NEWS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS
A Publication of
DECEMBER 2021 • FREE
IN THIS ISSUE
DON’T WAIT: GET YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER NOW
Season of Giving… and Giving Back
P6 HELP OLDER ADULTS IN CRISIS THIS WINTER
P10 THE CHARGE: RAISE ANTI-RACIST GRANDKIDS
P12
The holiday season is a time to share goodwill with family, friends and the community.
Milestones 2
DECEMBER 2021
Spreading goodwill this holiday season WHAT IS PCA?
By Najja R. Orr, MBA, PCA president & CEO
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is a nonprofit agency dedicated to serving Philadelphia’s older adults and people 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 volunteer programs • Legal services • Transportation • Ombudsman services
• Health education • Information and referral For more information, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org.
Published by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Najja R. Orr, President and CEO PCA Board of Directors 2021-22 Judee M. Bavaria, Chair Satya B. Verma, O.D., Vice Chair Angela Foreshaw-Rouse, Secretary Glenn D. Bryan, Treasurer Louis A. Bove, Esq. Louis G. Colbert Nora Dowd Eisenhower, Esq. Katherine E. Galluzzi, D.O., F.A.C.O.F.P. Lynn Fields Harris Paul Nathanson Victor M. Negrón Jr. Sandra McNally Eloise N. Young 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, Lower Bucks and Eastern Montgomery counties. 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. ©2021 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. All rights reserved.
Goodwill has been in no short supply in the time since we were all impacted by the pandemic. Despite the many challenges, we have witnessed some amazing examples of humanity at its greatest. We’ve all personally observed these genuine acts of “above and beyond,” including organizations that assisted with vaccine registration and coordination, helped to fight food insecurities, and provided resources and financial support to individuals who fell on economic hardship. I keep the faith that we will all be stronger, individually and together, after this experience. During this season of gratitude, I also want to acknowledge the tremendous work that our PCA staff provides to uplift our communities. As a nonprofit organization serving older Philadelphians and adults with disabilities living in Philadelphia, PCA’s work has always been driven by its mission and its staff embody this calling to serve and support each day. I continue to be amazed and thankful for all that our phenomenal staff does. We continue to support them as they support our communities. One of the many ways PCA responds to the needs of our older adult neighbors is through the Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians. This fund provides emergency relief to older people who have exhausted all other financial resources for essentials, such as food, medications, and utilities. As temperatures drop across our region, the need for funds to heat homes increases significantly. Each year, funds for home heating oil account for more than half of the total resources dispersed by the Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians.
This work could not be possible without the goodwill of countless donors who annually support the Emergency Fund. With heating and food costs rising, the need is greater than ever. For those who wish to contribute and assist us in our work, we encourage individuals to go to pcaCares.org/ donate. As we approach the holiday season and keep the spirit of goodwill alive in our hearts, I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. Funded by PCA
Join our Team! Visit pcaCares.org/careers for a list of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s current job openings.
Milestones 4
DECEMBER 2021
Profile in community service: Rev. Dr. Timothy Jones By Constance Garcia-Barrio Service has proved a lifelong mantra for the Rev. Dr. Timothy Jones, 75. A former U.S. Army sergeant, computer programmer and teacher, he also worked 29 years for Delta Airlines in positions that sometimes brought him face to face with irate travelers. After his 2002 retirement, he looked forward to taking it easy. “I anticipated slowing down,” says Jones, who has four grown children. He seems to have fast-tracked his life instead. Jones leads Sunday morning services at the Ebenezer Full Gospel Church, housed in the Hayes Manor Retirement Residence, 2210 Belmont Avenue, in Wynnefield. While he helps meet that community’s spiritual needs on Sunday, he stays busy during the week near his home in East Mt. Airy. He rolled up his
sleeves years ago and became captain of three blocks — 7800 Stenton Avenue, 900 E. Hortter and 900 E. Phil-Ellena, which form three sides of a square — under the sponsorship of the Philadelphia More
Get Milestones newspaper by email Do you have an email address? If so, you can sign-up to receive the Milestones e-news automatically every month. This free electronic publication features articles and events from the newspaper, as well as recent headlines and other news that you’ll only get in the e-news. All you have to do is go to pcaCares.org/e-news to sign up. You can unsubscribe at any time and we won’t share your email address with anyone.
