May REACH

With the warmer weather finally here, May is a great time to begin exploring the outdoor spaces of PPH.

Nestled between the gates and buildings of PPH are plenty of spaces to relax, chat, read, meditate or take a stroll.

Walk On By

May is National Walking Month, which is a perfect time to begin increasing your daily steps. There are many benefits of walking, such as better balance and flexibility, improvement in mood and sleep, ease of joint pain, reduced anxiety, and so much more. Take the steps to live longer, feel better and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Many PPH residents — and staff during their lunch break — take advantage of our walking paths. Start out near the ACE Center courtyard which leads you to the koi pond, walk the path behind Lawndale Manor to Tomato Lane, or create your own routine. You’ll also find areas where some of our residents maintain their own flower and vegetable gardens.

“Take advantage of our beautiful campus, fresh air and sunshine when you can, and get outside and walk,” said Wellness Center Director Maureen Solomon.

On your outdoor trek, you may come across our Walk of Remembrance, filled with inscribed bricks of PPH family, friends and loved ones. A beautiful and serene garden at PPH serves as a special place for meditation, healing and remembrance, and also serves as a tribute to the history of PPH.

Outdoor Fun and Relaxation

Looking to take a break during your walk, or simply enjoy the outdoors with family and friends? Have lunch and converse in either one of our courtyards, surrounded by

beautiful scenery. There are plenty of outdoor tables and benches to sit back and read or just take in the scenery. Or maybe you just want some time to relax and hone the skill of simply being. Take in the gardens, paths, greenery, trees, koi pond and people walking by. Sit in the gazebo, at tables in the ACE Center courtyard or one of our many benches along the paths. Bring a book, a smart device, a friend to chat with, or just take in the scenery. Your choice, your PPH!

Looking for an outdoor activity? PPH has a bocce court, located between the Alpha and Gateway buildings. Life Enrichment & Activities staff schedule games and tournaments throughout the year, but the court is available to residents at any time. Bocce balls are located outside the Gateway Manor side door — please return the balls after your bocce games are complete.

Outdoors >>> Continued on page 6

Family Focus

Longtime Pathways employees advance to NHA, DON

PPH is excited to announce two recent promotions in Pathways Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation. Kyle Ozimkiewicz was named Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) of Pathways, and Suni Chacko was named Director of Nursing (DON).

Kyle Ozimkiewciz recently obtained his NHA from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, which enabled him to take on this role. Kyle is looking forward to the next chapter of his career and continuing to serve PPH residents.

“Obtaining my NHA license has been a goal of mine for awhile,” Kyle said. “I’m happy that I reached this goal and am now able to serve PPH in a new way.”

He credits PPH with helping him balance school and studying for state and federal exams as he maintained his role as Director of

Nursing.

“PPH Administration was very supportive and worked with me to adjust my schedule accordingly, which allowed me to attend live classes on Zoom during the day and still fulfill my role as DON,” Kyle said.

Kyle began working at PPH in 2015 as a charge nurse. He then became the Director of Nursing in 2018.

Suni Chacko, previously in the role of Pathways Manager, will succeed Kyle as Director of Nursing.

“I’m glad that my hard work and commitment is being recognized,” Suni said. “I look forward to our team’s continued success as I take on new responsibilities.”

Suni has been a PPH employee since 1997. She graduated with her Associate Degree in Nursing from India, then obtained her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Immaculata

University. Suni worked as a CNA, RN, Charge Nurse and as Director of Clinical Services at PPH. Suni is dedicated to the nursing profession and is looking forward to the next chapter of her career.

Both Suni and Kyle appreciate all the connections they’ve made with residents and staff.

“I enjoy interacting with our residents. Spending time with and getting to know them is one of the best parts of being at PPH,” Kyle said.

“I feel at home here. Everyone is helpful and friendly,” Suni said.

PPH welcomes (back) new Social Services team member

When Megan Lawrence joined PPH’s Social Services team back in March as a social worker, it was the start of a new chapter, rather than the beginning of her story at PPH. Megan interned in PPH’s Social Services department in the summer of 2021 in Pathways.

“Interning at PPH was my first hands-on experience within the field of social work at a master’s level. I acquired a lot of valuable practical skills which I continue to apply today,” Megan said.

This time around, Megan is advocating for Independent Living residents, and she will soon be assisting Personal Care residents as well.

The Social Services team — under the direction of Senior Director

of Resident Engagement

Marge Felix — collaborates with various PPH teams, particularly Life Enrichment, Recreation Therapy, Pastoral Services and Health & Wellness to personalize each resident’s individual needs and desires.

“Whether it’s providing emotional support, advocating for residents’ rights or fostering social engagement, my goal is to provide the residents of PPH with support, advocacy and resources to the best of my ability,” she said.

