(PCA) is the Area Agency on Aging for Philadelphia County and is dedicated to serving Philadelphia’s older adults and adults with disabilities.
PCA publishes Milestones and offers:
• Care in the home
• Caregiver & grandparent support
• Employment & volunteer programs
• Health education
• Home-delivered meals
• Home repairs & modifications
• Information & referral
• Legal services
• Ombudsman services
• Protective services
• Senior centers
• Transportation
• Veteran-directed care
Report suspected elder abuse 24/7 to the PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040.
For general inquiries about PCA or aging services, email AskHelpline@pcaCares.org or call 215-765-9040.
Published by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP President and CEO
PCA Board of Directors 2025
Glenn D. Bryan, Chair
Louis G. Colbert, Co-Chair
Jaqueline S. Zinn, Ph.D., Secretary
Denise Adamucci, Treasurer
Satya B. Verma, O.D., Immediate Past Chair
Patricia Canela-Duckett
Sandra McNally
Paul Nathanson
Norma D. Thomas, DSW
Sharlene Waller
Emeritus: Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M.
Milestones is published monthly and distributed at more than 800 locations throughout Philadelphia.
Check us out online: pcaCares.org/ Milestones
Editorial & Advertising: Alicia M. Colombo 215-765-9000, ext. 5081 PCA, 642 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19130 Email: MilestonesNews@pcaCares. org
Subscriptions & Distributions: 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.
New year: Same mission – Advocating for older adults
By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP PCA President & CEO
Every morning, Maria, 78, opens her door to greet the volunteer delivering her hot meal. For Maria, who lives alone and uses a walker, this daily visit is more than just food — it’s a lifeline. It’s the reassurance that someone cares, the ability to stay in her home, and a connection to the community she’s loved for decades. But for thousands of older adults, like Maria, these lifelines are at risk due to years of stagnant funding for vital programs.
Every one of the more than 316,000 older Philadelphians deserves the right to age in their own community and have access to services and resources that support a healthy and active life. Older Philadelphians rely on crucial programs provided by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) and our partners to live independently. These include home-delivered meals, health and wellness programs, information and referral, job placement, protective services, and senior community centers. PCA’s more
than 30 programs touch the lives of over 140,000 older adults each year.
Since its inception in 1973, PCA has advocated for the needs of older adults on the local, state and federal levels. This advocacy includes calling for legislation and appropriate funding to ensure older adults have the resources and services they need to not just survive, but to thrive. Our mission as an organization is to ensure that older adults can remain in their communities with dignity. It’s essential that there is a voice to ensure that resources and programs exist to allow them to do so.
Unfortunately, despite record inflation affecting costs, Pennsylvania’s 2024-25 budget did not include a funding increase for Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), such as PCA, to provide these critical services. The aging network has generally received flat funding for more than 10 years.
The lack of sufficient funding, coupled with the ongoing increase in the number of older adults needing support, will force difficult decisions regarding who gets services. Without a significant increase for AAAs in the 2025-26 budget, older Pennsylvanians will likely face waiting lists, reductions or terminations for services, such as transportation and home health care. The failure to invest in these community-based services and supports will ultimately lead to more older adults needing nursing home care.
On behalf of older Philadelphians, their caregivers and families, PCA urges older adults and the public to contact Pennsylvania legislators to ask them to provide the necessary funding in next year’s Pennsylvania budget. Find your legislator at www.legis.state.pa.us.
For more information about PCA, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.
Social Security Administration implements appointment-based services at local offices
Social Security has expanded its appointment-based services at local offices. By scheduling appointments, the agency intends to reduce wait times, streamline service delivery and improve the customer experience. Offices that require appointments have seen significant reductions in wait times, due to more efficient and helpful visitor experiences, and increases in the number of customers able to complete their business online.
As of Jan. 6, 2025, customers are now required to schedule an appointment for service in local Social Security offices, including requests for Social Security cards. Customers who are not able to handle their business online or by telephone may call their local Social Security office at 1-800-7721213 to schedule an in-person appointment. Walk-in visits will
at ssa.gov/OnlineServices, where many transactions can be completed conveniently and securely.
