Milestones Newspaper December 2023

PHILADELPHIA CORPORATION FOR AGING

December 2023

Free

IN THIS ISSUE

PLANNING FOR PCA 2.0

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PCA DELIVERS: WE’RE HERE TO SERVE YOU

P CA at 50 Years: A Golden Retrospective

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THE WALLACE BUILDING: PCA’S HISTORIC HOME Years of aging with you!

PHILADELPHIA CORPORATION FOR AGING P7

The Area Agency on Aging for older Philadelphians & people with disabilities

Milestones 2

December 2023

PCA 2.0 by 2033: Strategic planning leads the way

By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA PCA President & CEO PHILADELPHIA CORPORATION FOR AGING

WHAT IS PCA?

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is a nonprofit agency dedicated to serving Philadelphia’s older adults and adults with disabilities.

PCA publishes Milestones and offers: • Care in the home • Home-delivered meals • Home repairs and modifications • Protective services • Senior centers • Caregiver support • Employment and For more information, call the PCA volunteer programs Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit • Legal services pcaCares.org.

• Transportation • Ombudsman services • Health education • Information and referral

Published by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA President and CEO PCA Board of Directors 2023-24 Glenn D. Bryan, Chair Louis G. Colbert, Co-Chair Eloise Young, Treasurer Lynn Fields Harris, Secretary Satya B. Verma, O.D., Immediate Past Chair Denise Adamucci Louis A. Bove, Esq. Nora Dowd Eisenhower, Esq. Wilmarie Gonzalez Sandra McNally Paul Nathanson Norma D. Thomas, D.S.W. John Whitman Jacqueline S. Zinn, Ph.D. Emeritus: Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M.

Call 24/7 to report suspected elder abuse.

PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040 Outside Philadelphia toll-free: 888-215-765-9041 (TDD) pcaCares.org

Milestones is published monthly and distributed at more than 1,100 locations throughout Philadelphia.

Check us out online: pcaCares.org/Milestones Editor: Alicia M. Colombo 215-765-9000, ext. 5081 PCA, 642 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19130 Email: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org Advertising: Teresa Heavens 215-765-9000, ext. 5053 Email: Teresa.Heavens@pcaCares.org Subscriptions & Distributions: 215-765-9000, ext. 5081 Email: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org Home delivery: $12/year

The views expressed in Milestones are not necessarily those of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). Milestones will not knowingly accept or publish fraudulent or misleading advertising.

Milestones reserves the right to edit, revise or reject ads. Milestones assumes no responsibility for errors, misprints, omissions or misinformation; for failure to publish an ad; or for any damages of any kind. Neither the publisher nor any other party is rendering expert advice in this publication.

No part of this newspaper may be reproduced without the permission of PCA. ©2023 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. All rights reserved.

On Dec. 3, 2023, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) will mark its 50th anniversary. That’s five incredible decades of providing much-needed support to older Philadelphians and people living with disabilities. Services provided by us over this timeframe are in the millions! This includes 43 million nutritious meals, 5 million rides sponsored, more than 3 million calls answered by PCA’s Helpline, more than 2 million hours of senior companionship, 1 million assessments for long-term Dr. Najja R. Orr, president & CEO of PCA, care services conducted, and 1 million older shown at the agency’s 50th anniversary Philadelphians assisted with free Medicare fundraiser. counseling. [See the infographic on page 6.]

Our legacy of caring was bolstered even fur• PCA hosting 18 listening sessions across ther in 2023. Below are just some of the accomthe city and gathering feedback and sugplishments we’ve achieved over the past year: gestions from more than 450 older adults • Creating the LBGTQ+ Advisory Council. and other aging-services stakeholders • Raising more than $400,000 for PCA’s to help the Pennsylvania Department of two charitable funds: the Rodney D. Aging develop its future Master Plan for Williams Philadelphia Fund for SeOlder Adults. The Master Plan is a 10niors, which supports the vital services year strategic plan designed to transform PCA provides to help older adults age in the infrastructure and coordination of place, and the Emergency Fund for Older services for older Pennsylvanians.

