Kingsessing: Seniors Find Creative Outlet At Open Mic
Poems about New York and chapters from a romance novel echoed through the Kingsessing Library’s sunlit basement. On Sept. 28, the library hosted an open mic poetry night for older adults— the first of many, Rachel Hayes hopes. “I think it’s important for the community,” Kingsessing Library Supervisor Hayes said. “Anything positive, anything that builds […]
How To: Get A Property Tax Rebate
Many Philadelphia seniors are eligible for property tax rebates even if they rent. People as young as 50 years old qualify if they are widowed, and disabled residents as young as 18 can also qualify. Otherwise, the age requirement is 65. For some, it’s possible $975 could be returned if certain criteria is met. If […]
Education: Five Classes To Try In Philadelphia Today
With all the negative attention education in Philadelphia receives, the community forgets about the different opportunities laced throughout the city. While there are endless programs serving the area’s youth, there are an abundance of classes and workshops available to all ages and skill levels. From arts education to STEM concepts, Philadelphia is a hub for […]
Northern Liberties: Out With the Old, In With the New
Like other parts of the city, Northern Liberties’ housing market has rapidly expanded in recent years. It seems as if every other street is restricted by orange construction barricades. By the time the seasons change, they’re gone, a new building is up and an old brick home is being demolished. New construction often comes with […]
Philadelphia: Aging at Risk of Financial Exploitation
Much has been said about impact of the millennials, which can make it easy to forget that baby boomers will soon reach retirement age. From 1999 to 2009, the nation’s aging population grew from 35.3 to 39.6 million and will reach an estimated 55 million by 2020, according the World Health Organization. Philadelphia is no […]
Strawberry Mansion: Tyrone Williams of NAC Teaches Community To Use Its Voice
Now the head of community engagement at the Strawberry Mansion Neighborhood Action Center, Tyrone Williams has worked his whole life trying to better his community. From a young age, Williams took an active interest in reaching out to people. He estimated his history in community outreach went back to when he was 11-years old and a […]
Port Richmond: Senior Citizens Showcase Their Inner Artists And More
Friday afternoons at St. Anne’s Senior Community Center are never a bore. The weekly Clay Creations class, taught by Anne Koszalka, highlights many seniors’ weeks and gives them something to look forward to on Fridays. “About eight years ago, a fellow ceramic artist, who has been teaching at senior centers for years, needed a few […]
Mayfair: Community Care of the Northeast Keeps Seniors Independent
Jeannette Kurzenberger is 96 years old. She is a Mayfair resident and has lived in the same home for 74 years. Since the passing of her husband, Kurzenberger lives alone. To many, the idea of a woman her age living anywhere other than a nursing home is unimaginable, and living alone would be impossible. But […]
Girard Estates: Lee Fass Makes A Difference For Older Adults
With a beaming smile on a Thursday morning, Lee Fass explained the importance of strong, clear lines in drawings. Her two art students listened dutifully while glancing between white computer paper and Fass’s extravagant gestures. As a former fine art teacher, Fass found a home at Marconi Older Adult Program when she moved to Philadelphia […]
Poverty Beat: Income Insecurity for Philadelphia’s Oldest Residents
Philadelphia’s elderly population, proportionally second largest of the nation’s ten most-populated cities, is facing a quiet and pervasive epidemic. According to the Census Bureau, there were more than 60,000 impoverished Philadelphians over the age of 55 in 2012. Particularly vulnerable to the affects of low income and isolation, Philadelphia’s oldest residents are facing the struggles […]