• Automated services webpage at ssa.gov/agency/contact/phone.html.
The following automated services are available:
• Request benefit verification letter, benefit claim status, replacement Medicare card, replacement tax summary (form SSA-1099) or help with Medicare prescription drug costs (form SSA-1020).
representative payee.
• Apply for an original Social Security card or a replacement card if lost or stolen, request a name change on your Social Security card, and/or update or correct other information on your Social Security number record (form SS-5).
• Change address and/or phone number for Social Security benefits.
continue to be available at local Social Security offices for urgent issues or specialized attention, and for members of vulnerable populations, military personnel and people with terminal illnesses.
The local Social Security field offices in Philadelphia are located at the following addresses:
• 2 Penn Center, 20th Floor, Suite 2000A, 1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd., 19102 [Card Center: Suite 2000B]
• 701 E. Chelten Ave., 19144
• 4240 Market St., 19104
• Imperial Plaza, Unit 10, 3400 Aramingo Ave., 19134
Social Security encourages clients to become accustomed to its:
• Online services webpage
• Informational messages about payment delivery dates, direct deposit, best times to call, Social Security services, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), cost-of-living adjustment, taxes, non-receipt of Social Security benefit, representative payee, fraud or becoming a
Telephone services for clients who cannot use the online services are available weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by calling 1-800772-1213.
(See page 15 for crossword)
Source: ssa.gov
Empowering Philadelphia’s older adults through community and care
By Bill Conallen
Every older adult deserves to age with dignity, surrounded by a community that supports their needs and values their contributions. For thousands of Philadelphians, this vision becomes a reality through the work of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA’s) Community Engagement Department. From connecting older adults with essential resources to combating loneliness with innovative programs, PCA’s Community Engagement team serves as a support network for Philadelphia’s older adults.
At the helm is Wanda Mitchell, whose blend of professional expertise and personal caregiving experience has shaped programs that touch lives in profound ways.
Mitchell, who is also a caregiver, brings both professional expertise, built from over 25 years of experience at the agency, and personal insight to her role. She helps to shape programs that address the practical needs of older adults, as well as the emotional realities of caregiving. Her experience as a caregiver informs her empathetic approach to the services PCA offers, fostering a
compassionate connection with the community.
“As a caregiver, I learned firsthand the challenges families face in balancing care with compassion,” Mitchell said. “That experience drives my passion to create programs that meet both the practical and emotional needs of our community.”
Among PCA’s core programs is providing supportive services, including information and referrals, to older adults. The Community Engagement team serves as a primary point of contact for older Philadelphians seeking advice on a wide range of aging services, from senior centers to food and nutrition to wellness programs. Staff guide individuals toward resources for transportation, health care, social services and other essential supports, offering trusted advice for families and caregivers alike. This often includes connecting families to PCA’s educational workshops that address relevant topics, including health and wellness, caregiving and companionship. By meeting community members where they are — both geographically and in terms of need, the team reaches a diverse group of Philadelphians.
Mitchell’s personal caregiving experience is especially evident. Mitchell’s perspective brings a unique level of empathy to all of Community Engagement’s programs, creating a support network that helps caregivers in the community maintain both high quality of care for their loved ones and resilience for themselves.
Senior Community Centers, which are managed by Community
Engagement, provide a one-stopshop for older adults’ physical and mental needs. Activities from exercise and health workshops to arts and crafts classes occur under the same roof. Counseling, connection to benefits and daily meals are also provided at these centers.
PCA’s Community Engagement Department also combats social isolation, a major challenge faced by many older adults, through its Senior Companion Program. This initiative matches volunteers with older individuals who may be feeling isolated, offering them a chance to stay engaged in their communities and avoid loneliness. Companions meet with their matches regularly, sharing activities and companionship that enhance the quality of life for both parties. For many participants, the program offers more than just company – it provides a meaningful connection that benefits their mental and emotional health.
Staff actively engage the community where they are, setting up tables at more than 350 outreach events each year. The department also connects with older adults through diverse advisory councils, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed. These efforts foster collaboration among community members, service providers and older adults to build a stronger, more inclusive city.
