MARCH 2022
Enhancing the dining experience at PPH “Let’s be the best together.” Those were the words of Morrison Living’s Director of Field Engagement Eugene Walters, describing the new partnership between PPH and Morrison Living. Morrison Living specializes in providing culinary, design, wellness, and hospitality expertise to various senior living communities across the country. At PPH, their efforts will be focused on Dining Services. Morrison began working behind the scenes at PPH near the end of 2021, evaluating PPH’s current dining procedures and is now implementing their transition plan. They are expected to continue assist PPH in transition efforts over the next few months. The company plans to bring new menu items to PPH over the course of 2022, through quarterly seasonal menu rotations and engaging staff through teaching kitchens. “PPH stands as a community looking to better the experience by partnering with senior living dining experts,” said Walters “That represents leadership and caring and those are two values we all share!”
PPH residents enjoy as meal as a Dining Services wait staff team member checks in.
PPH’s partnership with Morrison looks to support and elevate PPH through: • Innovation – Health and Wellness Programming, Technology. • Systems and Processes – Menu and Diet Management, Quality Assurance, Team Member Training. • Corporate Support – HUB Design Services, Safety and Sanitation, Human Resources, Sustainability, Clinical Nutrition, etc. • Field Resources – Corporate Executive Chefs, Hospitality Training, Directors of Field Engagement, etc. • Enhance Resident Experience – Promotions, Special Events, Marketing Programs, etc. The partnership has been a full
collaboration; PPH has their own new ideas they will implement but is also asking for the expertise and training of Morrison, rather than just having Morrison come in and be the sole decisionmakers. “That’s the type of partnership [collaboration] everyone should look for,” said Walters. PPH — with the help of Morrison — also recently hired an executive chef. Chef Jerome Seeney started in mid-February and is excited to join the Dining Services team at PPH. PPH is in the process of bringing in a Dining Services director and sous chef. Dining >>Page 6
In This Issue... l 72 years and going strong l PPH Goes Red l Back in the library
6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia PA • www.PPHFamily.org • 215.697.8000 •Facebook.com/ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome
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Year 72 of marriage and siblinghood for one PPH family Donald and Elizabeth Powell have been together for a long time. The two met as teenagers in the mid 1940s at Carey’s Circus Garden Roller Rink on Frankford and Allegheny Aves, bonding over their love of dancing. “We got together then and we’ve been together ever since,” Don said. “We enjoyed live organ music, the waltz, the fox trot, all the dances of the time.” The Powells celebrated their 72nd Valentine's Day last month and their 72nd wedding anniversary in January. They tied the knot in January of 1950 in nearby Lawndale, but that was not the only notable event that day. Elizabeth’s brother, Bill, was born on the same day at nearby Nazareth Hospital. “I said I do and he [Bill] was born about an hour later,” Elizabeth said. Elizabeth’s and Bill’s father did double duty — attending the wedding and making it to the hospital in time for Bill’s arrival into the world. “My dad walked Betty down the aisle and then he ran off to the hospital for the delivery,” Bill said, as he told the story of his birth that has been relayed to him many times over the years by his sister and other family members. Both Elizabeth and Bill mentioned how
special that day Above: Bill Stokes, Elizabeth was for their and Donald Powfather. ell. Bill was born And 72 years on the same day later, not only are Donald and his sister, Elizabeth, married Elizabeth still married — with Donald. four children, Right: Elizabeth nine grandand Donald on children and 11 their wedding day great-grandchilin January 1950. dren — Bill and his wife, Linda, are also PPH residents! Bill and Linda joined Don and Elizabeth at PPH last summer. Don and Elizabeth moved to PPH in 2018; when researching senior living communities, they recalled how much they liked visiting PPH in the past for dances that were held at the community.
The two couples say they are glad to be living in the same senior living community. Don, Elizabeth, Bill and Linda enjoyed Valentine’s Day together, stopping by Scoops — PPH’s café and ice cream shop — that afternoon for some snacks.
New residents at PPH ★ Jaki Matthews moved to PPH from the West Oak Lane neighborhood of Philadelphia. Jaki grew up on the other side of the state in Pittsburgh, Pa. She ended up in Philadelphia when she attended Temple University. She worked for many years as a legal assistant. Jaki is an artist, crafter and enjoys collecting art.
★ Deb Smart moved to PPH from South Philadelphia. A South Philly native, Deb attended South Philadelphia High School and Lincoln University. Deb has one daughter. She worked in the education field. She enjoys music, reading, gardening, volunteering and traveling.
