JANUARY 2022
Founders' Day recognizes embodiment of PPH's mission, values Founders’ Day at PPH honors the vision of PPH’s founding fathers, and the community’s mission and core values. The ceremony recognizes new members of the Heritage Society, whose legacy gifts ensure future residents have access to quality care and support, the dedication of the PPH Auxiliary. It also includes the Resident of the Year in each level of care (Independent Living, Personal Care and Pathways), the Volunteer of the Year, and the President’s Award recipient. Due to COVID-19 pandemic precautions, PPH held its annual Founders’ Day virtually this year. Segments for the program were filmed during December, and the program was first broadcast on Thursday, Dec. 16. The Heritage Society recognizes generous donors who have made the commitment to remember PPH through a planned gift such as a charitable gift annuity, a bequest through a will, IRA, life insurance or other gift. New inductees into the Heritage Society in 2020 and 2021 include Board of Directors Vice Chairperson Jean Gibson and her husband Michael, Alpha Manor
Top row, from left: Pathways resident of the Year Ken Venuti, Personal Care resident of the Year MaryAnn Tregoning, and Bob Kerstetter with Volunteer of the Year (and wife) Joyce Kerstetter. Middle row, from left: President's Award recipient Jennifer Honeyford, and Independent Living Resident of the Year Pastor Ken Smith. Bottom row: The PPH Auxiliary presents a $4,000 check to PPH. From left: PPH Controller Barbara Stanton, Director of Fund Development Deanna Keough, PPH Auxiliary President Patricia Coyne, and PPH President & CEO John Dubyk.
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In This Issue... l Looking back at 2021 l Holidays at PPH l New Guardian Angel
6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia PA • www.PPHFamily.org • 215.697.8000 •Facebook.com/ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome
Looking back at 2021 as we welcome 2022 As the year draws to a close, it is a good time to look back and celebrate the many accomplishments at PPH. Although we are still facing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, PPH has remained steadfast in our commitment to not only keeping our residents and staff safe, but to see everyone thrive. The year 2021 saw the addition of campus-wide WiFi, an exciting step to create the foundation that lays the groundwork not only for fast and easy internet connection, but also to foster new and innovative
care and support services that will positively impact all areas of PPH now, and for years to come. Other additions and improvements include the bocce court, refurbished lounges in Gateway Manor, updated lighting and artwork in Lawndale and Alpha Manor, continued updates and repairs of our elevators, repointing of the exteriors of our buildings, ongoing updates in our independent living and personal care residences, a refresh of our beauty salon, a complete renovation of our Webb Pavilion
Residents enjoy a game of bocce on PPH's new bocce court — one of the many additions to PPH in 2021.
in Midway Personal Care, and the addition of raised garden beds outside of Lawndale Manor. We look forward to 2022!
They who serve us – Meet Yvette of the Maintenance department By Lawrence H. Geller Alpha Manor resident When her day's work is over at PPH, one of the first things Yvette Lopez-DeVictoria does is flip on some 'musica classica' to help her relax as she drives home after a hard day's work. As a maintenance technician climbing a ladder to fix a light, making a repair under the kitchen sink, fixing a toilet, etc., her days can be exhausting. "I once saw her go so far under the kitchen cabinet," said one resident, "I wasn't sure she was going to get back out. She did, and with a big smile on her face." No challenge is too great for Yvette, which she attributes to her hard-
working parents. Her mother was a self-made businesswoman, and her dad served as a merchant marine, eventually becoming a contractor. "They inspired me to be the woman I am today," she said. Of Puerto Rican heritage but born in Philadelphia, Spanish is her second language. "My parents wanted me to be bilingual, so a lot of Spanish was spoken around the house." Growing up, Yvette had a modeling career from age 11-15, as well as sponsoring a beauty pageant for youth. At home now, she likes to relax with art creativity, decoration and design. With such artistic sensitivity, it's no wonder she would love to visit one of
the loveliest countries in the world — Ireland — known as the Emerald Green and for its literature and music, Her drive home from PPH made much easier with the radio playing some Brahms or Mozart, she looks foward to her favorite dish — cod fish with avocado and onions served over Spanish vegetables. Well-deserved after a hard day's work, wouldn't you say? Be sure to check out future issues of REACH for more PPH staff profiles. Compiled by Alpha Manor resident Lawrence H. Geller, these bios will give residents (and fellow staff) an opportunity to learn a little more about "they who serve us."