Philadelphians, a resource of last resort In preparation for to help low-inPCA’s next 50 years, we come older adults “Change will not come if we wait are looking at ways we in crisis who need for some other person or some can continue to grow and help with the basic other time. We are the ones we’ve support the communihuman needs. been waiting for.We are the change ty better. We are setting • Piloting a benefits that we seek.” short- and long-term screening service goals to help us improve, —Barack Obama through the PCA both as a service agency Helpline. and as a business.

• Collaborating to create the home-sharing It is with excitement that we look toward creservice, Housemates of Philadelphia ating a stronger foundation for PCA’s future by County. committing to it and making it successful for • Piloting a best-practice project by PCA’s the many older Philadelphians and adults with Housing Department, in collaboration disabilities we serve, both today and tomorrow. with the Mayor’s Commission on AgPCA has been here to serve older Philadeling and Phila. Dept. of Public Health, to phians and their caregivers for the past 50 install air conditioners in the homes of years, and we’ll be here for the next 50 years older adults. and beyond! Please reach out to the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org for information about our programs and services.

Milestones 4

December 2023

PCA delivers: 50 years of serving older Philadelphians

By Jay Nachman

Shirley Murphy, 91, receives homedelivered meals from PCA to help her stay healthy and independent.

emblazoned above: “We Can Do It.” The Rosies were bold, breaking down barriers and proving, without a doubt, that women could accomplish the same tasks as men.

“Many people couldn’t handle that stuff,” she added. “I always liked to do difficult things as a job.”

Harris was also active in her church and at her local senior center, where she taught sewing.

“I cooked all the time. I was a good cook. I cooked everything, like my mother cooked everything,” said Harris, who raised a son and has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

At one time, she received in-home care from PCA. These personalized services, which are coordinated by trained care managers, provide long-term support to help older adults remain safe in their homes.

Now that Harris is unable to cook as often as she used to, she relies on meals from PCA to help keep her nourished. Each week, PCA hand delivers more than 23,000 meals to the homes of older Philadelphians.

The options include breakfast, lunch and dinner, chosen from a healthy menu. All meals provided by PCA are designed by a registered dietician to meet one-third of the recommended dietary allowance for older adults, meet the dietary guidelines for Americans and are moderately low in fat and sodium. Each meal includes complements, such as milk, fruit, bread and dessert.

“The meals are very good,” Harris said about the seven frozen meals she receives weekly from PCA.

Shirley Murphy, 91, and Nellie Harris, 101, used to make mouthwatering meals in their kitchens.

But over time their stoves have gone cold. The two Philadelphia residents receive meals delivered to their homes by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), as part of the agency’s more than 30 programs to support aging in place.

Harris, who lives in North Philadelphia and now has limited mobility, is proud of her work during World War II, where she assembled artillery at the Frankford Arsenal.

She was an actual “Rosie the Riveter.” During wartime, the moniker “Rosie the Riveter” portrayed a strong, confident female worker Meals support autonomy flexing her muscle with the words Shirley Murphy worked for paper

box manufacturer Louis Sherman & Co. from 1950 to 1998, when she retired after nearly half a century of service. She was the shop steward and the recording secretary for the union.

Now, due to her limited mobility, Murphy has difficulty cooking for herself. “I can’t stand on my legs to cook anymore,” she explained.

She raised two daughters and prided herself in making delicious meals every day. You name it, she could make it. Her specialties included fried chicken, steak, catfish, spaghetti, potato salad and greens. She would usually top off those hearty meals with a delicious, homemade pineapple upside-down cake.

“She was considered a master

chef in our kitchen for many years.

People flocked to her house to enjoy her meals,” said Murphy’s daughter, Peythia Stubbs.

