NE4_Current Issue

LIFESTYLESISSUE

Honoring the Father Judge 27

By Tom Waring Northeast Times

Father Judge High School on Memorial Day hosted a service that honored the 27 graduates who died in the Vietnam War, while also recognizing the graduates of North Catholic – a fellow Oblates of St. Francis de Sales school that closed in 2010 – who died in the war.

The event featured the Star-Spangled Banner, the Pledge of Allegiance, an honor guard salute and a reading of the presidential Memorial Day Proclamation.

Brother Jim Williams offered prayer.

North Catholic graduates Bob Kensil and Jack Devine recognized the young men from their alma mater who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Williams, Dennis Kilderry and Christian Huff read the names of the Judge 27.

Please see MEMORIAL DAY / Page 13

TOM WARING / TIMES PHOTO

family of Michael Vitale.

AROUND TOWN

Kid crafts and storytime

Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host a Craft of the Week on Tuesdays, June 11 and 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 and Aug. 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. Children in K-5 and preschoolers with an accompanying adult are welcome. The library will host Preschool Storytime on Thursdays, June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25 and Aug. 1 and 8 at 10:30 a.m. There will be stories, songs and fingerplays for children 3-5, accompanied by an adult.

Call 215-685-9383. ••

Trip to New York

Friends of Fox Chase Library is holding a bus trip to New York City on Saturday, June 22. The cost is $55. The bus will depart 900 Solly Ave. at 9 a.m. Once in New York, the day is yours to do as you wish. The bus will depart for home at 6 p.m. Payment by June 11 to “Friends of the Fox Chase Library” – Att. Michele, Trips – 501 Rhawn St., Philadelphia, PA 19111. Call 215-498-5908. ••

Weekly Mahjong games

KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., hosts weekly Mahjong games on Thursdays at noon in its library. Beginner or intermediate Mahjong players are invited to take part. There is no charge. Call 215-3809144. ••

Half-price sale

The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, will have a half-price sale on clothing and selected items beginning Sunday, June 9. Hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shop is closed Saturdays. Donations are being accepted. Call 215-624-9130. ••

Portuguese celebration on Saturday

The Philadelphia Portuguese Club, 2019 Rhawn St., will celebrate the Day of Portugal on Saturday, June 8 at 1 p.m. The event will feature traditional Portuguese foods and music to celebrate Portuguese culture, history and customs.

••

Yoga at Cranaleith

Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475

Proctor Road, will host Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra on Friday, June 7, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $15. Call 215-9346206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••

Flea market at Delaire

Delaire Landing, 9355 State Road, will host a flea market on Saturday, June 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are invited. Parking is available in the lot near the tennis courts. The cost per spot is $10. Anyone interested can email Jafineberg@yahoo.com. ••

Eco-Spirituality Day

Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475

Proctor Road, will sponsor Eco-Spirituality Day: Forest Bathing & From Lightbulbs to Vessels, Arks and Wells Workshops on Sunday, June 9, from 12:30 to 8 p.m. The cost is $68 and includes dinner. Call 215-9346206. ••

Support for Parkinson’s

Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus hosts a Parkinson’s Disease Support Group on the second Wednesday of every other month. The meetings will take place from 5-6 p.m. at the Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse, 7604 Central Ave. The group is led by nurse practitioner June Ro and attended by guest speakers, patients and caregivers.

The guest speakers are occupational therapist Diana Parkinson (June 12); Dr. Nancy Minniti, a neuropsychologist (Aug. 14); Dr. Molly Cincotta, a neurologist (Oct. 9); and social worker Luisa Enriquez (Dec. 11).

To register, contact June Ro at 215707-2619 or Jungyoon.Ro@tuhs.temple.edu. ••

Sign up for basketball camp

The 18th annual Jaguar Summer Basketball Camp will take place in the air-conditioned Marian Center at St. Ephrem, in Bensalem, from July 22-26.

The camp is for boys and girls in kindergarten through 12th grade, and will include fundamentals and competition.

The cost is $150 and includes a free basketball and T-shirt. Campers must bring their own lunch.

The camp is under the direction of former college coach Dan Williams. For a brochure or questions, email WilliamsD@LSCHS.org. ••

Holy Inn traveling to A.C.