“Listening to the voices of older adults and their families is at the heart of what we do,” Mitchell said. “By engaging directly with the community, we ensure our programs truly address their needs and make a meaningful impact.”
Essential needs, such as food security, housing and financial support, are another critical focus of PCA’s Community Engagement Department. The team helps older adults gain access to meal programs, housing assistance through the Domiciliary Care Program and other services, providing a lifeline to those who may be experiencing economic or mobility challenges. This level of support ensures that older Philadelphians have access to the necessities they need to live safely and comfortably.
“When older adults struggle with basic needs, like housing or food, their quality of life suffers,” Mitchell said. “Our job is to provide a lifeline, ensuring they have the stability and support they deserve.”
Through the compassionate leadership of Wanda Mitchell, PCA’s Community Engagement Department has become an invaluable support system for Philadelphia’s aging population. By focusing on education, companionship, advocacy and essential resources, the department ensures that older Philadelphians can navigate the challenges of aging with resilience, dignity and a strong community of support.
For information or referrals to services and programs, contact the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040. General inquiries are answered Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional resources and details are available on PCA’s website at pcaCares.org.
Bill Conallen is the public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
Cutting-edge medicine: Innovations in Philadelphia
By Jay Nachman
Philadelphia is the home of topranked hospitals, universities and medical facilities in the United States, making it a hub for advanced medical treatment and innovation. Here are some of the innovative treatments that Philadelphia hospitals are now providing to patients.
Minimally invasive cancer treatment
Gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, gastric, colon and rectal cancer, are leading causes of cancer around the world, and the risk increases with age. Traditionally, surgery is used to remove large tumors in the gastrointestinal tract.
Innovations in endoscopy, a procedure that uses a scope to examine or treat internal organs, now allow for the removal of these tumors and early cancers by a technique called endoscopic submucosal dissection.
According to Dr. Galen Leung, assistant professor of gastroenterology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, this is a minimally invasive, organ-preserving procedure performed in an outpatient setting.
During an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy, a small electrosurgical
knife inserted through the scope is used to precisely remove the lesion from the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, the patient can be cured of the tumor or cancer without the need for invasive surgery or external incisions. Afterwards, the patient may be discharged home or observed for one overnight hospital stay.
Trial provides hope for COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. People over age 65 are at higher risk of developing the disease. There is no cure, but treatments can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Endobronchial valves are a popular, minimally invasive treatment for COPD. But for patients with openings in the walls between lung lobes, the treatment is not effective.
The Temple Lung Center is enrolling patients in a new clinical trial testing a procedure to fix these naturally occurring openings in the lung by closing them up with foam.
According to Dr. Gerard J. Criner, director of the Temple Lung Center, the trial will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the investigation-
al AeriSeal System to close those openings, allowing more people who suffer from COPD to receive treatment with valves in the bronchial tube(s).
Treatment for calcified arteries
Coronary artery disease remains the number one killer in our country, and its prevalence increases with age. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), which uses balloons and stents to open obstructed coronary arteries without surgery, can be a lifesaver in patients with heart attacks.
However, older patients are prone to have more calcified arteries, and calcium is a major risk factor for complications during PCI. Traditional approaches to removing calcium utilize a rotary tool studded with tiny diamond chips to sand away superficial calcified plaque.
According to Dr. Michael P. Savage, professor of cardiology at Jefferson Health, “ingenious biomedical engineering” has created new tools for calcium removal. Now, using technology for treating kidney stones, lithotripsy balloons placed inside the coronary artery emit ultrasonic pressure waves to break up hard calcium deposits. Recently, specialized balloons have become available that are capable of exerting over 500 PSI without bursting. That’s more than 15 times the pressure in car tires. With these technological advances, PCI can be more often offered as an alternative to open-heart bypass surgery for complex, high-risk coronary artery disease patients.
Transforming shoulder surgery
Recent advancements in shoulder surgery for people over 65 focus
on minimizing recovery time and improving outcomes, according to Dr. Leslie A. Barnes, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery and Sports medicine at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
One significant development is the expanded use of arthroscopic techniques. This minimally invasive approach uses small incisions and a camera to guide the surgery, reducing pain and speeding up recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Advances in 3D imaging and pre-operative planning software are also transforming shoulder replacement surgeries. These technologies provide detailed views of the shoulder joint, allowing for more precise planning and implementation of procedures, which is crucial for the complex anatomy often seen in older adults.
