Smilin' Lou Powers - Philadelphia Protestant Home
Independent Living Phone: 215-697-8086 Personal Care Phone: 215-697-8031 Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Phone: 215-697-8005
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Smilin’ Lou Powers

Posted on: Mar 01, 2016

Lou DiCrescenzo (Smilin’ Lou Powers of WBCB 1490 AM) is a phenomenal radio personality and an even better man.  He is a graduate of West Chester University with a degree in Music and of Drexel University with a degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering.  He has played the clarinet with the Mercer County Orchestra, Trenton Symphony and the Philadelphia Orchestra under the direction of Eugene Ormandy.  At one time, Lou had six pianos in his home, two of which he has since donated to the piano collection at the American Music History Museum in the Smithsonian Institute.

With his collection of motion picture artifacts, he started several museums including the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, New York.  There is also a section of his items in the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.  As a collector of music, he has a library of 150,000 records and 5,000 prints of sheet music.

Over the years, he has met many recording and screen stars, some who call upon him for his expertise and advice.  Space will not permit writing more about Smilin’ Lou Powers, but we here at PPh are fortunate to have him here every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in front of Social Hall as he broadcasts live for WBCB 1490 AM with his co-host Gaet Martini and engineer Chris Ermer.  Come by and greet Lou in person and listen to the great music of Sunshine Music Memories.  If you can’t make it over to our beautiful campus, simply tune in to WBCB 1490 and enjoy some classic music and great lines from Smilin’ Lou and his co-host, Gaet Martini.  You will NOT be disappointed!

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Above: Smilin Lou Powers, Pastor Jack Price, Gaet Martini, and Chris Ermer broadcasting live from PPh.

Article submitted by Phyllis Humpl, PPh Resident.

What Residents Say

"In my nine years at PPH, I’ve grown to like it very much. At first, I felt like a stranger and then as I began to talk to people, we increasingly became good friends. A way to meet people is to join clubs. I’m now part of the PPH Auxiliary. I love helping with their flea markets because you never know what you can find. Recently, I’ve joined an evening quilting class. I love that I can continue to enjoy my life outside of PPH while experiencing the offers here.…especially the pool! Everything is just so convenient.

– Lucille Hite, Independent Living resident

What Families Say

"My mom is sooo happy at PPH, I can’t even describe it in strong enough words. She’s met so many new friends and these ladies do EVERYTHING together! She sees Dad every day in Pathways, but can have her life too. She’s gone to so many activities and I think I’ve already been to Scoops with her at least 15 times. She loves the dining room and Bistro too. My sister, Ilene, and I are so delighted that Mom is happy.......Wow, it feels like Mom’s been there about 2 years—but it’s only 2 months!! That’s how comfortable and natural it feels for her – and for all of us.

– Rhonda Frenkel, daughter of resident Bernice Segal

Philadelphia Protestant Home