APRIL RUNNER April 2021

“The roofs are shining from the rain. The sparrows tritter as they fly, and with a windy April grace the little clouds go by.” ~ Sara Teasdale

Animal of the Month – Cat Special Days The domestic cat, oftenreferred to as a house cat, is part of April Fools’Day the feline family, Felidae. Cats April 1 share over 95% of their DNA Good Friday with tigers. They first became April 2 pets in ancient Egypt around 7500 BC and in Cyprus around Easter 9500 BC. April 4 Last Day of Passover Today, the world is home to The only other animals to walk April 4 over 500 million domestic cats. this way are giraffes and camels. These carnivorous mammals Tax Day sleep an average of 12 to 16 Cats are known for being feisty, April 15 hours a day, can run up to 30 independent, and landing on their miles per hour, and live on a feet—hence the belief that they Earth Day diet of small critters, such as have nine lives, which explains April 22 birds, rats, and mice—unless why they symbolize rebirth. Black Arbor Day they are eating a bowl of cat cats are thought to be magical April 30 food. Cats walk by moving the and/or bad luck, while legend has two legs on each side at once. it that white cats bring good fortune. Flower – Daisy Birthstone – Diamond April’s flower is the daisy, one of the The birthstone for April is the oldest and best-known English diamond. For centuries, this stone flowers. It retains its Anglo-Saxon has signified romance, intrigue, name, “day’s eye,” because of its power, greed, and magic. In the appearance and the fact that it closes Middle Ages, it was used to cure according to the amount of available headaches and to create love sunshine. According to legend, the potions. Today, it symbolizes everlasting love. first daisy appeared when a young Formed nearly 100 miles beneath Earth’s surface nymph turned herself into one to in temperatures that exceed 2700˚F, the diamond avoid unwanted attention. Thus, the flower has is the world’s hardest naturally occurring come to symbolize modesty, chastity, and substance. It is also the purest of all gemstones, innocence. The daisy is also used to tell if “he composed completely from crystallized carbon. loves me” or “loves me not” by pulling off the Its name comes from the Greek word adamas, petals one-by-one. which means “unconquerable.” Monthly Gazette April 2021

Birthday Colors April Weather Lore April 1–7: Blue April 17–23: Green We all know April showers bring If your birthday color is blue, You make friends easily and are May flowers, but have you heard you have strong feelings about often the person people go to for of these April weather sayings? almost everything. Other advice or a shoulder to cry people might say you are on. You are intuitive and • Cloudy April, dewy May opinionated but also tend to caring but often put The louder the frog, the see you as a leader. You love yourself last. You have an • more the rain your life but seek to improve it. adventurous spirit but also enjoy the comforts of home • Moist April, clear June April 8–16: Silver and a familiar routine. Those with a birthday color of April 24–30: White silver are creative, sensitive,and Although you are highly respected, April Zodiacs imaginative. You like to try new most people think of you asbeing Aries (The Ram) things and do the unexpected. a little unusual—in a good way. April 1–19 You can be shy, but you like to You set goals, go after them with challenge yourself. You enjoy abandon, and like to dream big. Taurus (The Bull) the chase, and in love, you You are always prepared and April 20–30 are attracted to a romantic rarely surprised by what comes partner who loves adventure. your way, but do love a mystery.

April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It was originally the second month of the Roman calendar, before the addition of January and February. No one knows for sure how April got its name. Some say it comes from the Latin aperire, meaning “to open,” alluding to the opening of buds in springtime. Others sayApril was named afterAphrodite, and still others say it was named for the goddess Eostre. Whatever the case, the onset of April means that spring has arrived.

