October 2023 REACH

Cybersecurity Awareness Month:  Staying safe online

October is “National Cybersecurity Awareness Month”, a time to protect your personal data from digital forms of crime, now and throughout the year. In the September 2023 edition of REACH, we discussed how National Preparedness Month was an important time to plan for any emergency and/or disaster throughout the year. At this time, we need to be aware of any cybersecurity attacks that could affect our country, our state, and our PPH family.

Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have recognized October as “Cybersecurity Awareness Month”, a month for the public, private sectors, and tribal communities to work together to raise awareness of the importance of cybersecurity. 2023 will mark the 20th annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month, with the theme being “It’s Easy to Stay Safe Online.”

At PPH, it is imperative that everyone, both staff and residents, stay safe while on the internet every day of the year. We thank Albert Eschert, our Information Technology Support Administrator, for his hard work in fulfilling our IT needs while keeping us informed about the benefits of cybersecurity.

Being safe online is essential in protecting your cybersecurity. “Cybersecurity Awareness Month” is important because everyone, in some capacity, uses technology”, says Albert. “Digital sharing has become a part of our daily lives, from texting, to even sharing

our medical records.” In a way, they are a part of our identity, and we need to keep these protected from online hackers.

One of the issues we face online is called “phishing”, which is a form of social engineering. “Phishing is when identity thieves use email to pretend they are someone else”, says Albert. They pretend to be a real person or company to swindle you of your personal information and money. Some of these pieces of information include your credit card numbers, banking information, social security numbers, log-in information, and much more. “The attacker is trying to gain the trust of their victims by using believable

>>>continued on page 7, Staying safe

Family Focus

PPH hosts the 2023 Benevolent Care Garden Party

The 2022 PPH Benevolent Care Garden Party was held on Thursday, September 14, 2022, at 6 pm. The event took place in the PPH ACE Center Courtyard & Fountain Room, surrounded by our beautifully landscaped gardens. In addition to the ACE Center Courtyard, the Fountain Room was also open to guests. This event, previously called the PPH Gala, was a more relaxed version of our largest fundraiser of the year to support PPH Benevolent Care.

Benevolent Care is for residents who have depleted their financial resources to remain at PPH with quality care and access to support services.

The event included a Welcome Reception followed by brief speaker remarks and a live performance from the Philly Soul Collective. A lovely selection of delicious hors d’oeuvres and food stations were also available throughout the night, courtesy of Morrison Living.

PPH wishes to thank all of its gracious sponsors, donors and guests who helped raise over $80,000 for Benevolent Care.

>>>continued on page 5, PPH Garden Party

Residents enjoy end-of-summer block party

On September 7, Life Enrichment hosted an end-of-summer block party for all levels of care, featuring a live DJ, popcorn, balloon art, tattoo art, and much more!

PPH President & CEO John Dubyk delivering the welcome remarks

The Philly Soul Collective performing live at the Garden Party

National Hispanic Heritage Month

by PPH resident Dr. Kathy Andrews-Williams

National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the culture, achievements, and impact on U.S. history of people from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. Although the observance is popular across the country, there is a lot that people may not know about Hispanic Heritage Month.

It began as a weekly celebration in 1968 and later expanded in 1988 as an observance from September 15 to October 15 as it coincides with the national independence days for many Latin American countries. Hispanic Heritage Month (hispanicheritagemonth.gov) reported that Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua all celebrate September 15 as their Independence Day. Mexico’s independence is celebrated on September 16, and Chile on September 18. In addition, the Día de la Raza (Indigenous Peoples’ Day), a decolonized alternative to Columbus Day, occurs on October 12.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Hispanics and Latinos are the largest and fastest growing ethnic group, making up over 18% of the U.S. population. The terms Hispanic and Latino cover linguistic and geographic origins. The Office of Budget and Management defines Hispanic or Latino as individuals of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. Some ask why individuals identify themselves by two different names: Hispanic and Latino/a/x. Although the terms are often interchangeable, they have different meanings. Hispanic refers to people or descendants from a Spanish-speaking country. For example, people from Spain would be considered Hispanic but do not trace their history back to Latin America. Latino/a/x (gender specific) refers to those particularly from Latin America. Many Spanish-speakers reject the term “Hispanic” because it contains the country name “Spain” that they associate with the vileness of colonization.

Anyone can celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. We can show our appreciation by reading books, watching movies, and participating in events celebrating Hispanic and Latino culture. Also, know that Hispanics and Latinos have fought for the U.S. in every war, dating back to the American Revolution. According to the Minority Veterans Report, more than one million U. S. military veterans are Hispanic or Latino.