Finally, implants tailored to individual anatomy are becoming more common. These implants are designed to fit the unique structure of the patient’s shoulder, improving function and longevity of the surgical results. Overall, these technologies are making shoulder surgeries safer and more effective for older adults, enhancing both recovery and long-term outcomes.
These are just a few of the cutting-edge advancements in medicine that are helping to increase longevity and improve quality of life for older adults.
Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a
LEGAL SERVICES
Providing legal assistance, advocacy and education
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) supports a comprehensive program of legal services for Philadelphians who are 60 years of age and older. The providers of these services are Community Legal Services and SeniorLAW Center.
PCA and its counterpart Area Agencies on Aging across the nation were established to provide vital home and communitybased programs for older adults and adults with disabilities in their communities.
Through PCA’s network of external sources, legal services are provided to eligible older Philadelphians and adults with disabilities
SeniorLAW Center
1650 Arch Street, Suite 1820 | Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-988-1244
Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries (those who manage the money and property of others)
Tangled titles (home resident is unable to prove ownership because name is not on deed), probate and estate administration, wills, health care and financial powers of attorney, and health care directives are some of the services offered.
Domestic matters
Services include child custody/support for grandparents raising grandchildren/other kinship caregiver, protection from abuse, sexual violence and family violence, financial exploitation, defiant trespass (unlicensed entry of structures), standby guardianship (someone “on call,” ready to take over or help with the care of a child or disabled adult), and spousal support.
Other services
Assistance with real estate, housing, and consumer protection is also available.
with the greatest social and economic needs.
These legal services providers serve as advocates in areas of the law that are most concerning to older adults and adults with disabilities. They also educate consumers on updated legislation and laws involving areas of interest to those over 60 years of age, including estate planning, consumer debt, home foreclosures, domestic matters, and utilities.
Each organization can be contacted directly or the PCA Helpline (215765-9040) can be reached for assistance to help make the connection between the consumer and one of the legal service providers.
Community Legal Services, Health and Independence Unit
1410 W. Erie Avenue | Philadelphia, PA 19140 215-227-2400
Community Legal Services, Health and Independence Unit, focuses on advocacy for the rights of people to make decisions independently, reside and age safely in place in their setting of choice, and access safety net public benefits.
This legal organization provides eight different legal units proficient in a different area of law including housing, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), family advocacy, energy/utilities, employment, homeownership and consumer rights, language access, and health and independence. Specific areas of expertise include tangled titles, consumer debt, mortgage foreclosures, wills, and evictions.
The Health and Independence Unit of Community Legal Services addresses matters of SSI, social security, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), property tax, rent rebates, utility assistance, counseling regarding the Medical Assistance Estate Recovery Program, long-term care and in-home services, Medicare appeals, and medical assistance/Medicaid.
215-765-9040
Events
January 2025
JANUARY 1
NEW YEAR’S DAY
JANUARY 3
CHAIR YOGA
Gentle exercise for older adults focused on improving flexibility, balance & relaxation through seated & standing poses using a chair for support. 10:10 a.m. Fox Chase Library. 215-685-0547 | Free
JANUARY 6
HEALTH RESOURCE TABLE
Speak with a representative from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Resources will be available, as well as free COVID tests, condoms & other health supplies. 2 p.m. Fumo Family Library. 215685-1758 | Free
JANUARY 7
JAMES BALDWIN READING GROUP
Join a lively reading group exploring the author’s works & legacy through discussion & shared insights. 4:30 p.m. Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library. 215-685-7431 | Free
JANUARY 9
MILITARY HISTORY DISCUSSION
In honor of the 160th anniversary of the end of the United States Civil War, explore the events leading up to it. 11 a.m. Parkway Central Library. 215-686-5431 | Free
JANUARY 10
CROCHET CLUB
Send your calendar items two months in advance to: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org Questions? Call 215-765-9000, ext. 5081.
