June 2024 REACH

Love your brain by treating it to exercise, cognitive stimulation

Throughout the PPH campus, residents and staff can often be found physically exercising, but there is also plenty of dedication to exercising the most complex part of the human body — the brain. Many PPH residents — from those who live in our Memory Care unit to our Independent Living, Personal Care and Health Care (Pathways) residents — participate in various mental exercises to support brain health.

Our Independent Living and Personal Care residents keep mentally active through board games, crossword puzzles, card games and more. And no group takes the Alzheimer Association’s advice of “Stump Yourself – Challenge your Mind” more than PPH’s Wednesday afternoon Cranium Crunch. Led by Life Enrichment Activities Director Kathy Nucero, the group takes on various games that include trivia, brain teasers, fill in the blank and much more. Not only are those in attendance using memory, critical thinking skills and focus as they solve a brain teaser or recall a phrase or a celebrity from yesteryear, but they also find enjoyment in the camaraderie of the group.

“We laugh a lot here, too,” said resident Carol Kennedy. PPH’s Memory Care unit, Chapters, supports those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Chapters team strategically puts together a memory care calendar filled with events and activities specifically planned to boost our residents’ confidence and help provide them with a sense of purpose. Some of our memory care activities include trivia, word games, stretching activities, musical therapy and much more.

“Many of these activities such as bingo or flower arranging are good for residents’ cognition and fine motor skills,” said Chapters Recreation Therapist Shyla Pastore.

PPH residents Virginia and Margie think outside the box at Cranium Crunch!

“Exercise activities help give their body a jump start, and trivia keeps them stimulated.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 55 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease or another dementia. In recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in June, PPH is holding a bocce ball tournament on Thursday, June 27, open to all residents and staff. Entry is $5 per person to participate, and proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Association. See PPH bulletin boards and in-house channel 2 for more information as the event nears.

On June 21, the summer solstice, the Alzheimer Association encourages “people from across the world [to] fight Brain >>> Continued on page 7

Family Focus

Find your carts, collection drives and more in the

PPH unveiled its new Access Hub in the beginning of May. The hub, located at 1124 Lawndale across from the PPH Welcome Center, will serve as a place to store carts, walkers, wheelchairs and donations for approved monthly collection drives.

Lawndale 1124 will also be home to donations for approved collection drives, notably our resident-driven Monthly Food Drive. There will be smaller collection sites in the vending machine area outside of Alpha and the Gateway first floor lobby, but all residents are welcome to bring items to the Access Hub.

PPH Access Hub

Above left, a few of the PPH residents who were in attendance at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Access Hub located in 1124 Lawndale. The hub is a place to store carts, walkers and wheelchairs, and will also serve as a location for approved PPH collections.

stored in Alpha laundry rooms.

Gateway residents: Carts, walkers and wheelchairs will be stored in Gateway stairwells. A cart corral will be installed in the near future.

Alpha residents: Carts, walkers and wheelchairs will be

For any questions, contact Marianna Calabrese at 8508.

Holocaust Remembrance program serves as a reminder to Never Forget

PPH held a Holocaust Remembrance program on May 6 to recognize Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah). PPH residents Charna Heiko and Sherry Slutz (left) delivered remarks as did PPH Pastor Tara Walker, and VP of Finance Justin Stolte on behalf of PPH’s leadership team. Guest speakers were Rabbi Tsurah August and Dr. Yvonne Kaye (right), who spoke about her experience as a child during WWII.

Volunteer of the Month: Carol Ceglowski

PPH’s Volunteer of the Month for June 2024 is Carol Ceglowski of Lawndale Manor! Since early 2023, Carol Ceglowski has been a dedicated PPH volunteer. Each week, Carol visits our Pathways residents. She is always friendly and pleasant with all who she sees, and definitely puts sunshine in the hearts of all she comes across.

Thank you Carol, for all that you do. You are a blessing to our volunteer program.

PPH staff rewarded for welcoming presence, professionalism

Two PPH employees were named Guardian Angels in May — Albert Eschert of Informational Technology and Sharise Paul of Security.

Sharise, PPH’s front desk receptionist, was recognized by Lawndale Manor residents Carol and Walter Ceglowski for her presence and friendly demeanor at PPH’s main entrance during the week.

“Sharise has always been a warm and welcoming presence at the Lawndale entrance. She is a wonderful source of information and good suggestions. She is a real asset to PPH,” Carol and Walter said.

Albert was recognized by an anonymous donor for his ability to mix efficiency, professionalism and various other traits.