Now, PCA helps Murphy maintain her independence. “She still loves food and enjoys dining,” Stubbs said. “Of course, our family members provide her with homecooked meals to help supplement the weekly meals that are being delivered by PCA.” For information about PCA’s home-delivered meals and other programs, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040, go to pcaCares.org or see page 5.

Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.

Happy Holidays!

May this season be filled with happiness, peace, and love. All the best to you and yours in 2024!

With warmest wishes, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

Years of aging with you!

Established in 1973, PCA is a private, nonprofit Area Agency on Aging funded primarily through federal and state sources.

Years of aging with you!

PHILADELPHIA CORPORATION FOR AGING

Mission To improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians and people with disabilities and to assist them in achieving their maximum level of health, independence and productivity.

Key Programs & Services PCA provides vital programs that allow older Philadelphians and adults with disabilities to remain engaged in their communities and empowered in their homes.

Touching the lives of more than 140,000 annually.

Community and Connection Senior Centers Centers throughout the city provide older adults with opportunities for social interaction, education, exercise, and nutritious lunchtime meals.

PA MEDI Health insurance assistance that provides counseling on Medicare, Medicaid and PACE/ PACENET (PA’s prescription assistance program).

Employment/Job Training Senior Companion Individuals 55+ are matched with an older adult Helps mature workers to stay competitive in who is homebound to provide companionship. the work force.

Health & Wellness Evidence-based programs that provide older adults with information to help them reduce the risk of disability, illness, and chronic conditions.

Transportation Provided for older adults to get to important activities.

Help in the Home Eligibility Assessment Assessment workers evaluate individuals’ eligibility for long-term care services.

Home Repairs and Modifications Improving safety and accessibility through home modifications and minor repairs.

Home-Delivered Meals Balanced meals delivered to the door of individuals who are experiencing barriers to proper nutrition.

OPTIONS Program Trained care managers provide personalized coordination of services for those who need long-term support to remain safely in their homes.

Domiciliary Care Alternative living arrangements created to place those with barriers to daily living in a friendly environment with families who can assist with their needs.

Caregiver Support Empower caregivers of older adults or adults with disabilities and older relatives caring for children through information, planning and financial assistance.

Protection and Advocacy Older Adult Protective Services Confidentially investigates reports of suspected abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and abandonment of older adults.

Ombudsman Advocates for residents in long-term care facilities and their families.

PCA Helpline- Call 215-765-9040 to be connected with programs, or visit our website at pcaCares.org for more information. Reports of suspected elder abuse can be made 24/7 to the PCA Helpline.

Legal Services Advises and assists older adults with legal challenges or proceedings.

Scan Here

Years of aging with you!

PHILADELPHIA CORPORATION FOR AGING

PCA’s legacy of impact has grown to over 30 programs that support older Philadelphians and adults with disabilities. Highlights of the services provided since 1973 include:

43 million nutritious meals provided to older adults through PCA’s homedelivered and communitybased meal programs.

5 million shared rides sponsored by PCA for older adults through the SEPTA CCT Connect Shared Ride Program.

3 million+ callers provided with information, assistance, scheduling of assessments, and connections to programs and other referrals through PCA’s Helpline.

2 million+ hours of companionship and assistance provided to older adults who are homebound through the Senior Companion Program.

1 million initial and follow-up assessments for long-term care services conducted.

1 million older Philadelphians assisted with free Medicare counseling through PCA’s administration of the PA MEDI Program.

Over 50,000 reports of abuse, neglect, abandonment and exploitation investigated by the Older Adult Protective Services Team.

28,000 homes made safer and more secure for older Philadelphia homeowners through PCA’s Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program (SHARP).

9,000 caregivers supported with holistic resources through the Caregiver Support Program.

2,700 Philadelphians provided with alternative living arrangements created to place those with barriers to daily living in a friendly home environment through PCA’s Domiciliary Care Program.