Connect with fellow crafters. All skill levels create, share & learn together. 11 a.m. Northeast Regional Library. 215-685-0522 | Free
JANUARY 13
ENHANCED FITNESS CLASS
Exercise is a whole lot of fun in this evidence-based program. Participants are led by a certified instructor in an hour-long class focused on dynamic cardiovascular exercise. 9:30 a.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610 | Free
JANUARY 15
BINGO
Test your luck, enjoy friendly competition & have fun. Noon. Martin Luther King Older Adult Center. 215-685-2715 | Free
JANUARY 16
STRETCHING CLASS
Enhance flexibility & relieve tension in this gentle exercise class designed for all fitness levels. 11:30 a.m. Center in the Park. 215-848-7722 | Free
JANUARY 17
BILLARDS
Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the game, join a relaxed & friendly environment where you can enjoy a game of pool. 9 a.m. Martin Luther King Older Adult Center. 215-685-2715 | Free
JANUARY 20
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
JANUARY 20
GREATER MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY OF SERVICE
Largest service day event in the nation that includes more than 150,000 volunteers each year. For more information: mlkDayOfService.org or 215-851-1811
JANUARY 22
ZUMBA CLASS
Widely popular exercise program that involves cardio & Latin-inspired dance. 9:30 a.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610| Free
JANUARY 23
POETRY CLASS
Unleash your creativity. Explore writing techniques & share your work in a supportive setting. 10:30 a.m. Center in the Park. 215-848-7722 | Free
JANUARY 24
LINE DANCE FOR OLDER ADULTS
Step into the rhythm. This fun, upbeat class teaches popular routines in an easyto-follow format. 9:30 a.m. Martin Luther King Older Adult Center. 215-685-2715 | Free
JANUARY 28
CARD GAME HOUR
Play any card game you choose with other center members. Cards are provided. Noon. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610 | Free
JANUARY 29
CHINESE NEW YEAR
JANUARY 30
POTTERY CLASS
Discover your creativity. Learn basic techniques to shape & design original clay creations. 11 a.m. Center in the Park. 215-848-7722 | Free
JANUARY 31
CHAIR ZUMBA
Get moving with Chair Zumba, a fun, seated workout combining dance & fitness to lively music. 9:30 a.m. KleinLife Northeast Philadelphia. 215-698-7300 | Free
Recipe Box
Cauliflower Gnocchi with Kale Pesto
Get the new year off to a healthy start. This praise-worthy dish is a lighter version of a classic comfort food recipe.
Ingredients:
1 small head cauliflower, stems and leaves removed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 large egg yolk
Pesto ingredients:
2 cups packed shredded kale, stems removed
1/3 -1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1-2 cloves garlic start
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tbsp. chopped walnuts
Directions:
Cut cauliflower into small florets. Steam cauliflower (boiling will cause the cauliflower to have too much moisture) until very soft. Alternatively, the cauliflower florets can be cooked in the microwave at 1 minute intervals until soft.
Gently pat cauliflower with paper towels
to remove moisture. Place cauliflower into food processor. Pulse until completely mashed. A potato ricer can also be used to mash cauliflower.
Measure out 1 cup packed mashed cauliflower, and place back into food processor. Save any remaining cauliflower for another recipe.
Add in egg yolk and 1 cup flour directly into the food processor. Pulse in food processor until it becomes a ball of dough. Check to see how sticky the dough is. If it’s too sticky to work with, incorporate a little more flour in batches and then mix again until the dough is workable. Sprinkle some flour on a large cutting board. Roll your dough into ropes 3/4 inch thick. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces.
Optional: To create the gnocchi grooves and indents, press thumb into one side of the dough and use back of a fork to create indents into the other side. Some gnocchi can be frozen for later use.
Bring water in a medium pot to a boil. Drop in gnocchi, and cook until they float to the surface. Remove gnocchi from the water.
To make the pesto, add all pesto ingredients into a food processor. Pulse several minutes until it reaches a thick sauce consistency. Pesto will initially be very chunky but will break down further into a sauce-like consistency after a few minutes. Taste and adjust as needed. Depending on the type of kale used and personal preference, add cheese, oil, lemon, salt, etc. to taste.
