For 75 years, the Pastorius Park Summer Concert Series has been a staple of the Chestnut Hill community. It’s the longest-running free outdoor concert series in Philadelphia, and takes place every Wednesday at 7:30 pm from mid-June into the end of July. Neighbors and families can come together to enjoy everything from bluegrass to traditional Irish tunes to children’s music. They also have the opportunity to learn more about our services at Temple Health-Chestnut Hill Hospital, as we’ve been the Concert Series’ main sponsor for the last 20 years.
“I think our hospital has a responsibility, as the largest employer in town, to make sure that we’re connecting with the community, and that our community is connected with us,” says Richard Newell, MPT, DPT, President and CEO of Temple Health-Chestnut Hill Hospital. “When it comes to a hospital, you might not think about it until you need it. I want to make sure that, when someone in Chestnut Hill needs care or has questions about their health, we’re their first thought. And the more visible we can be in the community, the more people will know that when they need us, we’re here.”
Because so many Chestnut Hill residents attend the Summer Concert Series, sponsoring it is an ideal way to reach members of the community and spread the word about our services. “These concerts are where our neighbors get together,” says Amanda Snider, Senior Marketing Manager for Temple Health. “Everyone knows each other, and it shows how much they support local and stay local. So for us to be there as the local hospital is really important, because we can show them that the high-quality healthcare they need is right around the corner.”
Advanced Care in a Community Setting
Before each band kicks off their performance, Newell has the chance to say a few words to the audience. After welcoming them to the concert, he usually introduces a provider from one of our service lines. This gives attendees the chance to learn a bit more about our treatment options; if they’d like to ask questions, they can come to our booth during intermission or after the concert.
“This year, we really focused on showing how Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC) services are an option for patients here at Temple Health-Chestnut Hill Hospital,” Snider says. “We featured the Fox Chase-Temple Urologic Institute and our new physician, J. Ryan Mark, MD, FACS, who is now here at Chestnut Hill seeing patients. We also have the FCCC breast team here, which also sees patients at our hospital. Jeffrey M. Farma, MD, FACS was a special guest, and he talked about Surgical Oncology and the option for patients to be seen at Chestnut Hill.”
“It’s been so nice to hear from community members who’ve told us, ‘I’ve been going to Fox Chase for years. I’m so happy to hear that their services are now in my community, so I don’t have to drive to Cottman Ave.,’” Snider adds.
“Thanks to Temple Health, we’ve been able to bring specialty services into Chestnut Hill,” Newell explains. “In particular, the Urology program and our Ophthalmology program from Temple Faculty Physicians have grown significantly in the nine months to a year that they’ve been here, and the community is responding very well. In this area, the Temple ‘T’ really means something. It’s so crucial for Chestnut Hill Hospital to be part of a local health system that people know, have a good opinion of, and respect.”
A Chestnut Hill Staple
Being able to share the news about these added services, and hear from community members who are excited about Chestnut Hill Hospital being part of Temple Health, is an important part of our involvement in the Summer Concert Series. But it’s also a chance for us to support one of the community’s most beloved events, and to ensure neighbors can continue to gather and enjoy the music for many years to come.
“I love seeing everyone show up with their families and their kids and their picnic blankets,” Snider says. “They’re there to see their friends and loved ones and listen to the concert, and just relax and unwind. It’s really great.”