Holy Innocents is sponsoring a casino trip on Thursday, Aug. 15. A bus will depart L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 9:30 a.m., with an option to attend the Wedding of the Sea festival at Hard Rock Casino Arena. There will be a Mass at noon, followed by a procession to the sea at 1:15 p.m. and a $10 slot package at Resorts Casino. The bus will depart Resorts at 5 p.m. The cost is $40, due by Aug. 1. To reserve your seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••

Recycle bucket giveaway

City Councilman Brian O’Neill will hold a recycle bucket giveaway on Saturday, June 8, from 9-11 a.m. at his district office at 432 Rhawn St. in Fox Chase, behind American Heritage Credit Union. ••

Book club discussion

Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will host a book club discussion of And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie, on Thursday, June 6, at 11 a.m. Reading the book beforehand is encouraged but not necessary. Copies of the book to borrow will be available at the branch to library card holders. Call 215685-0472. ••

Claymobile at NE Regional

Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave., will host an appearance by the Claymobile pop-up ceramics studio on Friday, June 7, at 3 p.m. It’s for teens, adults and seniors. ••

Car show at Ryan

The Archbishop Ryan Annual Alumni Car Show will take place on June 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school, 11201 Academy Road (rain date June 30). Admission is free. In addition to vintage and custom cars on display, there will be food, adult beverages, merchandise vendors, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, a DJ and the classic rock band Mojo Channel. Prizes for cars include Top 40 Awards,

Principal’s Award, Hottest Ride on Campus for current Ryan students who enter a car, Father Renè Alumni Award for Ryan alums who enter a car and the Father Noel Legacy Award. To register a car, the cost is $20 online, $25 the day of the event. The cost for merchandise vendor registration is $25, to be paid online prior to the event. Registration for merchandise vendors will not be accepted the day of the event. Sponsorships are available. To register or learn more, visit: WWW.ARHS.ME/CARSHOW ••

Strawberry festival

St. Andrew’s In-The Field, 500 Somerton Ave., will host a strawberry festival on Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be strawberries, strawberry shortcake, chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberries and ice cream, an outdoor flea market, raffle baskets, a bake table, hot dogs and pretzels. Flea market spaces are available for $25. Call 215-673-5938 or Sue Bailey at 215-5845412. ••

Learn about plastic surgery

Dr. Opeyemi Asanbe, a Temple plastic surgeon, will present Plastic Surgery – Pros and Cons on Wednesday, June 5, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Jeanes Hospital’s Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse. Asanbe, will discuss in detail the different procedures she does, and what to consider before opting for surgery yourself. To register, call 215-728-4861 or email rosemarie.schlegel@tuhs.temple.edu. ••

Buy Jeanes auction tickets

The Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus Auxiliary Chance Auction is on June 6 in the Patient Care Center Lobby from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each participant buys a certain number of tickets for a set price and then uses those tickets to bid on a variety of donated items on auction. The item goes to the person whose ticket is drawn at random from the container. There is a sheet of 25 chances plus one grand prize chance on sale for $10 in the main lobby and gift shop. Call the Volunteer Services Department at 215-728-2131 or email rosemarie.schlegel@tuhs.temple. edu ••

PHILADELPHIA’S MOST RESPECTED LUNG CENTER, NOW CLOSE TO HOME

The Temple Lung Center is a national leader in the care of serious lung disease. Now, with the addition of a new location at Temple University Hospital - Jeanes Campus, patients will have access to Temple pulmonologists and services closer to home.

Temple pulmonologist Dr. David Manoff specializes in the use of minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat conditions that affect airways and lungs. This gives local residents easy access to high-quality lung care.

Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus is Northeast Philadelphia and Eastern Montgomery County’s only academic medical center.

schedule an appointment, scan the QR code or call

David R. Manoff, MD

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

June 5

Mark Wahlberg, Movie Actor (53)

Joe Gatto, Comedian (48)

Local baseball camps

AROUND TOWN

June 6

Kenny Pickett, Eagles Quarterback (26)

Carole Baskin, Activist (63)

June 7

Mike Pence, Vice President (65)

Tom Jones, Pop Singer (84)

June 8

Kanye West, Rapper (47)

Bonnie Tyler, Pop Singer (73)

June 9

Zach Hyman, Hockey Player (32)

Natalie Portman, Movie Actress (43)

June 10

Kate Upton, Model (32)

Bill Burr, Comedian (56)

June 11

Mehmet Oz, TV Show Host (64)

Greta Van Susteren, TV Show Host (70)

Registration is being accepted for EL1’s baseball camps at Parkwood Youth Organization and Torresdale Boys Club. Sessions at Parkwood, 3301 Mechanicsville Road, will take place on Sunday, June 9, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sessions at Torresdale, 4500 Linden Ave., will take place on Sundays, June 9, 16, 23 and 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost for each session is $30. The camp, under the direction of Andrew Lihotz, is geared to boys and girls ages 6-15. All fundamental skills will be taught. No experience is needed. Go to https:// www.el1sportspa.com/baseball/, scroll down to Neighborhood Summer Camps, click “Register” and then “Pick an option.”

