March 2024 REACH

MARCH 2024

New Chaplains bring purpose and encouragement to PPH

PPH’s Pastoral Services team added two new Chaplains in February — Earl Scott and Tara Walker. It’s only been a few weeks since their arrival, but they both feel welcomed and valued, and are looking forward to serving PPH.

“I am excited to welcome Tara Walker and Earl Scott to the Pastoral Services Department,” said PPH Chaplain Linda Lewis. “I am sure you will quickly get to know them and appreciate their calming presence, listening ear, and attributes that make them an excellent addition to the PPH family. Together we look forward to serving and supporting all our residents and staff; regardless of your personal faith and traditions, we are here for you.”

Meet Pastor Earl

One of 12 children, Earl Scott grew up in Brooklyn, NY. He has taught at Christian schools and held the title of ordained minister, counselor and chaplain. He’s served in the military for over 30 years: he’s been in the Navy, the Army Reserves, the Air Force and the Air National Guard.

What initially brought him to the Delaware Valley was a stint at the Biddle Air National Guard Station (formerly Horsham Air Guard Station in the Horsham/Willow Grove area). He also taught at a Christian school in West Philadelphia and mentors at a Christian camp in Stroudsberg.

“Throughout my life, I’ve always wanted to be involved,” he said. “When people get down and out, I can provide some source of hope and strength.”

A listener, encourager, guider and mentor, he also emphasized the importance of focusing on mental health.

“Self-care is often a missing ingredient. Not taking care of oneself — eating right, sleeping, exercising, spending time with loved ones,” are all important sources of self-care he mentioned.

With a desire to focus on the civilian section of chaplaincy in the next chapter of his life, he decided to apply for PPH’s opening in Pastoral Services. He came for a tour and was impressed with everyone and everything he came across — from residents exercising in the Wellness Center to the camaraderie of those playing cards together.

“I was quite overwhelmed with the encouragement, feedback and warmth I received on my first visit,” he said. “This is community!”

Meet Pastor Tara

Tara Walker grew up in the Feltonville section of Northeast Philadelphia, and also lived in Germany for about four years as a young child — her father served as a Pastor at a German church. She attended Geneva College’s Philadelphia campus, the Center for Urban Theological Studies, and did her seminary at Palmer Theological Seminary in St.

PPH Chaplains: Tara Walker, Earl Scott and Linda Lewis

Family Focus

Viva the PPH women!

Welcome to March 2024 and Women’s History Month!

A PPH resident committee has planned a month-long program to celebrate women and their contributions to our country. This year’s national theme of Women’s History Month is “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” which will recognize women who speak up and are leading change in their fields.

For each of the four weeks of March, there will be a program in the Social Hall. Leading off on Friday, March 8 — International Women’s Day — will be LaSalle University professor of Christian Ethics, Maureen H. O’Connell. Her topic is “Finding Your Roots in Philadelphia.”

On March 13, 22 and 26, several PPH women residents will share some of their life stories. Another session on March 11 will recognize PPH women staff.

PPH resident Mary Ann Volk speaks to the audience during a 2023 Women’s Month presentation. Several women residents will share their life stories throughout March.

In addition, there will be educational and entertaining films about (and by) women shown each Saturday and Sunday (except 3/30 and 3/31) on channel 8 at 2 p.m. There will be a project to support a local women’s shelter. And lastly, don’t forget to stop by the cabinet in the PPH Esplanade where artwork and crafts by PPH women will be displayed.

Viva the PPH women!

Auxiliary donates to local Boy Scout Troop

The PPH Auxiliary donated approximately 50 large bags of clothes to Boy Scout Troop 160 (Burholme) in February.

The Auxiliary collects and donates clothing directly to PPH’s Benevolent Care program, and to unhoused families, refugees and missions. The

same items are also made available to residents and staff at a nominal cost.

The Boy Scouts plan to sell the clothes to a local thrift shop, and proceeds will benefit an upcoming camping trip at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

Welcome to our community!

Lee Wolf recently moved into PPH’s Gateway Manor building from the Cottman and Torresdale area of Northeast Philadelphia. Lee grew up in nearby Mayfair, graduated from St. Hubert’s Catholic High School for Girls and attended Holy Family University. Lee worked in medical billing for 36 years. She enjoys energy healing.