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Pulse
Back in the library! PPH held a grand reopening for its library on Feb. 14! Coffee and pastries were served as PPH residents came to the library to check out the new books on the shelves and additional updates that have been made. New residents who hadn't been in the library prior to Monday said they are excited to be able to take advantage of the space, which overlooks PPH's beautiful outdoor courtyard. One of the updates to the library includes a new monitor — Magnisight — that enlarges words for those with poor vision. The library was closed since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic due to the Department of Health guidelines. (The library is technically located in PPH's Personal Care building) When visiting the library, Independent Living residents should enter through the double doors on the 2nd floor of
Top, many of the residents who have helped prepare the library for its reopening.
Many residents stopped by the library for its grand reopening on Feb. 14.
Alpha Manor. Trivia Questions returning to the library: Come join the fun. Read the clues Monday through Friday. Put
you answer in our trivia box to win a prize. Blank answer sheets and trivia box are on desk. Any questions call Kathy Nucero at 8505.
Valentine's Cards and the Origins of Valentine's Day From the oldest existing Valentine's card (1415) housed in the British Museum, to the cards our PPH Personal Care residents received from a local Scout troop, folks have enjoyed sending and receiving these beautiful love tokens. Valentine's Day has evolved from its origins in early Roman fertility rites of passage. Those who viewed Lawndale resident Patricia Coyne's collection of intricate, three-dimensional cards displayed in the PPH Esplanade learned that the expression "wearing your heart on your sleeve" comes from an early 1800s tradition when men wore slips of paper with their girlfriends' names on them, pinned to their sleeve to show their intentions. Are you a PPH resident interested in displaying a collection? Contact Kathy Nucero at 8505 or knucero@pphfamily.org
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Wear Red Day — PPH Goes Red for Women
PPH residents and staff sported their best red attire on Feb. 4 for National Wear Red Day. National Wear Red Day serves as a proactive way to bring attention to the disease that affects nearly 500,000 American women each year. To see more photos of PPH Going Red and informative tips from our Wellness and Dining Services departments, visit our YouTube page at www.youtube.com/c/PhiladelphiaProtestantHome .
Trip to the museum
PPH Puzzles
A group of PPH residents pose in front of the entrance to " Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia 1776-1876," a permanent exhibit at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. The trip to the museum — a PPH scheduled trip — coincided with Black History Month and the many activities and events at PPH throughout February. For more on Black History Month at PPH, visit our blog at pphfamily.org/blog.
Lawndale Manor resident June Wodowski is pictured here in the early stages of a 2,000-piece puzzle in PPH's puzzle area, which overlooks the main entrance. June says she's been putting together puzzles ever since she was a young girl. She'd visit her aunt and uncle in the summertime and work on puzzles with them. June credits Alpha Manor resident Tom Thomas with helping out on these large-sized puzzles.
Employee of the Month Marc "Darlyne" Louis
For employee of the month nominations, contact Daphne Floyd at 8015 or dfloyd@pphfamily. org.
Darlyne started at PPH in November of 2018 in our Dining Services department. She is reliable, dependable has a positive attitude and does whatever it take to get the job done. Also, she has a customer-driven mindset and is very talented in that she can do every position in the production area. Congratulations Darlyne!
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Get your tickets for the Auxiliary's next raffle!
PPH's Auxiliary has another beautiful custom, light-up wreath and exciting basket of treasures (including 10 lucky lottery tickets!) which will be raffled off on Monday, March 21, after the 2 p.m. Independent Residents Association meeting. The proceeds will support PPH Benevolent Care, To enter for a chance to win: tickets are $1 which gives residents each, or $5 for six tickets. peace-of-mind security require. knowing that if they should You can purchase tickets most outlive their financial resources Mondays, Wednesdays, Friday through no fault of their own, they between 12:30 and 2 p.m. in the can remain in their home and Lawndale Manor lobby outside the continue receiving the care they
You can find these two — Pat and Evelyn — in the main lobby outside the Social Hall selling Auxiliary raffle tickets most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Social Hall. Auxiliary members Pat Lawson and Evelyn Washington are set up in the Lawndale lobby. Stop by and say hello and purchase some tickets!
Happy 106!
Staying safe and alert
PPH's oldest resident Catherine Wagner turned 106 in February. Catherine and her Pathways friends celebrated with cake and music! Catherine is pictured above on her 102nd birthday.