Fatima Holy Hour

The World Apostolate of Fatima is sponsoring a Fatima Holy Hour for World Peace on Thursday, June 13, at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Calvary Church, 11024 Knights Road. All are welcome to participate in the devotions to Our Lady of Fatima. Devotions include procession with Fatima statue, rosary and benediction. ••

Pennypack Music Festival

The Pennypack Music Festival will take place on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. The schedule is June 5 (Street Survivor, tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd), June 12 (Crystal Ship, tribute to the Doors), June 19 (The Launch, tribute to Queen and Styx), June 26 (Saints in the City, tribute to Bruce Springsteen), July 3 (Idol Kings, tribute to Journey and REO Speedwagon), July 10 (Angry Young Band, tribute to Billy Joel), July 17 (Irish Night, Ed Kelly’s birthday celebration, Jamison and Bogside Rogues), July 24 (Black Dog, trib-

ute to Led Zeppelin), July 31 (Starman, tribute to David Bowie), Aug. 7 (Kick it Out, tribute to Heart), Aug. 14 (Pure Petty, tribute to Tom Petty) and Aug. 21 (Romeo Delight, tribute to Van Halen). ••

Make craft for Juneteenth

Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host a Juneteenth craft event on Monday, June 17, at 5:30 p.m. Craft maker Pam Thomas will assist participants in making a bracelet and pen. Pre-registration is required. Call 215-6858756. ••

St. Hubert headed to A.C.

St. Hubert will hold its ninth annual summer fun day trip on Monday, June 17. A bus will depart the school, 7320 Torresdale Ave., at 8:45 a.m. and arrive back about 9 p.m. There will be a one-hour ride on an Atlantic Citybased cruise ship and a four-hour stay at Resorts Casino, with $15 back in slot cash and a $15 food voucher. There will be a sit-down dinner and complimentary wine tasting at Tomasello Winery. The cost is $115. Contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7367 or mclifford@huberts. org. ••

3 upcoming trips

The Maternity BVM Seniors Group has three upcoming trips. The group will attend a tribute to the Platters at the Tropicana in Atlantic City on Monday, June 17. The cost is $70. The group will travel to Lancaster on Thursday, Dec. 12, for a luncheon and the show Joy to the World at the American Music Theatre. For information on both trips, call 215338-9141.

There is a trip to the Smoky Mountain Show (Dollywood) from Oct. 7-12. For more information, call 215964-7125. ••

So long, Father Mike Olivere

Our dear pastor, Father Michael Olivere, will be leaving St. Timothy Parish and Blessed Trinity Elementary School after 11 years. Father Olivere has been a great pastor, mentor and friend to so many. We will miss him dearly. Our community feels sad to lose such a wonderful pastor. We wish him much happiness and know his new parish will love him as much as we do. Father Olivere has been there for all the good times and tough times for so many of us. You could always count on Father for a laugh and advice in time of need. Thank you, Father Olivere and Father Andrew Lane, we will truly miss you both.

Kimberly Gatto Parkwood

Park playground can be a good thing

I am the person who got the ball rolling to convert the playground at Tustin and Verree Road, in Fox Chase, from a standard playground to one for special-needs children in 2013.

The reason for my writing is to enlighten some readers who, in the May 29 story Winchester Park opposes park playground, made such comments as, “Shut it down,” “We never asked for it,” “Disneyland of riff raff” and how special-needs children should not be around enabled children who are “acting like animals.” These unruly children should be disciplined because what parent would want their child around an undisciplined child whether their child is disabled or enabled? A playground that allows disabled and enabled children to play together affords them the privilege to learn about each other and tear down the barriers to discover that these children are very much like themselves. There shouldn’t be segregation. Segregation only encourages fear and ignorance.

The equipment proposed by Marvel was thought out. It is designed toward children between the ages of 2 and 12. A basketball court is not being added for the sole reason of not drawing teenagers and young adults to the playground. However, the existing pavilion and picnic tables can draw riff raff to the

OPINION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Pennypack. Why are people not up in arms about their existence? I’m not suggesting their removal but making a point.

A solution is that a Mosquito anti-loitering device can be installed to keep away people who are 25 and younger in addition to being locked up at night.

A playground in the park isn’t the park’s problem. Perhaps, even the lack of park rangers isn’t an issue. I can say with certainty, it’s the citizens who come to the Pennypack and disrespect it by dumping, riding ATVs, holding their picnics and leaving their trash behind, doing and/ or dealing drugs or working in the oldest profession. Address these issues and you have the park, community and neighborhoods you want to be proud of. I don’t know what to say about the homeless in the park. They are not wanted and I understand that because you don’t know what type of people they are but can that not be said about the people who use the park every day and are not homeless? Have a heart for the homeless who live in the park. They just may be down on

their luck and have no place else to go. Karen Kaczorek Bustleton

Write in Nikki Haley

This is in response to two letters in the 5/15 NE Times.

I was registered Democrat and split my ticket until Biden became president. I changed to Republican after Philly’s mayoral primary. Biden is the worst USA president we have ever had. China, Russia and Iran are thrilled. If we had a Mount Rushmore of shame, I’d nominate him, Carter, Nixon and Obama for inclusion.