Lee has one niece and one nephew.

Welcome to PPH, Lee!

Auxiliary members (pictured above) sorted through and packed clothes donated by residents and staff.

Boy Scout Troop 160 (Burholme), which includes Luke Cihak — a PPH Dining Services team member (pictured far left) — load up large bags of donated clothes.

‘Wonderful’ Chapters CNA recognized for care

Jamie Coates, a PPH CNA, was recognized as a Guardian Angel in February. Jamie was honored by Favie and Davie Wells, the daughter and son-in-law of Chapters resident Barbara Howald, for going above and beyond to ensure that Barbara is happy, well-dressed and in good spirits.

“Jamie encourages my mom and always makes sure everything is OK,” Favie said. “She’s a wonderful person.”

For more information on the Guardian Angel program, contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese at 8508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org. Jamie Coates, a PPH CNA, with Chapters resident Barbara Howald.

Welcoming Nancy

Our community held a special Welcome Town Hall for Interim President & CEO Dr. Nancy Koury King on Jan. 31. Nancy introduced herself, discussed her background and answered residents’ questions on a variety of topics. We are happy to have Nancy here at PPH, and if you haven’t already, be sure to introduce yourself to her! (She asks to be called Nancy rather than Dr. King)

Sock Sendoff — The Joy of Sox Collection

PPH donated more than 1,600 socks from our Sox Week collection in early January!

PPH residents and Front Desk Receptionist Sharise Paul are pictured with some of the socks, ready to be loaded and sent out for delivery! The socks were donated to the Joy of Sox, a nonprofit in Radnor, Pa. that collects socks for those experiencing homelessness.

Healthy treats and sweets throughout your weeks

From Smoothie Fridays, to donuts on Fat Tuesday and a special Chocolate Fountain spread on Valentine’s Day, PPH residents enjoyed various special treats over the past month.

PPH encourages healthy eating habits, but it’s OK to splurge on special occasions — such as Fat Tuesday and Valentine’s Day — especially if you are mindful on a regular basis

and limit unhealthy options.

The PPH Wellness Team holds Smoothie Fridays twice a month in the Fountain Room, with a different concoction for each occasion — the two most recent featured smoothies were orange- and redberry-flavored. One smoothie costs $1.50, with the option of adding a dose of protein for an extra 50 cents — $2 total.

Our Wellness Team prioritizes promoting health and wellness daily, and our Dining Services team offers a wide range of healthy options. Be sure to check out your bulletin boards and channel 2 for upcoming dates, flavors and ingredients for future Smoothie Fridays, as well as special menus and items from Dining Services!

February Volunteer of the Month: Mary Anne Crowley

Congratulations go out to Mary Anne, who is PPH’s Volunteer of the Month for February 2024. Mary Anne has been a dedicated PPH volunteer since 2022. She is a member of our auxiliary, is a proofreader for the REACH and also a cashier in the Gift Shop and Tabor Market. She is always willing to help out anywhere help is needed and does an excellent job. Thank you, Mary Anne, for all that you do and for the nice way that you do it.

Correction: Due to a technical error, Mary Anne Crowley’s congratulatory writeup did not run in the February REACH. We apologize for the mix-up, and thank Mary Anne for her volunteerism at PPH!

March Volunteer of the Month: Walt Ceglowski

Congratulations go out to Walter (Walt), who is PPH’s Volunteer of the Month for March 2024. He has been a dedicated PPH volunteer since 2022.

Walt is a pleasant man who delivers packages to the residents in Lawndale Manor. We are happy to give Walt the award he truly deserves. He is definitely an asset to our Volunteer Program.

For volunteer of the month nominations, contact Carol Cherrington at 8027 or ccherrington@pphfamily.org.

From left to right: Wellness & Aquatics Center Director Maureen Solomon, and Wellness Team members Vincent Barrett and Andrea Grant serve smoothies on Smoothie Friday; Assistant Director of Dining Lisa Burke serves donuts from Amoroso’s to resident June Wikoff on Fat Tuesday; Chef Rashaad Dandridge encourages residents to dig in at the Chocolate Fountain event on Valentine’s Day.

