REUNIONS
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS
- George C. Thomas. All classes. Oct. 2, 2021. 7-11 p.m. Galdo’s, 20th Street and Moyamensing Avenue. $75. Checks or money orders made payable to Karen Kelly-Mandl, P.O. Box 87, Hainesport, NJ 08036. kmkthomas@outlook.com or facebook.com/events/753740381820658/?active_tab=about.
HIGH SCHOOLS
- Abraham Lincoln, class of 1960. Oct. 10, 2021. Brookside Manor at Somerton Springs. DJ, open bar, buffet, cake, pastry table. Betty Harrison, bharrison46@gmail.com.
- St. Hubert, class of 1960. April 17, 2021. 1-5 p.m. Maltese Room, 2049 Bristol Pike, Bensalem. Lorraine Jent Hepp, 215-624-6764 or LHepp1960@aol.com. Charlene Ritchie, 215-624-6840 (Ext. 1531) or critchie@huberts.org.
- St. Joseph’s Prep, classes 1975. ‘80, ‘85, ‘90, ‘95, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. Saturday, March 27, 2021, at the school, 1733 W. Girard Ave. 215-978-1950.
- Members of the South Philadelphia High School Class of 1968 will meet on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Waterfall Room, 2015 S. Water St. Tickets cost $55 and include an open bar and buffet luncheon. The luncheon is open to all classes of South Philadelphia High. Checks can be made payable to SPHS Class of 1968 and mailed to Maria Leati, 26 Old Republic Lane, Marlton, NJ 08053. For tickets and information, contact Stephen Michielli at 267-252-2740 or sdmichielli@yahoo.com. ••
OTHER REUNIONS
Navy Reunions
- Visit HullNumber.com for a listing of reunions. The site is a free service enabling Navy shipmates to renew old friendships. There are currently more than 8,700 Navy ship, submarine and air squadron personnel rosters listed. ••
Play virtual bingo
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim is hosting a virtual bingo on Mondays, Dec. 7 and 14, at 7 p.m.
The cost is $36 per person and includes two cards, for eight games of bingo each night.
Send your payment to the CSS office, 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115, Attention: Bingo. Include your email address.
For further information, call 215-677-1600 and ask for Gerry or Nancy. ••
Big honor for Jeanes
Temple University Hospital-Jeanes Campus has been recognized as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for pulmonary, gastrointestinal and cardiac care, according to new research released by Healthgrades.
Every year, Healthgrades evaluates performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 32 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions using Medicare data, as well as outcomes in appendectomy and bariatric surgery using all-payer data provided by 16 states.
“Consistently, Temple University Hospital–Jeanes Campus is recognized by Healthgrades as a top-performing institution,” said Dr. Marc P. Hurowitz, executive director of Jeanes. “We are proud of the excellent care, attention to quality and favorable outcomes that our patients can expect when they choose us for their healthcare. This distinction reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone at our hospital.” ••
Medicare enrollment open
The Bucks County Area Agency on Aging wants all seniors to know that the Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period runs through Dec. 7.
During this period, Medicare beneficiaries can change their Medicare Advantage plan or their Stand Alone Prescription Drug plan.
APPRISE program counselors can help people find the best plan available to meet their individual needs and to help them save money.
The APPRISE Program is a free, unbiased Medicare counseling program, sponsored in part by the Bucks County Commissioners, the Area Agency on Aging and the state Department of Aging.
APPRISE counselors have appointments available by telephone and virtually. Call the Area Agency on Aging at 267-880-5700 to schedule an individualized appointment.
To learn more about Medicare coverage and APPRISE services, attend a virtual presentation, watch an informative video or for more information, go to the website buckscounty.org/APPRISE. ••
Virtual Tai Chi for older adults
Older adults can participate in virtual Tai Chi every Thursday, from 10 to 11 a.m. Taught by a certified Tai Chi instructor through Zoom, the class improves balance, core strength, flexibility and circulation, and helps to reduce social isolation and stress, lower blood pressure and decrease fall risk.
Space is limited. No special equipment is needed. A webcam is necessary for instructor and student to see each other.
Call the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging at 267-880-5744 or email aging@buckscounty.org to register. ••
Council on Aging releases interactive wellness guide
The Pennsylvania Council on Aging released an interactive guide with information and resources to help older adults cultivate a healthy mind, body and spirit amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The guide, titled “SOLO: Strengthening Older Lives Online,” was produced by PCoA’s Risk Reduction Committee, which is made up of older adults and was formed in response to the council’s State of Older Adults Report in May. The committee is an extension of the Social Isolation Task Force, formed in 2019 to help mitigate social isolation among seniors.
“Social isolation is a problem that we already knew existed among seniors and became more of an urgent concern during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Social Isolation Task Force chair Janice Cameron. “The challenges we’ve faced also gave us an opportunity to focus on social isolation and what aging Pennsylvanians are experiencing and develop real ways to help combat it. The SOLO guide is a user-friendly self-empowering tool for older adults to be shared among their peers as a means of preventing social isolation.”
The SOLO guide is designed to go beyond some of the physical safety reminders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using bold, color graphics, the guide incorporates ways for aging adults to combat some of the pervasive stressors exacerbated by the pandemic while helping them live their best lives.