28 senior community centers or satellite meal sites currently operated or affiliated with PCA today to provide community and connection for older adults throughout the city.

Serving Philadelphia County

642 N. Broad Street Philadelphia, PA Helpline: 215-765-9040

pcaCares.org

Main phone: 215-765-9000

Milestones 7

Beyond the bricks: PCA headquarters is a national historic landmark

December 2023

By Bill Conallen, Elizabeth Long and Alicia Colombo Since 1990, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) has called the Wallace Building, at 642 N. Broad St., its home. PCA initially leased space for its offices, then as programming for older Philadelphians grew and its staff increased, PCA purchased the national historic landmark for its operations.

But long before PCA occupied the facility as its headquarters, 642 N. Broad St. held a significant place in Philadelphia’s history of department stores and clothing manufacturing. In 1888, Nathan Snellenburg, owner of Snellenburg Clothing on Market Street, contracted with architects William Steele and Sons to build a clothing manufacturing facility and warehouse on the north side of Broad Street in what was known as Garment Row. The Wallace Building, named for its location at the intersection of Wallace and Broad streets, consists of two grand limestone and

The Wallace Building stands tall at 642 N. Broad St. red brick buildings constructed from 1903-1905. The buildings are prominent, handsome seven-story Romanesque structures featuring a

Artist’s rendering of Snellenburg Clothing factory in operation

central tower split into a north and south side. Dozens of six-foot windows let in plenty of light and ventilation during manufacturing.

Serving as both an attractive landmark and a lifesaver, the tower atop the factory concealed a state-of-theart firefighting system, with a massive water tank and hoses. The firefighting features were not limited to the tower. Fireproof stairwells, now standard in multi-story buildings, were installed at each corner of the seven-story building. Even the elevators were equipped with fire extinguishers to keep workers and visitors safe. Another innovation for the time was the inclusion of a women’s restroom on each floor.

A private driveway still runs between the main building and its ad-

jacent western building. It was originally used for the delivery of raw clothing materials and shipping of finished products. Overhead, a skyway connects the two buildings on the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors.

The Wallace Building has seen

Ornate Renaissance-style sconces (Continued on Page 14)

PCA through the years Years of aging with you!

PHILADELPHIA CORPORATION FOR AGING

PCA Celebrates 50 Years of Aging With You:

1965

Congress Passes Older Americans Act (OAA) to address lack of community social services for older people. The Administration on Aging (AoA) is also established to administer OAA grant programs and to serve as the federal focal point on matters concerning older people.

1971

Pennsylvania Lottery begins to provide property tax relief for older Pennsylvanians. It grows to include partial funding of 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across PA. The PA Lottery remains the only state lottery that designates all proceeds to programs that benefit older residents.

1973

PCA is founded as Philadelphia’s AAA to serve older adults and adults with disabilities in Philadelphia County. Rodney D. Williams is appointed executive director.

1974

PCA provides support for older Philadelphians with these services: Senior community centers, congregate meals, telephone information and referral, homemaker assistance, and free or discounted transportation.

LATE 1970’s

PCA starts providing home-delivered meals throughout Philadelphia via six senior centers including Philadelphia Senior Center (PSC) Main (now PSC Avenue of the Arts), Holmecrest, North Broad Street Senior Center, Haddington Multi Services for Older Adults, and Center in the Park.

1977

PCA adds new supports for older adults: in-home care and domiciliary care to connect those with daily living barriers with families who can assist with their needs; and an employment/job training program.

1979 1980

PCA begins administering the Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians to older adults in crisis who need immediate assistance with shelter, food utilities and health care.

Key services are added to PCA: Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program (SHARP) improves home accessibility through home repair; legal services for older adults with legal challenges or proceedings, including wills, taxes and landlord-tenant disputes. The National Channeling Project: Nursing Home Diversion Program is developed as a pilot program, and precedes the beginning of formal long-term care services at PCA with the goal of diverting older adults from nursing homes.

