Seniors invited to sign up for COSA health and wellness program in May
EDDYSTONE » May is Older American’s Month and this year’s theme is “Make Your Mark.” Seniors can make their mark by living their best life and COSA can help them accomplish this goal. COSA’s Health and Wellness Program will begin to offer the nationally recognized evidence-based Healthy Living: Chronic Disease Self-Management Program developed at Stanford University in a small group format using once-a-week telephone conference calls. The program is sponsored by COSA and is available at no cost to Delaware County residents age 60 and over.
This is a limited opportunity as group sizes are small, with only four participants per group. Those who sign up for the program will receive program materials sent directly to their home which include the “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions” book, two CDs - Relaxation for Mind and Body and Exercises for Chronic Conditions as well as a self-test and tip sheet booklet.
Those registering for the program must commit to filling out a short registration survey; receiving program materials delivered directly to their home; attending group conference call program once-a-week for six weeks; doing their part by reviewing the assigned materials and preparing for each week’s session; and completing a short last session and fourweek follow-up survey.
The first programs are scheduled to begin the week of May 10 and will help participants manage chronic health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease. People must register soon to allow ample time for materials to be mailed out to reach them in time. To register e-mail williamse@co.delaware.pa.us or leave a message with a phone number at 610-499-1937.
Upper Darby School District receives Equity Grant
Upper Darby School District has announced it has been awarded a Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Continuity of Education Equity Grant totaling $491,350 for the 2019-20 academic year. The District has been awarded the full grant amount for the highly competitive grant and intends to use the funds to support its technology initiatives by purchasing additional Chromebooks.
Continuity of Education Equity Grant awards are designed to help provide access and inclusion for all learners by bridging the gap for students who are currently limited in their ability to participate in continuity of education. “Extended statewide school closures have required education leaders to adapt to unprecedented disruptions in teaching and learning to ensure every student has access to quality opportunities for continuity of education,” states the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In its efforts to support school districts in removing barriers to providing continuity of education to all students during the prolonged school closure, the Pennsylvania Department of Education opened the grant application to all local education agencies on April 6.
“I could not be more proud of our District students, staff, and community for the way everyone has Unified and responded to this pandemic. After a few weeks of required online instruction, close to 90% of our students are engaging in online learning Opportunities. We are far from perfect, but our collective efforts have been Excellent. This grant money will aid our District in closing the equity gap that so many school Districts are facing during this challenging time. We are committed to improving our learning opportunities and removing as many barriers to learning as possible.”
Elwyn receives $1,125,000 gift for COVID-19 Emergency Fund
Elwyn, the internationally-recognized nonprofit human service organization, received a $1,125,000 gift for its COVID-19 Emergency Fund from the Addison Hines Trust. Mr. Hines, who passed away in 2003, was born in Chester where he became a successful real estate investor, a major importer of photography equipment, and an owner of a chain of photography stores. His connection to Elwyn ran deep, and his generous spirit lives on today.
Founded in 1852, Elwyn is the leader in education, treatment, and support services to children and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and related behavioral health challenges. Through personal commitment, collective talent, and innovation, Elwyn supports individuals with diverse challenges in shaping distinctive, meaningful lives.
At this unprecedented time in Elwyn’s history, the organization continues to monitor the progression of the coronavirus pandemic and is taking the necessary steps and precautions to prevent and contain the spread of disease. According to a press release, Elwyn is keeping the health and safety of its entire community at the forefront of its decisionmaking; Elwyn’s actions to date and in the future are informed by guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and with its most susceptible populations in mind.
The press release says, “In just a few short weeks, Elwyn has already spent nearly $1 million dollars in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) alone, an expense that was both unexpected and unfunded, in response to this pandemic and in order to keep our individuals and staff safe. This does not include many other similar unbudgeted costs such as the deployment of laptops to our behavioral health providers for the provision of remote telehealth services, and the overtime and premium pay related to the care for quarantined individuals.”
To learn more about Elwyn’s response to COVID-19, visit elwyn.org.
Kimmel Center offers ‘Show Must Go On’ virtual programming
The Kimmel Center Cultural Campus, along with Resident Company support, has created “The Show Must Go On,” an invitation to stay connected virtually. While staying inside and preventing the spread of COVID-19, followers can immerse themselves in performance highlights, artist interviews, educational learning opportunities, and more – all available online from the safe comfort of home. Followers can access this content via https://www. kimmelcenter.org/ The-ShowMust-Go-On and on social media @KimmelCenter.
“The Show Must Go On” features 100% FREE, artistic content for any age – including content from every Kimmel Center Cultural Campus Resident Company, which includes the Philadelphia Orchestra, Pennsylvania Ballet, PHILADANCO, Philly POPS, Curtis Institute of Music, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Opera Philadelphia, and Philadelphia Chamber Music Society.
The public is invited to make sure #ArtHappensAtHome by creating and sharing their own art – singing, dancing, playing an instrument, rapping, reciting poetry– on social media and tagging the Kimmel Center. Additional content includes art from Philadelphia-based talent, educational resources, Spotify work-from-home playlists and zoom backgrounds, archival footage, concerts, livestreams, takeovers, and much more. The Kimmel Center Cultural Campus has seen extremely high traffic and engagement across this content – an indicator that the public is hungry for virtual events and entertainment.
“COVID-19 may prevent us from gathering, yet it can’t stop the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus from bringing diverse communities together for joyful experiences that illustrate the resiliency of the City of Brotherly Love. We are strengthened by artistic experiences that show us how we connect and intertwine. Now, more than ever, we need the arts,” said Anne Ewers, President and CEO of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. “During this difficult time, we are offering free tickets to togetherness – virtually! The artistic experiences featured in our online ‘The Show Must Go On’ hub are representative of the vast array of performances and events we host annually – jazz, opera, orchestra, dance, comedy and more. We may be in the midst of an intermission, yet we are still here with tickets to togetherness – because together is our favorite place to be.”
For a wide range of “The Show Must Go On” content and to join in as #ArtHappensAtHome, the public is invited to connect with the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Visit kimmelcenter.org to sign up and receive the weekly “Ovation” newsletter with updates, resources, and more.