‘African American History IS American History!’

Celebrating Black History Month

The 2024 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” recognized the impact that Black Americans have had — and continue to have — on visual arts, music, culture, movements, and so much more. PPH certainly did not disappoint in organizing events that celebrated all of these topics throughout February.

Four juniors from Central High School kicked off the month with a presentation on the importance of African American History courses — the School District of Philadelphia is the only major school district in the US that requires a yearlong African American History course.

The students discussed what they learned in their sophomore-year African American History course and took questions from an audience of PPH residents.

“African American history IS American history,” said one resident.

Many PPH residents remarked how impressed they were with the four students ability to engage and their dedication to further educating themselves.

“With Gabe, Jadyn, Sadie and Hannah heading out into the world, we have reason to hope,” said another PPH resident.

Ife Nii Owoo, a graphic designer, and public and visual artist, visited on Feb. 7 to present many of her art works, including one that is now on display at Philadelphia’s City Hall.

From top to bottom: Students from Central High School with PPH resident Carol Drummond at the “African American and the Arts” display in the Esplanade; Ife Ni Owoo explains the meaning behind one of her paintings; the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Male Chorus performs; dancers at the Art of Dance performance.

Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church’s Male Chorus performed on Feb. 15, and the church’s dance group performed on Feb. 18 along with Pointe Flex Dance Company and SnapCo Dance Company at The Art of Dance show.

Julie Kring gave a presentation entitled, “American Artists from the African Diaspora - from Henry O. Tanner to Kehinde Wiley” on Feb. 21

PPH resident Carol Drummond, a member of the resident-committee that helped bring these programs to PPH, was pleased with turnout, feedback and support of PPH staff.

“I’m glad we were able to bring a diverse range of programs to PPH to celebrate ‘African Americans and the Arts.’ Many residents and staff said they found these programs to be informative, entertaining and thoughtprovoking,” Carol said.

Dr. Daisy Century, a historical interpreter, actress, educator, writer and longtime friend of PPH, is slated to portray poet Phillis Wheatley on Feb. 26.

For more photos, visit our Facebook page!

Employee of the Month:

Lonell Cooper

Lonell has been with PPH since February 2023 in our Maintenance Department. He is great with the residents and staff, and is always friendly and helpful. He goes out of his way to do whatever is needed. We are glad to have him as part of our PPH family!

Employee of the Month Lonell Cooper with some of his coworkers in PPH’s Maintenance Department. Congratulations Lonell!

NEWS BRIEFS AND EVENTS

★ IL Residents’ Association meeting: Monday, March 18, 2 p.m., Social Hall.

★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, March 12 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7. 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 8403 to become a member or for more information.

★ Ted Talk: Tuesday, March 12 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall - Women’s History and Disability Awareness Month

★ Volunteer Opportunities: Our Vol-

unteer Department is always looking for new volunteers. If you are interested in any volunteer opportunities, please contact Carol Cherrington at 8027.

★ Women’s History Month (March): This year’s theme is “Women Who Advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.” There will be programs with speakers from PPH as well as the greater community. In addition, the display case in the Esplanade will be filled with items from PPH residents that celebrate women’s contributions to society. See page 2 for more details.

★ Calling all Veterans: It is important to PPH that veterans are receiving meeting notices, ceremonial invitations and other veteran specific information. If you are new to the community and/or you have not completed our veteran survey, please contact Bill Conaway at 8031.

Don’t miss out on your voice — VOTE!

Ready to make a difference? It’s time to exercise your right to vote and shape the future you believe in! Here’s your chance to be heard:

Step 1: Register to Vote - Ensure your voice counts by registering before the deadline of April 8, 2024.

Step 2: Know Your Options - Learn

about in-person, mail-in, and early voting opportunities.

Step 3: Make Your Plan - Schedule time on Election Day, April 23, 2024 or during early voting to cast your ballot.

Step 4: Spread the Word – The Voting Commission will conduct a presentation at 10:30 a.m. in the Social Hall on

★ Good Grief - Companions in Loss Bereavement Support (from the Office of Pastoral Services): Wednesday, March 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the Alpha First Floor Lounge. All residents and staff are invited to attend. For more information call 8006.

★ 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.