Philadelphia Police Department Community Relations Officer Mark Mroz speaks as Victims Assistance Officer Danielle Walsh and Captain Jim Kimrey look on. The PPD gave a presentation on Feb. in the Social Hall that focused on the importance of always being alert while out in the community, as well as being wary of possible scams.
February Volunteer of the Month
Februray Volunteer of the Month Nick Miniuk. (Not pictured in the February REACH)
Volunteer of the Month
Joan Gentile
For volunteer of the month nominations, contact Carol Cherrington at 8027 or ccherrington@ pphfamily.org.
Congratulations go out to Joan Gentile, who is the Volunteer of the Month for March 2022. Joan has been a dedicated PPH community volunteer since 2017. She is currently a cashier in Tabor Market, where she does an excellent job, and also volunteered as a cashier in the Gift Shop. She is always pleasant and happy to help our residents and always with a smile. Thanks so much Joan, for all that you do and the nice way that you do it.
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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 public areas. PPH encourages visitors and guests to get vaccinated, to continue to practice infection control precautions such as maintaining a healthy social distance, properly wearing a mask while visiting, to performing hand hygiene frequently while on our campus, and refrain from visiting if you feel sick or have been exposed to COVID-19. TED Talks: See the March calendar. PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary's next meeting will be held in the Social Hall and broadcast on PPH TV channel 57, Tuesday, March 8, 11:30 a.m. 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. Independent Living Residents Association: The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 21 at 2 p.m. (If subject to COVID-19 restrictions, this will broadcast on channel 57) Veterans' Meeting: The March Veterans’ meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 1 at 10 a.m. in the
Social Hall. If you have not provided your photos for the Veterans video, please bring it with you to the meeting. Please contact Bill Conaway (8194) or Valerie Williams (8006) with any questions. 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 receive all information and meeting notices. Voting 2022: The primary election is May 17. We want to make sure all PPH residents are informed about the process. On Monday, March 7 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall, the PA Voting Commission will have a representative here to discuss the process and address any questions you may have. At this time, many residents have started to receive their application to request a mail-in-ballet for the primary, if you have not received your application or need to request one, please contact Bill Conaway (8194) or Valerie Williams (8006). They will assist you with the process. Food Collection: The PPH Food Drive — a 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service project — will continue indefinitely as long as PPH's neighbors are in need of food. Food will be collected the last week of the month and then delivered the first
day of the following month. There will be two collection sites: the vending machines area located near the Wellness Center and in front of the Security desk. For more information, call Tom Sexton at 8368. Trips: Fees for trips are now added to each resident's monthly bill (NO CASH), If you'd like to cancel, you must call the Business Office (8010) to have the trip fee removed. Magee St.: The Magee St. gate is now open between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. Nurses Month: May has been designated as Nurses Month and May 6 starts Nurses Week. Nurses play an important role in providing care to their patients. PPH wants to honor those residents who chose to invest in this profession. We are calling all RNs, LPNs, CNAs, Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives to contact Carol Drummond (8394) or Valerie Williams (8006) to let us know that you are a part of the PPH community and if you are interested in working on the committee. Caregivers - Take some time for yourself: Nancy’s House is a nonprofit organization that helps caregivers break through the isolation and exhaustion that comes from taking care of someone who is ill or disabled. They offer free virtual (on-line or call-in) support groups facilitated by a licensed therapist. The support groups are hosted every fourth Monday (6:30 p.m.) and Thursday (9:30 a.m.) of each month. The dates for March are Thursday, March 24 and Monday, March 28. If you are interested in additional information, contact Valerie Williams (8006).
Dining >> From Page 1
Walters, noting that they were kind and thoughtful. PPH and Morrison Living both recognize the importance of hearing and listening to the voices of PPH residents who are encouraged to speak up and voice any concerns or recom-
mendations during the transition. As PPH President & CEO John Dubyk said in one of his recent weekly video updates, “If we don’t hear your comments or suggestions, we can’t make the improvements you want to see.”
