September brings new beginnings, return to action
Now that it is September, we say goodbye to the warm weather and the joys of summer. We say hello to an autumn breeze, leaves change from their calm, soothing green of summer to their rich, vibrant multi-colors of autumn, and football season begins. September is also the month most students return to school. And September at PPH, like the beginning of the school year, marks a fresh beginning. In the summer months, some staff members take time off, and some residents leave to visit family or a vacation destination. So once September hits, it marks a return of activities and an increase in events.
Returning in September is PPH’s Independent Living Residents’ Association (ILRA) meeting. The ILRA's mission is "to communicate with our PPH Administration in those areas in which mutual cooperation with all independent living (IL) residents will create a congenial, active and useful community." These meetings are open to all IL residents. This month’s meeting is Monday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall and will broadcast on PPH channel 7. Light refreshments will be served at the end of the meeting.
Also returning are two monthly activities from Pastoral Services.
Good Grief Bereavement is resuming their monthly meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of the month in the 1st Floor Alpha Lounge at 11:30 a.m. Grief is not limited to the death of a loved one; it can be the result of a traumatic event, broken relationships, and times of transition. Just as grief is not limited, neither is the timeline for grieving.
"As the holiday season nears, emotions and grief that we thought we had dealt with may come to the surface. Instead of trying to hide those emotions or ignoring the memories, consider joining with this small group of individuals who will listen, and who will accept your feelings, without judgement. Remember, grief is a process, be
patient with yourself and seek avenues of healing," said Chaplain Linda Lewis.
PPH Monthly Prayer Breakfast is returning in September on the 2nd Saturday of the month in the Social Hall at 9 a.m. PPH has a rich faith based and German heritage. Prayer and faith helped to establish PPH, and while the community has changed, prayer and the monthly breakfast continues sustaining its legacy at PPH. Residents, staff, and outside visitors are invited to gather monthly to enjoy a morning that begins with a delicious breakfast, followed by hymns and prayer, ending with an inspiring message from various local pastors or speakers. A sweet time of fellowship is shared by all who attend. Tickets may be purchased from the Business Office or payment may be
Above left, two friends share a meal and conversation at a previous PPH Prayer Breakfast. Above right, residents pose after the 2023 Talent Show.
Family Focus — Back to School
Teacher looks back fondly on career, art projects and life
PPH resident-centenarian Marguerite Kroekel, 103, looks back fondly on her 20+ years as a teacher at Rockledge School at Robbins and Huntingdon Pike (the current location of the Rockledge Municipal Building).
“It was most wonderful to be a teacher,” Marguerite said. “The way kids sometimes think they can’t do something, and then they discover they can, seeing that is what I loved about teaching.”
Marguerite taught art to kindergarten students and grades 1st to 9th, and later served as itinerant art education coordinator for the Abington Township School District when the Rockledge School closed. She also taught for a few years in Bensalem Township School District.
A longtime Fox Chase resident — Marguerite grew up on Arthur St. — she also taught Sunday School at Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase.
“I love Fox Chase; God sent me there for a reason,” she said. At Rockledge School, besides teaching art, Marguerite tutored ESL students, oversaw the school’s newspaper, taught girls’ gym, and coached girls’ basketball, which she said mirrored art in many ways.
“In basketball, you have to cover the entire floor, just like in art you have to cover the entire paper,” she said. “Balance and proportion are important.”
Marguerite earned a bachelor’s degree from Moore College of Art & Design as well as other degrees at Cornell University and the Tyler School of Art. Marguerite says that throughout her life, God has guided her in the right direction and inspired her art. Her door is filled with cards of Christmases past, that she designed and sent out to
hundreds of people.
Marguerite Kroekel is pictured here (with med tech & CNA Falisha Tyson-Brooks) outside her front door filled with cards of Christmases past that she designed.
She has stories for many of her drawings, some of which hang in her room, such as drawings of two girls in gardens.
“I look at those girls now and see my older sisters,” she said.
Some of her drawings came about from her Church Road home/studio. It was often at night when she most often found her creative flow.
“I’ve always worked best at night for some reason,” she said.
Marguerite has also pursued a life-long love of music, starting with piano when she was five years old, and later including the violin, which she played with the Old York
Kroekel >>> Continued on page 8
Lawndale Manor resident embraces challenges of teaching
For Lawndale Manor resident Mary Sandoz, one of the most important aspects of teaching Social Studies was knowing her audience — the students.
“You have to know what the kids are watching on TV, what songs they’re listening to, what their culture is,” she said. “You need to be able to speak their language.”
Mary taught for many years in Queens, NY, mostly 7th and 8th grades. She was a principal for seven years and a substitute teacher in Manhattan, NY.
