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Nutter reassures seniors about budget

Monday, September 28th, 2009


By: Elizabeth Fiedler
efiedler@whyy.org


After weeks of warning city residents that their local libraries and recreations centers were in danger of closing, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter spent part of his day re-assuring residents that the budget crisis is over.

Near 100 seniors crowded into the South Philadelphia Older Adult Center were on hand to hear the news. Just a few days ago, city officials warned it would close unless the legislature approved a sales tax hike, and pension plan changes.

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87 year old Anna Lombardi has lived in Philadelphia her whole life. She says her husband died a few years ago, she doesn't have any children, and many of her friends have moved away to live with their own children, so the Center's bingo, movies, and dancing keep her socially active, mentally fit, and help her put things in perspective.

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87 year old Anna Lombardi

Lombardi: We have a tendency when you got older to say oh I've got this pain, you'll complain a little you know. But I'll tell ya when I come here I say thank god look at that! Even much younger than that and they can't do what I can. So I say Thank God and I shouldn't complain. So I'm very very thankful for that.

The seniors welcomed the Mayor with cheers and a song. After he left they got down to real business: lunch.

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