Around Town

Teamsters 53 endorses Thomson for judge

Barbara Thomson, a Democratic candidate for Municipal Court, was endorsed by Teamsters Joint Council 53.

“During college summers, the hardest job I had was when I worked construction as a laborer. I loved those jobs because the people treated me so well. I will never forget those relationships. They enforced the values of respect and compassion I was raised with,” Thomson said. “We watched out for each other.”

Thomson is one of four candidates running for three seats. ••

Ryan prez moving on

Archbishop Ryan announced on Monday that its president, Michael Barnett, will be leaving, effective May 21.

Barnett, a 1990 Ryan graduate, has been on the job since November 2017.

Principal Joseph McFadden said an interim president will be appointed. ••

History meeting Wednesday

The Northeast Philadelphia History Network will hold a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, May 5, at 7 p.m.

The topic will be Rhawnhurst Neighborhood – A History.

The speaker will be historian and lifelong Rhawnhurst resident Walt Sollberger.

Join the meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88557455157?pwd=VndITVJHcHRLVjVmREI2dGpUK2ZMUT09.

The meeting ID is 885 5745 5157. The passcode is 624426. ••

Mass set for departing nuns

St. William Parish invites current and former parishioners, school alumni and former teachers to a Mass of Thanksgiving and Gratitude for the IHM nuns who will be leaving the convent.

The Mass will take place on Saturday, May 22, at 5 p.m. in the lower church, 6200 Rising Sun Ave. It will be celebrated by Bishop Michael Fitzgerald.

The nuns will be moving to other residences when the convent closes in mid-June. They have served St. William for 97 years. ••

Memorial Day ceremony in Burholme

A Memorial Day celebration will take place May 31 at 7343 Whitaker Ave. beginning at 11 a.m.

The Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial will set up a 34-panel display remembering the 648 local soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war.

Open remembrance for family and friends of the fallen will happen at 11 a.m., and at noon Frankford High School Pioneer Army Jr. ROTC will hold a Presentation of Colors. There will also be a singing of the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The ceremony is presented by Burholme residents Bill and JoAnn Malik.

Those in attendance are reminded to keep face masks on and remain socially distant. ••

Register for vaccine

Registrations are being taken for Far Northeast residents interested in getting the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

The clinic is being sponsored by City Councilman Brian O’Neill and Rite Aid. It will be open Thursday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road.

For an appointment, call O’Neill’s office at 215-437-9167. ••

Vega gains backing

Carlos Vega, a Democratic candidate for district attorney in the May 18 primary, has been endorsed by state Sen. Christine Tartaglione and state Reps. Mike Driscoll, Kevin Boyle and Angel Cruz.

“I’m supporting Carlos Vega because I believe we need a DA who will work with others to take on the gun violence epidemic we are facing. Carlos was a prosecutor for 35 years and knows we need consequences for violent crimes. I know he’ll be the effective and fair district attorney we need,” Driscoll said.

Vega is also endorsed by unions such as Painters DC 21, Bricklayers Local 1, Sprinkler Fitters Local 692, Firefighters and Paramedics Local 22 and the FOP Lodge 5. ••

Ways to donate blood

The American Red Cross will hold a series of blood drives at Cpl. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave.

Future drives are May 11 and May 24, both from 1 to 6 p.m.

Sign up by calling 800-RED CROSS or going to www.redcrossblood.org. The sponsor code is ALPOST366.

Face masks are required. ••

S. Phila. High Class of ‘68 meeting canceled

The planned meeting of the South Philadelphia High School Class of 1968 has been canceled due to possible coronavirus restrictions.

Instead, the class of ‘68 will celebrate its 55th reunion on Oct. 21, 2023. ••

Job training for vets

The Senate Labor & Industry Committee unanimously approved a veterans job training bill (SB 486) 11-0. The bill is headed to the full Senate for consideration.

“We owe those who have served our country the opportunity for a good family-sustaining job in return for their service,” said state Sen. John Sabatina Jr. “Giving veterans preference for job training programs is one way we can show our appreciation as we strive to reduce the rate of veteran unemployment in our commonwealth.”

SB 486 will amend the Workforce Development Act to provide members of the National Guard and reserve components of the U.S. armed forces who serve on active duty, as well as their spouses, preference for placement into job training programs for one year after discharge. ••

Win a Tower of Cheer

St. Martha Parish is selling chances for a Summer Sippin’ Tower of Cheer.

Tickets are $10 apiece or three for $25.

The drawing is May 23. Chances will be sold through May 21.

Tickets are available after Mass in the lobby, on Venmo @SMS19154 (include name and contact info) or by calling Helen Konstance at 215-292-3842. ••

St. Hubert taking summer trip

The sixth annual St. Hubert Summer Fun Trip will take place on Tuesday, June 22.

The day will start with a one-hour ride on an Atlantic City cruise ship.

Next is a four-hour stay at Resorts Casino, with $10 back in slot cash.

The day will end with a sitdown dinner and wine tasting at Tomasello Winery, in Hammonton.

A bus will depart St. Hubert at 8:45 a.m. and return at about 9 p.m. Masks must be worn on the trip. Eating and drinking on the bus are prohibited, and there is no bathroom use. Temperatures will be taken as you enter the bus.

The cost is $90, paid in full by May 15.

To reserve your seat, contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7367 or mclifford@huberts.org. ••