APRIL 2022
Five years later...the ACE Center is "blooming" In 2017, PPH unveiled a dramatic new addition to the community, the ACE Center. People sometimes wonder what the acronym ACE stands for; it is: Arts, Culture and Education. The ACE Center includes the Art
Above: Harry and Pat Morrissy work on projects in the Art Studio. Bottom: Sylvia Metzler tends to plants at the greenhouse.
Studio and Epicurean Glassworks, and the Library on the second floor. Just across from the Art Studio is the greenhouse and plant area. The ACE Center expansion project has many facets that create bright and comfortable spaces for resident life to thrive and flourish. The second floor of the ACE Center is the home of our Library and includes – thanks to some very special and considerate donors – new books, large-print books, computer stations, and other learning resources. The libary, like many other areas at PPH, are staffed by volunteers. The third floor of the ACE Center provided PPH the opportunity to add three new much-needed Personal Care rooms in the Chapters Memory Care Program. Another much-needed addition in 2019 was the expansion of the Personal Care dining rooms. The additions nearly doubled the size of the rooms and created a bright and open-feeling space that look out on the beautiful ACE gardens.
In This Issue... l Earth Day
l New Veteran's Display
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In addition to beautiful works of art coming out of the new spaces, much of the proceeds are donated to the PPH Benevolent Care Fund. The ACE Center became a critical hub during the pandemic as residents and staff were able to utilize the outdoor spaces for picnics, exercise classes, cornhole and a safer space to visit with family and friends. PPH continually updates spaces throughout the community and is currently engaged in a master planning process to ensure the community remains current and competitive for the future. As the process progresses, look for updates from PPH President & CEO, John Dubyk.
Above: PC dining expansion
PPH celebrates hero
6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia PA • www.PPHFamily.org • 215.697.8000 •Facebook.com/ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome
Passover
– by Lawrence H. Gellar, PPH resident The Jewish holiday of Passover will be observed starting the evening of April 15th for eight days. The name of the holiday, "Passover," stems from Yahweh, the God of the Israelites, inflicting a series of 10 plagues on the Egyptian people because the Egyptian ruler, Pharoh, would not give the Jewish people their freedom from slavery. The tenth plague was the death of the firt-born Egyptian in each household. Yahwah commanded Moses, the Jewish leader, to tell the Israelites to mark a lamb's blood above their door so that Yahweh will pass over them, meaning that they, the Israelites, will NOT be touched by the death of the first born. Thus, the name of the holiday, Passover.
Holocaust Remembrance Day Observance of International Holocaust Day will be commemorated on Tuesday, April 26th in the Social Hall at 10:30am. The program will consist of pertinent readings. By the end of World War II, the Holocaust claimed the lives of over six million Jewish persons, including children. Also on April 26th, the film "Anne Frank - Parallel Stories" will be shown on Channel 4 at 2pm. On April 27th, the film "Defiance Requiem" will be shown on Channel 4 at 2pm. For more information, contact Charna Heiko at 617-964-1824 or Lawrence H. Gellar at x 8499.
New Residents at PPH Michael and Shiela Ricci moved to PPH from Allentown, PA on January 29, 2022. Michael was a machinist and Sheila was a receptionist in a physicians office. They have two daughters and three grandchildren. Both Michael and Sheila enjoy reading and walking and are happy to have chosen PPH as their new home. Ruth Rafferty moved to PPH on March 1, 2022 from nearby Oxord Circle. She grew up in south Philadelphia and was a school teacher as well as working in retail sales. Ruth enjoys reading mysteries and listening to the music of the 1950's, 60's and 70's. She has one daughter and is excited to be part of the PPH family.
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Anatolij (Tony) and Wera (Vera) Sufler moved from the Castor Garden area. Tony grew up in Germany and Vera was born in the Ukraine, growing up in Belgium. Tony worked as an auto mechanic and Vera worked at Sears, later becoming a homemaker. Each have various interests. Vera enjoys sewing and gardening . Tony enjoys painting and carpentry.