Beautiful Committee (PMBC), a division of the Department of Streets. “In 2016, the 900 block of E. Phil-Ellena won second place in PMBC’s annual contest as Philadelphia’s most beautiful block,” Jones says. Block Captains, who rally their neighbors to sweep the block, remove litter, rake leaves, plant community gardens on vacant lots and more, “… don’t get a dime for what they do ...” says Dawn Woods, administrator of PMBC. Woods noted that it’s rare to have volunteers who serve on more than one block. Jones’ dedication to his community may have taken root in his childhood. His birthplace, Plains, Georgia, home of former President Jimmy Carter, offered an example of the power of close-knit neighbors. “We lived right across the street from the Carters until I was 4 years old,” Jones says. “My oldest sister and Lillian Carter used to play together. Sometimes Miss Lillian attended the Black church.” Jones takes pride in his present neighborhood’s unity. “I see the fruits of my labor [as Block Captain] when we come together and cooperate on projects,” he says. “We worked together to have a faded street sign replaced. On another occasion, a tree fell in a storm and blocked the driveway behind our homes where many of us park. When I asked five men to help remove it, all of them said yes. One of them even had the necessary saw to cut tree limbs.” Serving as Block Captain isn’t always warm and fuzzy work, Jones notes. “Some things, say, music that’s too loud or illegally parked vehicles, oppose the quality of life,” he says. Sometimes dumpsters pose a problem. “They can remain only for a certain period of time. Otherwise, people throw garbage in them, and they begin to smell.
I always talk with the people involved so they have a chance to remedy the situation.” He only calls the Department of Licenses and Inspection as a last resort. Jones also helps ensure the area’s wellbeing as a committee member in the 6th Division of the city’s 50th Ward. At election time he knocks on doors and distributes flyers to help get out the vote. In addition, he keeps up with possible problems in the community through Police Service Alerts (PSAs). Anyone can join the PSA list, he pointed out, but for him it’s another way to stay informed. It looks like the days of leisure will have to wait. “I didn’t retire to be this busy,” Jones says, “but I’m glad to help serve the needs of my neighbors, to help ensure a good quality of life for us all.” Native Philadelphian Constance Garcia-Barrio writes about many topics, including Black history.
Block Captains help make Philadelphia cleaner, kinder Philadelphia’s block captains volunteer their time and talent to help keep their streets attractive. In addition to beautification and cleanliness, many block captains help connect their neighbors to food, community resources and information, as well as work to ensure a security within the neighborhood. Block Captains serve under the sponsorship of the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee (PMBC), a division of Philadelphia’s Streets Department. To learn more about block captains or to become one, visit PhiladelphiaStreets.com/ pmbc or call 215-685-3981.
DECEMBER 2021
Milestones 5
Autoimmune disorders in older adults: What you need to know By Mary Anna Rodabaugh An autoimmune disease is a condition where your immune system attacks your own body and causes damage to your system. There are over 100 different known autoimmune disorders including but not limited to psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, as many as 23.5 million people in the United States have an autoimmune disorder. However, the onset of most autoimmune disorders occurs in individuals younger than 60. There are several autoimmune disorders that can develop in older adults. One such disease is Sjogren’s syndrome. This autoimmune disorder causes dry mouth and dry eyes in older adults. Other symptoms include pain in the joints or muscles, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness or impaired voice. It is treated with eye drops, a saliva stimulator and other medications if needed. “Probably the most common autoimmune condition that might occur only in older adults would be giant cell arteritis, also called temporal cell arteritis,” says Tom Goldberg, MD, FACP, chief of geriatric medicine at Abington Jefferson Health. Giant cell arteritis (GCA) (not to be confused with arthritis), is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of arteries, and it can affect the head and neck. Symptoms include headaches and changes in vision. GCA is diagnosed with blood tests and a biopsy of the temporal artery in the head. “GCA requires prompt treatment with steroids to avoid loss of vision after diagnosis,” says Goldberg. “This autoimmune disease sometimes goes along with a muscle ache condition called polymyalgia rheumatica.”
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If you are experiencing symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica in conjunction with GCA, you may be prescribed a low dose steroid. Treatment can last several years, but many patients experience relief from symptoms after a few days.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of an autoimmune disease can mimic other health conditions. Therefore, it is important to take note if you experience any ailments or symptoms that begin abruptly or seem out of the ordinary. Often, patients do not notice symptoms until they impact their quality of life. “If you have any new symptoms, you should consult your primary care physician,” says Goldberg. Your doctor can help you determine if your symptoms are related to a possible autoimmune disorder. You may need to see a rheumatologist for further testing. In the event of a GCA diagnosis, you may need to see an eye doctor as well.