New residents at PPH says she is looking forward to meeting her PPH Family and enjoying all that the community has to offer. ★ MaryAnn Gillespie moved to PPH's Gateway Manor building from Fox Chase. MaryAnn Grew up in Olney — she attended Incarnation Grade School and Mercy Tech High School. She worked in housekeeping and child care. MaryAnn enjoys ceramics, sewing and reading.
★ Mary Jones moved to PPH's Lawndale Manor building from the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. Mary grew up in Mobile, Ala. She attended Tougaloo College in Jackson, Miss. After she graduated, she worked as a teacher. Mary has three children, two daughters and one son; and one granddaughter. Mary enjoys music, reading and traveling. She
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Founders' Day Founders' >> From Page 1
resident Sylvia Metzler, Lawndale Manor residents Marge and Tom Sexton, Harvey W. Scherzer and Herbert P. Scherzer. Each received a certificate of membership, a custom lapel pin, a personalized brick for PPH’s Remembrance Garden and their name displayed on the Heritage Society wall located in the PPH Esplanade. The PPH Auxiliary — which consists of residents, staff and outside community members — supports Benevolent Care & gratitude activities by promoting engagement and support of PPH’s mission. The Auxiliary presented a $4,000 check to PPH for Benevolent Care and Auxiliary President Patricia Coyne thanked members and volunteers for their support. Lawndale Manor resident Pastor Ken Smith was named the Reggie and Betty Beauchamp Independent Living Resident of the Year. Ken was recognized by Director of Resident & Medical Services Donna Wojcik, who cited his giving spirit and uplifting demeanor, among many other qualities such as his sense of humor and love of history and antiques. Ken watched the ceremony in the Fountain Room with a small group of residents and staff. He was elated with emotion as he realized he was the recipient. “As soon as Donna said [on the video] that the recipient grew up in Tacony and Mayfair, I had a light bulb moment,” he said. A few of his longtime friends made a surprise appearance — both in the program and in person — to congratulate him. Ken said that 2021 was a difficult year for him — he has dealt with various medical hardships. “It picked up my spirits. It’s nice to end 2021 on a positive note,” he said. MaryAnn Tregoning was named Gertrude Corley Personal Care Resident of the Year by Director of Personal Care Nursing Services Sheleana Perez.
Heritage Society: PPH resident Ron Hugo with 2020 inductee (and daughter) Jean Gibson, 2020 inductee Sylvia Metzler, and 2021 inductees Marge and Tom Sexton.
Eleanore Schmidt and Regina McGovern, both centenarians and 20+ year residents; Rita Witt, PPH's newest 20+ year resident; and Hazel Peatman, PPH's longest tenured resident. Mary Ann knits gloves and Cherrington announced Alpha scarves for the homeless, welcomes Manor resident Joyce Kerstetter as new residents with cheer, pushes the 2021 Volunteer of the Year. Joyce wheelchairs for fellow residents and delivers mail to other residents, regularly contributes many other assists in Tabor Market, and plays acts of kindness. the piano and organ during chapel “It was such a surprise. It’s a great services. gift to be recognized,” she said. “She’s a very pleasant lady who Ken Venuti was named the helps residents and staff any way she Carmela Heine Pathways Resident of can,” said Carol. the Year by Director of Nursing Kyle Joyce was surprised as she Ozimkiewicz. watched the broadcast with her hus“He regularly exercises in the PPH band, Bob, saying that she even shed Wellness Center and Pool, performs a few tears upon finding out that she at veterans’ events, memorial was an award recipient. services and often joins the PPH “I was honored; I didn’t expect it. I choir. During the [earlier stages of very much appreciate it,” Joyce said. the] pandemic, he was no longer The President’s Award recognizes able to access our [entire] campus a staff member who demonstrates as he once had. Instead, he looked PPH’s core values and provides for opportunities to share his gift [of residents with quality care and singing],” Kyle said, noting that Ken exceptional customer service. participated in PPH’s Talent Show The recipient is selected from a and organizes music to play for his pool that includes Guardian Angel fellow residents in the Dining Room. nominations and Employee of the Ken, like other award recipients, Month selections. Vice President said he was surprised to be recogof Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation nized. And, as usual, his sense of Jennifer Honeyford is the recipient humor was on display. for 2021. “I don’t know if I can handle being “Jennifer assumed her role…during resident of the year; it’s a lot of the height of the pandemic. Not an pressure!" he joked. ideal time to accept new a challenge. Volunteer Coordinator Carol Founders' >>Page 8
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Holiday Market
Medical Mission Sisters gather
Gateway Manor resident Betty DeHennis sells holiday wreaths and plants at the Holiday Market and Bazaar. Many residents helped with setup and selling items, which consisted of holiday decorations, clothes, quilts, books, plants, knick knacks, jewelry, crafts and much more! This event was sponsored by the PPH Auxiliary to raise funds for Benevolent Care and gratitude activities. (This market was open to PPH residents only due to COVID-19 protocols.)
