Star Harbor Senior Community Center co-sponsored a senior health fair with Pennsylvania State Representative Rick Krajewski of the 188th Legislative District for National Senior Center Month. (Photo: Representative Krajewski’s office)
Every September, the National Council on Aging leads the nation’s observation of National Senior Center Month. This year’s theme was “Powering Connections”. It highlighted the profound impact that social connections have on health and well-being for senior citizens.
To mark this national observance, Star Harbor Senior Community Center in Southwest Philadelphia hosted a senior health fair. The event was co-sponsored by Pennsylvania State Representative Rick Krajewski of the 188th Legislative District.
“My prayer is that all who participated walked away with some new information to help enrich the quality of life and health for themselves or family members for many years,” said Janada Carter, Center Manager for Star Harbor. “The feedback we received indicated that the event was fun, educational, and participants look forward to attending again.”
Cartner noted that Shira Smillie, District Office Director for State Representative Krajewski, and Darlena Clarkson, Program Coordinator for Star Harbor were instrumental in organizing the event.
“They secured the quality vendors and created the concept of the health fair as well as assisted in various duties on the day of the event to ensure that everything went smoothly.”
Over 20 vendors joined Star Harbor for the fair. Seniors had the opportunity to connect with various resources including SEPTA, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Dedicated Senior Medical Center.
Star Harbor utilized the fair as an opportunity to showcase the wide range of services and programs the center offers on a regular basis.
The event kicked off with an outdoor Zumba class by Victoria Mingle, a certified instructor who hosts classes at the center every Friday. (Photo: Representative Krajewski’s office)
An outdoor Zumba class by Victoria Mingle, a certified instructor who hosts classes at the center every Friday kicked off Star Harbor’s event. Certified nutritionist for the University of Pennsylvania’s Agatston Urban Nutrition Initiative, Lynn McCullough, demonstrated how to make an apple crisp. McCullough hosts live cooking sessions every Thursday at Star Harbor at 10:00 a.m.
The center’s social worker, Dianna Carter, was also on hand to distribute the annual Senior Farmer Market Nutritional Program vouchers to seniors, where they received $50.00 in food vouchers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from farm markets now through November 30th.
In addition to highlighting programs, resources, and services, Star Harbor’s 2024-2026 Advisory Council was sworn in and pinned by Representative Krajewski. The group consists of 15 members. This term’s Council President is Dorothy Thompson. Each is tasked with a specific role for the betterment of the center.
“Their input is so vital to the growth of the center as they can provide input from being an active member and based on activities their demographic prefers. They each have unique traits that they are bringing, but the one thing that they all have in common is their willingness to serve. That aligns with the mission of Star Harbor and CHCS,” said Carter. “I look forward to working with them and hope the center and community will see the benefits of their labor.”
Catholic Housing and Community Services (CHCS), a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, operates four senior community centers throughout Philadelphia.
Many seniors are drawn to the centers due to their vast spectrum of activities including art classes, trips, health education, nursing services, exercise programs, and wellness initiatives. Learn more here: https://chcsphiladelphia.org/senior-centers/.
Star Harbor’s 2024-2026 Advisory Council was sworn in and pinned by State Representative Krajewski. (Photo: Representative Krajewski’s office)