Source: KirbieCravings.com
Genealogists have fun finding family
By Jay Nachman
Amateur genealogist Theodora Ashby has a problem. She can’t track down who were the parents of her great-grandfather William Henry Bell. The 76-year-old Overbrook Park resident will keep looking because of the joy and sense of purpose her hobby gives her.
Ashby enjoys family research because of the “positive impact it has on people – not only my family but the other people I do genealogy for,” she said. “I’ve had people cry, and I’ve had people figure out who owns the house or who owns the land. It’s just a positive impact.”
According to family lore, her father’s family lineage included one person who was enslaved, named Ann. Ashby learned that it was true. Ann married Matthew Ashby, who was the son of an indentured servant from England, Mary Ashby, and an unknown African man. They lived in Colonial Williamsburg. Matthew petitioned to purchase Ann, and once he successfully did, he set her free so that their three children would also be free.
Theodora Ashby’s mother was from the Richardsons of Monmouth County, N.J., descended from the Lenape Tribe of Delaware. They also had African, Dutch and Irish lineage. A family story was that great-great uncle William Thorn, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, left America around 1875 and went to Japan. Through her research, Ashby learned the story was incorrect.
One evening, while doing some online sleuthing, she received a pop-up message saying, “hello, cousin.” It turns out in 1887 William Thorn went to Australia. Ashby learned she has a lot of cousins in Australia, ranging in age from 3 months to 97.
Ashby, along with her sister Carol and daughter Phillipa, are the only Thorn family descendants living in the United States.
A lot of history can be found in family bibles. But to do genealogy right, Ashby said, “You’ve got to be a very curious person, self-motivated and organized. You have to think outside the box.” Bibles are a good start, but genealogists also need to do deep dives on architecture, geography, state histories and more.
Ira Siegal, 71, who lives in the Spring Garden area, became interested in genealogy by happenstance. In 2009, he learned that the
International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies was having its annual convention in Philadelphia. He attended and the next thing he knew, he was researching the history of his grandfather, who was raised in Dublin, Ireland.
His grandfather, Isaac Schreider, was born in what is now Belarus and immigrated to Dublin’s small Jewish community at 2 with his father, stepmother and a sister. He immigrated to Philadelphia at age 25 in 1908. When Isaac’s father Moshe brought the family to Dublin, he came with a sacred Torah (Jewish written law, which consists of the first five books of the Hebrew bible).
After Isaac’s great-grandfather died and his sister married and moved to Glasgow, Scotland, he left for Philadelphia to join an older brother here. Isaac brought his Torah with him, and it is now housed at Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel synagogue in Center City.
The Torah continues to play a significant role for the Schreider-Siegal family. Four of Isaac’s great grandchildren have read from the Torah during their bar or bat mitzvahs; and in 2015, Siegal read from it on the 50th anniversary of his bar mitzvah.
Since taking up genealogy, Siegal has traveled around the world to meet relatives. He went to Dublin in 2018 to meet his third cousin, Ian Edward Segal, who shared the history of Moshe Schreider, Ira’s great-grandfather.
In September 2019, Siegal visited Israel, where he met Israeli cousins. His cousin Ziva respond-
ed to the Family Finder database query by Siegal after he went to the 2009 conference. This was his first contact with a missing branch of the family tree.
While in Israel, Siegal found information about family members who survived the Holocaust. He also visited Glasgow and London in 2023 to connect with even more extended family members.
Siegal’s genealogy research has come full circle. “I met relatives, and I hope I sparked an interest in future generations in our family’s roots. For me, it’s not that I’m just finding documents. In the last few years, it was actually meeting the family members, which is the enjoyment I’ve gotten out of this.”
Genealogy resources
For people interested in researching their family histories, here are additional resources
• Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania: https://genpa.org
• African American Genealogy Group: https://aagg.org
• Jewish Genealogical and Archival Society of Greater Philadelphia: https://jgasgp.org
• JewishGen – The Global Home for Jewish Genealogy: jewishgen.org
Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.