Perhaps teaching middle school students
— a time of early adolescence and lots of change in one’s life — might be tough, but Mary always embraced it.
“Middle school children are not the same each day. I would always tell new teachers they have to have selective hearing. You need to establish lines the students don’t cross, but you also have to be a little patient,” she said.
Mary says that all teachers must consider that some kids might be dealing with various circumstances outside of school, and that each and every situation differs.
Sandoz >>> Continued on page 7
Mary Sandoz taught middle school Social Studies in Queens, NY. She now coaches kindergarten students at a local elementary school.
Life Enrichment team member recognized for compassion and care
Congratulations to Karenjoy Camba of the Life Enrichment department, who was recognized as a Guardian Angel in August! Karenjoy was recognized by siblings Mike and Jennifer for Karenjoy's compassion and care for their mother, JoAnn.
“I visit my mom every weekend and have spent many Saturday and Sunday afternoons watching Karenjoy facilitate activities for the residents on the Chapters [Memory Care] floor," said Mike. "Karenjoy doesn't miss a beat and provides such a patient and friendly face to everyone. It absolutely warms my heart to know that my mom is in such good hands. She is truly amazing and PPH should be proud to have such dedicated staff.”
Karenjoy's team members in the Life Enrichment department, along with
Heritage Society
Informational Session
Director of Donor Development
Marianna
Calabrese will hold an informational session on Heritage Society membership on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.. in the PPH Private Dining Room. Light refreshments will be served.
some of PPH's Leadership team, came together to congratulate her.
A Guardian Angel donation is a meaningful way to express your gratitude for a special PPH caregiver and contribute to the PPH mission of providing a caring senior living com-
munity that affords its residents the opportunity to achieve their highest possible quality of life.
For more information on the Guardian Angel program, contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese at 8508 or mcalabrese@ pphfamily.org.
Resident's paintings on display in art exhibit
Resident artist, Dr. Elaine C. Grose, has been accepted by the Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital juried competition for two of her abstract paintings.
The blue one is entitled "Ocean Tranquility”; the other is entitled “Cast in Marble." Both paintings will be on display and for sale at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital from Nov. 3, 2024 to Jan. 25, 2025.
The ocean is a major source of inspiration for Elaine and as the title states, it brings her tranquility and peace. The mystery of marble is embellished in the mixture of colors bringing the marble to life. Elaine feels intertwined in the swirls and flow of the painting. Congratulations to Dr. Elaine C. Grose for being accepted into her third juried competition!
If you'd like to register or have any questions, please contact Marianna at #8508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.
Reserve today, as the session is limited to eight people. Another session will be scheduled in late October/early November.
The PPH Heritage Society recognizes our friends who have generously provided a legacy of care by naming PPH as a planned gift beneficiary. Through their "Gifts from the Heart," their legacy of compassion lives on.
Karenjoy Camba (above) was recognized as a Guardian Angel and congratulated by some of the Life Enrichment Team!
PPH puts on its dancing shoes!
The Philly Soul Collective band performed at PPH on Aug. 7! Residents and staffed danced to various tunes, such as "Love Train," "Dance with Somebody" "Ain't No Stopping Us Now," "Dancing In the Street" and much more!
Our Time Cabaret (far left) and AM Radio (left) performed at PPH in August! Both groups performed many hits from the past, much to the joy of our residents!
Employee of the Month: Sharon Gallagher
Congratulations to Sharon Gallagher for being named the Employee of the Month for September 2024!
Sharon began working at PPH in October 2019 in Dining Services. She has received many compliments for her kindness and efficient work performance. Sharon works well with her co-workers and is great with the residents she serves.
Congratulations Sharon! Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes!"
A trip down the shore!
A group of PPH residents took a trip to Ocean City, N.J. at the end of July! They enjoyed a beautiful beach day, ate at the famous Manco and Manco Pizza, and walked up and down the boardwalk, and stopped at various spots for popcorn, ice cream and more! OCNJ is one of many trips our Independent Living residents take on the PPH van. Whether it's local trips to retail stores or nearby restaurants, or a further destination like OCNJ, our residents enjoy being out and about!
Trail Mix Bar
Dining Services had a pop up trail mix bar in August! Trail mixes are high in fiber and healthy fats, so you'll feel full and sustained all day. These proteinrich snacks help curb cravings for junk food.
Furry friends
You never know when therapy dogs will visit the residents of PPH!
Go Phillies!
Phillies fans packed the Social Hall for a Wednesday afternoon game on July 31!
Volunteer of the Month: Priscilla Henry
Congratulations go out to Priscilla Henry, of Gateway Manor, who is the Volunteer of the Month for September 2024.