Pulse Earth Day – What does It Mean Today? – by Dr. Elaine Grose, PPH resident In 1970, both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Earth Day were born thanks to Sen. Gaylord Nelson and President Richard Nixon. Now 52 yrs later, many world citizens are wondering if the world has made any progress in protecting our Earth, our home. Young environmental activists, like Greta Thunberg (Sweden), Milou Albrecht (Australia), Xiye Bastida (USA), and Scout Beslin (USA) are leading the rest of the world to recognize and fight for stronger environmental laws, the enforcement of them, the reality of climate change, and the recognition of climate change consequences. Fifty-two years ago the environmental movement was in its infancy and led by authors, government agencies and political leaders. Now, 52 years later, the movement is led by young, enthusiastic activists throughout the world. Many young people think the adults in their lives don‘t care about the future; that they have endangered their children and grandchildren by ignoring the consequences of climate change or flat out don‘t believe it is happening. It is important for the adults in power today to listen to these young climate activists and act on their concerns. Their ideas for moving forward regarding the climate crisis must be heeded, not ignored. What can we do in our daily lives to help the planet? Can you go to zero-waste? Here are some ideas: 1. Bring cloth bags to take out your food from the dining venues. Eliminate plastic bags. 2. Buy what you need not what you want. 3. Donate clothes you no longer wear rather than putting them in the trash. 4. Eat moderate portions. Less food, less waste. 5. Stop buying one-use plastic bottles. Buy a faucet water filter, save hundreds of dollars a year, and keep more plastic waste out of the land fills and oceans. We may not reach zero-waste but small steps like these will reduce our effect on climate change. Dr. Grose has a doctorate in Environmental Toxicology, worked at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and as a professor of Environmental Studies at Neumann University, Aston, PA
Women's History Month display In true PPH tradition, PPH residents, Evelyn Washington, Barbara Capezio, Darrah Degnan, Patricia Coyne, Carol Drummond, Mary Hathaway and Sylvia Metzler shared their inspiring books centered around women of distinction. The group met to discuss the display and plan the arrangement. The 2022 theme for International Women's Day is "Break the Bias." "Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all break the bias." Are you a PPH resident interested in displaying a collection? Contact Kathy Nucero at 8505 or knucero@pphfamily.org
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Everyone is Irish on St. Patty's Day!
PPH residents enjoyed festive snacks and drinks on St. Patty's Day – March 17.
Employee of the Month Antwine Johnson
For employee of the month nominations, contact Daphne Floyd at 8015 or dfloyd@pphfamily.org.
Antwine has been with PPH since November 2018 in our Maintenace 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 Antwine!
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New Veteran's Display If you have travelled past the "circle couch" on the first floor you may have noticed a change in our Veteran's area. The cabinets that housed older photographs of a few current and past PPH resident veterans was replaced by a comfortable seating area. On the opposite wall is a TV featuring an interactive display of our current, past and employee veterans. A photo of each during their service years, as well as a
current photo featuring their branch of military, dates of service, rank and any other special designations are displayed. This slide show will be updated frequently as we recieve photos and information from our residents and employees. There will also be other additions to the area, such as military books and memorabilia. If you (or your spouse) would like to be included in the display, contact Bill Conaway at ext. 8194.
Happy 105th Cecelia! PPH Lawndale residents helped their neighbor Cecelia Amato celebrate her 105th birthday with 105 notes from 105 different people at PPH! Her good friend, fellow Centenarian and neighbor, Marcella joined the celebration. Cecelia and other PPH residents joked about their age. "I can't believe that our (adult) children are seniors!" Cecelia said to fellow residents. PPH resident Ceclia (above), holding some of the many gifts and notes from fellow residents. Lawndale resident, Audrey, reads a few notes to Cecelia (top right). Marcella and Cecelia (bottom right) enjoy the celebration together.
Volunteer of the Month Congratulations go out to Jacqueline (Jackie) Schmid. Jackie is a PPH Community Volunteer who started with PPH in 2020. She is a cashier in the Gift Shop, where she does all she can to make her customers happy. She is a very outgoing lady, who reaches out to help anyway she can. We are very happy to give her this award that she truly deserves.
For volunteer of the month nominations, contact Carol Cherrington at 8027 or ccherrington@pphfamily.org.
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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 April calendar. PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary's next meeting will be held in the Social Hall and broadcast on PPH TV channel 57, Tuesday, April 12th , 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, April 18th at 2 p.m. (If subject to COVID-19 restrictions, this will broadcast on channel 57) Veterans' Meeting: The April Veterans’ meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 5th 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 17th. We want to make sure all PPH residents are informed about the process. On Monday, March 7th, the PA Voting Commission had a representative here that discussed the process and addressed any questions residents had. If you missed the meeting, please contact Bill Conaway (8194). 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
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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.: Starting April 1st, the Magee St. gate will be open between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Nurses Month: May has been designated as Nurses Month and May 6th 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 non-profit 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. If you are interested in additional information, contact Valerie Williams (8006).