I did not want to see a rematch of 2020, like 71% of Americans. Another reason I changed parties is to vote for Nikki Haley. I did in the primary and still will in the general.

Is Trump a nice guy? Has he always told the truth? No to both. Not to say he rates inclusion on Mount Rushmore, but he was infinitely better for USA and the world as a whole as president than Biden

has been. To wit, both letters deride the slogan MAGA. In response, I ask why they object to America being great? Biden has told some whoppers: Like commiserating with Gold Star families comparing a soldier dying in combat to his son, who didn’t. How about graduating at the top of his class? An uncle eaten by cannibals? Made real international friends with that one.

The Jan. 6 riot was mentioned. Disgusting. But how many people went to prison for the Floyd riots? They went on for a month and caused billions in damage.

Ukraine and Israel? Everyone forgets how Biden said it’s one thing if it’s a minor incursion. Wonder if he was talking to Hamas or Putin? Seems like both to me. Then there was Poland offering fighters to Ukraine very early in the “incursion” that Biden blocked. Why?

Classified documents? Well, why did Bden have them from his VP and Senate days when he wasn’t even in the chain of command?

Trump is later described as “irresponsible, insane, dangerous, pyschopathic.” Addressing dangerous, there were fewer people killed in foreign wars in all Trump’s presidency than one year under Biden. Having seen dementia, I wonder if Biden isn’t in some stage of it.

Trump is blamed for “tanking the economy” and inflation in the “postCOVID years.” Well, shouldn’t he then get credit for development of the vaccine? Odd thing about the “post-COVID years.” Biden is president, not Trump. And how was that $7 gas?

I’ll wrap up by repeating Nikki Haley is my choice for president. Hope she runs again in ’28.

Joe Jackson Bustleton

Memorial Day at the Protestant Home

The Philadelphia Protestant Home last Monday hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony.

Bill Conaway, PPH’s director of community relations, emceed the event. Resident Audrey Alston led the crowd in the singing of the national anthem, Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones and God Bless America.

The PPH event also included prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a performance by Boy Scout Troop 160, remarks from state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, City Councilman Anthony Phillips and Troop 160 Scoutmaster Walt MacBride, a wreath laying by resident Carol Drummond, the playing of Taps and a reading of the poem In Flanders Fields by resident Carol Feeley. Conaway also explained the meaning of the table set for one, signifying Prisoners of War and Missing in Action. ••

Remembering those who gave all

Boy Scout Troop 160 had a busy Memorial Day.

The troop started its day at the memorial at Jardel Recreation Center in Burholme before heading to the World War I monument at Cottman, Oxford and Rising Sun avenues. The

monument features the names of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps “Sons of Burholme” who fought in World War I in 1917 and ‘18.

Next, the troop took part in a ceremony at the Philadelphia Protestant Home. ••

AROUND TOWN

Church buying synagogue building

The Block Church

announced recently that it is buying the Congregations of Shaare Shamayim building, at 9768 Verree Road in Bustleton.

Earlier this year, the Block Church made an unsolicited offer – rumored to be for $5 million – to buy the synagogue building.

Shaare Shamayim members voted 152-19 to proceed with the sale. The synagogue has been on Verree Road since 1963.

The Block Church has smaller sites at Sprinkler Fitters 692 in the Far Northeast, the old FOP Lodge 5 at 1336 Spring Garden St. and in Port Richmond and Roxborough.

The church will be moving into space that is more than 50,000 square feet.

“We’re buying a building,” lead pastors Joe and Lauren Furjanic announced at a recent in-person and virtual service.

The bigger space, the pastors told the congregation, will allow for offices, events, worship nights, conferences, parking and a continuation of Shaare Shamayim’s preschool.

Shaare Shamayim will move to the site of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel – known by most as KI – at Township Line and Old York roads in Elkins Park.

The synagogue will use sale proceeds for operating costs, including payments to KI. ••

TOM WARING / TIMES PHOTOS Troop 160 at the Protestant Home.

TOM WARING / TIMES PHOTO Troop 160 and others at Five Points.

A table for one at the Protestant Home. A wreath at the Protestant Home.

Lifestyle: Arts & Entertainment

PPH: The Right Place to Design Your Life

Living with intention requires setting a vision for yourself in the years ahead. The Philadelphia Protestant Home (PPH) is an ideal place for those 62 looking at their next move. Start by downloading our "Design Your Life" eBook at the PPH website and attend Margit Novak’s discussion of her book, Squint: Re-visioning the Second Half of Life and get a complimentary signed copy.

You’re also invited to the Tour of Homes Luncheon Series at 12:00 p.m. on June 11 and June 20. Enjoy a wonderful free lunch before touring the apartments and gardens, feeding the koi and visiting the greenhouse.