1981

The Ombudsman program is created to advocate for residents of Philadelphia’s long-term care facilities.

1983

A pre-admission assessment tool is created to assist care managers to evaluate consumers’ needs for care in the home. A state program, Community Care OPTIONS, is launched as a result of the National Channeling Project. Care management begins with trained social workers providing personalized coordination of services for older adults who need long-term support to remain safely in their homes.

1984

The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) is established by Congress to provide federal support to state and local programs that assist victims of crime.

1987

Pennsylvania enacts the Older Adults Protective Services Act for older adults who lack the capacity to protect themselves and are at imminent risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment. The law establishes services necessary to protect older adults’ health, safety and welfare.

1988

PCA adds additional services for older Philadelphians: The Senior Companion Program matches individuals age 55 and older with an older adult who is homebound to provide companionship and some assistance; the Family Caregiver Support Program assists caregivers of older adults or adults with disabilities and older relatives caring for children; Older Adult Protective Services begins its confidential investigations of reports of suspected abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and abandonment of older adults.

1989

The Emergency Fund Coalition is formed by PCA by collaborating with 25 social support organizations to assist at-risk, low-income older adults who are facing severe hardship. PCA adds adaptive home modifications.

1990

PCA’s offices move to its current location: the historic, six-story Wallace Building at 642 N. Broad St.

1992

National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) becomes a permanent part of the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA).

1993

The PCA Heatline begins, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, offering callers of all ages tips to stay healthy during a heat health emergency.

A timeline of our service to older Philadelphians

1995

PCA expands services again: The In-Home Support Program, in partnership with five senior centers, provides short-term services on a temporary basis; The Pennsylvania Department of Aging Waiver Program is created for Philadelphians over 60 to enable them to continue to live in their homes and communities with support and services. The Waiver Program provides older Philadelphians with care services in their home, such as personal care, home health and home-delivered meals.

opens its Meal Distribution Center to create one location for 1997 PCA centralized provision of home-delivered meals and regular contact for older

Philadelphians and people with disabilities who are experiencing barriers to proper nutrition.

2018

PCA secures funds from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) federal grant creating the Victims Services Program (VSP). The grant helps meet the needs of crime victims and assists in providing and/or enhancing services to victims of crime.

2019

PCA Care Connections is launched to provide high-quality, personcentered and cost-effective service coordination for older adults and people with disabilities, who are consumers of Community HealthChoices (formerly served by the Waiver Program), in partnership with managedcare organizations and integrated health systems.

2000

The Community Relations Department is created to reach out to older Philadelphians and their families in their communities through awareness and informational campaigns and events.

2019

Firehouse Senior Center opens under a new name at a new location after 42 years of operating in the Philadelphia community as Older Adult Sunshine Center.

2001

PCA centralizes all information and referral services, opens Helpline call center: 215-765-9040. PCA begins publishing the monthly Milestones newspaper.

2020

2004

New PCA programs added: The Community Choice Program is created to expedite assessment and service for home- and community-based services to ensure nursing home placement diversion. Nursing Home Transition helps residents of long-term care facilities to transition back to community-based living.

2007

PCA launches its new website, pcaCares.org. PCA starts managing Southwest Senior Center and what is now Firehouse Active Older Adult Center.

PCA’s resilience: Caring through crisis was PCA’s reaction to COVID-19. PCA pivoted to remote operations and continued services with limited interruption. More than 1.2 million meals were served.

Former CEO Holly Lange retires and Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA named new President and CEO. The former Philadelphia Senior Fund was renamed as the Rodney D. Williams Philadelphia Fund for Seniors. The Healthy IDEAS pilot program launched at PCA to heighten awareness about depression in older adults and provide resources for depression management.

2011

PCA undertakes operation of Older Adult Sunshine Center and Southwest Senior Center. The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging give PCA awards for Agefriendly Philadelphia.