PPH's Medical Mission Sisters and Associates gather for lunch the first Friday of each month. After meeting monthly for one year and 10 months over Zoom, the group was ecstatic to gather in person, especially during Advent. PPH President and CEO John Dubyk, stopped in to say hello and answered questions some had about scheduled renovations. Each MMS Sister and Associate in attendance shared their own Advent prayer and all were deeply grateful to be together. There are currently 11 Medical Mission Sisters and six Medical Mission Associates living at PPH.
Flower Arranging
Smoothie Friday
A Personal Care resident arranges flowers. Flower arranging is a relaxing and highly beneficial activity for seniors that boosts morale, reduces anxiety, and improves manual dexterity.
PPH residents yell "Happy Holidays" while filming a segment during "Smoothie Friday" for PPH's staff Holiday Cheer video that aired on channel 2. December's smoothie flavor was candy cane!
Employee of the Month Jim Jackson For employee of the month nominations, contact Daphne Floyd at 8015 or dfloyd@pphfamily. org.
Jim has been with PPH since September 2018 in our Maintenance Department. He is always willing to jump in and help where needed. He is always very professional and friendly as well. We are happy to have him as part of the PPH family. Congratulations Jim! Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes!”
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Lawndale Manor Holiday Party
Happy Hanukkah!
Left, Patricia Coyne, Carol Drummond and Virginia Murphy share a laugh at the Lawndale Manor holiday party on Dec. 10. Middle, MaryAnn Volk shows her Christmas spirit. Right,Mildred Fleury, one of many residents to win a prize during the program.
PPH residents celebrated the fifth night of The Festival of Lights by singing some of their favorite Hanukkah songs.
Gateway Manor Holiday Party
Santa Claus comes to town
Gateway Manor residents enjoy themselves at their building's holiday party on Dec. 3.
Pathways gets into the holiday spirit
A Pathways resident decorates a Christmas tree.
Pathways staff and residents get ready to head to a drive-thru light show at Shadybrook Farms.
Santa Claus visited with Personal Care residents (top) at the PPH Holiday Mall, later making his way across campus to meet Pathways residents.
If we included every festive photo from PPH this holiday season, it would fill the entire January REACH! Check out our Facebook page — facebook.com/ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome — for more photos!
Volunteer of the Month Yvonne Blackwell Congratulations go out to Yvonne Blackwell, “Volunteer of the Month” for January 2022. Yvonne has been a PPH volunteer since 2019 and has done an excellent job volunteering in various departments. Presently, Yvonne is answering phones and taking reservations in Dining Services. She is a kind lady who always lends a hand when someone is unable to do their shift. Thank you Yvonne for the kind and pleasant manner in which you do your volunteer duties. You are a blessing to our volunteer program.
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For volunteer of the month nominations, contact Carol Cherrington at 8027 or ccherrington@ pphfamily.org.
NEWS BRIEFS COVID-19 protocols for visitors: Guests are not permitted to eat in the Fountain Room. PPH residents having guests: please order take out and pick it up for your guests. Visitors are not permitted in Scoops, the Bistro, the Café, the Gift Shop or Tabor Market. PPH encourages everyone to get vaccinated, to continue to practice infection control precautions such as maintaining a healthy social distance, properly wearing a mask while visiting, to perform hand hygiene frequently while on our campus, and refrain from visiting if you feel sick or have been exposed to COVID-19. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Day program: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called on us "to create the Beloved Community." On Monday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m., PPH residents will join together in the Social Hall to explore how to respond to his challenge. The program will include meditations and music from residents of PPH and from recordings of Marian Anderson and Dr. King. PPH President & CEO John Dubyk will be speak and Director of Environmental Services Luke Mason will give a meditation. Lawndale Manor resident Lucille Hite will emcee the program. The keynote speaker will be Hugh Taft-Morales, humanist minister and leader of the Philadelphia Ethical Society. His address, entitled "The Beloved Community," will explore how Dr. King's vision over 50 years ago is still relevant to the political and social divisiveness occurring in US communities in 2022. He will emphasize that the beloved community demands daily work and inner discipline to remove the road blocks to love. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service will recognize PPH's Security team members. We hope you will join us in the Social Hall, COVID-19 protocols permitting. It will also broadcast live on channel 57 and will be rebroadcast on Jan. 22 and 29 at 2 p.m. on channel 4.