Risk factors
The number one risk factor for GCA is aging. While other autoimmune disorders may not have specific risk factors, they can increase your chances of developing more serious illnesses. According to AARP, research shows that people with inflammatory bowel disease are five times more likely to develop colon cancer. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis have nearly double the chance they will experience some form of heart disease.
Treatment
Treatment for autoimmune diseases may vary based on symptoms present. However, the majority of autoimmune conditions are treated with steroids, antiinflammatories and biologics. Biologics are medications created from living organisms or that contain components of living organisms. These drugs can treat psoriasis, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis among other conditions.
In terms of prevention, there is little you can do to avoid developing an autoimmune disorder. “There is no vaccination, no preventive treatment, and no environmental or dietary components you can avoid,” says Goldberg. If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, you will likely manage it throughout your lifetime. But there is a silver lining for older adults. As you age, your immune system gets weaker, which makes older adults less susceptible to immune-related diseases, says Goldberg.
The bottom line
Always remember to document any new symptoms you experience and share with your doctor. The sooner you address your symptoms, the sooner you can get back to doing the things you love.
Mary Anna Rodabaugh is a writer, editor and writing coach.
Milestones 6
DECEMBER 2021
Don’t wait to get your ‘life planning’ documents in order By Jay Nachman If you wait too long, it’s too late. That’s the advice of Karen C. Buck when it comes to finalizing your life planning documents, such as wills, advance directives and powers of attorney. “We call it life planning, not estate planning, because we encourage everyone, particularly older people, to be thinking about planning for their lives, their financial well-being, their health care and their decision making, especially when they’re able to make their own decisions,” said Buck, executive director at the SeniorLAW Center in Center City. The nonprofit SeniorLAW Center serves about 10,000 people a year with a variety of programs and services, Buck said. Its services are free; the center focuses on the most vulnerable and low-income older adults, those in the greatest economic and social need. Its PA SeniorLAW HelpLine services of legal advice and information, however, are open to all Pennsylvanians 60 and older of all income levels. There are four documents, a quartet Buck called them, that older adults need to be concerned with. They are: • Health care power of attorney. • Durable/financial power of attorney. • Living will, which outlines end-of-life decisions. • Last will and testament, which is about distribution of possessions after death. “We want to choose people to help us with those decisions and choose our priorities while we are able to and it’s not an emergency. So that’s the idea of advanced planning. We plan in advance when things are calm and when we’re well so that when we are not, and things are an emergency, we’re not scrambling to make those decisions,” Buck said. Buck also advises those who are working on their life planning documents to
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seek out legal counsel if possible. Using the wrong terminology or not conforming to ever-changing state laws can deem documents invalid, she said. It’s important, too, Buck said, to look at this planning through the lenses of racial justice and community preservation and as a poverty fighting tool. “Homes are the primary asset for older adults that are passed on to selected loved ones and that we look at for stabilizing communities, fighting poverty and preventing homelessness. Advance planning can be a tool for all of those things,” she said. “This is also a way to ensure that generational wealth is passed on to the next generation, particularly in terms of housing for older people.” The loss of homes, or the possible loss of homes, through what she called “tangled titles,” is something that Kathy Ochroch has worked on as a partner and director of pro bono services at the Blank Rome law firm. What typically happens, Ochroch said, are situations where someone is living in their parents’ or their grandparents’ home, which is what was intended. But it was never left to them properly because it was never properly probated for them. “Philadelphia has a very high percentage of people who own their homes but who are still low-income. Often they think that they don’t need to have these
documents. But the truth is, we have a terrible problem with tangled titles, homes that are not being passed properly to the next generation. “By doing these documents properly and making sure that someone’s wishes are known and followed through upon, we can make sure that these properties, which are still valuable to families, are passed properly to the next generation as the homeowner wishes them to be.” Ochroch also recommends preparing a financial power of attorney document. Sometimes, an older adult will need
help with writing checks for bills. Adding a family member or friend’s name to your checking account for the purpose of bill payment is unsafe and ill advised, because it doesn’t create a fiduciary relationship. Instead, it gives that person co-ownership of the account and access to all the money in it. With a financial power of attorney, your designated person can write checks only for your benefit. There are more protections in place through a power of attorney with an agent as opposed to what some might consider the easier way of adding the person’s name to a bank account. Getting your affairs in order with the proper life planning documents empowers you to make decisions for yourself and gives you the peace of mind to know that your wishes will be carried out. *** For more information about SeniorLAW Center programs and services, go to seniorlawcenter.org or call the PA SeniorLAW HelpLine at 1-877-727-7529. Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.
