Kenyatta are introducing legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s election laws.
“It’s no secret that this president will go to great lengths to ensure victory, no matter what the American people want,” Boyle said. “With Pennsylvania being a key battleground state, we have a responsibility in the state legislature to close unnecessary loopholes and make sure everyone’s vote counts.”
The proposal would crack down on so-called “faithless electors” by amending Pennsylvania’s Election Code to require presidential electors to vote for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates who received the highest number of votes.
Electors who vote against the candidates they vowed to support would face a misdemeanor punishable by fine, have their vote invalidated and be replaced. ••
Virtual career fair in October
RecruitmentQueen, a digital job board and job fair events company, is holding a month-long virtual career fair beginning Oct. 14.
Job seekers can text and video chat with recruiters and hiring managers. They can view employers with job openings, learn more about the company and available positions, and apply for the opportunities that best match their expertise.
Applicants can arrange virtual chat times with employers on the following dates and times: Oct. 14 and 20, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; and Oct. 15 and 21, from 2 to 4 p.m.
To learn more, visit recruitmentqueen.com/bucksmontvirtualcareerfair.
Employers interested in registering their company can call Jennifer Schultz at 267-981-5976 or email Jennifer@RecruitmentQueen.com. ••
Cub Scout sign-ups
Cub Scout Pack 100 will hold a sign-up on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours Parish, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd.
Pack 100 welcomes boys and girls in grades K-5 (5-10 years old).
Email cubscoutpack100@hotmail.com. ••
Election deadline dates
The last day to register to vote in the upcoming election is Oct. 19.
Meanwhile, the last day to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot is Oct. 27.
In a recent ruling, the Democratic-controlled state Supreme Court said absentee and mailed-in ballots that are postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3, will be counted as long as they arrive by 5 p.m. three days later.
For more information, call 215-MU6-3469 or go to pavoterservices.pa.gov. ••
Virtual meeting on election
The Sisterhood and Men’s Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a virtual program on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m.
The League of Women Voters of Philadelphia, in partnership with the Committee of Seventy, will present a nonpartisan discussion of the Nov. 3 election. The program will be available through Zoom, via www.shaareshamayim.org.
A general Sisterhood meeting will follow.
Call 215-677-1600. ••
Virtual run/walk will support police
The Philadelphia Police Foundation’s second annual Market Street Run for Blue will take place virtually from Oct. 16-25.
The 5-mile run/walk is in memory of SWAT Cpl. Jimmy O’Connor.
The cost is $40, including a T-shirt.
Call 484-433-6201 or visit marketstreetrun.org. ••
Jeanes hosting farm stand
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, 7600 Central Ave., hosts a farm stand every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October.
Items available include fresh, locally sourced fruits and vegetables, cage-free brown eggs, cheeses, apple butter, pumpkin butter and raw honey.
The stand is located next to Parking Lot C.
Call Rosemarie Schlegel at 215-728-2131. ••
CTK holding golf outing
Christ the King School will hold a golf outing and luncheon on Monday, Oct. 12, at Bensalem Township Country Club, located at 2000 Brown Ave., Bensalem.
The cost is $100 per golfer, and the price includes golf fees, cart and luncheon.
For information regarding sponsorships or to participate as a golfer, contact Terri Cristofaro at CTKPhila@gmail.com or 215-281-2810. ••
Violinist to perform at virtual meeting
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding its first virtual opening meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 1 p.m.
The program will feature violinist Claudia Pellegrini.
The cost for the program is $18 per person.
Send your check to “Sisterhood – C of SS”, 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115.
There will also be raffle tickets available for prizes. For further information, call the synagogue office at 215-677-1600 and ask for Bobbi Kraft. ••
Nazareth holding bariatric sessions
Nazareth Hospital hosts free, online bariatric information sessions for the community to educate patients about weight-loss surgery options and support services at Nazareth Bariatrics.
Participants will have the opportunity to speak with Nazareth Hospital’s bariatric surgeons. The information sessions will take place at 5 p.m. on the following Wednesdays: Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16.
Registration is required. Upon registration, attendees will be sent a link to access the session virtually.
For more information and to register, call 215-335-2090. ••