Easter & April April Birthdays Have you ever wondered why Easter isn’t Wayne Newton (entertainer) –April 3, 1942 always in April? The holiday falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring Maya Angelou (writer) – April 4, 1928 equinox. (The first full moon after the equinox Bette Davis (actress) – April 5, 1908 was March 28 this year.) Thousands of years Billie Holiday (singer) – April 7, 1915 ago, Christians would often make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to celebrate Easter. Most Sonja Henie (ice skater) – April 8, 1912 traveled by foot, and they needed a light in the Joseph Pulitzer (journalist) – April 10, 1847 darkness of night to guide them as they walked. Tom Clancy (writer) – April 12, 1947 Thus, the holiday’s date was set to follow and Wilbur Wright (aviator) – April 16, 1867 center around the full moon. Elizabeth II (queen) – April 21, 1926 What’s Lucky in April? Charles Grodin (actor) – April 21, 1935 Lucky Color: Orange Shirley Temple (actress) – April 23, 1928 Lucky Animal: Fox Al Pacino (actor) – April 25, 1940 Lucky Letter: H Lucky Day: Saturday Harper Lee (writer) – April 28, 1926 Lucky Plant: Snapdragons Duke Ellington (composer) – April 29, 1899

Page 2 EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS EDITION April 2021 Happy Spring! I am happy to report that another COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic was held here at Paul’s Run on March 21. The final Clinic will be April 11, for 2nd dose only, for those who received their 1st dose on March 21.

Remember the full efficacy of the vaccination takes two weeks after receiving the 2nd dose.

We still need to be mindful of physical/social distancing and wearing a mask around others.

Some of the restrictions for Independent Living have been lifted:

- The Salon is now open, by appointment only. Call Anne at 215-934-3055 - The Liberty Grille is open for take-out - We hope to be resuming In-person dining in the dining room in the very near future. We will keep you updated. - The Gym is open, by appointment only. Call Kate P at 215-934-3066 - Community Life has resumed in-person activities in small groups. Sign- up is required. - Spiritual Life in-person Prayers for Peace and Chaplain’s Chat have resumed but will continue on Channel 97 as well.

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Sincerely,

William R. Hines Executive Director

Page 4 MUSIC THERAPY NOTES April 2021 Hello everyone! My name is Tommy Licato and I am the new Music Therapy Intern here at Paul’s Run. I am currently wrapping up my undergraduate degree at Temple University. Part of my training involves doing a 6 month clinical internship. A music therapy internship is similar to student teaching, for those who are familiar. I began last month observing and getting my feet wet, before I start leading programming on my own. I will complete my internship here in August and will then be able to graduate. During my internship I have the privilege of working with Molly.

I grew up a little over an hour in the suburbs outside of Philly, in New Jersey. Since I began studying music therapy I have spent most of my time living in North Philadelphia. I have a background in advocacy and social justice work. In my spare time I enjoy exploring the city and facilitating dialogues in presentations. My taste in music is eclectic, ranging from Broadway show tunes to R&B and Pop music. I also enjoy being introduced to music I haven’t heard before from all genres. Unlike an entertainer I get to share a musical experience with you whether you are making music or just listening. I am a firm believer we are all musical beings and have our own connection to music.

I have been lucky enough to make music with and get to know some of you, and am so grateful to Molly and Paul’s Run for giving me the opportunity to be in person with you all. I am excited to make music with the wonderful residents in the Paul’s Run community.

Musically,

- Tommy

Page 5 RESIDENT MONTHLY ARTICLES April 2021 April 2021 By: Ed Scully

When the month of April comes around we all seem to feel that Spring is really here and we do not mind the showers that help to bring May flowers. Some of our residents quite vividly remember this person who may be called the announcer of this joyous happening: Al Jolson who is always recalled with "April Showers".

Al Jolson, born in 1886, was a Lithuanian-born American singer, comedian, and actor. Jolson rose through the ranks of vaudeville also as a comedian, "The World's Greatest Entertainer who starred in the first all-sound movie: "The Jazz Singer”. One of his greatest songs is "April Showers" which is presented below:

When April showers may come your way They bring the flowers that bloom in May So when it's raining, have no regrets Because it isn't raining rain you know It's raining violets

And when you see clouds up on a hill You know they'll bring crowds of daffodils So just keep looking for a bluebird And listening for his song Whenever April showers come along

Now that the month of April is here, this "Begin the Day with Friendliness" fits.