Ways to preserve memories for future generations
By Mary Anna Rodabaugh
Today, it is easier than ever to preserve precious moments and timeless memories. Smartphones have large storage capacity for digital photos. Video calls with loved ones can be recorded and viewed later. Craft stores offer abundant supplies for scrapbooking. Here are some ways you can preserve your favorite memories.
Print or restore your photos
If you or a loved one uses a smartphone to capture digital photos, you can easily print your favorite photos to display around your living space. Local pharmacies, and other retailers, have pho-
to centers on-site and online. Simply ask a store employee for help, select your photos on the screen and the size of each photo. Within minutes, you’ll receive prints of the photos you selected.
Create photo keepsakes
Another option is to use an online photo printing service. You can upload digital images right from your smartphone. You can also connect your smartphone or digital camera to your computer using the USB cable that came with it.
After uploading your favorite photos to your computer, visit a photo printing website to select, print and ship your photos. Many of these websites contain options to create calendars, blankets, mugs
and other items featuring the photos you choose.
Scrapbooking
For a more hands-on experience, visit your local craft store or online retailer to purchase a large, blank book to use for scrapbooking. Gather sentimental items, such as photos, dried flowers, ticket stubs, receipts, pamphlets, postcards or anything else you find meaningful. If you need more materials to customize your scrapbook, you can purchase patterned or colored paper, stickers and other decorative papercrafting items.
The Resource Exchange, 1800 N. American St., is a unique place to find recycled art and craft supplies,
as well as stamps, stickers and ink. If you have a surplus of crafting items you no longer need, you can donate these items for other artists to purchase and use. For information: 267-997-0060 |TheResourceExchange.org
Recipes to remember
Have a favorite family recipe?
You can collect or write down your favorite recipes to share with the younger generations of your family. Buy a pack of index cards or a recipe keeper book, then write down all the important information others need to recreate the dish. If you have a lot of written recipes, you may want to create a family cookbook.
Tell your story
Storytelling websites, such as PrivateHistorian.net, StoryWorth. com and StoryKeeper.com, have writers and editors who specialize in writing your life story or family history. Some sites can also create a short video with your stories. The staff will interview you and draft the manuscript, then the book is printed for you. You can order copies for loved ones.
You can also dictate your story to a loved one, who can type up your memories for you to turn into a book or keep on file for yourself.
If you do not want to put your memories into a book, you can have a loved one audio or video record you as you share some of your favorite memories.
Mary Anna Rodabaugh is a writer, editor and writing coach.
AARP advocates for older adults
By Jay Nachman
Last January, $78 million in funding was awarded to make major safety improvements along Roosevelt Boulevard, one of the most dangerous roadways in Philadelphia. Since 2016, crashes along Roosevelt Boulevard have killed at least 75 people and seriously injured 119 others. Almost half of those killed were pedestrians trying to cross Roosevelt Boulevard’s 12 lanes.
Advocacy efforts by the Philadelphia office of AARP help raise awareness of issues affecting older adults that require attention and funding. Among the issues AARP works on are housing, caregiving, health care and transportation. The agency also works at “making sure that the citizens have all the information they need to make decisions,” said Yocasta Lora, AARP’s associate state director of advocacy and community engagement. Lora,
who has worked at AARP for nine years, is responsible for leading strategies and engagement for vol unteers, communities and partners across Pennsylvania’s southeast re gion.
“I have been able to have a seat at the table in conversations with de velopers, planners and elected offi cials to talk about how we can en hance our community, and how we build a city, while making sure we are intentional with the work we do serving the older population,” said Lora, who received a Community Service Award from the Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians this year for her work to advocate for older adults. “To be able to have that opportunity through AARP has been a life changer.”
Please help older adults in Philadelphia stay warm this winter
The Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians was created in 1981 to assist older adults who are in crisis. It reduces suffering by providing small grants to older individuals in dire situations. Anyone 60+, on a fixed income, facing a crisis, and meeting the eligibility requirements, can request 100 gallons of heating oil or up to $150 for other immediate needs once a year. Funds can be used for food, vital medications, clothing to stay warm, urgent repairs to keep their home safe, to avoid a utility shut-off, or other life-sustaining expenses.