Megan was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia. She graduated from Little Flower Catholic High School and received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Social Work degrees from Temple

University. Prior to returning to PPH, Megan worked with children with a variety of needs, including emotional, physical and developmental challenges.

“I am very proud of my past work. It is very rewarding to witness the development of the children I worked with over the years,” she said.

And now, Megan is an advocate for the residents of PPH. Since beginning her new role, she’s received a warm welcome from residents and staff.

“I’ve had a very fulfilling experience so far,” she said. I feel like I picked up right where I left off concluding my internship almost three years ago.”

And while there’s plenty of days filled with her passion of advocating for others, Megan has also been able to

Megan >>> Continued on page 3

PPH staff rewarded for energy, versatility, going the extra mile

Three PPH employees were recently named Guardian Angels.

Life Enrichment Director Kathy Nucero and Communications Specialist Mike Berman were recognized by the two resident-committees that organized events during Black History Month and Women's History Month. The committee recognized Kathy for her assistance with each event to ensure they were a success. They recognized Mike for promoting each month's events on PPHTV, social media and in this newsletter throughout February and March.

"Kathy found the energy and resources to help us accomplish our dreams and goals, and Mike went the extra mile to help make a success of the two committees' complex plans. Thank you, Kathy and Mike" - Kathy Andrews, Bernadette Cronin-Geller, Carol Drummond, Elaine Grose, Marlene Matarazzo, Sylvia Metzler, Pat Ripoll, Sue Roye, Evelyn Washington

Antwine Johnson of the Maintenance Department was recognized by Lawndale Manor residents Marge and Tom Sexton for his kind and friendly demeanor and the versatility he brings to his role.

Did you know that one of PPH's residents is on Temple Health's Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)?

Alpha Manor resident Sylvia Metzler, a retired nurse practitioner, joined PFAC to help strengthen the patient health care experience, as many PPH residents use Temple Health services in various capacities. The council, which meets quarterly, consists of Temple staff as well as patients and family members.

Sylvia brings feedback from PPH residents to each meeting, and then gives relevant updates from PFAC meetings at PPH Resident Association meetings.

PPH residents who receive services from Temple Health and have any

“Antwine brightens everyone’s day with his presence. He is always ready to laugh and lifts everyone’s spirits with his positive energy. If there is an issue that needs to be solved, Antwine will somehow find a solution. He has a wonderful attitude and is always approachable. We’re so fortunate to have him here at PPH," said Marge and Tom.

For more information on the Guardian Angel program, contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese at 8508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.

Megan >>> From page 2

feedback or suggestions about the services they receive — or have received — should contact Sylvia. Feedback may come from care experiences involving doctors’ visits, hospitalizations or billing. The council also encourages patients to share experiences that recognize optimal service or excellence.

enjoy various events, such as the eclipse viewing and the Centenarian Luncheon. She even participated in PPH’s Volunteer Show as part of the Electric Slide act.

“There’s always something fun going on here,” she said. “It’s nice to see everyone come together.”

Sylvia is also a strong advocate of ensuring that PPH residents are fully informed on the details of their health care coverage and benefits.

Sylvia can be reached at 8577.

When she’s not at work, Megan enjoys spending time with family and friends, whether it’s heading to the shore in the summer or getting together to watch Philadelphia sports teams play. She can also be found spoiling her dog, Yoda.

PPH resident takes lead as health advocate

Celebrating our centenarians on the 100th day of the year

PPH held a luncheon on Tuesday, April 9 — the 100th day of the year — to celebrate our resident-centenarians and those turning 100 later on in 2024! As of late April, PPH has 16 centenarians and five 99-year-olds slated to turn 100 by the end of 2024.

PPH leadership as well as staff from various departments joined our centenarians for lunch, and each received a certificate of recognition.

CBSPhiladelphia and 6ABC covered the event, and PPH was featured on both stations' evening news programs. Many residents made the broadcast, particularly the CBSPhiladelphia broadcast, which asked residents their secrets to 100 and beyond. The Northeast Times was also in attendance and featured PPH in its weekly newspaper and on its website.

Special thanks to the wide range of PPH departments who came together to make this a successful event, and the PPH Auxiliary for donating the flowers for each table, as well as a special corsage for each guest.

To view more photos of this event, visit PPH's Facebook page. To view the clips that aired on CBSPhiladelphia and 6ABC as well as the slideshow that played during the event, visit pphfamily.org/about/press-news/.

Volunteer of the Month: Mary Anne Dunn

Congratulations to Mary Anne Dunn of Alpha Manor, who is the Volunteer of the Month for May 2024.

Mary Anne has been a dedicated PPH volunteer since 2022. She works as a cashier in the Gift Shop and Tabor Market and is always willing to cover a shift when necessary. Her bubbly personality makes her a joy to work alongside. Thanks so much Mary Anne, you do an excellent job, and you are definitely a blessing to our volunteer program.

