Rhawnhurst NORC presented certificates of appreciation to eight people. From left: Lucille Geller, Robert Geller, Florence Knable, state Rep. John Sabatina Jr., Renee Polan, NORC project manager Abby Gilbert, Glenda Fine and Edward Weick. Jack Belitsky is missing from the picture. (photo courtesy of Ryan T. Mulvey)
The Rhawnhurst Naturally Occurring Retirement Community honored eight people last week for their volunteer contributions.
The group, formed in 2005, held its monthly meeting at the Congregations of Ner Zedek.
Project manager Abby Gilbert presented certificates of appreciation to state Rep. John Sabatina Jr. (D-174th dist.), Jack Belitsky, Glenda Fine, Lucille Geller, Robert Geller, Florence Knable, Renee Polan and Edward Weick.
Rhawnhurst NORC assists people 60 and older who live in the 19111, 19149 and 19152 ZIP codes. It’s a joint program of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Catholic Health Care Services and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Services include transportation and access to a social worker.
The honorees give their time in various ways, including helping older folks during spring cleaning and winterization days.
In other news from the Aug. 23 meeting:
• Sabatina recently opened a new office at 16 Old Ashton Road in Holme Circle to complement his existing office at 8100 Castor Ave. in Rhawnhurst. The new office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The telephone number is 215–330–3714.
The Legislative Reapportionment Commission approved a plan that would make dramatic changes to Sabatina’s district and could set up a 2014 primary battle with Rep. Ed Neilson. Sabatina is among those appealing the commission’s plan to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
In related news, Sabatina quashed rumors that he will run for a Common Pleas or Municipal Court judgeship next year.
A lifelong Rhawnhurst resident, Sabatina and his staff have been involved with NORC since he was elected in 2006, back when Elaine Griffin was the agency’s project manager.
• A Rite Aid pharmacist provided flu shots, while a nurse from the St. John Neumann Nursing Home offered blood pressure checks. A vaccination against shingles will be distributed at the November meeting.
• Arnie Zimmerman, director of South Philadelphia-based Addus Health Care, spoke about his agency. Established in 1979, Addus is a home health services provider. Call toll-free 877–233–8744 or visit www.addus.com
• Rhawnhurst NORC will meet again on Thursday, Sept. 27 at noon at Rhawnhurst Presbyterian Church, at 7701 Loretto Ave. Lunch costs $5. The Committee of Seventy will discuss the state’s new voter identification law. To RSVP, call 215–320–0351. ••