Keep friendly all day long Keep in your soul a friendly thought Keep in your heart a friendly song Have in mind a word of cheer For all who come your way And they will bless you in tum And wish you "Happy Day"

Page 6 RESIDENT MONTHLY ARTICLES April 2021 Ed Scully continued

Last month (March) a listing of commercials and TV promotions was published. For your greater enjoyment this month, these television stations are cited, 401 to 450 locally, that are commercial and interruption- free for your viewing pleasure and comfort. They are all classical music stations: Blues, Contemporary Christian, Mexican, Kids, Rock, Metal, Easy Listening, etc. and including Classic Country songs which are highlighted in this RUNNER to possibly acquaint you with a new and different exposure to TV.

The station to which it is suggested that you tum to is 434 on your remote control. It is on 24/7 with a presentation of the top singers who are noted for their rendition of all the best and well-known Country songs. Just about any day or at least a week a Country song show is presented on other TV stations- but with commercials and interruptions.

When you stop gazing at this newsletter, the television station to which it is suggested you view is still 434. A short listing of Country singers with whom you may already be familiar follows below. One or two of their songs you may know are presented for you: Rhinestone Cowboy Glenn Campbell Gentle on My Mind We're Gonna Hold On Tammy Wynette Stand by Your Man Patsy Cline Crazy I Walk the Line Johnny Cash Ring of Fire He Stopped Loving Her Today For George Jones My Broken Heart Reba Mc Entire From Nine to Five Dolly Parton Today is Today Ed Scully Rocky Mountain Sky John Denver The above is only a dozen of the many songs you may hear. You are partially guaranteed that if you should like the first song you hear, you will also like a second one--- and on listening to a third, you will certainly tune in sometime a next day unless you have to catch a train or have a hot date. Page 7 RESIDENT MONTHLY ARTICLES April 2021 Ed Scully, continued

Do you remember the Friday evening television broadcasts of professional boxing that were sponsored by Gillette Company? They were mostly viewed in and outside local bars because not many people had television sets in their homes. The fights were surely a way of drawing mostly men to have a few beers while enjoying some rather good fights after a week of working. The mantra of Gillette was "look sharp, feel sharp and be sharp". We now find ourselves memorializing two of the greatest fighters and the fight ever--- from the Philadelphia area between them: Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali.

We bring about a permanent remembrance of what may be called "The Greatest Fight of the Century". On March 10, 2021, the unveiling of a seven foot, 1600 pound statue was held of their bout that was won by "Smokin' " Joe Frazier. The fight was ended by a 15th round knockdown and then a unanimous decision, thus punctuating a career defining victory for the new and undisputed champion.

At the statue-installing ceremony, Frazier's son, Joe said: "Fifty years later, it's still the biggest event that has happened in sports. The fight has transcended through all generations. I want you to see the statue and think of Frazier and Ali not from where they were, but where they did come from: work and dedication."

Dr. Nicholas DePace, a cardiologist who has for years collected sports memorabilia said: "When you see this statue, it comes to life. You will think they're going to come alive and talk to you. This is in the category of a project by Michelangelo. It's a masterpiece." The statue is located in the new Joe Hand Gym in Feasterville, Pa. It's in a gym named after the Philadelphian Police sergeant who was a member of Cloverlay that lead the way to Frazier's fame. Most of the group left, but Joe Hand continued on. Joe Hand Jr. came later, greatly responsible for its participation today in all of boxing.

Page 8 RESIDENT MONTHLY ARTICLES April 2021

Ed Scully continued

A follow-on to this article may be about the beginning of a career in boxing by no other than Eric Rodriguez a rather long-time food server in the Paul's Run dining room and also likewise for our residents in our apartments. He practices and works out in how to box in a downtown gym. We all await his first bout on his way to a championship boxing career that could someday be as greatly recognized as those of Frazier and Ali. Who knows, if one doesn't expect something to happen it probably won't. Be positive.

A carbonated sugary soda is not best for us. However the Seven-Up drink was a factor in introducing boxing in Atlantic City casinos--- probably the first one starting at Bally because of the influence of Joe Hand Jr. Boxing may exist today in the manner it does because of his effort to arrange matches on TV, still in casinos, and in various venues.

The U.S. legislature was almost totally tied up in attempting to prepare a bill that our President Joe Biden could sign around March 11 or 12 to release $1.9 trillion to many if not most individuals and families in this wonderful country. I'm certainly happy that this is happening but I wonder what this will do or cause to our future descendants who follow us and to some extent undertake an effort to pay this awesome debt-which it is.