2012

PCA’s initial Executive Director Rodney D. Williams retires after 39 years; Holly Lange is named President and CEO of PCA. The U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) is established.

2014

PCA establishes the Philadelphia Senior Fund to support the vital, basic services that PCA provides to help older adults maintain their maximum levels of health and productivity, and to age in place.

fundraising efforts bring in nearly $450,000 in crisis aid 2020- PCA’s donations for older Philadelphians and people with disabilities in 2022 Philadelphia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PCA partners with City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, AARP and other community organizations to keep older adults informed during the pandemic by reducing social isolation, educating on safety and prevention methods, and scheduling vaccine appointments.

2023

PCA celebrates 50 years of Aging with You. PCA marks five decades of service to older Philadelphians and those with disabilities and launches its commemorative year with a variety of activities and events. December 3, 2023 is PCA’s official golden anniversary date.

Events

December 2023

DECEMBER 1-31 IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION & AWARENESS MONTH

Send your calendar items to MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org by the 25th of the month (for publication in two months) Questions? Call 215-765-9000, ext. 5081.

DECEMBER 11 COMPUTER SKILLS CLASS

DECEMBER 19 HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

Learn the basics, including keyboard skills, Enjoy healthy food & great company while In December, consumers are encouraged to email, internet & Google Docs. 4 p.m. Tacony reminiscing about the past year & sharing hopes for what is to come. Noon. Center in learn more about how to protect themselves Library. 215-685-8755 | Free the Park. 215-848-7722 | Tickets: $6-$8 from identity theft & fraud. For information: 1-877-438-4338 | IdentityTheft.gov DECEMBER 12

DECEMBER 5 OLDER ADULT STRENGTH TRAINING

DECEMBER 20 Join Penn Medicine’s Health Talk Tuesdays HOLIDAY CONCERT BLADDER FITNESS AFTER 60

to discuss how the bladder works & how to Enjoy the sounds of the season. 1 p.m.

This strength & conditioning class combines keep it healthy as you age. 2 p.m. Parkway Center in the Park. 215-848-7722 | Free hand weights, chair exercises & cardio work Central Library. 215-686-5394| Free DECEMBER 20 to improve your fitness, strength & balance.

All equipment is provided. Please wear DECEMBER 13 CERAMIC CREATIONS CLASS comfortable & appropriate attire. 3 p.m. HANUKKAH PARTY Create beautiful works out of clay with Whitman Library. 215-685-1754 | Free After a festive lunch, get into the holiday friends. 10 a.m. Star Harbor Senior spirit with Cantor Avi Wisnia. Enjoy festive Community Center. 215-727-0100 | Free DECEMBER 6 music, along with traditional songs in Yiddish HEALTHY EATING WORKSHOP & Hebrew. 11:30 a.m. KleinLife: Northeast DECEMBER 22 Learn about the new, improved version of Philadelphia. 215-698-7300, ext. 193 | Free BINGO the food pyramid. Explore nutritious foods, Test your luck & enjoy friendly competition. healthy beverages & food safety. Session DECEMBER 15 Noon. MLK Older Adult Center. 215-685will include food tasting & preparation. 3:30 BILL OF RIGHTS DAY 2715 | Free p.m. Nicetown-Tioga Library. 215-685- Celebrate 231 years of the Bill of Rights.

9790 | Free View a copy of the historic Bill of Rights & DECEMBER 25 learn about the first 10 amendments. 10 CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 7-15 a.m. to 5 p.m. National Constitution Center.

HANUKKAH 215- 409-6600 | Free

DECEMBER 18 LINE DANCING

DECEMBER 26 TO Learn dances from talented instructors, JANUARY 1 practice your steps & have fun. 12:30 p.m.