Give your family peace of mind By Alicia M. Colombo, Milestones editor
The topics for Milestones articles are planned weeks to months in advance, with the intent to provide our readers with vital information and resources to help improve their lives. When I assigned this story about life planning documents, I could never have imagined the great relevance it would have on my own life. Weeks later, my father had a stroke. Dad was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent a series of tests and procedures. The outlook was very bleak. We waited and prayed for three agonizing days, but there was no improvement. We knew that dad would not want to be
kept alive on machines. He had signed a living will years ago that told us what to do. It was incredibly difficult, but it was dad’s decision. All extraordinary measures were stopped and dad passed away peacefully a few hours later, surrounded by his loving family. Dad would have been 82 this month. He was a very thoughtful and caring man, who always did what he could to help others. Perhaps, the greatest gift he gave his family was the peace of mind to fulfill his last wishes with dignity and respect.
DECEMBER 2021
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS:
Milestones 7 iStock
Meals programs in the new normal By Shannon Reyes As the holiday season begins, some families may be looking forward to celebrating in the same physical space for the first time in two years as COVID-19 infection rates previously prevented many from gathering under the same roof. Through the USAging (formerly known as the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging) and Eldercare Locator’s annual Home for the Holidays campaign, the aging nonprofits look to highlight the excellent work of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) as many across the nation changed the way they delivered services to overcome challenges stemming from COVID-19, including Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). Home for the Holidays also encourages individuals to use the holiday season as an opportunity
to discuss with older loved ones that vital services can improve daily living. Serving as the AAA for Philadelphia County, PCA was one of more than 600 AAAs who had to rethink the way community and home-based supports were delivered in the “new normal.” This included daily lunches served through 27 PCA-funded senior centers. While the senior centers had previously served hot lunches on weekdays in a large group setting prior to the pandemic, the onset of COVID-19 halted congregate meals and PCA quickly pivoted to Grab & Go meals. The Grab & Go model allows for eligible individuals to pick up meals at PCA-funded sites without even entering the building. While senior centers began to re-open to participants throughout the city in a limited capacity last summer, the Grab &
Go program continues to provide meals for individuals over age 60 or married to someone over 60. Depending on availability at each senior center, eligible individuals may have the option of receiving either cold and/or frozen meals. PCA encourages all relatives and friends of over age 60 individuals to talk with them about their nutritional needs, this holiday season. Grab & Go meals are available to all eligible older adults for supplemental nutrition and are packaged to meet one-third of the USDA’s recommended daily nutritional needs. For additional information on how senior centers and PCA are meeting the nutritional needs of older adults, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040. Grab & Go meal pick-up can be arranged by contacting your nearest senior center. More information on PCA’s meal programs,
senior center locations and contact information can also be found at pcaCares.org or by calling 215-765-9040. Shannon Reyes is public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
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Events
December 2021
Send your calendar items to MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org by the 25th of the month (for publication in month after next) Questions? 215-765-9000, ext. 5081
*MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL IN-PERSON SENIOR CENTER EVENTS* DECEMBER 4 VISIT PHILADELPHIA’S HOLIDAY PARADE
Join AARP in this virtual cooking demonstration focused on using spices to elevate your holiday dishes. 7 p.m. Register: https://bit.ly/AARPSpice
DECEMBER 6 HANUKKAH ENDS
Join Fumo Family Library and instructor Kate Howell for this virtual chair yoga class accessible to all ages and abilities. 10 a.m. Stream on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/FumoFamilyLibrary
DECEMBER 12 VIRTUAL SUNDAYS ON STAGE: THE NUTCRACKER
DECEMBER 14 HEALTHY HOLIDAY DESSERTS AND BAKING SUBSTITUTIONS
DECEMBER 9 GINGERBREAD MAN WORKSHOP
Learn to make the classic holiday treat at this in-person workshop led by Bredenbeck’s Bakery. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. 10 a.m. West Philadelphia Senior Community Center. Register: 215-386-0379, ext. 7325.