PPH Security team member Jorge Rodriguez salutes the US flag during PPH's Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony on Dec. 7.
The PPH Lounge (the bar in the Fountain Room): Open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and alternating Fridays, from 4 to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays from 2 to 6 p.m. Wellness Center: Vaccinated residents are not required to wear masks in the Wellness Center or in the pool. If you have any questions regarding the Wellness Center, please contact Maureen or Kayla at 8007. Wellness TED Talks: PPH's Wellness team will be offering TED Talks, Tuesday Jan. 11 and Tuesday, Jan. 25 in the Social Hall. The topic for this month's talks will be, "Be the best you in 2022." PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary's next meeting will be held in-person and broadcast on PPH TV channel 57, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 11:30 a.m. in the Social Hall. Membership in the PPH Auxiliary is open to PPH residents, staff, and community supporters (only $5 per year). Dating back to its origins as the PPH Ladies Aid Society in 1889, the Auxiliary continues its initiatives to support the heart of PPH's fundraising mission, Benevolent Care, as well as supporting staff/resident gratitude activities. Contact Auxiliary President Patricia Coyne at cameo1200@gmail.com or 8403 to become a member or for more information. Veterans Meetings: The first meeting for 2022 will be Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 10 a.m. in the Social Hall. Veterans’ meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m., unless otherwise noted. Please update your calendars.
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Calling all Veterans!: It is important to PPH that we identify all veterans living in our community. We want to make sure you are receiving the meeting notices, ceremonial invitations, and other veteran specific information. If you are new to the community and/or you have not completed the May 2021 veteran survey, please contact Bill Conaway (8194), Valerie Williams (8006) or Kathy Wersinger (8017) so we can add you to our list to ensure you are receiving all information and meeting notices. Voting 2022: Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 11 a.m. in the Social Hall. We will discuss the process for requesting and returning mail-in ballots. The primary election is May 17, and we want to make sure all PPH residents can vote. Please contact Bill Conaway (8194) or Valerie Williams (8006) with any questions. SEPTA Key Senior Cards: ALL SEPTA Key Senior Cards that expired in 2020 and those set to expire in 2021 have been extended as follows through the end of calendar 2022: Cards with a 1/2020 expiration date will be valid for travel through 1/2022 Cards with a 7/2021 expiration date will be valid for travel through 7/2022 Please contact Valerie Williams (8006) with your name and expiration date if you have a card or if you would like to apply for one. Additional information will be available shortly regarding the renewal process. Magee St.: The Magee St. gate now closes at 5 p.m. Closing time will go back to 8 p.m. as of April 1. Black History Month: The celebration of Black History Month in February is not only for Black or African American people, it is a part of everyone's American history. PPH residents are planning an exciting month of activities and events. We hope you will plan to join us for some or all of them. See channel 2, the bulletin boards, and the February REACH for specifics on the month's activities calendar.
Pathways CNA receives Guardian Angel designation PPH's newest Guardian Angel is Pathways CNA Ursile Aurelein. Ursile was made a Guardian Angel by Lawndale Manor resident (and PPH's volunteer coordinator) Carol Cherrington. Carol chose to recognize Ursile to show her appreciation of the quality and compassionate care she gave Carol's husband, Ted, a Pathways resident who passed away in late 2021. "Ursile took wonderful care of my husband for two years. She goes out of her way to be kind, pleasant and efficient, and all with respect and compassion. I would like to thank her from the bottom of my heart for all she did for Ted. I will never forget her kindness. She is the very BEST!" Be sure to congratulate and thank Ursile for her dedication to PPH's residents next time you see her! A Guardian Angel donation is a meaningful way to express your gratitude for a special PPH caregiver or other staff member who made a difference in your life or the life of a loved one. Recognize his or her quality care and service by making a Guardian Angel gift of $250 in their
Pathways CNA Ursile Aurelein with Lawndale Manor resident (and PPH's volunteer coordinator) Carol Cherrington. Carol recognized Ursile for the quality and compassionate care that her husband, Ted, received from Ursile while he was a Pathways resident.
