14 minute read
Our Impact
UNPRECEDENTED UNITED
During 2020, we turned isolation into connection. Loneliness into laughter. And grief into gratitude. It was a year in which we all stayed safely apart, while pulling together.
KEEPING RESIDENTS CONNECTED
PPH Adjusts, Finds Optimism Amid Uncertainty
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for many. Staying in our homes, unable to do many of the things we’d like, and see the people we’d like to see, is challenging, but necessary to protect ourselves and others. Social distancing has been arguably the most frustrating part of the adjustment. Typically at PPH, acquaintances become friends and friends become family. Not gathering in groups for activities or dinner, shaking hands, or giving an affectionate hug, are aspects of life we all miss and will never take for granted again. While social distancing has kept us separated and unable to meet in large groups, PPH is still finding ways to bring people together.
PPH resident Regina chats with her daughter. PPH resident Dolores meets her great-grandson for the first time. Residents take part in PPH’s socially distanced cardio class with Wellness Coordinator Kayla Jurimas.
Wellness team finds new participants despite social distancing
Despite social distancing protocols requiring PPH’s Wellness and Aquatics Center to close, the wellness team continued doing their part to help make exercise accessible and enjoyable for all residents. The wellness team offers a variety of Silver Sneakers® classes twice a day on our inhouse channels so that all residents can exercise safely within their own spaces.
“I have never used the Wellness Center before, but I am really enjoying the TV exercise segments, and I find that it helps to get me loosened up before playing the piano,” said resident Patricia Coyne.
Outdoor fun — Salsa and Sips, PPH Fit
PPH’s wellness team held two events outside in the courtyard to kick off fall. The first event was Salsa and Sips in September and the second was PPH Fit in October. At Salsa and Sips, residents salsa danced and enjoyed a cold beer. At PPH Fit, residents — many dressed in flannel — line danced and enjoyed chili and hot apple cider. Fortunately, the weather cooperated for both events, as did everyone involved by social distancing and wearing masks.
Come on down!
PPH Price is Right was a success! Hosted by Volunteer Coordinator Carol Cherrington, Kathy Nucero, and Bridget Klotz of Life Enrichment, residents were invited to “come on down” to the PPH Social Hall for four different shows. Games included Plinko, Pick a Pair, and Hi Lo. Winners took home prizes from the PPH Tabor Market and Gift Shop and each player spun the wheel for a chance to be in the Showcase Showdown.
Residents showcase ‘phenomenal’ talents
PPH Independent Living residents share their musical talent. Jim (left) plays the trumpet, Bernadette and Lawrence (center) perform a song, and Audrey (right) sings as part of the talent show, which aired on the community’s in-house TV channels in September.
Cornhole
PPH would like to give special thanks to Ron and Jean Pleis, longtime friends of PPH, for donating two beautiful cornhole boards marked with our PPH logo! Residents such as Mary and Elaine have enjoyed playing outside in our courtyard.
L’shanah Tovah!
Our Jewish residents received challah and cake for Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah, which means “head of the year,” is the Jewish New Year. Our Jewish residents also observed Yom Kippur, a day of atonement and repentance. A service was shown on PPH TV.
Left, Santa Claus gives Kathy a gift. Right, Carol tells the story of Hanukkah.
Filming for the Holidays
Independent Living residents taped their holiday parties, which aired on PPH TV throughout December. Those in attendance sang Christmas carols, read poems, and reminisced about family traditions of past and present.
PPH TV keeps residents active, connected, and informed
Despite restrictions, PPH has been able to bring activities to residents’ living rooms.
PPH TV has helped keep residents connected to their faith and spirituality through daily devotions broadcast from the PPH Chapel and Bible study groups.
APPRECIATING OUR HEALTH CARE HEROES
MLK Day of Service
A group of residents gathered in the Social Hall for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, a day that honors and celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The posters and an accompanying poem in the style of Dr. Seuss, written by Independent Living resident Marge, were presented to each department as a display of gratitude for the quality care and service provided by staff.
Elaine and Marlene, who moved into PPH last summer, have kept busy during the pandemic by playing Rummikub on their balcony, bird-watching, and watching TV and movies on Netflix. They both expressed how much they have enjoyed their time living at PPH, and said they are even more certain now about their decision to move here, noting how caring and comforting residents and staff have been since they moved in.