This donor stated,” Albert’s efficiency, knowledge and professionalism is only exceeded by his patience, kindness and sense of humor.”

Albert, who has been a longtime IT Support Administrator with PPH, was promoted to IT Manager in May.

“Albert has worked diligently as we implement new technologies and has proven his planning and problem-solving skills to help elevate PPH’s IT proficiency,” said VP of Finance Justin Stolte.

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

New Director of Environmental Services looks to

PPH was pleased to welcome Yolanda Watson as the new Director of Environmental Services in late March.

“Yolanda comes to us with many years of experience working in other senior living communities and hospital settings,” said VP of Human Resources Daphne Floyd.

Yolanda brings experience to this role that will allow her to build a strong department that will

keep PPH fresh, clean

maintain cleanliness throughout the PPH campus.

She says she’s received a warm welcome from the PPH family and is settling into her role.

“Staff and residents have been so friendly,” Yolanda said. “There is positive energy throughout PPH.”

Yolanda grew up in South Philly and attended Horace Furness High School. In her free time, she likes to read, cook and practice yoga.

Employee of the Month:  Nafis Winn

PPH’s Employee of the Month for June 2024 is Nafis Winn! Nafis began working at PPH in February 2023 in Dining Services. He was nominated by PPH resident Jean Turk, who said that Nafis is very helpful, goes out of his way to make sure that residents receive special items they’ve requested and is always smiling. Nafis works well with his fellow employees and is great with the residents he serves.

Congratulations Nafis! Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes!”

VP of Finance Justin Stolte with IT Manager Albert Eschert.

Walter and Mary Ceglowski with Front Desk Receptionist Sharise Paul (center).

Making connections through LeadingAge PA

PPH leadership attend conference; resident recognized for artwork

PPH resident Dr. Elaine C. Grose’s painting “Little Dreamer,” is featured as one of 49 selected pieces in LeadingAge PA’s “Ageless Art and Timeless Treasures” traveling exhibition. “Little Dreamer” depicts a small moon orbiting a large planet in deep space with pockets of light and color offering hope in the darkness. Elaine says that painting gives her peace and keeps her centered. Her medium of choice is acrylic on canvas. Her techniques include pour painting, large sweeping strokes and painting with a pallet knife.

Elaine recently viewed the exhibition at a nearby senior living community. “It was exciting; I was proud to represent PPH as a resident artist,” said Elaine, (pic-

tured above left) with “Little Dreamer.”

Above right, members of PPH’s leadership team visited one of our own, Chef Rashaad, at LeadingAge PA’s 2024 Annual Conference in May! From left to right: Senior Director Resident Engagement Marge Felix, VP of Health Services Jennifer Honeyford, Chef Rashaad, VP of Marketing & Communications Shannon Grieb, VP of HR Daphne Floyd and Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese.

LeadingAge PA, a trade association representing senior housing, health care, and community services in Pennsylvania, advocates to influence positive change and affect a healthy vision for the delivery of quality, affordable, and ethical care for seniors.

Showing appreciation and gratitude for health care workers

Throughout Nurses Week and Health Service

Appreciation Week in May, PPH thanked its nurses and health service workers in various ways. Staff were treated to ice cream, courtesy of American Heritage Credit Union.

PPH also held an Employee BBQ catered by our Dining Services Team in the ACE Courtyard.

PPH Choir springs into song

The PPH choir held its Spring concert on May 17. They sang: “Danny Boy,” “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” “You are my Sunshine” and much more! The choir’s next performance is slated for some time in September. Anyone interested in joining should contact Carol Feeley at 8175.

Musical entertainment of all ages

The Philadelphia Boys Choir performed on May 18. Notably, the choir used American Sign Language during one of its performances.

The Bucks County Singers performed at PPH on May 7.

Happy 100th, Ruth! Friends from Elmwood Park Zoo visit PPH

Josh, a zookeeper from Elmwood Park Zoo, visited PPH in late April, and brought along a few friends — a turtle, a bearded dragon and a rabbit. Interim President & CEO Dr. Nancy Koury King was elated to meet Smalls the bearded dragon (top left), and Irma the Turtle (bottom left) kept trying to crawl into the audience!

Lawndale Manor resident Ruth Smoger celebrated her 100th birthday in May! Ruth received a citation from the office of State Senator Christine Tartaglione to mark the special day.

NEWS BRIEFS AND EVENTS

★ Prayer Breakfast: Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m. in the Social Hall.

Guest Speaker: Pastor Earl Scott. Tickets ($7.50) are available in the Business Office. See channel 2 and bulletin boards for the menu.