Join a delightful quilting class where KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-698- KWANZAA DECEMBER 9 QUILTING CLASS

participants stitch, share stories & create 7300, ext. 193 | Free beautiful memories together. 12 p.m. MLK Older Adult Center. 215-685-2715 | Free

Milestones 12

December 2023

DECEMBER 27 ZUMBA CLASS

This popular fitness program merges cardio with Latin-inspired dance. 9:30 a.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610 | Free

DECEMBER 28 NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Celebrate 2024 with a festive lunch & DJ entertainment. Hats, horns & noisemakers provided. 11:30 a.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-698-7300, ext. 193 | $3

DECEMBER 29 ENHANCE FITNESS

Fun, evidence-based exercise program. Certified fitness instructor leads an hour-long class with dynamic cardiovascular exercises.

9:30 a.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610 | Free

DECEMBER 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE

DECEMBER 31 FIREWORKS ON THE WATERFRONT

Philadelphia ends every year with a bang! Two fireworks shows: 6 p.m. & 12 a.m. Blue Cross River Rink. 215-925-7465 | Free (See page 15 for crossword)

Milestones 14

December 2023

(Continued from Page 7) its fair share of transformation in its over 120 years of existence, including being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

It was considered so impressive that local architectural firms and even the Philadelphia Housing Authority once called it home.

PCA has seen its range of services expand while its footprint within the building has also grown.

Over its 33-year residency, PCA has invested in several upgrades to the building which increase its efficiency and further support PCA’s ability to serve Philadelphia’s older adults.

Improvements include replacing all exterior windows, converting the entire structure to LED lighting, installing automatic-open doors throughout, and rehabbing the more than 17,000-square-foot 6th floor into an event space for PCA gatherings.

These efforts have earned PCA the U.S. Environmental Protection

Original clothing factory furnace

Agency’s ENERGY STAR certification for superior energy performance, a designation reserved for buildings that use 35% less energy, cause 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and are less expensive to operate.

“We’re honored to be recognized for superior energy performance for the Wallace Building and are proud of its efficient operation,” said PCA’s Director of Housing Mark Myers. “Saving energy is just one of the ways we show our community we care. Energy efficiency allows us to save money on building operations, reduce waste and serve more of our community. We’re also committed to doing our part to protect the environment and public health for future generations.”

Modernization efforts allow the building to remain a vital and prominent structure in the city of Philadelphia. When one walks the halls of the Wallace Building, you can feel the historical significance of the building to Philadelphia.

As the agency reflects on its 50th anniversary, on Dec. 3, 2023, the decades spent in the Wallace Building have been a time of growth. PCA launched its Heatline, helping callers of all ages stay healthy during a heat health emergency, and centralized its information and referral services through the PCA Helpline call center. The following services were also added: home-delivered meals, in-home care, community outreach and Victims Support Program. [For more of PCA’s accomplishments over its 50 years of service, see the timeline on pages10 and 11.]

PCA’s tenure within the Wallace Building has also seen its initial Executive Director Rodney D.

In the lobby atrium, a 24-foot tall, 2-ton painted steel sculpture, called “Swoop,” creates an ephemeral presence that changes with seasonal light.

Williams retire after 39 years, then Holly Lange and later Dr. Najja R. Orr being named the agency’s president and CEO. Lange and Orr continued the agency’s drive to grow the resources it offers older adults throughout Philadelphia, whether that be help in the home, community and connection, or safety and security.

As it happens, one of PCA’s longest tenured employees has worked

with every leader and executive since 1984. As we all count down the weeks to the new year, Burma Hart-Thrower, executive assistant and office services manager, is planning her retirement. In addition to witnessing the transformation of the 30 person-centered programs and services of PCA, she also speaks animatedly about the warmth of the “home” that PCA has (Continued on Page 15)

Milestones wants to hear from YOU!

We welcome your story ideas, feedback and suggestions. (Story-specific comments or questions will be forwarded to the writer.) Submissions of letters or articles for publication must be signed and dated and include your address and phone number. Submission constitutes permission to edit and publish in any form or medium.