“We know we made the right choice,” Elaine said.
PPH held a Parade of Gratitude in May 2020. Staff walked around campus as residents cheered from the lobby areas, windows, and balconies. Many residents decorated their windows and banged pots and pans as staff from various departments walked by.
The staff at PPH were appreciative of this amazing display of gratitude and love.
Everyone needs to know they are appreciated.
—Independent Living resident Marlene
PPH Auxiliary is ‘Udderly Amazing’
The PPH Auxiliary has made various donations over the past year to assist residents and staff.
Udderly Smooth hand creams were distributed to every staff member with a personal note — many of whom are dealing with dry hands from all of the soap and hand sanitizer. It’s just one example of the Auxiliary’s countless acts of kindness.
Employee Appreciation
PPH’s Human Resources team organizes a special Employee Appreciation boxed lunch for a different department each month in 2020. October’s lunches were given to Dining Services staff, instead of having the dining team prepare their own well-deserved treat.
The Human Resources team passes out lunches to the Dining Services department.
PARTNERS IN CARE
Heroes need ice cream, too
Antwine Johnson of the Maintenance department poses with his ice cream. PPH would like to thank Serenity Hospice PA for treating our staff to ice cream on a beautiful, sunny afternoon in May.
CareGivers America treats PPH staff to Mission BBQ lunch
A special thanks goes out to CareGivers America’s Greater Philadelphia Area branch — at the recommendation of PA State Rep. Jared Solomon — for donating a Mission BBQ lunch to our hardworking and dedicated staff. Everyone enjoyed the chicken and pulled pork sandwiches, along with the macaroni and cheese and baked beans!
Special delivery
PPH would like to thank American Heritage Credit Union (AMHCU) for donating 140 level-3 gowns to our PPH nurses. AMHCU Account Manager William Quinn personally delivered the gowns in July.
PPE donated to PPH
Thank you to our friends at Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of North America (TCCNA) for the generous donation of much-needed PPE. New Jersey Chapter Board President Jimmy Shee and Board Member James Kin delivered the shipment directly to our community.
Treats for Chapters
Twistee Treats, through the EBOD Foundation, donated ice cream sundae party kits to our Chapters residents and staff. Paul Corbett of Twistee Treats, a Mayfair ice cream shop, supplied and delivered the ice cream. Paul (center) is pictured with Vice President of Marketing and Communications Shannon Grieb (left) and Chapters Life Enrichment Supervisor Debbie Andrews (right).
PPH received a generous in-kind donation from the Pennsylvanian Overseas Chinese Pandemic Fighting Fund, coordinated by Rep. Jared Solomon. The donation included surgical masks, KN 95 masks, surgical gowns, gloves, and infrared thermometers.
PPH thanks PPD — Auxiliary treats the 2nd District to hoagies
The PPH Auxiliary sponsored a “Hoagie Day” for Philadelphia’s 2nd Police District. Hoagies for both the day and night shift were sent over to their new building on Cottman Avenue. PPH thanks the 2nd District officers and the entire Philadelphia Police Department for their dedication and service.
2nd District Community Relations Officer Mark Mroz, Steve of Castor Pizza, PPH President & CEO John Dubyk, and PPH Auxiliary President Patricia Coyne.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Each year, during Founder’s Day, one resident from each level of care is chosen as PPH Resident of the Year. The distinction recognizes a resident who contributes to the well-being of the PPH community; possesses a positive attitude, determination, and perseverance; offers constructive feedback in an appropriate and considerate manner; is a good neighbor and is respectful to other residents. The award is named in honor of former residents who demonstrated exemplary commitment to the PPH mission and values. Due to COVID restrictions, PPH was unable to hold its annual Founder’s Day ceremony in the Social Hall. But, as with many events since March 2020, PPH brought Founder’s’ Day to residents’ living rooms through a virtual event that aired on PPH TV throughout December.
Independent Living Resident of the Year
Director of Social Services Lisa Rubin-Wallack announced Lawndale Manor resident Patricia Coyne as The Reggie and Betty Beauchamp Independent Living Resident of the Year. Patricia’s family and friends all expressed admiration for her dedication to PPH, the PPH Auxiliary, and the various other projects she is involved with — not only inside PPH, but outside the community as well. “The kind words of staff and my family — so beautifully presented — were touching and encouraging,” Patricia said. “I am grateful for the many opportunities for, and rewards of, engaging and serving here at PPH.”