Many of our American traditions and words are rooted in Latino culture. Did you know that barbecue comes from barbacoa and tomato from tomate? Other words that we recognize are patio, rodeo, poncho, canyon, and chocolate and places like Florida, Montana, Santa Fe, and Los Angeles to name a few. Hispanic culture has also influenced American cuisine. For instance, salsa has become as familiar as ketchup in our kitchens and restaurants.

Overall, Hispanics and Latinos represent many diverse communities whose men, women, and children have shaped America, past and present. Therefore, Hispanic Heritage Month gives us a perfect opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate their culture, contributions, and individual stories.

There are a lot of famous hispanic figures within the United States. Can you name a few?

Unheralded Heroes

by PPH resident Velma N'Jai

Sarah Boone: Sarah was an African-American inventor who obtained U.S. patent number 473,563 for her improvements to the ironing board. Her ironing board, which was very narrow, curved and made of wood, was designed to improve the quality of ironing the sleeves and bodies of women’s garments. Today, Sarah is recognized as the second AfricanAmerican woman to attain a patent, after Judy Reed.

Bridget “Biddy” Mason: Bridget, who was born into slavery and traveled with her slave owner as he moved around the country, was an AfricanAmerican nurse who was one of the founders of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, California. She developed a variety of skills and developed knowledge of medicine, child care, and livestock care, and was granted her freedom in 1856.

Judy Reed: Judy was an African-American woman who was recognized for her patent, which was U.S. patent number 305,474. Her patent was for a dough kneader and roller, making her the first African-American woman to receive a patent. Judy applied for the patent in January 1884, and was granted it on September 23, 1884.

PPH residents and staff honor September 11

On September 11, PPH residents and staff gathered in the social hall for a flag raising to commemorate and memorialize those who lost their lives during the September 11 attacks.

Employee of the Month: Johanna Alvarado

Johanna has been with PPH since May 2018 in our Personal Care Department as a CNA. She is always willing to jump in and help where needed. She is caring and compassionate with the residents and staff. We are happy to have her as part of the PPH family!

Congratulations Johanna! Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes.”

Volunteer of the Month: Elaine Grose

Congratulations go out to Alpha resident, Elaine Grose, who is the “Volunteer of the Month” for October 2023.

Elaine has been a PPH Volunteer since 2019. She has just started her term as the President of the Independent Living Resident Association. Elaine volunteers as a librarian, as a cashier, and is also an artist in our Art Studio. Recently “Leading Age” accepted one of her painting for the “Ageless Art and Timeless Treasures” exhibitions. She does an excellent job in all the departments where she volunteers, and is very deserving of this award. Thank you for all you do, Elaine!

The hors d'oeuvres were provided by Morrison Living

Thank you to everyone who attended this year's Garden Party!

NEWS BRIEFS

★ COVID-19 protocols for visitors: Masks are no longer required for staff, residents, or visitors while on our campus, and employees are not required to wear masks when interacting with residents. Residents, employees, and visitors may continue wearing masks if they feel comfortable. Masks and PPE will still be required in some cases of isolation or if there is a significant concern for serious illness. Please advise your guests to refrain from visiting if they feel sick or have been exposed to COVID-19.

★ 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 will be delivered the first day of the following month. There will be 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 ext. 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 (ext. 8010) to have the trip fee removed.

★ Independent Living Residents Association:

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 16 at 2:00 p.m. in the Social Hall.

*(If subject to COVID-19 restrictions, this will broadcast on channel 7)

★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary’s next meeting will be held in the Social Hall, and broadcast on PPH TV channel 7 on Tuesday, October 10 at 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.

★ Bocce Ball: We are excited to announce the return of Bocce Ball! If anyone is interested, we will be on the bocce court every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Come on down for some friendly competition. Contact Kathy Nucero at ext. 8505 for any questions.

★ Artist Presentation: Join us on Wednesday, October 11 at 2:00 p.m. in the Social Hall, as Julie Kring will deliver a presentation on AfricanAmerican artists. Please contact Kathy Nurcero at ext. 8505 for more information.

★ Jill Salkin, Singer/Songwriter: Jill Salkin will be performing in the Social Hall on Saturday, October 28 at 2:00 p.m. Please contact Kathy Nurcero at ext. 8505 for more information.

★ Oktoberfest: On Sunday October 29, we will celebrate Oktoberfest, featuring a live band! You can sign up in the Business Office starting Wednesday, October 4, as seating will be limited.

★ TED Talks: See the October calendar.

★ Veterans’ Meeting: The October Veterans’ meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 3, at 10:00 a.m. in the Learning Center. If you have not provided your photos for the Veterans video, please bring them with you to the meeting. Please contact Bill Conaway at ext. 8031 with any questions.