DECEMBER 9 LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE Join Philadelphia Senior Center – Arts and representatives from Bayada in this virtual session exploring the healing properties of laughter. Zoom Meeting ID: 861-8855-9405 • Dial in by phone: 1-929-205-6099.
DECEMBER 13 MAKE IT MERRY & SUSTAINABLE Join AARP in this virtual session focused on tips for celebrating an eco-friendly holiday. 7 p.m. Register: https://bit.ly/AARPEcoHoliday
DECEMBER 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE DECEMBER 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
Join the Frazier Family Coalition and Jefferson Health in this virtual program aimed at making holiday treats a little healthier. 6 p.m. Register: https:// bit.ly/HealthySubstitute
DECEMBER 21 HOLIDAY WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP
Pages to Pirouettes and the Free Library of Philadelphia bring the story of Marie and the Nutcracker to life. 2 p.m. Stream on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FLP YouthServices/
This new parade celebrates all of winter’s holidays, including Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year and the Chinese New Year. 5 p.m. Parade route runs down Market St. from 2nd St. to City Hall.
DECEMBER 6 SPICE IT UP: HOLIDAY APPETIZERS
DECEMBER 10 VIRTUAL CHAIR YOGA
Join St. Edmond Senior Community Center for this in-person event featuring games, music, prizes and grab and go meals. A countdown will take place at noon. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 215-790-9530.
Join West Philadelphia Senior Community Center for this in-person craft workshop. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. 10 a.m. Register: 215-386-0379.
DECEMBER 15 CHRISTMAS AUCTION
Join St. Edmond Senior Community Center for this in-person auction to support the St. Edmond’s Building Fund. Great items will be up for bids! 10-11:45 a.m. 215-790-9530.
DECEMBER 20 BACKSTAGE: A NUTCRACKER STORY ADVENTURE
Join AARP and dancers from Joffrey Ballet in this virtual program offering a behind-the-scenes look at The Nutcracker. 7 p.m. Register: https:// bit.ly/AARPNutcracker
DECEMBER 23 CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Members are invited to join Norris Square Senior Center for their in-person Christmas celebration. Space is limited. 9 a.m. 215-423-7241.
DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS DAY DECEMBER 26 KWANZAA BEGINS
DECEMBER 31 FIREWORKS ON THE WATERFRONT Two major fireworks displays will take place at Penn’s Landing with great viewing points along the Delaware River waterfront. Shows take place at 6 p.m. and midnight.
EMERGENCY FUND FOR OLDER PHILADELPHIANS
Please Help Vulnerable Older Adults Stay Nourished and Warm This Winter
Every day, thousands of older Philadelphians choose between paying for food, heat or medicine. The only way some will get by this winter is through the generosity of people like you. PCA’s Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians provides crisis assistance for life’s most basic needs to those who have exhausted all other resources. With heating and food costs rising, the need is greater than ever. Please consider giving to the Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians and help older adults in crisis this winter.
Yes! I want to help older adults to stay nourished and warm this winter. Donations can also be made securely online at www.pcaCares.org/emergencyfund
$1,000 will provide seasonal clothing for 15 older Philadelphians $500 provides $50 worth of food to 10 older adults $275 provides 50 gallons of home heating oil $100 helps prevent a utility shutoff
Gift amount: m $1,000 m $500 m $275 m Other: $______________
Payment: m Enclosed is my check payable to: The Emergency Fund
m $100
m $50
m Charge my m VISA m MC m AMEX m DISCOVER
Card Number______________________________________________________________________________________ Security code _________________________ Exp. Date _____________________________________________________ Signature __________________________________________________________________________________________ Email _____________________________________________________________________________________________ MAIL YOUR DONATION TO: ATTENTION: PLANNING DEPARTMENT, PHILADEPHIA CORPORATION FOR AGING, 642 N BROAD ST, FL 5, PHILADEPHIA PA, 19130-9942
Milestones 11
DECEMBER 2021
Recipe Box
Quick, easy small bites for your holiday gathering The iStock holiday season means plenty of celebrations and, with it, plenty of holiday-inspired dishes. As busy as the season can be, carving out the time to prepare a dish for the next holiday gathering can sometimes prove to be a challenge. To help you pull off some fantastic appetizers, this month’s Recipe Box features some great small bites that don’t require a shopping list’s worth of ingredients and can be assembled in a matter of minutes.