A garden oasis in the Lawndale section of Northeast Philadelphia

PPH is a non-profit Life Plan Community with one of the most affordable entrance

fees in Philadelphia, with its own swimming pool and wellness center on par with a commercial health club. Plus, it hosts four dining venues and an array of amenities. It’s all securely tucked away on an expansive 13-acre campus, offering a full range of care options, including independent living, personal care, memory care, shortterm rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Our diverse resident population is welcoming to those who identify as LGBTQ.

Victory Fiduciary Consulting

When Ashley was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, her world was turned upside down. The fear of losing her hair during chemotherapy added an extra layer of anxiety. For Ashley, her hair was more than just hair; it was tied to her identity, her role in the family business, and the way her children saw her. Determined to maintain her privacy and dignity through the toughest journey of her life, Ashley discovered cold capping, a revolutionary method that would ultimately save her hair.

Cold capping, a process involving wearing a special cap cooled to extremely low temperatures before, during, and after chemotherapy, works by constricting the blood vessels in the scalp, reducing the amount

of chemo drugs reaching the hair follicles. Despite requiring an aggressive treatment and capping being relatively new and not widely known, Ashley decided to give it a try.

The results were nothing short of miraculous. Ashley retained over 70% of her hair throughout treatment. This wasn’t just about vanity; it was about holding onto a sense of normalcy in an incredibly turbulent time. She continued working at her family-owned retirement planning business without drawing unwanted attention or pity. Her children saw her as the same strong and loving mom they had always known, not defined by her illness. Her employees and clients treated her as the

Compassionate Cold Capping is helping patients preserve their hair during chemotherapy.

Founder Ashley maintained her hair during an aggressive treatment for breast cancer. Now her company is helping women all over the Philadelphia area keep their hair through the revolutionary process of cold capping.

To reach Ashley directly call 215-600-3960 or visit phillycoldcapping.com

You’ll love this: As a non-profit, once you’re in, you’re IN. We love our residents, and it shows in all we do. We make moving outside the community for higher levels of care unnecessary – even if you outlive your money. As a non-profit, PPH helps residents stay in the community.

JOIN US FOR THESE FREE EVENTS AND GIVEAWAYS:

Tour of Homes Luncheon Series on Tuesday, June 11 • 12:00 p.m. or Thursday, June 20 • 12:00 p.m.

Get an inside peek at our model apartments.

Book Talk with Margit Novak on Wednesday, June 26 • 2:00 p.m.

capable businesswoman she had always been.

Inspired by her own success with cold capping, Ashley wanted to ensure other women could have the same opportunity to retain their hair, privacy, and dignity during cancer treatment. She founded Compassionate Cold Capping, a business dedicated to providing cold capping services and support. Through Compassionate Cold Capping, Ashley and her team offer personalized care, helping women navigate the process with the empathy and understanding only someone who has been through it can provide.

Meet the author and receive a free copy of her book, Squint: Re-visioning the Second Half of Life.

RSVP for these events and download a free copy of Design Your Life at PPHNortheastTimes.org or call (215) 6470849.

Ashley’s journey from a cancer patient to a business owner and advocate is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of dignity in healthcare. Her efforts ensure that many more women can face cancer with confidence, knowing they can still look and feel like themselves, preserving a critical part of their identity during the most challenging times. For more information on how cold capping works or to reach Ashley directly please call 215-600-3960 or visit phillycoldcapping. com. “Cancer already takes so much, you don’t have to let it take your hair”.

Turn Over a New Leaf.

YOU’RE INVITED TO PPH’S LIFESTYLE LUNCHEON DESIGN TOURS AND OTHER FABULOUS JUNE EVENTS.

A unique 62+ Philadelphia community where you can live as young as you feel.

PPH is the hub for active aging for Philadelphia’s 62+ crowd. Enjoy a full continuum of services, dining and activities on a 13-acre campus with 24/7 security.

INSPIRING CLASSES AND EVENTS!

Tour of Homes Luncheon Series

Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, June 20 || 12:00 pm RSVP is required.

Get an insider’s view of our stylish model apartment homes and design studio. Please join us for a tour and lunch with the opportunity to explore the PPH community.

Book Talk with Margit Novak

Wednesday, June 26 || 2:00 pm || RSVP is required. Esteemed author Margit Novak will be joining us to discuss her book, Squint: Re-visioning the Second Half of Life. She will be exploring how to see the abundant possibilities present in later life. Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of her book, which Margit will sign.

Please RSVP to join us for an event or a private tour. Call (215) 647-0849 or visit PPHNortheastTimes.org.

MEMORIAL DAY

➤ Continued from Page 1

The crowd was invited inside to view the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial mobile wall and new banners for all 27 graduates killed in Vietnam.

The banners will be placed on light poles at Ramp Playground, across the street from the school.