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

★ 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 at ext. 8031.

★ Table Treat Halloween: Independent Living residents will have a “Table Treat Halloween” on Wednesday, October 26 at 6:00 p.m., located in the Social Hall. Register now for a table so you can decorate it and provide candy. If you want to be a part of this fun evening, please contact Kathy Nucero at ext. 8505.

★ Words from Kathy Nucero: I want to thank everyone for all your love, support and prayers. It’s been a difficult time and I could not have made it without all of you lifting me up.

The grand re-opening of the Aquatics Center

During the summer, our Aquatics Center was undergoing repairs. On September 15, we officially reopened the pool, and residents were eager to jump back into the pool!

>>>Staying safe, continued from page 1

scenarios, which I have seen in the past.”

There are a variety of ways you can keep your sensitive information safe while online. One way to protect yourself is to not click on any links from an unknown or unfamiliar sender. Albert states that everyone needs to be aware of messages from strangers, even if it is someone you know. He also advises us “Do not open the attachments from the suspicious email or message, unless it is a message you are expecting. There are ways that spoofing can take place. They are preying on victims in an effort to get what they want.”

If you are curious about the message, especially from someone you know, make sure you reach out to that person directly to make sure it is sent from them.

Another way to protect yourself from potential internet thieves is to not respond to unsolicited phone calls, also known as robo calls, and do not click on any pop-up windows on your computer or your phone, as they are attempting to redirect you to a website that alerts you that you have a virus and you need to contact either Apple or Microsoft. “It will say that you have an infection on your computer and that you need to call a reputable institution that, unfortunately, will show a fake phone number, with the intention of exploiting your device to gain your information”, says Albert.

In the end, Albert said that the best way to keep yourself safe online is to trust your instinct. “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Always go with your gut instinct, and you’ll avoid being exploited by these online attackers.”

“Cybersecurity Awareness Month” is a great reminder for everyone to take the best precautions they can while online. Thanks to Albert, residents and staff are prepared for protecting their sensitive information from online criminals when and if they occur either at PPH or outside of our campus.

For more information or questions regarding cybersecurity, contact Albert Eschert at 215-697-8605.

Albert Eschert

Maureen cutting the ribbon

Residents were all smiles diving into the pool

Reflections

I appreciate you!

I truly am thankful for all the well wishes, messages, cards, and prayers during my recovery from spine surgery in July. Thank you all for the love, I felt it! During the two months I was home recovering, I spent some time reflecting and processing aspects of my life. I’d like to share a few things that I learned and am still learning.

First, I’d rather be the giver than the receiver. You probably can relate to prefering to help others instead of others helping you. It is humbling and I learned it is a valuable gift to be able to graciously accept help. I felt deeply cared for by others and saw the joy they received by helping, when all I could give back was my gratefulness and appreciation.

Second, my recovery time gave me a chance to reflect on life and my purpose. Life gets busy and we often push ourselves to go full steam ahead. I had time to sit in the stillness of my quiet space at home, settling my heart, inviting God into that space to ask what He has for me today. Choosing a willing heart to hear how I could find purpose in this “forced” rest time. And it came through being present with others. I had some deeply meaningful times with friends. One young woman received a call that her fiancé died in his sleep at the age of 24. She came over one evening and sat on our back porch as the sun was setting and shared her heart, I have no doubt her amazing story of loss and trust is being used for good. Another dear friend had surgery to remove cancer and then unexpectedly faced chemo, difficult side effects, fear of the unknown. I had the privilege of cutting off her thinning hair in my bathroom, through tears and sadness, yet such a beautiful experience to walk alongside her. Asking God to set the agenda for the day has helped me become more sensitive and aware of the needs of others.

Third, my time of recovery allowed me a chance to connect with a counselor and help me process my own grief and loss. As my eyesight continues to deteriorate, I’m reminded that many of us carry unseen challenges or illnesses that others may not even be aware of. I’ve shared with some of you that I have a genetic eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa. It is a progressive, incurable, blinding disease. My sight is restricted to a small tunnel of vision. Giving up my driver’s license many years ago was a sad loss. By God‘s grace and my supportive husband and family, we continue to adjust to changes as they happen. About a year ago I received training to use a long white cane, a tool used to help the blind or visually impaired live with greater independence. I’m still working on the courage to use my white cane. What I learned from my counselor is that courage only comes when we choose to take a step forward. That is so true. Is there a step you need to take that requires courage?

Many of you have exemplified courage as you have lived with your own challenges, you’ve inspired and helped me more than you may realize. Thank you for being that example, and let us always remember we cannot know what each other is carrying. Be kind, as we all need that!

Anne Eichner

Pastoral Care Assistant

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.