Easy Caramel Apple Dip Ingredients: 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 12 oz. jar caramel ice cream topping Apple slices 1 tsp. salt Directions: Place apple slices in a bowl of cold water and add salt. Keep apples in the water until you are ready to serve. Rinse before serving. Mix cream cheese with caramel top-
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ping in a stand mixer or in a bowl with a fork. Serve with apple slices. Source: Savvy Apron
Cheddar Bacon Ranch Tortilla Pinwheels Ingredients: 2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded ¾ cup bacon (5-6 slices), cooked and chopped ½ package dry ranch seasoning ½ tsp. fresh dill, chopped ½ tsp. fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped Salt and pepper to taste 5 (10-inch) flour tortillas
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Directions: In a large bowl, add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, ranch seasoning, dill and parsley. Using an electric mixer, beat on low until smooth and combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Divide the cream cheese mixture among five tortillas and spread evenly. Tightly roll up the tortillas. Set on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours. When ready to serve, cut off the ends and cut the rolls into slices. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs. Source: Inspired by Charm
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Milestones 12
DECEMBER 2021
The charge of raising anti-racist grandchildren By Constance Garcia-Barrio Given the rise in violence against people of color, many white Americans, including older adults, seek to create an environment of anti-racism in their own lives and in the lives of family members, including their grandchildren. The journey takes courage. “None of us has ever been taught the skills of anti-racist living,” says jona olsson, 74, who writes her name lowercase and lived just west of Philadelphia for many years. She is the founder of Cultural Bridges to Justice, a social justice organization, and penned the essay “Detour-spotting for white anti-racists,” available at CulturalBridgesToJustice.org. Lack of contact with people of other races may have bred fear. “I grew up in an isolated white environment, and I was frightened of people who didn’t look like me,” says Julie Markovitz, 61, a white Germantown resident. As a founding member of the Philly Children’s Movement (PCM), an interracial group of families and educators that advocates for racial justice, Markovitz helps adults provide support for children to become leaders. “It’s our responsibility as parents and
Crossword Puzzle Solution (See page 15 for clues)
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grandparents to rear children who are open to diversity,” Markovitz says. “If we don’t, they will live in fear of others, and it shrinks the children’s lives.” Grandparents can draw on organizations, strategies and insights to help encourage anti-racism in their grandchildren. “Start with the ghosts on your shoulder,” says Debbie LeeKeenan, anti-bias lecturer, consultant and author in Seattle, Washington. “We should be aware of our own history, heritage and biases.” LeeKeenan is a grandmother of three whose 50 years in early childhood education included a stint in Philadelphia. “We want to avoid letting our biases impact our interactions,” she cautions. “Self-awareness is critical to being fully present and intentional with others.” It is equally important to stress young children’s awareness of color. “We rec-
ognize that very young children are observing, experiencing and actively making sense of social identities and biases,” says LeeKeenan who recently co-produced the short film, “Reflecting on Anti-bias Education in Action: The Early Years.” “We must acknowledge differences,” says Randi Boyette, education director for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in Philadelphia and a grandmother of three. “We don’t live in a color-blind society, and young children notice differences early. The key is the meaning you attach to those differences. Give your grandchildren the message that everyone matters, not only by words but by the way you treat others.” Books can affect children’s response to people of different ethnicities, says LeeKeenan, the daughter of Chinese immigrants whose husband is Irish-Amer-
ican. “Choosing books that provide mirrors and windows to the world are great provocations for conversations,” she says. “When children see characters and images in a book that look like them and their family, it builds confidence and self-esteem. Books also provide a window to diversity that your family might not encounter on a daily basis. Books open windows and doors to new experiences, ideas and people. “When we provide our children with mirrors and windows, they notice similarities and differences: different skin colors, different languages, different beliefs. But we share a common humanity. And (they see) that life is full of complexity.” Boyette applies the same approach to toys. “When my own white children – who are now adults in their 30s – were Continued on page 14
DECEMBER 2021
Nostalgia
Milestones 13
Radio Days
By Dorothy Stanaitis Our little Philadelphia row house was frequently noisy. It was the lively, happy noise of an active family but noisy, nevertheless. With four children, one baby, two cats and a dog, there was constant activity from breakfast to supper time. Most of these daily family activities were accompanied by the friendly hum of the radio in the background. Our days started with Don McNeil’s Breakfast Club, and we never failed to join in his daily march around the breakfast table. During the day, whenever one of us would run up or down the uncarpeted wooden staircase, the noisy clatter of the metal cleats on the heels of our shoes,