★ Food Collection: The PPH Food Drive will continue indefinitely. Food will be collected the last week of the month and delivered the first day of the following month. There are two collection sites: the vending machine area, located near the Wellness Center, and in front of the Security Office. For more information, call Tom Sexton at 8368.

Thursday, March 14 to review the operation of a Voting Machine, update voter registrations and to answer any questions on the voting process. For any questions, contact Bill Conaway at 8031.

The stories behind some words and phrases we use

By Lawrence H. Geller PPH resident

Have you ever thought about the origins of words commonly used in our language?

If so, you know how fascinating such discoveries can be. If not, then the stories behind the words and expressions you’re about to read will enrich your understanding of our language, and perhaps stir some of you to seek out the origins of your favorite expressions from time to time.

Enjoy.

TO PUT ON THE DOG:

Few eras in American history have been so colorful as that between the Civil War and the depression that closed the century. It was a generation of easy money.

Many of the newly rich were from the working class. They had as much money as the aristocracy but lacked their culture. In order to make up for this, many of the wives were wildly extravagant going so far as spending fantastic sums on their pets.

So, when a person made any flashy display, she was accused of putting on the dog.

Firmly fixed in the language by 1885, the phrase has come to be applied to pretentiousness of any sort.

PIKER: Many early American roads were built by private capital, levying toll charges to recover their investment. Persons on foot were usually permitted to use toll roads without payment, thereby carrying a constant stream of vagrants...likely to be called a piker.

Thereby, the term attached to any person who associates with a group in which he or she cannot pay their own way.

Unheralded Heroes

Compiled by Velma N’Jai PPH resident

DOROTHY J. VAUGHAN

1910 - 2008

Mathematician, Human Computer, Software Developer & Computer Scientist

In December 1943, Dorothy J. Vaughan started working for National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics’ (NACA) West Area Computing Unit. This unit was composed of African American female mathematicians who were considered “Human Computers.” They performed complex computations using slide rulers, mechanical calculators and film readings, which provided the engineers with wind-tunnel and flight data in the form of final engineering parameters needed to analyze the flight characteristics of air crafts. During this time, NACA was segregated, and black employees were forced to use separated bathrooms, dining areas and offices in separate buildings. Vaughan was valued by the engineers and researchers for her recommendations, and she was often requested to personally calculate particularly challenging computations herself.

KATHERINE JOHNSON

1918 - 2020 Mathematician

Katherine Johnson began working at NACA Langley Laboratory in the summer of 1953. Just two weeks into her tenure, her supervisor, Dorothy Vaughan, assigned her to a project in the Maneuver Loads Branch of Flight Research Division analyzing data from flight tests and working on the investigation of a plane crash caused by wake turbulence.

authored or co-authored 26 research reports. She retired in 2015. She died on Feb 24, 2020.

MARY W. JACKSON

1921-2005

American Mathematician, Aerospace Engineering and Computer Scientist

She was promoted to supervisor in 1949, and was the first black female supervisor until 1958, when NACA became NASA and segregated facilities and work units were abolished. Vaughan, along with some other “Computers,” joined the new Analysis and Computation Division, as members of the Numerical Techniques Branch. There, she became an expert FORTAN Programmer and contributed to the Scout Launch Vehicle Program. She retired after a 28-year career.

When asked about working within the constraints of segregation and gender rules, she said, “I changed what I could, and what I couldn’t, I endured.” Vaughan passed away on Nov. 10, 2008, at the age of 98.

In 1957, the Soviet satellite Sputnik changed history and Johnson’s life. In 1958, engineers she worked with formed the core of the Space Task Group, the NACA’s first official foray into Space travel. She came along with the program. NACA became NASA later that year. She did trajectory analysis for Alan Shepard’s May 1961 mission Freedom 7, America’s first human spaceflight. In 1960, she and engineer Ted Skopinski co-authored a report laying out the equations describing an orbital spaceflight in which the landing position of the spacecraft is specified.

