Greetings PALM Family,
Happy New Year, and welcome January 2025!
As we embrace the new year and our new location, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable milestones, events, and growth we experienced in 2024. PALM had an incredible year filled with joy, connection, and resilience, and we are so grateful for your unwavering support.
A Year to Remember
This year, PALM proudly celebrated 50 years of service to older adults, a testament to our legacy of care and community. From inspiring programs to vibrant cultural events and trips, 2024 was filled with empowering moments, connection, and celebration.
Below, we have highlighted just a few of the many remarkable events and milestones from each month. While we’ve accomplished so much more, these moments capture the essence of our collective achievements and the joy we shared together.
JANUARY 2024
We kicked off the year with “Senior Empowerment Day,” featuring valuable workshops, resource tables, and vendors dedicated to helping our members thrive.
FEBRUARY
PALM celebrated Black History Month, honoring the past and recognizing the present contributions of the African/Black American experience. We celebrated the art, music, and shared stories of life in this country, including a feature film of Lower Merion through the ages narrated by community leader Carol Merrill-Bright.
For Valentine’s Day, our first-ever Comedy and Music Concert, Love, Laugh & Lyrics, brought the community together in celebration of love and unity with music and laughter.
FEBRUARY - MARCH
I had the privilege of facilitating a 4-part Caregiver Forum, moderated by Board Members Dr. David Galinsky and William (Bill) Leopold, featuring speakers from Main Line Health and community leaders.
APRIL
PALM hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon with certificates and awards for outstanding service to the older adult community. It was our heartfelt way to honor those who give so much.
MAY
Our Mother’s Day Luncheon celebrated the incredible women in our lives, filled with shared stories and heartfelt memories of those who have made a lasting impact.
JUNE
The Father’s Day Barbecue, hosted by James W. Bell Allen #97 Lodge, was a heartwarming tribute to fathers and father figures.
We also commemorated Juneteenth with a Sunday Jazz Concert featuring The Alfie Pollitt Trio, powerful performances, and a heartfelt song tribute.
JULY
We celebrated Independence Day with a festive luncheon and hosted *Movies and a Meal* every Thursday, providing food, entertainment, and fellowship all month long.
AUGUST
PALM hosted Box Lunch and a Book, a community driven youth education initiative program led by Lorraine Carter. The children were onsite and enjoyed lunch with members and provided a medley of music and joy.
SEPTEMBER
PALM’s outreach intergenerationally continued as we welcomed students from Haverford Middle School led by Nate Pankratz. The students and members connect through reading stories and poetry, fostering a moving exchange of ideas and experiences.
OCTOBER
At PALM’s Annual Meeting, keynote speaker Eric Nogami shared updates on our exciting renovation plans. We also hosted presentations from Main Line Health on heart health and a Vaccination Clinic, ensuring our members had access to important healthcare services.
Our first-ever Pancake Fundraiser, supported by James W. Bell Allen #97 Masons, was a delightful success, featuring games, movies, and fun for all.
NOVEMBER
PALM hosted a Jazz Concert featuring The Alfie Pollitt Trio, with special performances by 10-year-old entrepreneur Ava, who delivered a heartfelt poetry reading and a praise dance.
We closed the month with our annual Thanksgiving Dinner Celebration, a time for delicious food, fellowship, and gratitude.
DECEMBER
We launched *The Caring Center*, a new program offering mental wellness support, grief counseling, and resource navigation across generations. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to caring for the whole person. Join us virtually on Tuesdays to participate!
The Big Move
PALM is undergoing a much-anticipated renovation, but we remain as active as ever at our temporary location: the Ardmore Community Center at 122 Ardmore Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003. The location may have changed, but the joy and connection remain the same!
A GRATEFUL HEART
To our members, guests, organizations, vendors, elected officials, community leaders, faith-based leaders, and key stakeholders who supported our events throughout the year: thank you for allowing us to serve the older adult community. We could not have achieved so much without your participation and contributions.
PATH FORWARD
As we step into 2025, we do so with gratitude, optimism, and excitement for what lies ahead. Together, we’ve built a foundation of love, laughter, and care that will continue to grow stronger in the years to come.
We’re excited to share a gallery of pictures highlighting your involvement, love, and support. Enjoy!
With warmest wishes for a joyous and Happy New Year,
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