When Walters visited PPH earlier in the year, he said he was impressed with PPH’s Dining Services staff. “I was really, really energized by the staff that was already in place,” said
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Family Focus Four employees from four departments recognized as Guardian Angels PPH's four new Guardian Angels come from different departments across the PPH campus. Anna Alexander of Gateway Manor recognized Pamela Sawyer of the Medical Office and Services Coordinator Joanne McLaverty. “Thank you, Joanne, for delivering those heavy boxes with a smile. Especially when you delivered 10 reams of paper to me and placed the boxes in the room. A real unsung hero.” "There are many unsung heroes at PPH, and Pam Sawyer in the medical office is one. Coordinating times to make sure residents arrive on time to medical appointments is a difficult job, but Pam manages to always do it." Emil Scharer chose to recognize Renimol Thomas of Pathways Nursing to show his deep appreciation for the compassion, optimism, kindness and quality care she has given to his wife, Patricia. "Rennie" goes above and beyond to make Patricia feel comfortable, which helps give Emil peace of mind. “She has always done a great job,” Emil said. PPH Communications Specialist Mike Berman was recognized by a group of residents for his efforts in putting together PPH's Martin Luther King Day Jr. program, an in-person event that was canceled and instead was pre-taped due to the COVID-19 Omicron surge in January. The event was canceled only a few days prior, and segments needed to be filmed and a video put together quickly. With the help of Mike — as well as a few of the
Top row: Communications Specialist Mike Berman with a group of PPH residents. Bottom row from left: Pamela Sawyer, Joanne McLaverty, Renimol Thomas.
residents involved — the program was ready in time for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. “You were there for us every step of the way and made a quick and smooth transition. Your excellent sense of humor along with your respectful approach to the project made it a delight for us to create. We very much appreciate your professionalism and your sense of purpose," the residents said in a letter to Mike. A Guardian Angel donation is a meaningful way to express your gratitude for a special PPH care-
giver 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 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:// pphfamily.org/giving/guardian-angel-giving/ or call Director of Fund Development Deanna Keough at 8586.
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Reflections The Bible begins with a series of creation stories designed to express how and why the world is the way it is. The creation story featuring Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2-3) is a story that speaks not only to the origins of creation itself, but also to the ongoing work of creation in which you and I participate. It is a story about choices, about coming of age, and about seeing the world with eyes wide open. In other words, it is a story about moving into adulthood. After all, why would God, who created people in the divine image, punish people for exercising their freedom to make choices? The Bible offers us images of a God who fervently desires for us to eat and drink deeply of knowledge and wisdom, and to have our eyes opened. But the cost of wisdom is great. The only answer that makes
Pastor Jack Price PPH Director of Pastoral Ministries
sense to me is that leaving Eden was a consequence for Adam and Eve, but not a punishment. What if the action of eating the fruit indicated the couple was growing up, becoming adults? What if the consequence of knowing good and evil was that Adam and Eve could not stay in the idyllic garden of childhood? We all live, in a sense, outside of Eden where we grow up, shape our lives, and choose the attitudes that we carry with us. The story of Adam and Eve, the snake, the fruit, and ejection from paradise reflects our need to place the context of our sometimes farfrom-idyllic lives within the will of God, even if that will can seem cruel and full of judgment for our failures. After all, when God evicted the first couple from the garden, God went with them into exile. We have to look
at ourselves clearly, come to grips with who we are, and face the consequences of our free choices. Perhaps that tension between growing up and shrinking back is present in all our lives. Meaning and joy wait for our discovery outside the Garden and the God who walked in Eden in the cool of the day is the same Spirit in whom we live every day. There is something even more satisfying than an Eden-like paradise. That something is full partnership and an even deeper intimacy with God. These are available to us here and now. The pain, struggles, and conflicts of life, far from curse or punishment, are gifts that enable us to grow in wisdom and stature. In the economy of heaven, they become our treasure. May God continue to bless you as we journey together.
One of city's first women police officers to speak at PPH Maureen Rush will be a guest speaker at PPH on March 9 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. Rush had a distinguished 18-year law enforcement career with the Philadelphia Police Department from 1976 through 1994. She served in various positions, namely: the Patrol Division, the Anti-Crime Unit, the Traffic Division, the Narcotics Unit, and the Training Bureau. In 1976, Maureen was one of the
first 100 women police officers hired to serve the City of Philadelphia on “street patrol” in a pilot program directed by the United States Department of Justice. In 1994 Maureen took a big career leap, leaving the Philadelphia Police Department to join the University of Pennsylvania where she would serve as director of what was then called Victim Support and Special Services in the Division of Public Safety. By 1996 she was named chief
of Penn Police and in 2001 she was appointed vice president for Public Safety. Maureen retired from Penn at the end of 2021 and for the remainder of this year serves as an advisor to the Division of Public Safety. Rush will speak about the difficulties women had getting into the PPD back in the 1970s and some of the early struggles she and the first class of women officers endured. She'll also speak about her time at Penn and how it changed over the years.
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 03-March 2022 Reach.indd 8
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