Larry Vitale, whose brother Michael died in the war, was the project manager for the banners.

Bill Minich (class of 1981) funded the banners.

There is also a banner with the number 27, emblems of the branches of service and the words, “Our Fallen Crusaders. Lest We Forget. Vietnam.”

Lawn flag-sized banners will be available at Lloyd Sixsmith Sporting Goods, 7554 Frankford Ave., sometime in July.

Cardinal Dougherty, which closed in 2010, also lost 27 graduates in Vietnam. Its memorial is at Michael J. Crescenz Medal of Honor Rising Sun VFW Post 2819, 6850 Martins Mill Road, which

also hosted a Memorial Day ceremony.

Joe Crescenz represented his brother, a Dougherty graduate who was the only Philadelphian to earn the Medal of Honor for his heroics in Vietnam.

Leilani Dinh, a 7-year-old student at Commonwealth Charter Academy who

was wearing fatigues, got things underway with a rousing rendition of God Bless America

The event also included the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of the national anthem by Luke Jardel and Michael Molloy.

The guest speaker was Chris Kunkel, a Marine Corps veteran, author and host of the Project Chaos podcast. The lawn was covered with hundreds of crosses and American flags in memory of Post 2819 members who have died. ••

TOM WARING / TIMES PHOTOS

Dennis Kilderry next to a banner of his uncle, Michael Kilderry. Luke Jardel, Leilani Dinh

SPORTS

Fels coach has baseball team firing on all cylinders

By Joe Mason Times Sports Editor

Sports have always been a huge part of Alyssa Campbell’s life.

Campbell, a health and physical education teacher at Samuel Fels High School, was a two-sport athlete at North Penn when she was in high school. She played basketball, but her true passion was softball.

That wasn’t new when she was a teenager.

“I think before I was able to walk, I had a bat in one hand and a glove in the other,” Campbell said. “I always loved sports. I loved everything, I played everything. Softball was my true passion, but I loved it all. Baseball and softball were two sports I just always loved to be around. It’s always been that way.”

She arrived at Fels last year as a teacher, and immediately started to see if she could help any of the programs.

She was more than qualified to coach pretty much anything.

Prior to arriving at Fels, she spent 12 years as a softball coach at Red Land High School. She also had a coaching stint at Franklin and Marshall in Lancaster and coached her travel softball team, the North Penn Eclipse.

She also coached field hockey, lacrosse, even football at Red Land where she coached wide receivers. Plus, as a physical education teacher, she has the fun job of teaching kids how to play virtually every sport there is.

But when she got to Fels, the school didn’t need any head coaches, at least at first. But then she got some good news.

“They had a coach for everything including softball, which I looked into,” Campbell said. “They don’t have as many coaches in every sport (in the Public League compared to suburban schools), and they didn’t need anyone. When we got closer to spring, our AD said they

thought they had enough interest to make enough for a second baseball team, they might have a JV team, they were looking for an assistant and they asked if I wanted to do it.

“I knew how to play baseball, my dad played competitively. I could keep the book before I could write a sentence. I heard there was an opening. I was able to get in there.”

She jumped right in and had a great

time serving as an assistant to George Dufner.

The team enjoyed a great run, made the playoffs and everyone was looking forward to the 2024 season after a very successful 2023 campaign.

Then she found out Dufner wasn’t coming back and the position was posted.

Not only did she want it, her players wanted her to have the job. She applied, got it and jumped right in.

Apparently she’s a pretty good skipper because she led Fels to an undefeated regular season and a trip to the Public League semifinals where the Panthers ultimately fell to Central. It wasn’t what they wanted, but it was historical.

This marked the first time Fels advanced to the brink of the Public League championship game, and left the players with a great sense of achievement. They wanted more, but couldn’t be happier with the progress they made the past two seasons, and especially this year.

“We have the entire same team as last year, we only graduated one senior, so I got to know all of them last year, but I also got to know them in class,” Campbell said. “I have them as students. I’ve gotten to know them on and off the field. I grew those relationships as a coach and teacher.

“This year, when the previous head coach told them what was going on, they were really excited. It was a nice reaction to the news. I thought they would be bummed, and they were because they loved him, but when he said I was hired, they were excited. They know me, I know their abilities and we had relationships. They knew what I wanted and I know what they can do.”

Together, they made magic.

Fels isn’t a perennial baseball powerhouse but sure played like it.

It says a lot about a high school team when it has good players and all of them stick together. Fels didn’t lose any of its stars to transfers, and they were ready to compete together.

“They already had that mindset of that they want to compete, win a championship,” Campbell said. “We want to play big teams, Frankford, Central, Masterman. They wanted to and were focused. We ran into some barriers, we lost some guys (to injury) and guys had to become pitchers. We had to pull position

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Alyssa Campbell led Fels to the Public League semifinals, the first time the Panthers baseball team went that far.