To appreciate how much $1.9 trillion is, another way to describe how much it is, is this: A trillion dollars is a million million dollars. Just after realizing how much the total bill will cost, I perused a super market circular to see how much eggs cost. A standard price is $1.77 a dozen. Eating two daily will cost over $ 113.00 a year. That's a big difference.

As of December 31, 2020, the national debt had jumped to $27.7 trillion, up 39% from the amount of $19.5 trillion when President Trump took office. Since 2008, the national debt has surged 200 % which has probably caused Ben Franklin to turn over twice: $30,000,000,000,000.00 (That's a lot!!!)

Page 9 RESIDENT MONTHLY ARTICLES April 2021

Ed Scully continued

Most residents know Kate, our Resident Wellness Coordinator, who is in charge of the gym on the first floor of the main building, but do you know that her last name is Pinker? It appropriately rhymes with tinker with which she is greatly involved. When the gym is closed during the week, that's when Kate is helping those in other buildings.

Kate is pleased by the addition of three exercise machines, NUSTEP that allows one to exercise just about every part of the body together. Classes that she offers three times a week for 12 to 18 residents are focused on Exercise Movement, one of the three necessary elements of eating, sleeping and attention to bones, joints and muscles. Also, a direct program result of hers is longevity that most look forward to.

Growing up in Levittown and now living near Fishtown in Philly, Kate obtained her degree from The University of Pittsburgh in 2017, and has been at Paul's Run for about three and a half years. Kate also gets exercise playing Rugby year round in a women's club. She's OK

As a sort of ending to my input to this newsletter, a little bit of humor that was garnered from the Internet is added to hopefully bring a smile, chuckle or even a grin to a few residents. You are already warned that the jokes have been listed as not too funny, but it is requested you at least read them. Here goes:

A magician was driving down the street..... Then he turned into a driveway.

What do you call a cow with no legs?..... Ground Beef

Linda bet me I couldn't build a car out of spaghetti... You should have seen the look on her face when I drove pasta.

What kind of a Paul's Run bagel can fly? .... A plain bagel.

Page 10 RESIDENT MONTHLY ARTICLES April 2021

Ed Scully continued

How do you keep a bagel from getting away?... By putting lox on it.

Why do birds fly south for the Winter?... It's too far to walk.

Where do animals go when their tails fall off?..... They go to a retail store.

Do you have a criminal lawyer in this city?... We think that we do but we haven't been able to prove it on the culprit.

What do you call a famous fish?...... A star fish.

A duck is in front of one, a duck is behind one, and another is in the middle. How many ducks are there? Answer is Three. (Figure it out).

Page 11 RESIDENT MONTHLY ARTICLES April 2021

Sr. M. Franceline Malone, SBS

LIFE IS BUSTIN' OUT All OVER

This past week nature was feeling lonely. That darn Covid-19, those dark gray skies and piles of snow have kept our friends from venturing out. A few bundled up, set out on a fast walk and were back inside before they could even appreciate the fresh air!

Let's rouse the 50's, even the 60's. Wake up, lazy sun. It's your job to sweep snow off cars and suck up puddles. Hey! Look! Those cabbages, in spite of being buried, are still alive, a bit peeked, but still unabashed in their red and green suits.

Crows call to each other. Check out these trees. Before long little green buds pop out and hurry new leaves. Then returning southern vacationers fill the branches with song as they check out the best place to start a new family. Resident morning doves are already courting in the big tree near the A Entrance!

Meanwhile, Paul's Runners are venturing out, some more like Sitters, attracted by the chairs under the front porch. Meanwhile, the Paul's Walkers are checking out the grounds. "Have you seen any deer yet?" In the middle of the week, Sr. Franceline actually saw a crocus - a timid little white and red thing --springing from the damp soil around the B wing.

Page 12 RESIDENT MONTHLY ARTICLES April 2021

THE OLD MAN AND HIS COMPANION By Arnie Escourt

Each day as I drove past the park in my battered old van I saw an old dog walking with a very old man. Slowly they went the old fellow and his dog each day. Looked like a good breeze would whisk them away.