Priscilla has been a PPH volunteer since 2016. She is a pleasant, creative lady who shares her talents as group leader in PPH's Coloring Club. Priscilla helps the residents who come to the club explore their creativity and relax in the fellowship of friends and neighbors.
Thanks Priscilla, you are a blessing to our volunteer program.
NEWS BRIEFS, HAPPENINGS AND EVENTS
★ Election 2024: What are the deadlines I need to know? Below are deadlines specific to voting in Pennsylvania’s 2024 general election
• Deadline to register to vote: Monday, Oct. 21
• Deadline to apply for a mail or absentee ballot: 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29
• Deadline to return mail or absentee ballot: 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5 (postmarks do not count)
• General Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5. PPH’s Social Hall IS a polling location. Any questions on voting, please see Bill Conaway (8031). We will have a meeting with the Voting Commission to discuss voting procedures, mail-in ballots, update their voter registration. Please look for a flyer (bulletin boards, ch2) promoting this meeting, which is expected to be held sometime in mid September.
★ Veterans' Meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m. in the Learning Center.
★ Philly Pups: Thursday, Sept. 5. Come and meet these future service/therapy dogs and watch them as they participate in training exercises.
★ Shabbat Service: Sept. 6 and 20, 2 to 4 p.m. in the Fellowship Room.
★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7.
★ Patriot Day Flag Raising Ceremony: Wednesday, September 11, 10:30 am, Gateway Manor Flagpole. (In the event of inclement weather, the Patriot Day Ceremony will be held in the Social Hall.)
★ Ted Talk: Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall - Fall Prevention and Healthy Aging Month.
★ Prayer Breakfast: Sept. 14 at 9 a.m. in the Social Hall
★ IL Residents’ Association meeting: Monday, Sept. 16, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall.
★ Good Grief - Companions in Loss Bereavement Support (from the Office of Pastoral Services): Sept. 11 at 11:30 a.m. in the Gateway Basement.
★ PPH Choir's Fall Performance: Friday, Sept. 13, 2 p.m., Social Hall.
★ Resident Talent Show: PPH is holding its annual Talent Show on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. If anyone is interested in performing, please contact Kathy at #8505.
★ OKTOBERFEST: Saturday Oct. 26, 2 p.m., Social Hall. Fun, food and music from the Galena Brass Band. Please sign up in the Business Office.
★ August Town Hall: If you are a PPH resident who was unable to attend the August Town Hall or simply want to view it again, please contact Mike Berman (8194) or Shannon Grieb (8586). It is also posted on the PPH Resident Portal.
★ PPH 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.
★ 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. For more information, call Tom Sexton at #8368.
Collection of the Month
August's Collection of the Month was Carol Evans' collection of bear and cat stuffed animals! Carol says she started this collection more than 40 years ago. The collection consists of Philly sports bears, patriotic bears and much more! If interested in adding your collection to the display case, contact Kathy Nucero at #8505.
made at the breakfast.
The evening of Sept. 12 is home to PPH’s premier fundraising event, the PPH Garden Party. This event is held in our ACE Courtyard, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. There will be international food stations, speaker remarks, wine, beer, and a specialty drink, a live band, and gift basket raffles. All proceeds go to Benevolent Care, which supports PPH residents who have outlived their financial resources — through no fault of their own — and can no longer afford the cost of their care. To attend this event, you must purchase a ticket. For any questions, contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese (8508,
Sandoz >>> Continued from page 2
“What works with one group of teachers and students at one school might not work at another school. It’s not one size fits all.”
Now retired and living at PPH, Mary volunteers at Rhawnhurst Elementary School, as part of a 20+ year PPH partnership with kindergarten teacher Mary Collins.
Mary and Alpha Manor resident Natalie Hardiman serve as companions in various ways. They help guide students through reading lessons, assist with arts & crafts, ensure students stay focused
mcalabrese@pphfamily.org).
The ninth month of the year brings two opportunities for PPH residents to perform in front of an audience. On Friday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall, the PPH Choir will hold its fall performance. The choir, which formed late in 2023, took a break after its spring show, began rehearsing in July, and will be ready for its first fall show. It might be too late to join the choir for its fall show, but there’s another chance to showcase your singing (or other talents) just a few days later.
On Sept. 18, PPH residents will perform in PPH’s Talent Show. Are you a singer, dancer, comedian or a lover of poetry? If so and willing to perform in front of an audience, contact Kathy Nucero (8505). The show will be held at 2 p.m. in the
during exams and offer words of encouragement. Coaches are even welcome to attend class trips if they choose to.