Send ideas, comments & submissions to: Attn: Milestones Editor PCA, 642 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19130 Email: milestonesnews@pcaCares.org

PCA reserves the right to not publish any submission; receipt may not be acknowledged; and submissions will not be returned.

Milestones 15

For more information about PCA’s services for older adults, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org.

This article was jointly written by members of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Communications Team.

THE ARTS

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By Neil R. Manausa

CREATORS NEWS SERVICE

ACROSS

Please help older Philadelphians in need this winter by donating to the Emergency Fund today!

Mrs. C was very low on home heating oil and was over the income limit to receive LIHEAP assistance. She went to her local senior center and told the counselor, “I am going to freeze, if I don’t get oil before the weekend.”

The senior center submitted a referral to PCA’s Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians, and Mrs. C received 100 gallons of oil before the weekend. She was very thankful that the Emergency Fund was able to assist her when she needed it the most.

Donate online at pcaCares.org/donate | Send a check to: The Emergency Fund, PCA, Planning Dept., 642 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19130

1 Marvel Comics sorceress 5 Mexican indigenous 10 Obi 14 Goals 15 “Oliver Twist” villain 16 Beethoven’s “Archduke” 17 Multi-generation photos 20 Politician, Rahm ___ and others 21 Degrade 22 Skater Midori 23 Camera necessity 25 Visits 29 Held tight 31 Govt. entitlements agency 34 Mil. no-no 35 Felipe of baseball 36 Gambling initials 37 St. Francis, frequently 42 Sea eagle 43 Ridicule 44 Part of QED 45 Rachel Carson subject 46 Impetuous

48 Astonished reactions 49 London apartment 50 King topper 52 Bridal path 55 Always 60 Big work by Rivera 63 Monogram pt.

64 Bestow 65 Stuffing herb 66 Fill to repletion 67 Festive fundraisers 68 Joint

DOWN 1 Bistro’s relative 2 Actor Neeson 3 Role for Gwyneth 4 B ___ boy (2 wds.)

5 Until now (2 wds.)

6 Food storage bag brand 7 Ring decisions 8 Musket add-on 9 OK winter time: abbr.

10 Attempts 11 “Nessun dorma” is one 12 Perches 13 Firefighter’s need 18 “The Bridge of San

___ Rey” 19 Telephoned 23 Berg opera 24 Organic compound 25 Zoo enclosures 26 Conscious 27 Doone of Exmoor 28 Leg. degree 30 Wants 31 Certain cocktails 32 Black___ molasses 33 Aids nefariously 38 Symbol 39 One of the Ephrons 40 Shoo!

41 Oolong, for example 47 Cuban cigar 48 Microbe 49 Champagne glass 51 Natives of 53 Down 52 “Night Train” novelist 53 Island near Mull 54 Agitated state 55 And others: abbr.

56 Perfume ingredient 57 “The Plague” setting 58 Fury 59 S. Grant’s opposite 61 Hen product 62 Lobbyists’ org.

LE

made just across the street from the Divine Lorraine and a brisk walk from Philadelphia City Hall.

“One of my fondest memories about PCA over the years is how, from our early days here, Rodney D. Williams would every Friday without fail, walk through the different departments to chat with employees to get to know them on a very human and personal level so they knew they mattered, regardless of their position,” said Hart-Thrower. As the agency grew, he kept up that tradition.

Today, the Wallace Building provides more than 400 PCA employees with an impressive history and a sound, solid place to call home. “I’m thrilled that I’ve worked here long enough to see that our current CEO, Najja R. Orr, despite the pandemic, changing agency cultures and growing consumer needs, is building his own legacy by continuing the feeling of family, heart and home, right here at 642 North Broad St.”

Crossword

S H I O T S S E }} S A T B R E A T P S }} R E A L G E E E

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December 2023