The old dog was tired, stooped and slow, With sagging back and head held low. The old man in red cap, worn pants, leaned on a cane. Both looked exhausted from years of strain.

The old dog on sagging leash, stooped and slow, Together they walked with heads held low. That old man and his faithful pet Both were not ready to quit. Not yet, not yet.

Together each night on their way they went, Slowly, determined, silent and bent. Though I drove past rather fast, They left an impression that was to last.

One autumn evening they did not appear. Then every night.... they were not there. As I drove past the park and 'round the turn I watched for the pair, hoping they would return.

I felt a sadness so deep inside. An honest emotion I could not hide. I could feel a message they were able to share, "We each need someone to love us and to care.”

Page 13 RESIDENT MONTHLY ARTICLES April 2021 Who are YOU?? By: Arnie Escourt

Some of us help others try. There are some who make them cry. We enjoy those who make everyone smile, And get annoyed if we meet those who are mean or full of guile.

It is true, there are those that steal and cheat, And have no respect for anyone they meet. There are many skilled ones who build or make, But there are too many who can only smash or break.

Some would rather argue and fight. To punch others with all their might. Others make new friends and sing or play But a few have only nasty things to say.

No ones' future is easy to see. We have to decide who we are going to be. Some think about finding jobs and such, Most try not to think about it very much.

There are tough choices we each have to make, When to give or take, or to build or break. When to come or go, To wisely answer, “yes,” and when to say, “no.”

Only we can decide who is a hero and who is a fool, Who to honor and never to ridicule! To decide not to hurt and when to smile To try our best and go the extra mile.

Page 14 RESIDENT MONTHLY ARTICLES April 2021

Our Tomorrows By Arnie Escourt

Can our dreams be gone, irretrievably lost Down payments for those foolish past efforts futile cost? Let us try to decide from this day hence To offer only smiles and pleasure instead of offence.

To offer love and friendship without reluctance To try to raise a new generation of excellence To always try to do the right thing; to honestly win And respect our neighbors for what is under their skin.

Perhaps we should try to forget the wrongs done in the past And live each day as though it were to be our last. We should forget the painful stories of yesterday Unless they enrich our lives in some new, good way.

Let us forget the deceit and disregard the nasty word Or make believe it was the wind we heard. Sadly, too many are thoughtless and foolish; we have to break the mold! But our tomorrows are full of wondrous mysteries as yet untold.

We need to pull out of the shadows of strife With yesterday’s grievances dictating life? Fortunately, we have flowers and rainbows on a sunny day And those of us with eternal youth can still love and play.

Page 15 RESIDENT MONTHLY ARTICLES April 2021

Why Be a Religious Sister? By Sr. Dorothy Dowd

A few months ago, in The Runner, I questioned “Why be a teacher?”

This million-dollar question of “why be a sister” is more difficult to answer, but I will try to give my view.

Recently, someone was told that when she graduated from high school there were only two choices – get married or be a nun. That would not have been the answer in our college town for choices, as the sky seemed to be the limit.

For example: My senior year I was interested in becoming a singer. While taking voice lessons, my Mother and I gave a mini concert to my brother and his friends seated in the yard. The first song produced such laughter that this idea for a singing career was squelched.

My second year in college, I made a weekend retreat where the Cenacle Sisters were located.

Now, the story becomes deeper! On the bus home, I felt “engulfed in grace.” What to do with this unusual gift. I thought maybe I should be a Sister. Telling my parents about this idea was not exactly confirming!

So…tell the priest and he probably would say to “forget it.”

Well, the priest had known me for thirteen years, and I was convinced that he would tell me to look elsewhere.

Ah! Surprise! He said, “Dorothy, I knew it all along.”

Page 16 April 2021

Sr. Dorothy Dowd continued

WOW!!

So…I asked him “where can I go?” After two attempts, he found our Congregation. Before he did, that Christmas vacation, my Sister and I travelled to Florida. As the bus went through Georgia, I saw a Black couple sitting on their porch. The inspiration came to me to visit these people.

After the trip, Fr. Power called a woman who worked with the Negro College Fund. She knew of our Sisters.

An Interesting fact: Shortly before I left home one of my high school classmates stopped me coming out of Church.