which Daddy attached to reduce wear, added a snappy accompaniment to the songs that Mother enjoyed playing on our large Philco floor-model radio. One or two of us would usually be singing along, not only with the songs, but with the commercials, too. “Chiquita Banana” was a favorite, along with “Halo Shampoo” and “Rinso white, Rinso bright, happy little washday song.” All of the music stopped at mid-day, when Mother listened to her soap operas. Those 15-minute programs transported us to the worlds of “Helen Trent,” “Our Gal Sunday” and “Life Can Be Beautiful.” Things also quieted down again in the late afternoon when we gathered around the radio, some on the sofa and some
sprawled out on the floor, to listen to our own children’s serials. “Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy” was one we never missed. We had begged our mother for Wheaties so we could send in the box tops and a dime for Jack Armstrong flashlights. Then, for the short time it took for the batteries to wear down, we abandoned our playmates to stay indoors and lurk behind the furnace in our dark basement flashing secret code messages to one another. But as devoted as we were to our weekday serials, our very favorite program was the Saturday morning special, “Let’s Pretend” with Gene London, Nila Mack and the Pretenders performing breathtaking renditions of classic fairy tales. Through the magic of radio, I could pic-
ture every scene and see every character. We never made a sound until their final word was spoken. Continued on page 14
Milestones 14
Anti-racism resources for children • How to have a respectful conversation about racial justice: aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2020/havingracial-justice-conversations.html • Tips on starting anti-bias conversations with children, grouped according to age or grade: adl.org/education-andresources/resources-for-educators-parents-families • Help your grandchildren to develop empathy: ZeroToThree.org/resources/5-how-to-help-your-childdevelop-empathy • Curate the media you consume: “Films, books and (other) media …from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) content creators can help families disrupt their bias,” says PMC co-founder Jen Bradley • Encourage your grandchild to learn a second language, which can help them become more open to diversity • Begin education about racial bias early: EmbraceRace.org/ resources
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Anti-racism
• continued from page 12
growing up, we bought them dolls of all colors to convey that we value people of different colors,” she says. “We’re doing the same with our grandchildren. We’ve been very intentional about that.” Grandparents can also broaden their grandchildren’s lives by taking them to festivals that celebrate different ethnicities. “Provide experiences that get grandchildren beyond their own little bubble,” Boyette suggests. “For example, take them to a playground where you know they’ll meet different kinds of kids because you’ve passed by there and seen the diversity.” If you are unsure about how to begin, visit PhillyChildrensMovement.org for resources and ideas. “Grandparents may find PCM’s family-friendly activism less daunting, and PCM events offer an easy introduction to anti-racism for kids,” Markovitz says. “Basically, you show up with kids and watch them play and take part in anti-bias activities in a multicultural environment. There’s always something going on.”
Radio
• continued from page 13
In the evening, after all the children had their baths and were tucked in for the night, our parents would be just as quiet as they listened to their own favorite radio programs. I knew this firsthand, since I would often creep out of bed carrying my quilt into the hall where I would make a nest at the top of the stairs and secretly listen to those programs, too. My favorite was “Lux Radio Theater,” a thrilling combination of wellknown movie stars and wonderful radio dramas. A few years later, after the Philco was
DECEMBER 2021
Ben Sand, 40, of Portland, Oregon, author of “A Kid’s Book About White Privilege,” emphasizes the importance of making children aware of white privilege. “I explain that it means unearned advantages,” says Sand, who received death threats after publishing his book. “It means that you’re ahead of your (Black or Brown) friend just because you’re white.” He urges white children to listen to their friends of color to learn about their lives. He suggests asking children to think about using white privilege to help dismantle racism. “For example, white children could learn about a leader of color and raise funds for that leader’s organization,” says Sand, who is white. “Kids would learn about the issue the organization addresses and use networks, which people of color might not have access to, to support that group’s work.” Anti-racism requires work and awareness, but it’s worth the effort, Markovitz says. “It has enriched my life, and it strengthens our country.” Native Philadelphian Constance Garcia-Barrio writes about many topics, including Black history.
replaced by a large piece of entertainment furniture holding a radio, phonograph and 10-inch, black and white television set, I was allowed to stay up a little later than my younger siblings and could legitimately watch some of my parents’ shows. I marveled at the pleasure of having “movies” right in my own living room. Looking back, I now realize that nothing rivaled the thrill of disembodied voices bringing entertainment, enrichment and delight to a little girl through the “magic” of radio. Dorothy Stanaitis, a certified Philadelphia Tour Guide, writes about history and culture.