★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, June 11 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7.

★ Ted Talk: Tuesday, June 11 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall - PTSD Awareness & Pride Month

★ Good Grief - Companions in Loss Bereavement Support (from the Office of Pastoral Services): Wednesday, June 12 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.

★ Flag Day: 10:30 am on Friday, June 14 at the Gateway Manor Flagpole.

★ Proper Flag Disposal: If you need to say farewell to your faded flag, you should never just throw it away. After all, it’s a sacred symbol. Please give your flags to Bill Conaway, PPH’s Director of Community Relations. Bill

will take your tattered, faded flag to an organization that will conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony. Bill can be reached at 8031.

★ IL Residents’ Association meeting: Monday, June 17, 2 p.m., Social Hall.

★ Juneteenth: PPH will celebrate Juneteenth throughout the day on Wednesday, June 19. Please see the monthly calendar, bulletin boards, channel 2 and social media for up to date information.

★ Red Cross Blood Drive: PPH will hold a blood drive on Monday, June 24 at 10 a.m. in the Social Hall. To register, please sign up at redcross.org. Use code: PPH. Any questions, contact Bill Conaway at 8031.

★ The South Philly String Band, an award-winning Philadelphia Mummers String Band established in 1946, will perform on Tuesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. in the Social Hall.

★ Bocce Tournament: PPH will hold a Bocce tournament on Thursday, June 27. Entry is $5 per person; proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Association. All residents and staff are welcome to

PPH plans for Pride Month

The PPH Pride Month Team is proud (pun intended) to announce programs for June 2024, the fourth annual celebration of LGBTQA+ Pride at PPH.

Parenting a Transgender Child: One Family’s Story

Speaker: Shannon Mannon Wednesday, June 5 - 2 p.m., Social Hall

Shannon Mannon speaks and writes about social healing through the lens of parenting a transgender child. Her work has been published in The Philadelphia Inquirer, USA Today, Motherly, and The Advocate. Her forthcoming book helps parents of transgender children understand their love for a child they didn’t expect can lead to transformation they never imagined.

A Whole New World: The Challenge of Change

Speaker: Tom Sexton

Thursday, June 27- 2 p.m., Social Hall

PPH resident Tom Sexton is a retired 35-year high school teacher and WISE class instructor. He will facilitate a PPH community discussion entitled “A Whole New World: The Challenge of Change” to provide us with the opportunity to think about the world we knew growing up and contrast it to the world today. When we were young, people with different gender expressions were often marginalized and ridiculed. Now, we ourselves may be LGBTQA+ or know people as friends, neighbors and fam-

participate.

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

★ 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. Collection areas are the Access Hub (1124 Lawndale), Alpha vending machine area and Gateway 1st floor lobby. For more information, call Tom Sexton at 8368.

★ Get Your Legal Ducks in a Row: Join us for refreshments as an Elder Law Attorney (Rothkoff Law Group) discusses documents you need to have in place as you age. This will be held on Thursday, July 11 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. For any questions, contact Marianna Calabrese at 8508.

ily members who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or queer. Yet we still sometimes don’t know a way to have a conversation or ask reasonable questions without feeling uncomfortable.

Hopefully, this group discussion will open the way toward further understanding a topic we never expected to experience. As older people, we want to be curious and informed so that our younger friends and family members of all gender expressions will know that they can expect, understanding, love, support and acceptance from us.

Celebrating Juneteenth

By Kathy Andrews-Williams PPH resident

Did you know that there’s more than one Independence Day in the U.S.?

In June, Americans observe Juneteenth, (blending “June” and “Nineteenth”) commemorating June 19, 1865, the day when last enslaved peoples in Texas learned they were free. Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated observance of the ending of slavery, not only memorializes the resistance, courage, and triumphs over oppression but also the continuing legacy of resilience for freedom, justice and equality.

In 2016, nonagenarian activist Mrs. Opal Lee walked from Texas to Washington, DC advocating to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Today, at age 97, she is known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” whose efforts led Congress to pass legislation. The Juneteenth National Independence Day is a legal public holiday signed into law by President Joseph Biden on June 17, 2021.

The Emancipation Proclamation issued on Jan. 1, 1863, didn’t end slavery or free all slaves because it took over 2 1/2 years for enslaved Texans to learn about their freedom. Most importantly, The Proclamation declared freedom for all enslaved, and equality of rights and property between the new “Freedmen” and their former slave masters who rejected this arrangement. Freedmen migrated to more accommodating regions in the North (Smallwood, 1981; Wilkerson, 2020).