Rainy said, “I heard your Sister is going in the Convent.”

I said, “That is me. I’m going.”

Utter silence came upon her.

My sister told me later that a classmate, Rainy’s sister, had come to her. She, Joan, asked my sister about her going into the convent. She could not believe it was me!

The evening before departure, my Uncle Ed come over and said, “I’m not going to say goodbye. I’ll see you back here on Thanksgiving.”

That returning did not happen, fortunately!

After training in Bensalem, I joined the ranks of teaching in Harlem; LA; St. Louis; Philly; DC; and Marty, South Dakota.

Page 17 April 2021 Sr. Dorothy Dowd continued

Then I began working in parishes in Denver; Laguna, NM; Pinon, Arizona, and other parishes in Arizona and New Mexico. The final stop time was at St. Michael’s Indian School for tutoring and librarian.

In retrospect, it is obvious that I could never explain all that has happened in 65 years of religious life!

Here is one incident. Waiting at the bus station, to begin my trip back from Massachusetts to South Dakota, a young boy asked where I was going. In answer, he wanted to know if the Indians still rode horses. I assured him that the Sioux people have cars like we do.

Truly, I have been given so much more than I could have asked for, in being a Sister of the Blessed Sacrament, and getting to know the African and Native American peoples.

Here follows a prayer request I had before I left DC. I was teaching 5th grade and also on a prayer team and visiting the local prison. It just was difficult for me to leave the Black Apostolate. I prayed that I could understand and accept the decision to go to South Dakota. After a few months of struggling, I heard:

“Will you not love My Indian People as you love My Black People.”

Those words brought peace.

Being here at Paul’s Run brought a gift I did not know I had…painting. My neighbor said, “I missed my calling.”

If you need any explanation about what I have written, my phone number is

1-312-434-3994

If you don’t call, I’ll know you understand

Page 18 CROSSWORD OF THE MONTH April 2021 Mother Nature Use the clues to fill in the crossword. 1

4 5

7 8

9 10

14 15

16 ACROSS 2. Botanist’s concern DOWN 4. River of ice 1. Mosquitos and bees 5. Dune makeup 3. Rainy day delight 8. Vast body of water 4. Yellowstone attraction 9. Plant anchors 6. Allergy source 10. Dinosaur remnant 7. Source of lava 11. Grazing ground 11. Forest floor growth 12. Deep valley 13. Steep rock face 13. Sky sights 14. Desert flora 15. Fauna

16. Swampy area Page 19 March Crossword Solution April 2021

Spring Vacation Solution

Page 20 CLASSIFIEDS April 2021 MAIL ISSUES Like Us On RESIDENTS ARE ASKED TO RETURN TO THE Facebook RECEPTIONISTS ANY MISDIRECTED DELIVERY FROM THE UNITED STATES POST OFFICE. PAUL’S THE RECEPTIONISTS WILL ASSURE IT IS RETURNED TO RUN THE POSTAL WORKER FOR DELIVERY TO THE CORRECT RECIPIENT

THE GENERAL STORE FRIENDLY REMINDER HOURS OF OPERATION Our lobby is so beautiful. Please be (During COVID-19) careful when eating or PAUL’S RUN drinking in that area. MONDAY 10:30AM-3:30PM Beauty Shop Thank You. By Appointment Only No Walk-Ins TUESDAY 10:30AM-3:30PM Call Anne Amato WEDNESDAY HOUSE 215-934-3055 KEEPING 10:30AM-3:30PM

THURSDAY THE HOUSEKEEPING 10:30AM-3:30PM DEPARTMENT IS ASKING FOR A Request from YOUR COOPERATION IN Maintenance: As much as MAINTAINING A SANITARY we like to hear from you FRIDAY ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL OF about repairs you need, we 10:30AM-3:30PM OUR RESIDENTS. ask that you contact the REMEMBER TO WASH YOUR front desk and put in a work SATURDAY 11AM- HANDS FREQUENTLY WITH order so the repair request 3:30PM SOAP AND WATER OR WITH HAND SANITIZER WHEN gets recorded and not AWAY FROM SOAP AND forgotten about. SUNDAY 11AM-3:30PM WATER.

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