Tools available in the guide include:
- Activities and videos to help stay mentally, spiritually and physically fit
- Resources available to assist with those three areas
- Short questionnaires to build active health plans
Members of the Risk Reduction Committee have developed a training module that accompanies the guide in order to introduce it into communities of seniors in peer-led ways. The committee hopes it will help reduce instances of social isolation by informing older adults about some habits they can practice to prevent it in their lives.
“The Department of Aging is proud of the work of the Risk Reduction Committee, Social Isolation Task Force and PCoA. It’s a true commitment for older Pennsylvanians to be members of these groups and provide us with real input on experiences of seniors,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. “The SOLO health and wellness guide was created by older adults for older adults. It is a great way to empower and support one another, as well as improve physical, mental and spiritual health.”
“As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we understand this time may be difficult for Pennsylvanians in more ways than one,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine. “Mitigation efforts are necessary to save lives, but can be accompanied by loneliness, social isolation and a general sense of uncertainty. This interactive guide is another tool that can be used to improve the health and wellbeing of older adults across the state. It is essential that we provide the proper resources to older Pennsylvanians so they can learn ways to cope with the stresses that come with the pandemic.”
The interactive health and wellness guide is available at my.visme.co/view/4d8vmyqz-solo. ••
Food assistance available to fill holiday meal gaps
Pennsylvanians are reminded to take advantage of food assistance programs and Thanksgiving baskets from local organizations to fill gaps in their holiday meal plans.
“No one should go without this holiday season. In a year like 2020, we all need the comfort of tradition,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Pennsylvania’s food assistance programs were built for times like these and no one should be too shy to take advantage of what they have to offer.”
Pennsylvanians looking for a turkey, side dishes or ingredients to make their family favorites and keep traditions alive amid the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to take advantage of the following options:
- Farmers Market Nutrition Program Vouchers: Seniors and WIC participants with vouchers from the Department of Agriculture’s Farmers Market Nutrition Program are encouraged to redeem them at a participating farmers market or farm stand for Pennsylvania-produced fresh fruits and vegetables. In-season products such as apples, potatoes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, turnips and brussels sprouts are the perfect complement to a Thanksgiving meal. FMNP vouchers issued in 2020 expire Nov. 30.
- SNAP: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps Pennsylvanians purchase fresh food and groceries for recipients, helping families with limited or strained resources be able to keep food on the table while meeting other bills and needs. Earlier this year, Pennsylvania joined a pilot program from the federal government allowing SNAP recipients to purchase food online through certain approved retailers like Walmart, Amazon and ShopRite. Pennsylvanians can apply for SNAP at any time online at compass.state.pa.us.
- PA211.org: Use this resource to search for Thanksgiving baskets or find a local organization distributing holiday food packages.
- Find a turkey: Many local food banks, food pantries and other emergency feeding organizations provide turkeys or vouchers for turkeys and ingredients for a traditional holiday meal. Find local emergency feeding organizations online at dhs.pa.gov.
“Food can be a source of comfort, community and celebration, and as we celebrate the holiday season safely within our households, we want to be sure that no Pennsylvanian is going hungry this holiday season,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller. “While we must be mindful of doing all we can to limit interactions outside our household to stop the spread of COVID-19, we need all Pennsylvanians to know that they are not alone through this holiday season. If you need a hand this holiday season, please use these resources.” ••
Help for vision impaired
Dr. Errol Rummel opened a Low Vision Care and Hemianopsia Care practice at 1653 The Fairway, Suite 211, Jenkintown.
The practice cares for patients with reduced vision, not helped by regular glasses, and people with stroke-related side vision loss or constricted visual fields.
To make an appointment or schedule a no-charge courtesy telephone consultation, call 732-279-3268.
For more information, visit LowVisionNJ.com or SideVisionAwarenessGlasses.com. ••
Half-price clothing sale
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, will hold its half-price clothing sale from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6.
Shop hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ••
Christmas show at Buck Hotel
Joey C will present The Sounds of Christmas on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 19-20, at the Buck Hotel, 1200 Buck Road, Feasterville.
The Dec. 19 show will include a sit-down dinner. Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 and the show at 7:30.
The Dec. 20 show will include a brunch. Doors open at 11 a.m., with the brunch at 11:30 and the show at 12:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $60, including tax and gratuity. There will be a cash bar.
Cal 215-396-2002 or visit thebuckhotel.com. ••
Virtual Christmas Tea on Dec. 6
Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave., will hold a digital Victorian Christmas Tea on Sunday Dec. 6, at 2 p.m.
When you register, you will receive in the mail a packet with recipes, recommendations, tea and a craft to help you get ready for this at-home tea experience. There will be readings, carols, fellowship and a talk from Bishop Patricia Davenport.
To register, call 215-342-2085 or visit www.redemptionphiladelphia.org/tea. Admission is $10. ••
Lottery calendars for sale
St. Martha Parish is selling 2021 lottery calendars, available after all Masses.
For a $25 donation, you choose a three-digit number that has a chance to win all year long.
The winning number is based on the Pennsylvania Lottery daily number, drawn each night at 7. Each month, there is a $100 bonus day.
Checks can be made payable to St. Martha, with “Lottery Calendar” on the memo line, and mailed to St. Martha Catholic Church, Attn: Kathy Cantz, 11301 Academy Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154. ••