In 1962, she was called to work on linking tracking stations to IBM computers in Washington, Cape Canaveral in Florida, and Bermuda. They had already been programmed, but John Glenn asked engineers to “get the girl, Johnson.” He wanted her to run the same equations but by hand on her desktop mechanical calculating machine. “If she says they’re good, then I’m ready to go.” Glenn’s flight was a success and marked the turning point in the competition between the United States and the Soviet Union. She did calculations that helped Project Apollo’s Lunar Module, worked on the Space Shuttle and the Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS) later named Landsat and

Mary W. Jackson overcame the barriers of segregation and gender bias to become NASA’s first African American female Aerospace Engineer. She worked for NACA Langley Aeronautics Laboratory’s segregated West Area Computers in 1951, with her supervisor, Dorothy Vaughan.

After two years in West Computing, she was offered a computing position to work with Kazimierz Czanecki in the 4’X4’ Supersonic Pressure Tunnel. Czanecki encouraged her to enter a program that would allow her to be promoted from a Mathematician to an Engineer; she completed the course in 1958. Her engineering specialty was the extremely complex field of boundary layer effects on aerospace vehicle configurations at supersonic speeds. She co-authored her first report in the same year, “Effects of Nose Angle and Mach Number on Transition on Cones at Supersonic Speeds.”

By 1975, she co-authored a total of 12 NACA and NASA technical publications. In 1979, she changed her career to serve as an administrator in the Equal Opportunity Specialist field, working with the next generation of female mathematicians, engineers and scientists. She passed away Feb. 11, 2005 at the age of 83.

“Hidden Figures,” a movie based on the life of these three remarkable women, will be shown on PPH TV channel 8, on Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m.

See you later, Anne!

PPH bid farewell (or "see you later") to Anne Eichner of PPH's Pastoral Services team.

Anne worked at PPH for seven years and deeply impacted many residents and staff.

Anne will join her husband in ministry and is looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren. Thank you, Anne!

>>> Chaplains, continued from page 1

David’s, Pa., the parent institution of Eastern University.

She initially worked in a business role but developed a desire to transition to ministry, just like her father.

“I just knew for a long time that I was called to preach the gospel,” she said.

Tara worked in a hospital setting, but decided to search for an opportunity that would allow her to use her full skillset — and PPH’s Pastoral Services opening stood out.

“I felt that I’d use gifts that I haven’t been able to use previously, and could serve at a meaningful capacity,” she

said.

And so far, she feels that she made the best decision for the next chapter in her life.

“In this role, I can mentor and journey with people in a more personal way, to pastor them in a particular season of their life,” Tara said. “I’ve prayed for a new direction; PPH has given me a new sense of purpose.”

Already Feeling at Home

Both Earl and Tara said they’ve received words of encouragement since they’ve come aboard.

“’Many people have said, ‘If you need help, let us know. We’re here to help, and we are glad to have you on board,’” said Earl, who prefers people

refer to him by his first name or Pastor Earl. “I already like I’m connected — like I’ve made the team!”

“To see how important my role is to them is rewarding in itself,” said Tara, who prefers people refer to her as Pastor Tara or Pastor. “I already feel like I’m part of the family.”

When they’re not at PPH: Earl is active in fitness, particularly cardio and distance running. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Amanda, and their daughter, Jessica. Tara enjoys working on various small projects: painting, refurbishing furniture, creating designs for t-shirts and flyers, candle-making and more. She enjoys spending time with her parents and siblings.

Remembering Smilin’ Lou Powers - 1952–2024

Louis DiCrescenzo, known to the PPH family and beyond as Smilin’ Lou Powers, passed away in January 2024.

Lou was a longtime friend, supporter and donor of PPH. For many years, his weekly WBCB 1490 AM radio show, “Sunshine Music Memories,” broadcast live from PPH on Wednesday mornings.

The show, which played music from the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, also included PPH staff and residents as guest contributors.

Lou was also recognized as a film preservationist and historian. He held the actual film negatives to more than 700 films, which he donated to the Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institute and Museum of the Moving Image.

“Lou had a special relationship with PPH residents and his radio audience for many years,” said PPH Director of Community Relations Bill Conaway, a frequent guest on “Sunshine Music Memories.” “He’ll be greatly missed.”

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.

Many PPH residents and staff bid Anne farewell on her final day at PPH.

Louis DiCrescenzo celebrates his birthday in 2018 during a broadcast of “Sunshine Music Memories on the PPH campus.