Formerly enslaved people established their own parks to celebrate Juneteenth as Black Americans were forbidden from using public spaces. As a result, “Emancipation Park” in Houston, Texas remains one of the oldest emancipation lands for Juneteenth events. In addition, Juneteenth traditions vary across the country with parades, contests,

Brain >>> From page 1

the darkness of Alzheimer’s through a fundraising activity of their choice.”

Everyone is encouraged to wear purple during June, which is the color used to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s and encourage brain health.

If you’d like to donate to PPH’s fight against Alzheimer’s, visit our website’s donation page — pphfamily.org/ giving/donate and under designation select Alzheimer’s Association. To learn more about Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, visit alz.org.

concerts, and oral traditions. For instance, Blacks in southern states celebrate with barbeques serving strawberry soda and “Marcus Garvey Salad” with red, black, and green beans to honor the Black nationalist.

Although segregation diminished the excitement to celebrate Juneteenth, the civil rights movement rekindled interest during a 1968 march for justice bringing this celebration back into the forefront (Ellison, 2021; Thomas, 2021).

We reflect on and celebrate Juneteenth for its remarkable significance in American history. In his novel Juneteenth, Ralph Ellison (2021) affirmed that “Remembering helps us to save ourselves.”

Sources

• Ellison, R. (2021). Juneteenth (Revised). Vintage.

• Smallwood, J. (1981). Time of hope, time of despair: Black Texans during reconstruction. Associated Faculty Press Inc.

• Thomas Whitfield, C. (2021). Juneteenth: A time for celebrationand reflection.

https://voicesofthecivilrightsmovement.com/Articles/Juneteenth

• Wilkerson, I. (2020). The warmth of other suns: The epic story of America’s great migration. Penguin UK.

Local Juneteenth Celebrations

• West Philadelphia activities - juneteenthphilly.org/

• Germantown - johnsonhouse.org/juneteenth-festival/

• Citywide/WAWA Welcome American/ African American Museum - aampmuseum.org/

• Cherry St. Pier - cherrystreetpier.com/event/2023/05/ juneteenth-wine-arts-festival/

• Museum of the American Revolution amrevmuseum.org/events/juneteenth-2024-at-the-museum

• Constitution Center - constitutioncenter.org/calendar/ juneteenth-2024

Join PPH’s Cranium Crunch group Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Room for trivia, brain teasers, word games and much more!

Reflections

Reflecting on Community

Community,

Since I have become a part of The Philadelphia Protestant Home, I have been encouraged to reflect deeply on community. Community, as defined by the Webster Dictionary, is “a unified body of individuals: such as people with common interests living in a particular area.”

There are many benefits to being a part of a community. One of our greatest human needs is to belong. We need to feel we belong. It’s ingrained in our nature. Community gives us that sense of belonging and identity. Belonging to a community promotes security and purpose.

Community is vital to our growth and is essential to our wellbeing. As we live together in community, we learn from one another and add value to each other’s lives. We share, we receive, and we give to one another invaluable things. Things that often cannot be measured. For one person it may be to bring emotional fulfillment, for another it may be to provide social connectedness. On many levels, community is a blessing.

As we connect with people who share our values and beliefs, bonds are strengthened. Community reminds us that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s the place where we can rely on others when we go through struggles and need support. It requires strong commitment to live in this kind of union with one another.

The elegant ladies of PPH

One of the key elements of community is love. God is love, and God lives in community. God gives us the ability to love each other. Not only are we all a part of the PPH community, we are a part of God’s community. God is love, and love is essential to life. Dr. Dean Ornish in his book Love and Survival: The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy, writes, “I’m not aware of any other factor in medicine — not diet, not smoking, not exercise, not stress, not genetics, not drugs, not surgery — that has a greater impact on our quality of life …than does love.”

God’s love is all around us. Every day I am on campus I see the love of God expressed through the residents as they commit themselves to each other. I am reminded of God’s love as the residents faithfully remember the sick each morning in prayer at Devotions. I see love reflected in the care and support that the residents provide to one another. I see love displayed in the residents that are committed to sharing their time and talents to benefit the whole. God’s love finds its way in every aspect of the PPH Community. We can often become consumed with our daily lives that we overlook the benefits that love has. May we take time to recognize God’s love in our day-to-day life.

Blessings,

Pastor Tara

The PPH Ladies Tea, on the Friday before Mother’s Day, gave residents an opportunity to don their best hats, and enjoy tea and snacks! The ladies of Gateway Mom and daughter Yvonne and Kathy Andrews!

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.