Welcome Back!
PALM has undergone a wide range of policy and program shifts related to COVID-19. To support a safe reopening, PALM has devised a phased reopening plan.
The phased approach reflects recommendations from the CDC, PA and Montgomery County Department of Human Services, and the Office of Senior Services.
There are some programs that will be reintroduced in our second phase in August and our third and final phase in September.
We understand change can be challenging and appreciate your assistance so we can resume activity at the center safely.
Phase I: Monday, July 19, 2021, 9AM - Program Schedule - See Below for Daily Activities.
Prepare for your visit by reviewing the following guidelines:
o We reserve the right to screen patrons who are in the Center and are showing symptoms of COVID.
o PALM members returning to the center are required to wear masks regardless of vaccination status. Masks and face coverings will be provided as needed.
o Temperature checks will be performed upon entering the center in line with PALM's state approved Pandemic Policy.
o Members will scan their membership card and sanitize hands at check-in:
o Hand sanitation units are located throughout PALM. Please use them frequently.
o If you are feeling sick, please stay home. Members are to remain home who are experiencing any symptoms of a fever, excessive coughing, unusual fatigue, or has had any exposure to someone who has any covid symptoms, (which includes family and friends).Please do not return until you feel well.
o Furniture is re-arranged to encourage social distancing.
o Please clean and sanitize tables and chairs before and after each use with available wipes. Staff will sanitize the facility as well.
o Continental breakfast will be available:
o Members can bring food for themselves. Sharing of food is not permitted at this time.
Please speak with an employee if you have any questions and continue to check the website for latest updates.
Listed below - Current Onsite and Virtual Programs.
New Programming!
We are excited to introduce the Reader Leader Program* on Monday, July 19, 2021, at 11am! We welcome you to join us onsite for cake and coffee as we read wonderful stories and poetry and have great conversations about the content.
We look forward to seeing your warm, welcoming faces again!
The Center for Positive Aging has been actively working to shift our former onsite activities to remote/virtual programming so that you can continue to participate in the classes and groups that you enjoy and benefit from. We're looking at creative ways to offer programming to our participants who are at home and crave social, emotional, physical, and intellectual connection. Social distancing doesn't have to mean social isolation. We are excited to introduce PALM at Home Virtual Programming. Look for exercise classes, workshops, entertainment, support groups and much more in the coming weeks! You can now access PALM at Home Virtual Programming in several ways:
1. Check out our YouTube for recorded classes, workshops, films and other content. Watch what you want on your own time.
2. Follow us on Facebook to stay connected. We plan to offer special Facebook Live programming in addition to updates, photos and community sharing.
3. Take one of our virtual classes or workshops using Zoom. Many of our classes will be offered through Zoom, a service that offers video communications. This service is free for you to use when participating in PALM Zoom Programs. You can join the Zoom meeting from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device. Please note the meeting ID and Password when you join a meeting. The ID and Password are unique for each class. Zoom also allows for you to participate by phone for those who want audio only.
4. We also know that some of you do not have a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device. So we will also be doing classes conducted by telephone.
One thing we have heard loud and clear is that virtual programming is very likely here to stay as a part of our programming. As long as we focus on the purpose- to bring people together to grow, learn and live life to the fullest- how we do it isn't as important.
Whether you are looking to learn something different and interesting, or you want to become an instructor and impart your knowledge, we'd be glad to hear from you! You may also call The PALM at (610) 642-9370.
Daily lunch
Free medical screenings
Weekly nurse on site (Tuesday)
Low-cost legal services
Weekly grocery shopping
Transportation to and from the Center
Monthly food pantry
Help with entitlements
Rent Rebates
Produce Vouchers in Season
Assistance with Benefits
Links to Community Resources
Advocacy and Organization
Handy Helpers
Food Cupboard
Educational Instruction
Friendly Phone Calls
Fundraising Projects
Marketing and Public Relations
Center host/hostess for special events
RSVP volunteer site
Board/Committee Member
Benefit Check-ups
Food Cupboard
Reassurance Calls
Yearly Membership cost is $25.00.
Mail your application to:
The PALM Center for Positive Aging
117 Ardmore Avenue
Ardmore, PA 19003
Your membership card will be mailed when we receive your payment. If you have Any questions, please call 610-642-9370.
Paypal also accepts your Credit and Debit Cards!
To assist adults 50 years of age and older to maintain a healthy, satisfying quality of life by providing services and activities in a nurturing environment that enables them to function more independently in the community. The Center is an advocate of unmet needs of older adults and is a repository of information to assure them their rights, benefits and opportunities.
In November 1974, Family Services of Montgomery County, through a study made by their outreach worker, sensed the need for developing an organization which would help the older residents of South Ardmore to realize their fullest potential. These residents were primarily minority group members.
*Fifteen persons were invited to work on the project and became the first Board of Directors. They prepared themselves for their responsibility by visiting other senior citizens' centers and familarizing themselves with programming possibilities.
*On September 29, 1975, the community was invited to a kickoff at which goals and aspirations were explained.
*Temporary housing had been offered to the Center and was accepted from the James A. Bell Masonic Order.
*The Board planned a budget and decided that funding was needed for transportation, guest speakers, equipment, program supplies and refreshments. An application was made by the Montgomery Council Office of Older Adults and funding was received.
*Initially the Club was envisioned as having a weekly program every Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. With funding from he Office of Older Adults, the program expanded to a two day week program.
*In September 1979, the program was enlarged to a three day week.
*Starting January 1980, the program was expanded to a five day week.
The Center for Positive Aging in Lower Merion (PALM) will be widely known for supporting positive aging and independence with dignity to older adults. We will be a resource and cultural Center, continuously expanding services and growing membership with an effective Board, staff and financial stability. Our staff and volunteers will engage in partnerships with public agencies, private businesses and applicable institutions to support older adults through programs and activities to:
*Advocate for rights and benefits;
*Create/promote opportunities to optimize health and welfare;
*Increase community outreach initiatives;
*Maximize life enrichment opportunities.
*To advance the well being of older adults by providing activities and programs which promote healthy lifestyles and independence so that older adults can Age in Place safely and with dignity.
*To advocate for unmet needs of older adults.
*To act as a repository of information regarding the rights, benefits and opportunities for older adults.
*To provide opportunities and encourage continued learning and creativity.
*To recognize the dignity and strength and wisdom of adults 55 and older.
*To promote collaborative relationships between area agencies providing services to older adults, local government, business, non-government and community organizations that support positive aging.
*To seek out and identify older adults who may feel isolated or be in need of services and information.
*To promote intergenerational activities.
Joyce Mosley, President
Craig Whitney, Vice President
Sherry Altschuler, PhD
William Simon Leopold
Michael Quinn, Esq.
Yvettte Bradford
Virginia DeFelice
Dawn S. Allen, Executive Director
Nancy Godfrey, Office Manager
Felicia Howard, Social Services Coordinator
Rosa Bryant, Dining Coordinator
Chef Angela Brown-Johnson, Dining Assistant
Joan Jackson, Bookkeeper
Harry Collins, Building Maintenance
Michael Sommerville, Jr., Communications Specialist