Milestones 15
DECEMBER 2021
Crossword
Health Brief
Winter home heating safety Resilient reminders
Solution: The solution can be found on page 12.
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Along with winter weather and lower temperatures comes an increased risk for fire and carbon monoxide incidents in our homes. Below are a few important reminders to keep your household safe and warm during the winter months.
Heating fires
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), one out of every seven fires each year involves heating equipment and half of all home heating fires in the United States occur in the months of December, January and February. Here are a few important safety reminders when heating your home this winter: • Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney and/or heating vents every year. • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators or space heaters. • Plug only one heat-producing appliance into an electrical wall outlet at one time. Never use an extension cord with a heat-producing appliance.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas that is created when fuels do not burn completely. Breathing in too much CO can result in CO poisoning in humans and pets. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. Breathing in CO can also result in loss of consciousness or even death. People who are sleeping can die from CO poisoning before they show any symptoms. Fuel-burning heating and cooking equipment are the most common sources of CO in homes and carbon monoxide incidents are more common during the
winter months. Prevent CO poisoning in your household this winter by: • Having your heating system, water heater and any other fuel burning appliances serviced by a qualified professional each year. • Never using a gas range or oven to heat your home. • Never run your car or truck inside a garage that is attached to a house, even with the garage door open. • Installing a battery-operated CO detector in your home. Check or replace the detector’s battery twice per year (when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time). Place the detector in a spot where it will wake you up, such as outside your bedroom.
Alarms and detectors
Philadelphia homeowners can request smoke alarms by dialing 3-1-1. You should have one alarm on each floor, including the basement. If you live in an apartment building, or are renting your home, your landlord is required to provide smoke alarms on every level of the home. In addition, PCA’s Senior Housing Assistance and Repair Program (SHARP) helps older adults remain safely in their home through assessments, modifications and repairs. All homes are carefully inspected for safety and accessibility, which includes the installation of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. To learn more about SHARP, call PCA’s Helpline at 215-765-9040. Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1 Minim 5 Circumference segments 9 Fraulein’s name 13 Crater contents 15 Install 16 Paraphernalia 17 Combat site 18 Poet Teasdale 19 Darling dog 20 Seasonal activity
23 Fuss 24 Easy gait 25 Cpl., e.g. 28 Tiny creature 31 Evades work 35 Henley implement 36 Dwarf buffalo 37 Prefix for wine lover 38 Hunter’s dog
43 Emerald Isle 44 Part of QED 45 Hillary Clinton, ___ Rodham 46 Is impudent 49 Pub flyer 50 Draft org. 51 Pine or spruce 53 Campus VIPs 55 Seasonal activity 62 Mentor
63 James, of letters 64 Indian craft 65 One of the Waughs 66 Western arts center 67 Caen specialty 68 One of seven 69 Gaelic 70 Hot times, in Paris
10 Jack Sprat’s diet 11 Trilled 12 NOW concern 14 Bedtime visitor 21 Auctioneer’s word 22 Japanese drama 25 Facial features 26 Lost Horizon director 27 Perfume source 29 Ballerina’s pointe 30 Like some owls
32 Equestrian controls 33 Bees’ joints? 34 Boot parts 39 Play the pedant 40 Mme. in Madrid 41 Grammarian’s word 42 Make like a magnet 47 ___ Tu, Verdi aria 48 Congress component
52 Actress Samantha 54 Rabbit catcher 55 Moros tribe member 56 Elected off. 57 Corporate VIPs 58 ___ majesty 59 Monogram pt. 60 Informal negative 61 Gosh’s cousins 62 Four qts.
Down 1 “___ poor Yorick. . . “ 2 Camper’s groundsheet 3 Finished 4 Craze 5 Hd. honcho’s helper 6 Stern 7 Gemstone measure 8 Treads and risers 9 Auto necessity
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