Play Ball! Take Me Out to the Social Hall

Many PPH residents dressed in their Phillies best and gathered in the Social Hall to watch the home team's season opener on March 29! The Phillies came up short, but fun was still had as residents enjoyed hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels and more.

PPH celebrates ‘Songs from the Past’ at 23rd annual Volunteer Show

Sonny and Cher, The Village People and more performed at PPH's Volunteer Show on April 18. PPH staff, led by Volunteer Coordinator Carol Cherrington (far right), held its 23rd annual show, which thanks our community's volunteers for their selflessness, dedication and commitment to PPH.

Welcome to PPH

Lorraine and William “Bill” Hepp moved to PPH from the Tacony neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia. They both grew up in the Mayfair/Tacony area — Lorraine graduated from St. Hubert’s High School and Bill graduated from Father Judge.

Lorraine worked as an office worker at Charming Shoppes; Bill was a Philadelphia firefighter at the Castor and Kensington Avenues station. The couple belong to three different senior groups, enjoys darts, golf and taking trips to various places.

The Hepps have three children, five grandchildren and

two great-grandchildren.

Adele Gerrow moved to PPH from the Bustleton section of Northeast Philadelphia. She grew up in the East Falls section of the city and later far Northeast Philadelphia. She attended St. Hubert's Catholic High School for Girls and Lincoln High School. She took college courses at Penn State and Episcopal Nursing School.

Adele worked as a nurse, but also held jobs as a waitress, barmaid, secretary and a cashier — a jack of all trades!

Adele has two children, four grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. She enjoys gardening and needlework.

We are glad that Lorraine, Bill and Adele are now part of the PPH family!

Employee of the Month: Sharon Allison

Congratulations to Sharon Allison, a CNA in Personal Care, who is PPH's Employee of the Month for May! Sharon has been with PPH since March 2008. She is always willing to jump in and help where needed. Sharon is caring and compassionate with the residents and staff. We are happy to have Sharon as part of the PPH family!

Congratulations Sharon!

Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes.”

NEWS BRIEFS AND EVENTS

★ IL Residents’ Association meeting: Monday, May 20, 2 p.m., Social Hall.

★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, May 14 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, May 14 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall - Stroke and Celiac Awareness Month.

★ Good Grief - Companions in Loss Bereavement Support (from the Office of Pastoral Services): Wednesday, May 8 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.

★ Prayer Breakfast: Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. in the Social Hall. Tickets ($7.50) are available in the Business Office. See channel 2 and bulletin boards for the menu.

★ State Rep. Anthony Bellmon’s Spring Shredding Event will be held on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the front parking lot of the

Outdoors >>> From page 1

Rainy Days and Hot Summer Heat Waves

And on rainy days, or if the summer months bring a heatwave, you can always walk through PPH’s indoor campus.

“When the weather is not so compliant, remember that you can cover a lot of ground indoors,” said Maureen. Whether it’s walking back and forth on your floor or walking through other

Pathways Building. This is the time to dispose of your sensitive documents and declutter your home. If you need assistance or if you have any questions, please contact Bill Conaway at 8031.

★ Any PPH Veteran interested in going to lunch at Mission BBQ for Military Appreciation Week at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 13 should contact Bill Conaway at 8031. Seating is limited.

★ PPH’s annual Memorial Day Flag Raising Ceremony will take place on Monday, May 27 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lawndale Manor Flagpole. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place in the Social Hall and will be televised on channel 7.

★ Juneteenth: Juneteenth is a National Holiday celebrated on June 19. Look for an article in June Reach, which will enlighten you on the history of Juneteenth and events planned to celebrate this holiday on Wednesday, June 19. PPH has supported their commitment to this holiday's history, traditions and impact. Anyone interested in assisting with PPH’s Juneteenth event, please contact Carol Drummond (8394).

★ Volunteer Opportunities: Our Volunteer Department is always looking for new volunteers. If you are interested in any volunteering at PPH, please contact Carol Cherrington at 8027.

★ Trips: Fees for trips are now added

buildings, PPH’s large campus gives plenty of opportunities to get your steps in. You may even consider using the stairwell instead of the elevator, but please be sure not to overexert yourself and always be cautious.

“If you decide to take on the stairwells, please bring a partner,” advised Maureen.

There’s also the PPH Wellness & Aquatics Center, which has treadmills and ellipticals for walking, plus various other equipment to help keep strong

to each resident’s monthly bill (NO CASH). If you’d like to cancel, you must call the Business Office (8010) beginning May 3.

★ Special Chapel Organ Concert: Aaron Patterson will play our chapel organ, Friday May 31, 2 p.m., Chapel.

