Center in the Park

For Immediate Release
January 25, 2010

Celebrate African American History Month at Center in the Park

Center in the Park (CIP) invites you to join us in celebrating African American History Month and Promoting Positive Aging at a special event or health promotion activity to be held at Center in the Park in February. Unless otherwise indicated, activities are free of charge but registration may be required and will be held at Center in the Park in historic Vernon Park, 5818 Germantown Avenue, with parking available on the lot at Rittenhouse & McCallum Streets. Contact the Center at 215-848-7722.

February 1 - 9:30am - Noon - Diabetes Self-Management Program - A four week workshop to learn how to balance and manage diabetes. Contact Delores Palmer 215-849-5100 or Dianne B. Tucker, 215-848-7722, to register.

February 5 - 10:30-11:30am - Put on Your Red Dress Day! - Attend a Women's Heart Health Workshop facilitated by Dr. Annie Kou, Drexel University College of Medicine. This activity is presented by the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). Contact Delores Palmer to register for this free event, 215-849-5100.

February 10 - 1:00pm - CIP Songsters Unlimited & Martin Luther King High School - Annual Intergenerational African American History Month Concert - The annual intergenerational concert is under the direction of Dr. Jerome Lang. Light refreshments will be provided.

February 11 - 11:30am - Healthy Steps for Older Adults 50+ - Falls Prevention Program - A fun and informative 4 hour workshop. You will receive a colorful 68 page guide with useful resources. Bring a list of your medications and call the Program Office in advance to register, 215-848-7722.

February 16 - 1:00pm - African Head Dressing - Learn or practice the Art of African Head Dressing as demonstrated by CIP's Center Counselor, Dorcas Essilfie, a native of Ghana.

February 18 - 1:00pm - Guitar & Poetry Jam for Valentine's Day! - Poetry and discussion and CIP guitarists led by Monette Sudler-Honesty - Bring a favorite poem, love song or your sweetheart to this afternoon of music and poetry. Light refreshments will be provided.

February 22 - 1:00pm - CIP's Cultural Appreciation Day - Join CIP staff and members to explore the cultural landscape of Center in the Park and share our cultural backgrounds and celebrate our diversity. Bring a favorite ethnic dish. Please call the Program Office to register, 215-848-7722.

February 25 - 1:00pm - Gourmet Soul Food Cooking - A healthy soul food workshop and demonstration. Please call the Program Office to register, 215-848-7722.

February 26 - 10:00-11:30am - In Touch: Mind, Body & Spirit presents Ask the Doc - A workshop to learn the facts of Asthma and Allergies, facilitated by Dr. Kristine Swartz, Division of Geriatrics, Jefferson Medical College, please call Delores Palmer to register, 215-849-5100.

Come to one of the Center's health promotion events or one of the popular exercise or dance classes - some are free and others have a modest fee - or, join the fully-equipped Fitness Center - exercise in comfortable surroundings, with your peers, on equipment that is designed specifically for older adults. For information on the fitness center or to make an appointment to tour, contact the Center's Program Office, 215-848-7722; or, ask to be connected to the Fitness Center. Call the Program Office, 215-848-7722 to find out what's playing on the big screen for Wednesdays at the Movies.

Contact the Center's Program Office and get details on upcoming trips - to destinations of interest both near and far. Join the Center for a March 5th trip to the famous Philadelphia Flower Show - sign up now.

Membership at Center in the Park is open to adults, age 55+ and non-members may attend certain classes, trips and activities, as well. For an appointment with the Center Counselor or membership registrars, call 215-848-7722.

Center in the Park is a community center that promotes positive aging and fosters community connections for older adults in Northwest Philadelphia, whose voices are critical instruments in shaping its activities and direction. CIP is accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers, a unit of the National Council on Aging as a provider of excellent programs, activities and services for its active membership of more than 5,000 and its 1,000 homebound clients.