At its most basic level, what AARP does is empower people to choose how they live as they age, according to Lora.
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“The vast majority of people aged 65 or older want to remain in their current home or community as they age. AARP is at the forefront of making sure there are resources in our cities and towns to make sure they can do just that.”
-Yocasta Lora, AARP’s associate state director of advocacy and community engagement
Critical to AARP’s success is working in partnership with other agencies, such as Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), universities, the Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Philadelphia. Lora described it as “being engaged with local programming and getting more involved with the work that is happening in the community so we can use that information to elevate the work that we are doing at the state and federal level.”
AARP partners with PCA on advocating for livable communities, which seeks to provide access to housing, transportation and green spaces in neighborhoods for people of all ages. The nonprofit organization also convenes leadership within the city to make sure
its initiatives are beneficial for the local community.
Transportation includes pedes trian safety, items like sidewalks, lighting, benches and signage, all of which contribute to the safety of older adults as they walk within their communities or visit doctors and other providers.
AARP has been supportive of the city’s Vision Zero Action Plan 2025, which calls for zero traffic fatalities by 2030. The Roosevelt Boulevard improvements are be ing implemented as part of Vision Zero.
“The work that AARP has been doing in Vision Zero is to make sure we have a safe transportation system for not only the older pop ulation but also for the multi-gen erational and intergenerational communities,” Lora said.
older adults. With the rising costs of medication and food, many older adults find it harder to pay their mortgage or rent and are at risk of losing their homes.
AARP is partnering with local elected officials to help create better and more affordable housing. The agency has also supported home repair legislation that provided
Less Waiting. More Living.
improvements so they can age in place.
Looking ahead, the need for aging services and advocacy will continue to grow. Philadelphia has a large population of older adults, which will only increase as millennials begin to turn 50 by 2030.
“The vast majority of people aged 65 or older want to remain in their current home or community as they age,” Lora said. “AARP is at the forefront of making sure there are resources in our cities and towns to make sure they can do just that.”
A current challenge in the city is access to affordable housing for
Andorra Shopping Center | 701 Cathedral Road | Philadelphia, PA 19128 | (267) 766-6321
Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.
Top healthy New Year’s resolutions for older adults
Quit smoking. Cigarette smokers are twice as likely to develop heart disease as non-smokers. You can reduce the risk of many health problems, breathe easier, have more energy and sleep better if you quit smoking.
Old blue eyes
Making New Year’s resolutions can help you get healthier and feel better for many more years to come.
The American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation recommends these top healthy New Year’s resolutions for older adults to help achieve your goal of becoming and staying healthy.
Eat well. In later life, you need healthy foods, but fewer calories. Eat a regular diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy and healthy fats.
Be active. Physical activity can be safe and healthy for older adults with heart disease, diabetes or arthritis. Many conditions improve with mild to moderate physical activity. Low-impact exercises, such as tai chi, water aerobics, walking and stretching, can also control weight, build muscle and bones, and improve well-being.
See your doctor. Schedule an annual Medicare wellness visit with your health care provider to discuss health screenings, vaccinations, current medications and possible changes to your advance directives.
Toast with a smaller glass. Excessive drinking can make you feel depressed, increase falling risk, cause trouble sleeping and interact with medications. The recommended weekly limit is 14 drinks for older men and seven for older women.
Guard against falls. Falls are a leading cause of injuries and death among older adults. Exercise increases strength, balance and flexibility. Eliminate tripping hazards, like rugs. Install grab bars in your shower and stairway.
Exercise your brain. The more you use your mind, the better it will work. Reading, socialization and continued education will help keep your mind active.
Share your feelings. Depression symptoms include lingering sadness, tiredness, decreased appetite or loss of enjoyment. If you have these signs for more than two weeks, talk to your health care provider and reach out to friends or family.
Get enough sleep. Older people need at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Avoid daytime naps, which can keep you up in the evening.
Review medications, including vitamins and supplements. Work with your doctor to be sure you are taking the right medications, and no more than what is needed, to address your specific needs and health conditions.
Source: HealthInAging.org by American Geriatrics Society