Aaron Patterson is a proud recipient of a Kovner Fellowship at the Juilliard School, where he is pursuing his Master’s Degree in organ performance under the tutelage of Paul Jacobs. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree as the Charles and Judith Freyer Annual Fellow at the Curtis Institute of Music.

★ Sight & Sound Trip: Saturday, June 15. Bus departs PPH at 8:30 a.m. to see "Daniel." Cost: $85. Sign up in the Business Office beginning May 3. Limited seats are available. Taken from his people, Daniel is exiled far from home in the powerful kingdom of Babylon. Now this faithful servant must navigate his new life inside a palace filled with golden statues and shifting empires. As royal pressures mount, Daniel is faced with a dangerous choice. Will his trust in the one true God remain steadfast through every test of faith?

★ 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. For more information on collection locations, call Tom Sexton at 8368.

and agile, and a pool for lap swimming and water aerobics classes.

There are Wellness Team members on campus throughout the day during the week who can assist you if you have any questions, need guidance operating the machines or advice creating an exercise plan.

PPH is also wheelchair accessible and has ramps throughout the campus — indoors and outdoors.

Grab a friend or take a solo stroll, and explore all that PPH has to offer!

Community Supporting Community

Local school donates personal items to PPH residents

Students from Presentation BVM School, a nearby Catholic school, donated various personal items such as tissues, soap and socks to PPH residents. Director of Community Relations Bill Conaway, Donor Development Director Marianna Calabrese and Personal Care Social Worker Aiyana Carter were on hand to accept the items, personally delivered by Presentation students and one of their teachers. Items went to residents who receive Benevolent Care from PPH, which helps residents remain at PPH when their own financial resources have been depleted through no fault of their own.

Showing compassion and support for those in need

Residents donate to women's shelter

In recognition of Women's History Month, PPH residents and staff donated more than 30 bags of personal items and toiletries to a local Women Against Abuse shelter.

Special thanks to our Women’s History Month Committee, which sponsored and coordinated this collection program, and the PPH Auxiliary for its donation of bottles of hand sanitizer.

Church choir, alumni band, and high school chorus entertain PPH

The Bethesda Presbyterian Church Choir, the Cardinal Dougherty Alumni Band, and the Northeast High School Chorus all performed at PPH in April. We thank our friends from outside of PPH for bringing their talents to our community and entertaining our residents.

Reflections

Earthquake serves as a reminder

On Friday, April 5, I was in my office talking to another employee at PPH. When I felt the building rock, I assumed it was someone nearby moving furniture or equipment. Unbeknownst to both of us was that it was an earthquake that occurred.

My phone quickly began to buzz. The local news reported that an earthquake registered as 4.8 on the Richter scale struck near Bridgewater, NJ. This earthquake was the strongest in New Jersey since 1783 and the strongest felt in NYC area since 1884.

At least 47 aftershocks have been recorded since the quake struck our region. Prior to the shocking earthquake, the storyline for the past few weeks has been the eclipse that took place on April 8.

This earthquake we experienced, though not in the forecast, serves as a reminder that God is in control of the weather as well as all the events that occur daily. Sometimes God does something to get our attention. However, in the case of Elijah, the earthquake was not in God’s plans.

In I Kings 18, Elijah was confident in the Lord when he challenged the false prophets of Baal. However, in I Kings 19, we find this same man of God running from Queen Jezebel and hiding under a Juniper tree.

And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not

Total Solar Eclipse Party

PPH residents and staff gathered in the ACE Center Courtyard on April 8 to view the total solar eclipse. Life Enrichment provided solar eclipse sunglasses as everyone took in the amazing sight! The next total solar eclipse in the US is expected to be in 20 years, on Aug. 23, 2044

in the earthquake (I Kings 19:11-12). The Lord, nevertheless, spoke to Elijah in a small still voice. The still small voice of God speaking to the human heart is more powerful than outward displays of power or displays of God’s judgment.

The earthquake caused some obvious concerns, as we are not accustomed to this type of tremor on the east coast. (My military friend who lives in California stated this was a regular occurrence for their state).

The Psalmist said in Psalm 46:1: “Be still and know that I am God.” With all busyness of life, may we not forget to spend quiet time daily with God, reading the Scriptures and praying for our needs as well as those around us.

It was the still small voice of God that returned Elijah back to his most powerful prophet self once again. Elijah was given a new vision and a renewed zeal for his ministry. He would be appointing Elisha as his successor.

Why not spend time being still before the Lord and see how the Lord renews your zeal for Him?

Peace to All,

Earl Scott Chaplain

Chaplain contacts:

Pastor Earl Scott - 8012, escott@pphfamily.org

Chaplain Linda Lewis - 8006, llewis@pphfamily.org

Pastor Tara Walker - 8563, twalker@pphfamily.org

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.