“Some kids need help, particularly in the beginning of the year. Some have been to pre-K or preschool, some have not. They might need help with simple things at first, such as holding a pencil or using an eraser,” Mary said.
The number of students in the class each year is often larger than what is recommended, so having coaches like Mary and Natalie to assist is invaluable. And it’s seeing the progression throughout the school
Unheralded Heroes - Lillian Lambert
Compiled by Velma N'Jai
Lillian Lincoln Lambert 5/12/40 -
Entrepreneur and Author
Lillian Lambert was the First African American Woman to graduate from Harvard Business School.
Right out of high school, she realized she needed more education to prepare for what she planned for her life. Lambert went on to Howard University for her Bachelor's Degree,
then on to Harvard Business School where she earned her Master's in Business. Six years later, she broke into the male-dominated industry of building-maintenance services. In 1976 she launched "Centennial One" which grew to a $20 million enterprise, operating in six states with 1,200 employees, offering various services such as carpet cleaning to landscaping. She became the first female president
Social Hall, with rehearsals on Sept. 4 and 12 at 2 p.m. And if you can’t find your dancing shoes, attend the show as an audience member!
September closes out with a Cornhole Tournament on Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall, with proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Association. As of Aug. 22, residents, staff and the PPH Auxiliary have raised a total of $1,865, with additional fundraisers slated for October and November.
Just like the first few weeks of returning to school, September is the best time to make new friends, establish new connections, rediscover an interest or find a new activity that you may enjoy. If you’re a new resident, or just looking to socialize and attend more events and activities, now is your time!
year that makes it such a satisfying experience.
“Mary Collins encourages them to try new things,” Mary (Sandoz) said. I like to see how much they’ve come from the first day. Kids who didn’t speak a word of English are often able to write words, tell a story.”
For more information on becoming a coach in Ms. Collins’ Rhawnhurst Kindergarten class, see the July REACH or contact Volunteer Coordinator Carol Cherrington (8027). Rhawnhurst Elementary is located on 7809 Castor Ave, about a 10-minute drive from PPH.
of the Building Service Contractors Association
International, and in 2003 she received Harvard's Alumni Award, which is the highest award the school bestows on its graduates. She retired after 25 years of running "Centennial One" but still takes on speaking engagements.
Reflections
Seasons Change
Summer is my favorite season of the year. Sunny days, family barbeques, and walks in the park are what I enjoy most. Whether I spend time at the beach or in my back yard, summer is a refreshing time that makes me feel vibrant and alive.
When the summer season is coming to an end, I usually have a difficult time letting go. I have this mistaken belief that if I continue wearing my summer attire into the fall season, somehow the warm weather will stay longer. Quickly I realize no matter how hard I try to hold onto all the sunshine and amusing activities, the fall season arrives.
The seasons of life have a natural way of transitioning as well. As I reflect on the transition into fall and winter, I can’t help but to consider this as a metaphor for the many changes that life brings. Just as seasons change in weather, seasons change in life. We each have our share of mountains and valleys. For instance, without warning, we can get hit with unexpected expenses, changes in health conditions, or the sudden shock of bad news. On the flip side, there is the adventure of welcoming another grandchild into the family. Life is a blend of good times and bad times.
It can be difficult for us to realize these experiences can have purpose and value in our lives. Especially when a difficult season lasts a long time. However,
By Pastor Tara Walker
different phases of life can bring lasting growth and change. Even in the most challenging circumstances we can experience transformation and renewal.
Seeking God in these seasons of our lives can help us navigate them and make the most of our blessings. One of my favorite scriptures is Ecclesiastes 3:11. It says, “God has made everything beautiful for its own time.” I believe even in the bad times; God can make something good out of it at the proper time. The next time you find yourself in an unfavorable season of your life, feel confident in this: If we trust God through it, in its proper time, he will make good use of it. If we are willing to trust him through the process, we can endure the hard seasons gracefully. Seasons of change come to us all. I want to invite you to take time to reflect on the season you’re in now. You may be going through a difficult time right now. Here are a few questions to ponder that may help you as you transition through the seasons of change: Do you embrace change or fight against it? Is there anything holding you back from moving forward? Are you intentional in your approach to the seasons of change?
When we embrace life’s lessons that seasons bring, it makes it possible for us to experience growth and a new beginning.
Blessings, Pastor Tara
Kroekel >>> Continued from page 2
Road Symphony Orchestra.
“Music and art allow people to learn and find out about themselves,” Marguerite said.
Whether it was teaching, art, music, basketball, or designing Christmas cards for the people she’s crossed paths with, Marguerite has helped others find their talents and made her mark on their lives.
“What a wonderful life I have lived.”
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.