I want to thank everyone for your sympathy and kindness during the passing of my husband, Ted. The prayers, cards, hugs, and words of comfort I received meant so much to me. PPH is truly my second family. - Love, Carol Cherrington honor. Your gift supports the PPH mission and further enhances all aspects of resident life. For more information on PPH's Guardian Angel program, how to nominate a Guardian Angel and to view past recipients, visit https://
Staff and Volunteer Appreciation
PPH staff and volunteers received various gifts and delicious treats during December in a show of appreciation for the dedication shown throughout 2021.
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pphfamily.org/giving/guardianangel-giving/ or call Director of Fund Development Deanna Keough at 8586. Recent recipients can also be seen on the display board in the esplanade.
Staff Safety Awards
Support Services Coordinator Donna Donaghy accepts the 2021 Safety Committee Member Award — also known as a "Teddy" — from Director of Safety & Security Ted Cannon.
Reflections
Pastor Jack Price PPH Director of Pastoral Ministries
Embrace peace, choose joy "Life of Pi" is a novel and motion picture about a 16-year-old boy from India who found himself adrift in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, following a shipwreck, sharing a 26-foot-long lifeboat with a 450-pound Bengal Tiger. Pi has made a makeshift raft for himself and tethered it to the lifeboat approximately 30 feet to get some distance from the tiger. He had the foresight to take with him a supply of food and water. As he began to ponder survival for himself, several plans were created, then later abandoned. Plan #6 was essentially a war of attrition — to keep his distance and wait until the tiger would die of starvation. It seemed like the most reasonable plan — certainly better than attacking the tiger. Until
Founders' >> From Page 3
But Jenn’s passion and dedication to PPH became more evident. Her tireless work ethic and desire to make a difference is evident every day,” PPH President & CEO John Dubyk said. "I feel honored to be named the 2021 President’s Award recipient. I would like to dedicate this year’s award to the entire Pathways Team. I feel humbled by their continued support of me in my new role.
suddenly, reality hit home for Pi. This was the worst plan of all! Hunger and desperation would eventually overcome the tiger’s fear of the ocean and he would swim to the raft and eat the boy. No, there must be a Plan #7. It is not the tiger who must be overcame, but the greater enemy — fear.
manger was that love overcomes fear. It is never a question of them or us and always a matter of all of us together. We are in the same boat and will live or die together. As a human race, we are one — and also one with all creation in God, whose love is always still fresh in the lives of people.
We all know the Christmas story — Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, angels singing, and shepherds and wise men going to the stable to greet baby Jesus. But there are other Christmas stories as well, stories that reveal the meaning of “God with us” and of peace on earth. "Life of Pi" is one such unexpected Christmas story. [Fear is] life’s only true opponent. Only fear can defeat life. It is a clever, treacherous adversary. The truth proclaimed in Bethlehem’s
Joy to the world and peace on earth are the promises of Christmas, but these can only come when we awaken to God’s presence in ourselves and begin to recognize that presence in others. To make peace on the earth, we must first act to make peace in our communities and our relationships. To make peace in the world, we must first embrace peace in ourselves. To find joy in the world, we have to choose joy for ourselves.
Each day, I am encouraged by their strength and determination to provide care during these unprecedented times. It is their care and compassion that inspires me every day,” Jennifer said. PPH’s 12 centenarians and five 20+ year residents were recognized. Centenarians received a box of assorted candy and 20+ year residents received a rose. Pathways resident Regina McGovern and Gateway Manor resident Eleanore Schmid received candy and a rose, as
the two women have the distinction of being both a PPH centenarian and a 20+ year resident. It was unfortunate that Founders’ Day could not be held in-person, but PPH was still able to recognize the residents, volunteers and staff who continue to uphold the PPH mission and core values. “We hope to do this in person next year where we can see each other’s faces,” Vice President of Marketing & Communications Shannon Grieb said to close out the program.
THE PPH MISSION Guided by Christian values, the mission of The Philadelphia Protestant Home is to provide a caring senior living community that affords its residents the opportunity to achieve their highest possible quality of life. 8