This Week at Penn's Village: April 10, 2026
| Hi everyone — I’m stepping in for the Monday email this week while Leigh is out on spring break, and I thought I'd drop a note.
On Wednesday, we have a great Zoom program with our Senior Advisor, Bryan Adler, on life care planning — one of those essential topics many of us know we should think about, but often put off. It’s a valuable opportunity to get grounded and informed.
Then on Thursday, our annual Town Hall is here — and we’re doing things a bit differently this year. We know that many of you may not be fully aware of all the ways to get involved, build connections, and participate in Penn’s Village. So we’re starting with a “Village Fair” from 2:30–3:45 PM — with tea and coffee, treats, and a chance to meet our business members, explore interest groups, learn about committees, and discover volunteer opportunities.
Following that, along with our committee chairs, I'll share about the State of the Village — what we’ve accomplished, what we’re hearing from you (through the survey), and where we’re headed next. It should be a fun and welcoming afternoon — a chance to meet someone new and maybe find a new way to engage. Hope to see you there.
Also, be sure to check out new blog post with voter information out this week! – Lynsey | | What is Life Care Planning and Why is it So Important?
Tuesday, April 14 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm
Via Zoom
Often called ‘simple’ estate planning, this could not be further from the truth. Frequently a Will, Power of Attorney and Advance Directive are looked at as the end-game, in reality they’re the starting gun. Learn the basics of estate planning, common mistakes and misunderstandings, and how to avoid these.
Bio of presenter: Bryan Adler, a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney counsels clients in the areas of Long-Term Care Planning & Healthcare Advocacy, Asset Protection, Public Benefits such as Medicaid and Veterans Benefits, Estate Planning. Through this lens, Bryan will address questions and issues related to finding care when needed, protecting assets, accelerating eligibility for public benefits to offset the high cost of this care, and ensuring the proper and necessary legal protections are in place.
Members: Please log in before registering.
| | | | Annual Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, April 16, from 1:00 to 3:30 pm
Old Buttonwood Hall
201 South 21st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Please join us for Penn’s Village Annual Town Hall! This year, we’ve reimagined the event to be more interactive. You’ll have the opportunity to meet (and thank) our business members who contribute to Penn's Village and who help provide the services and programming we all enjoy, as well as connect with committee and interest group leaders, receive updates on all things Penn’s Village — and learn how to become a member if you’re interested in joining.
Snacks, Tea & Coffee will be provided.
Members: Please log in before registering.
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Next Week at Penn's Village
| | PV Goes to the Movies: Bridge of Spies
Monday, April 20, 2026
3:15 PM until 5:15 PM
Philadelphia City Institute, 1905 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
This is a historical drama film from 2015, written, directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg. It is 141 minutes and is in English, Russian and German with English subtitles. It features Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan and Alan Alda. During the Cold War, American lawyer is entrusted with negotiating the release of a convicted CIA pilot in exchange for a convicted Soviet KGB spy held by the United States.
No Registration Required | | | | How I Got a Letter From Abeche Chad
Wednesday, April 22, 2026,
2:00 PM until 3:00 PM
MacColl Room, First Presbyterian Church
201 S. 21st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
This is a story about meeting Erick Chénier, a contractor for the French Army, and how he sent me a letter from a town in the middle of the Sahara desert. It is part of a larger story about becoming obsessed with the stamps of sub-Saharan Africa, and being led to study the history and biology of a part of the world that most Americans know almost nothing about.
Bio of presenter—Scott Poethig is an emeritus member of the Biology Department of the U. of Pennsylvania. In addition to studying the genetic regulation of plant development, Scott taught courses across Penn’s curriculum, for which he received a Lindback award. In retirement, he is teaching a course on the History and Biology of Food with a colleague from Classical Studies, completing on-going research projects, organizing his extensive stamp collection, and building furniture.
Members: Please log in before registering.
|  | | | New Men's Group Starting
Gerry Evans has spent many years leading men’s groups that help men support one another through life’s changes. Now retired and in his eighties, and a member of Penn’s Village, Gerry is starting a small group for retired men who want to connect, share experiences, and feel less alone. This is not a therapy group. It is a friendly and respectful space where men can talk about the opportunities and challenges of this stage of life. Many men find that talking with other men helps them feel more connected, supported, and engaged with life.
The first meeting will be Monday, April 20 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm at 756 North Taylor Street, Fairmount, Philadelphia. The group is limited to 5 members; to learn more or sign up, call Gerry at 610.909.2484. The first meeting is an opportunity to see if the group feels right for you. If there is interest, the group will meet every other week for 12 weeks, with the possibility of continuing.
| New Blog: Vote in the May 19th Primary
It’s May — primary season! Voting is always important, but maybe now more than ever. Check out our new blog post for a clear, step-by-step guide on how to vote in the upcoming election, including key deadlines and options to make the process simple and stress-free.
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From the Community
Please note that these activities are not Penn’s Village activities, so questions about fees, sign ups, and content should be directed to the community group holding the event.
| | WHYY Invites Penn's Village to a Screening of:
The Librarians
Wednesday, April 22nd
Parkway Central Library
4 Fl. Skyline Room, 1901 Vine Street
5:30-8:30pm
The Librarians explores the vital role libraries and librarians play in defending intellectual freedom, as they navigate challenges around book access, censorship, and the evolving needs of their communities. Visit whyy.org/events to register.
| | Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Caregiver Support Program
Wednesday, May 6th
642 N. Broad St., second floor auditorium
9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
This informative and interactive session explores how creative, restorative, and sensory-based practices can support wellness and quality of life for care partners and care teams. Participants will experience simple self-care techniques they can incorporate into daily routines, along with practical, evidence-based strategies to navigate everyday moments and foster meaningful connection within their partnerships.
| | | WE VALUE YOUR OPINION
Do you have feedback about a recent program? Let us know here. We would love to hear from you so that we can improve future programs.
Penn’s Village welcomes and actively encourages an inclusive and diverse community of members, staff, Board of Directors and volunteers. Inclusiveness and diversity means welcoming all and excluding no one because of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, physical abilities, religious beliefs or political beliefs. | |