Family Focus PPH celebrates employee hero PPH IT Support Administrator Albert Eschert has always embodied the core values of PPH over the 16 years he has worked in the community, and that was never more apparent than it was on the morning of Jan. 11 as Albert was en route to PPH. Albert, a Fishtown resident who commutes to and from PPH using the Market-Frankford Line, arrived at the Tioga Station early that morning and swiped his SEPTA TransPass, just as he does every workday. As he was walking to the platform where he would eventually board, he heard the screams of someone yelling for help. A man had fallen onto the tracks but did not have enough strength to pull himself all the way up onto the platform. Albert ran up the crossover steps and down to the other side of the platform, put his coffee and workbag aside and sprang into action. The man was able to pull himself halfway up, and Albert reached down and grabbed the man by his waist and was able to pull him onto the platform and out of danger. “You are truly a real hero,” said PA State Senator Tina Tartaglione on Feb. 23rd in the PPH Social Hall when Albert was recognized for his actions that January morning. Phil Grutzmacher from State Representative Jared Solomon’s office presented a citation from the PA House of Representatives to Albert. (Jared was unable to attend but stopped by PPH later that week to personally congratulate Albert) “Through his valiant efforts, a potentially tragic situation reflects most highly on him and will long be remembered and appreciated,” the citation reads. SEPTA representatives were in attendance to thank Albert for his heroic, quick-thinking action. “We never know how or when our Guardian Angels will manifest themselves, but on that cold, January morning as this man yelled out for help, you revealed yourself and changed the course of his life forever,” said SEPTA Police Chief Tom Nestel. PPH President & CEO John Dubyk presented Albert with a gift from a partner of PPH, American Heritage Credit Union — four tickets to see his beloved Philadelphia Flyers! “I’ve known Albert almost five years and he always goes above and beyond for our residents. His heroic efforts did not surprise me,” said John. As for Albert himself, he says he was just doing what he knew to be the right thing. I’m glad I was there for that gentleman to pull him out of the track area and doing what I could do; a typical citizen just helping one another out,” he said, noting that it was an honor to be recognized
From left to right: PPH Executive Assistant, Kathy Wersinger, Septa Police Chief Tom Nestel, Phil Grutzmacher, State Rep Jared Solomon's office, Senator Tina Tartaglione, Albert Eschert, Septa Representatives Nicholas Monastero and Rochelle Culbreath, PPH President & CEO John Dubyk
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Reflections In March, we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, a special festival in which everyone is Irish at least for a day! On this day, being Irish is a great thing to be. On St. Patrick’s Day, all of us can wear green clothes, eat corned beef and cabbage, and even down a pint or two of Irish brew. It's a wonderful fantasy to be Irish for a day. Regardless how we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, one of the great contributions of the Irish is Celtic spirituality. Celtic spirituality, that grew and developed largely in Ireland, provides a wonderful framework for all of us
to envision our own faith today. It is especially helpful in this turbulent and rapidly-changing age. Its preChristian and earth-centered roots help the message of Christianity,
Pastor Jack Price – PPH Director of Pastoral Ministries
and any other religious group, find a sense of connection to the rhythm of our everyday lives. It reminds us as well of the very "thin" veil separating heaven and earth. Biblical scholarship, archeological science, and cultural change are pushing many of us today to re-examine traditional ways of understanding and discussing our faith. Breathtaking advances in communications push us to share in the suffering of the world. We are to heed the call of ancient and modern prophets to challenge oppressive social struc-
tures, call destructive practices such as racism and economic exploitation by name, and work to reshape this world into God's dream of Shalom— of wholeness, connectedness, and
true peace. To act on this call will require that we challenge ourselves and our excuses. It will necessitate stepping up to full partnership with God in becoming all we can be and leading our churches and synagogues "to do justice." To start acting like people who can make a difference in the part of the world we inhabit will be hard. It may even seem unrealistic to make these changes. But the Spirit of God who made life in the first place and who makes life anew each day has placed within each person the soul of a game changer. What is required is that we seek the depths of our inner lives and intimacy of sacred community to find our identity and direction. What is also required is that we move from that inner life to action in the world around us. The cycle of moving between the inward journey of transformation and the outward journey of service and transformational living is what gives us the power to act, heals our brokenness, and refills our hungry souls. An Irish blessing: “May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow, may the soft winds freshen your spirit, may the sunshine brighten your heart, may the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you, and may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.”
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
