Senior Center
By Mary Zell
Invented the Franklin stove. Brokered the alliance between France and
America, against the British. Created Franklin glasses. Published Poor
Richard’s Almanak. Started the University of Pennsylvania. Discovered
the lightening rod. Developed the Library Company of Philadelphia. And,
he was an excellent chess player. This and much more describes the person
who is arguably Philadelphia’s most famous senior citizen.
Therefore, in the weeks to come the Chestnut Hill Senior Center will
be honoring Benjamin Franklin, many of whose greatest accomplishments
were the product of his senior years. To begin…next Tuesday, March
21 at the Senior Center local storyteller Jill Kohles will spin lesser-known
tales of the man known to some as “Mr. Fatsides”. The program
begins at 1 p.m. It is free, open to the public and suitable for audiences
of all ages. Refreshments will be served.
Chestnut Hill Senior Center has also scheduled a trip on Monday, April
10 to the world-class National Constitution Center on Independence Mall
in Philadelphia. The morning will be spent in the Center’s special
exhibit “Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World”.
Lunch for all in the Delegates’ Restaurant; followed by an introduction
to the Center’s permanent exhibits and the stirring multimedia piece
“Freedom Rising”. The Senior Center cordially invites the
community along on this one-of-a-kind experience. You can leave the driving
(and parking) to us as our group will leave from and return to the Center
on Crittenden Street. Your all-inclusive price is $35 for members and
$45, non-Senior Center members.
Our Senior Center is also collaborating with Mayor Street and the Free
Library in their “One Book, One Philadelphia” project. This
year, in honor of his 300th birthday there are 3 books: Benjamin Franklin’s
Autobiography, Franklin-The Essential Founding Father, as well as Ben
and Me for children. The Center has several copies of each and is happy
to lend them out for your enlightenment and enjoyment.
The Chestnut Hill Senior Center is supported by the Chestnut Hill Community
Association and serves adults on the Hill and all the surrounding communities.
We are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Location - 7999
Crittenden Street, up the block from Market Square Shopping Center and
Post Office. Phone 215-248-0180; email chseniors@juno.com.
Mary Zell is the Executive Director of the Senior Center, and lives with
Kaila the Greyhound in Germantown.
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