When Vanessa Roser, Lower Merion Class of 2017, illustrated 12 Greek gods and goddesses for an original coloring book designed “for all ages,” it was hoped that it would merit a good reception in the book world.
Roser’s coloring book includes a descriptive paragraph for each god and goddess and a back page showing the Greek alphabet.
Funding for the coloring book originated with a Lower Merion School District Innovation Center grant and support from the Philadelphia Classical Society, with exquisite printing by Athens Reproduction in Ardmore.
Within a year, international publisher Bolchazy-Carducci added the “Greek Gods and Goddesses” coloring book to its offerings at trade shows and professional meetings, resulting in an occasional royalties check for Roser, now a Harvard University Alumna.
In 2006-2007, when Philadelphia Classicist, teacher, and author Dr. Rudolph Masciantonio set up his Trust Fund with The Philadelphia Foundation and Bank of America as co-trustees, a small but significant non-profit based in Narberth, was the dream of University of Pennsylvania tennis star Lisa S. Hoffstein, called “Katie at the Bat.”
Over time, that dream has been fulfilled and has evolved into “Team Up Philly” which empowers girls living in under-served Philadelphia neighborhoods to lead healthful, confident, and successful lives through sports and enrichment programs.
One addition to those enrichment programs has been made possible through the funds received by the Philadelphia Classical Society each year as a beneficiary of the Dr. Rudolph Masciantonio Trust.
Backed up by Masciantonio funding, the officers of the Philadelphia Classical Society recently decided to contribute copies of Vanessa Roser’s Greek Gods and Goddesses coloring book to girls in the “Team Up Philly” after-school program.
It is a delight to know that, in addition to coloring the illustrations, the girls of “Team Up Philly” have transliterated their given names into the Greek equivalents, and designed “visual thinking strategy” games using the finished illustrations.
These activities blend well with the mission of “Team Up Philly,” building self-confidence in academics and providing enriching art and culture experiences.
According to the mission of “Team Up Philly,” the programs are “dedicated to empowering girls living in under-served Philadelphia neighborhoods to achieve their full potential through participation in programs that combine athletics, character development, fitness & nutrition education, leadership training and academic support.”
The leadership of “Team Up Philly” believes strongly in the value of bringing urban and suburban communities together in partnerships which benefit both.
“The ‘Team Up Philly’ chief focus is on empowering girls in their critical adolescent and teen years to grow stronger, healthier, more confident and capable while supporting each other as part of a team, learning to stand for themselves and with each other.
“The programs employ a long-term, intensive approach, offering school-year programs as well as summer camp opportunities and providing coaching and mentoring to participants over a period of years.
“Why Athletics? ‘Team Up Philly’ brings athletic programs to girls who would otherwise not have the opportunity to play, and has introduced participants to basketball, tennis, swimming, soccer, yoga, Pilates, martial arts, and even fishing.
“Girls who participate in organized sports are more likely to go to and graduate from college, have a more positive body image and report higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of depression.
“They are less likely to be the victim of sexual or domestic abuse, engage in substance abuse, suffer from eating disorders and have unintended pregnancies.
“Learning new skills and gaining physical strength and stamina also add to a child’s self-esteem. Being part of a supportive team is a powerful ally in life, particularly for adolescent and teen girls.
“Yet, adolescent girls today are the least active segment of the American population. They participate in organized sports at lower rates, drop out of programs earlier, and worse, have fewer opportunities even to play.”
“Team Up Philly” is changing those realities through the efforts of a dedicated Board of Directors and Staff including Executive Director Marian Fischer Pearlman, Director of Operations Alison Oshop, Coaches Tatyana Diggs-Koeuth, Alisha Gooding, Izzy Meline, and Kelsey Sanders, and Transportation Manager Hayden Dugan.
On Friday, May 5, “Team Up Philly” will celebrate the theme “BE A HERO” during the 17th Annual Fundraiser at the Merion Tribute House, from 7 pm to 10 pm. Find out how you can make a difference, go to: https://www.teamupphilly.org/