Ryan softball and family motivate junior pitcher Velez

By Joe Mason Times Sports Editor

Winning doesn’t mean everything to Maddie Velez.

But winning at Ryan sure does.

Velez is a junior on the Archbishop Ryan High School softball team, and since electing to go to the school when she was in eighth grade has been the best decision she’s ever made not just because she loves the school, but she loves representing the school on the softball field.

“It’s super fun, mostly because of all the girls on the team,” said Velez, who is one of the team’s top pitchers and also an outfielder. “When I was in eighth grade, I was going to go to Basil’s, but then it closed.

“I went on visits to Ryan and just loved it. I loved everything about it, mostly how nice everyone was. The teachers are helpful, they really care, our principal Mr. (Joseph) McFadden and really everyone puts us in the best way to succeed and learn. And the softball coach (John Kidwell) is a great coach. It had everything for me and I really loved it right from the start.”

She has played a big part on the softball team, too, although last year she missed arguably the most fun time of the year.

“The day before the championship game, we were practicing hitting and I got a concussion,” Velez said. “”I got hit in the head. It was a mild concussion, but it was still bad. I didn’t have anything bad like memory loss, but I did miss about a month.

“I missed the championship and then states. We went on a little run in states and I missed it

all. It was hard not playing, but I was lucky it wasn’t too bad. The team did great. I was happy for them. I was sad when they lost, not for me, but for the seniors. That was their year and they wanted to keep winning.”

This year, Velez is healthy heading into states, and once again she has the goal of keeping her senior teammates in Ryan jerseys for as long as possible. She’s ready to do her part from the circle and she knows the rest of the team will do their part, too.

“I just want to have a great run this year for the seniors because they’re so important to this team,” said Velez, who lives in Fox Chase. “This year has been super fun, especially because of the girls on the team. I know they’re always backing me up. I know when I get down (the seniors) lift us up. We want to lift them up.”

Velez worked herself into one of the top pitchers in the game this year, and that was a main reason for the Ragdolls’ success.

fun for everyone.”

And while she’s in no rush to end her junior season, Velez has a huge summer of softball ahead of her. Not just as a player, either.

“More softball, I have tournaments every weekend until August, so I’ll be playing a lot,” Velez said. “I love it with all of my heart, I’ll watch it anytime I can. At home, I’ll watch every College World Series game. My whole life revolves around it, I’ve loved it since I started playing.

BASEBALL

Behind solid pitching and scorching-hot hitting, the Ragdolls finished atop the Catholic League and went 9-1. They rode that momentum all the way to the Catholic League championship where they fell to Conwell-Egan in a game that took extra innings to decide.

It wasn’t the perfect ending because it wasn’t the ending. The Ragdolls earned the right to play on in the PIAA Class 4A playoffs.

“This year meant everything for us because we just wanted to play as much together as we could,” Velez said. “We went 9-1, nobody expected us to do that because we lost good players last year. We are lucky, we had a great senior class last year and this year.

“We just had fun. I think that’s why everyone is so happy we’re going on, it just means we have more games to play together. Every day we get to practice. And practice is fun. Our coaches work us to get better, but they make it fun. And we like being around each other. That makes it

“I’m really excited because this year I got my first real job, I’m going to be an umpire. I’m going to ump games of kids 7 and 8, and 9 and 10. I’ve done a few games and I really like it. I love that I’m working around the game. I just love being around it, and if I can have a job that involves softball, that’s great.”

She loves softball for the game, but also because it means so much to her entire family.

Velez considers herself very lucky because her parents are huge supporters of her career, and so is her older brother Lucas.

“Softball is very special to my family, my mom was a great softball player, and my dad didn’t play it, but he’s really helped me a lot with it,” she said. “He loves it, I think because of me. He’ll watch games with me and we’ll go over things after games. They come to all my games.

“My brother is a huge supporter of mine, too. He was a great athlete, but he had too many concussions so he had to stop playing. I love that he supports me so much. It means a lot. He’ll come to a lot of games. I’m very lucky to have all of them, they’re a great support for me.”

••

players for the mound for some big games. Tacony, Lincoln, some very good teams in our division, And every single time they did great. They went through a lot, we didn’t have our starters every game, but everyone stepped up and filled in the position.”

Campbell was the perfect fit.

And she’s excited about what the future holds for Fels baseball.

“I love them, I love all of them, we have fun, they’re super serious and goof off, so they take it seriously, and have a good time,” she said. “They know when to be serious and dial it back. And they know the limits and the things I expect from them. We set it up, we had a great year, it’s not surprising, but more exciting.

“I believe in them, I pride myself in that I always put them in the best position, I know what they can do, what they can’t do. I trust them, they trust me and it’s worked out.”

And as much as this is nothing new for Campbell, she’s still having the best time. It makes all those hours she put in as a player, an assistant and head coach worth it. For her and her parents.

