Neighborhood Chatter: Pea soup dinner among small servings of news

By Bill Gelman

Michelle Lawrence announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives to serve the First Congressional District of Pennsylvania on Monday at Yesha Fellowship Hall, 2301 Snyder Ave. She has resided in the district for more than 13 years, and is looking forward to bringing transformative change to the district through a platform based on “Service, Opportunities and Solutions.” Lawrence previously enjoyed a 28-year-career at Wells Fargo, which included serving as area president and senior vice president for the Greater Philadelphia retail region. She then founded Michele Speaks, LLC, a company that helps people realize their worth, build wealth, embrace wellness and accrue wisdom by providing empowerment tools and special events.

In terms of making the announcement on MLK Day, it tied in to the fact that Lawrence particularly moved by a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s book “Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story.”

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Even a superficial look at history reveals that no social advance rolls in on the wheels inevitability. Every step towards the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals …This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” …

State Rep. Jordan Harris will be at the South of South Neighborhood Association building, 1901 Christian St., on Thursday, Jan. 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for a Rap with the Rep session. This will be an informal event where residents can come out and voice issues and concerns on various district issues. For more information, visit facebook.com/southofsouthphl. …

Who is craving some pea soup? Fans of the American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Ave., are likely responding with a “ME!,” as the popular Pea Soup and Punch Supper event returns on Saturday, Jan. 27, starting at 6 p.m. Swedish yellow pea soup will be served with punch, along with sharp cheese, bread and thin pancakes with lingonberry jam and whipped cream for dessert. Tickets are $25 for museum members and $30 for non-members. Register by phone, 215-389–1776, or online, americanswedish.org, by Jan. 24. …

Fans of the late Mario Lanza — one of the many names included in last year’s Famous 70 — have reason to celebrate on Jan. 27, as it’s the date for the annual Mario Lanza Birthday Remembrance at the Mario Lanza Institute, 712 Montrose St. The event, which is free to attend, will take place from noon to 3 p.m., and include coffee, cake, sandwiches and more. Museum tours will be available. In honor of the birthday boy, guests will get to enjoy Lanza’s recordings. For more information, call 215–238–9691, or email mariolanzainstitute@verizon.net. …

The Flying Dutchman’s second annual Saint Patrick’s Day fundraiser for autism will take place on Saturday, Feb. 24, 6–10 p.m. at the Mummers Museum, Second Street and Washington Avenue. The day will include bagpipers, Irish dancers, food, raffle baskets, music, and of course, fun. Tickets, $35 per person, can be purchased by mailing a check payable to the Flying Dutchman Foundation, 1540 S. 13th St., Philadelphia Pa. 19147. Email flyingdutchmanfoundation@gmail.com.

Have news to share? Email news@southphilyreview.com.