Personal Care Resident of the Year
Vice President of Residential Living & Personal Care Mary Ann Parisse announced Hilda Gordon as The Gertrude Corley Personal Care Resident of the Year. “She has been a dear and welcoming presence, especially to all of the Personal Care residents,” Mary Ann said. “Even after the death of her beloved husband [Max] just one year ago, she continues to be a positive ray of sunshine, helping and supporting new residents as they settle in.”
Pathways Resident of the Year
Associate Director of Social Services Marge Felix announced Ted Cherrington as The Carmela Heine Pathways Resident of the Year. “He is always willing to help fellow residents out on the fourth floor of Pathways during crafts and is extremely thoughtful,” Marge said. Ted participates in various activities in Pathways and has been a volunteer at the ACE Center. “I was so surprised to receive the award and so happy to see all my family on [PPH] TV congratulating me,” Ted said. “It was an unbelievable moment.”
PPH President’s Award
The President’s Award recognizes a staff member who demonstrates PPH’s core values and provides residents with quality care and exceptional customer service. This winner is selected from a pool that includes employees of the month as well as Guardian Angel recipients.
The 2020 winner, announced by John Dubyk, was Pathways nurse Luinegat Destin.
PPH resident (Pastor) Ken nominated Luinegat. After a stroke a few years ago, Pastor Ken rehabbed in Pathways. He said the circumstances had him in a state of depression, but Luinegat helped lift his spirits during the recovery process. “I call her an angel of mercy,” he said.
“That makes me feel great,” Luinegat said of winning the award and Pastor Ken’s kind words.
Luinegat noted the importance of quality care, respect, and dignity when treating residents in Pathways.
—Paul Hedges, Resident and Volunteer of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Volunteer Coordinator Carol Cherrington announced Independent Living resident Paul Hedges as the Volunteer of the Year. “Paul is ready to help others anytime there’s a need. He has an upbeat personality and a smile behind the mask,” Carol said. Paul delivers mail to other residents and is always looking for ways to help inside the community. He says he volunteers to show his gratitude for the quality care his wife received when she lived in Pathways. “I’ll be here to volunteer for the rest of my life,” he said. “I’m proud to be part of the PPH family.”
Schea Endowment for Health Care Education Scholarship recipient
PPH would like to congratulate the newest recipient of the Eberhard and Helen Schea Endowment Fund for Healthcare Education — Sarah Dafils. Sarah has been part of Dining Services’ wait staff since August 2018. She entered her junior year at Holy Family University in the fall of 2020, where she is majoring in nursing.
Sarah Dafils is pictured with Vice President of Human Resources Daphne Floyd and Director of Dining Services Lisa Burke.
PPH welcomes new CFO & Vice President of Finance
Christina Knapp succeeded John Dubyk as CFO & Vice President of Finance.
Christina is enrolled in the Larry Minnix Leadership Academy, a program from LeadingAge that enhances the leadership skills of nonprofit leaders within the LeadingAge community. Fostering her leadership qualities has helped her take on the challenges that COVID-19 has brought. She also mentions that people have stepped up all around, whether it is lending a helping hand, decorating a window, or painting one of the many rocks that have been found around PPH's campus. As for her time so far at PPH, she felt welcome almost immediately.
“Within a few days, I felt like I had already been here for a long time,” she said. Christina hopes to bring new, innovative ideas to PPH. With her previous audit experience, she will utilize what she learned from the successes of other senior living communities.
Blankets to-go
PPH residents get together on Tuesday mornings in the Craft Room to knit blankets. Many of these blankets have been sent to St. Christopher’s Hospital, Bryn Mawr Hospice, and Stitch Central, a fabric, yarn, and quilt shop in Huntingdon Valley, PA.
Clockwise from bottom left: PPH resident volunteers June, Marianne, Betty, Margaret, and Dorothy knitting blankets.
PPH rocks
PPH residents and staff are finding many of these decorated rocks around our beautiful campus.
Director of Recreation Therapy Ginny Maciocha estimates there are approximately 100 rocks throughout the community. The culprit/artist who has been painting and placing these rocks is unknown, and rumor has it that more than one person is responsible!