➤ Cont. from Page 15 games to watch, he never saw proud moment for him. It was

“Both my parents have been huge, my dad is the big sports influence and my mom is the best,” she said. “I’m an only child, my dad got me right into sports the second I started walking, he put a bat in one hand and a glove in the other. He came to the last two playoff games to watch, he never saw me coach baseball, he’s only seen other sports. That was a proud moment for him. It was really cool, I called him after.

“We are having so much fun. Next year we will take another step up to play the big boys. We’re excited. We know what we can do. We just have to do it.”

Next year we will take another can do. We just have to do it.”

WEDNESDAY, JUNE

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Maddie Velez helped Ryan get to the Catholic League championship game.

ISAAC’S MOVING AND STORAGE, INC AND ISAAC’S STORAGE CITY AUCTION SALE

Storage Facility Operator ’s Sale for non-payment of Storage Charges pursuant to UCC Section 6A, Par 7-210, enforcement of the Warehouseman Lien The following property will be sold at Isaac’s Moving and Storage 4309 G St Philadelphia, PA 19124 at 10:00 AM on July 9 th , 2024

All household furniture, trunks, books, clothes, appliances, tools, antiques and miscellany held for the accounts of:

Esther Marlsey-Burkson, Account 164630, Unit # 3504, 3509; Sara Ramos, Account 157723, Unit # 3555, 3559, 3560; Gregory Tucker, Account 159912, Unit# 3092

Sale per order of Isaac’s Storage City, Tel 781-436-4760

Terms: CASH Units sold by the entirety Sale subject to postponement and/or cancellation

Barry S Slosberg Auctioneers, # AU-1487-L 3455 Edgemont St , Phil , PA 19134

The following public sale shall take place online on or after June 15, 2024: at www storagetreasures

Estate of Jacqueline Rita Siciliano : Administrator Tim Freund 1318 S Mole St Philadelphia Pa.19146

Estate of George J Kenkelen Jr , Deceased Letters on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the Estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedents to make payment without delay, to Administer George J Kenkelen III, 3419 Amity Rd , Phila PA 19154

Estate of Edward J. Hannan

CROSSWORD THEME: SPACE

ACROSS

1. House pest

6. Emergency responder, acr.

9. Meme dance moves

13. Below, prefix

14. Swimmer's distance

15. Not urban

16. Take a base

17. Grazing spot

18. Stressful or unnerving

19. *Clint Eastwood's "Space ____"

21. *First U.S. space station

23. Salty dog's domain

24. Fail to mention

25. Spermatozoa counterpart

28. Ukrainian person, e.g.

30. State of submission

35. Network of nerves

37. Muscle or strength

39. ____ Mara, Africa

40. Shapeless form

41. Cliffside dwelling

43. *Saturn's environs, sing.

44. Poetic feet

46. Darn a sock, e.g.

47. Per person

48. Rendezvouses

50. Mine entrance

52. After-tax amount

53. Litter's littlest

55. French vineyard

57. *Sun's outer layer, not beer brand

60. *Second S in ISS

64. Ancient Celtic priest

65. Sun kiss

67. "Mea ____," or "my fault"

68. *"From the Earth to the Moon" author

69. In the past

70. Judge

71. Education station

72. Order's partner

73. Food between meals

DOWN

1. Reduced Instruction Set Computer

2. "I'm ____ you!"

3. Not many (2 words)

4. Dungeness and snow, e.g.

5. *Circles of light around sun and moon

6. 90-degree pipes, e.g.

7. *____ Jamison, the first African-American woman in space

8. Tetanus symptom

9. Two-fold

10. Diva's solo

11. Prickle on a wire

12. Sylvester Stallone's nickname

15. Johnny Cash's "Get ____"

20. Churchill/Roosevelt/Stalin meeting site

22. Model-builder's purchase

24. Gorge oneself

25. *Planet's path

26. Type of consonant

27. Skeleton, archaic

29. Attention-getting interjection

31. Like pink steak

32. Of the Orient

33. Jousting pole

34. *____-year

36. Opposite of flows

38. *Solar ____, sun's emission

42. Authoritative proclamation

45. Walked with long steps

49. *Solar System center

51. Parcels

54. Birth-related

56. One-eighty

57. Manitoba native

58. Couple's pronoun

59. Dorothy Hamill's turf

60. Jon of "Game of Thrones"

61. Pelvic parts

62. Petroleum-exporting grp.

63. Police informer

64. VHS successor

66. Palindromic title

SUDOKU

To celebrate our anniversary, we want to celebrate with some of the Northeast’s finest. Nominees must work or reside in one of the following zip codes: 19136, 19114,19152, 19111, 19115, 19116, 19135, 19149, or 19154.

Winners will be announced June 16 and in the June 20th edition of the paper