This Week at Penn's Village: April 20, 2026
| New Men's Group Starts Today
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.
| | PV Goes to the Movies: Bridge of Spies
Monday, April 20, 2026
3:15 PM to 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, an 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 to 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.
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Next Week at Penn's Village
| | Penn's Village Virtual Preview
Tuesday, April 28 at 4:00 pm
Via Zoom
Whether you've just joined, read our newsletter for years, or attended a couple of our programs, we invite you to join us and learn more about what it means to be a Penn's Village member. Learn more about the benefits of being a member, from receiving services and volunteering to participating in social programs and interest groups.
Members: please log in before registering.
| | | | Drop In Coffee Hour for Members and Volunteers
Thursday, April 30 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Four Seasons Food Market, 236 S. 21st Street, Philadelphia, PA
This is an opportunity for members to meet other members, to socialize, share interests, ideas, and experiences. This coffee and conversation event was planned in response to our recent survey results in which members requested more opportunities for informal social interaction among members. No registration required.
| | | New Blog Post: Practical Relief for Osteoarthritis and Trigger Finger
Our hands connect us to the world — helping us cook, write, garden, exercise, and care for the people we love. When hand pain sets in, even simple tasks can feel frustrating. Two of the most common hand conditions among older adults are osteoarthritis and trigger finger. The good news? With the right approach, both can be managed effectively. Here are ways to care for your hands:
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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.
| | Caring for a Loved One With Dementia?
The Abramson Senior Car Center is presenting a four-part virtual educational series to offer guidance and practical knowledge to support you and your loved ones with dementia. Participants will deepen their understanding of their loved one’s dementia while learning helpful strategies for managing difficult caregiving moments. The series begins Wednesday, May 6 from 10:00 am to noon; to register, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DFCIntake_Y2
| | Concert in Honor of Jazz Appreciation Month
April is Jazz Appreciation Month, a time to honor the polyrhythms and cultural genius that gave rise to legends such as John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, and countless other pioneers who shaped the sound of American music. The African American Museum of Philadelphia is presenting A Night at the Savoy, an immersive, all-ages celebration of the music and spirit of the Jazz and Big Band era. The night will feature dynamic youth performances, electrifying appearances by the Clef Club and PHILADANCO, and live musical experiences that bring the era to life—so make sure you have your dancing shoes on. Guests will also enjoy delicious fare and signature drinks. The show takes place at the museum at 701 Arch Street in Philadelphia on April 25 at 7:00 pm. For tickets, visit
| | | 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. | |