At PPH, there are plenty of opportunities for residents to showcase their skills and talents. High on the list of opportunities is none other than in front of a large audience at the PPH Talent Show.
The PPH Talent Show was held on Sept. 18 in PPH’s Social Hall. Over 100 people — residents, staff and a few family members of the performers — attended the fifth annual event. Acts included poetry, comedy and songs of humor, love and patriotism.
There were classics — Angela Emanuele, accompanied by Patricia Coyne on piano (and an introduction on the song’s background and history), opened with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow;” Ken Venuti sang Frank Sinatra’s “When Someone Loves You;” and Audrey Alston sang “The Impossible Dream.” Margie Crespo sang “Bésame Mucho,” a Spanish song that translates in English to mean “kiss me a lot.”
Some residents went in a humorous direction with their musical performance and even encouraged the audience to join in. Larry Jones performed “I’m In Love with a Big Blue Frog,” Marge Sexton performed “I’m My Own Grandpa,” and Lawrence H. Geller performed “The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane.”
Marcella Fellin sang “A Shanty in Old Shanty Town,” a song that was popular when she was in high school. Marcella, 104, practiced with Bethina West — her homecare assistant — and Marge Sexton. Marcella had requested that song to be played in recent years during events, but in each instance the performers weren’t familiar with the tune. Therefore, she decided to take matters into her own hands and perform it herself!
“You know how when we think back to songs that came out when we were teenagers and they’re the ones that stay
in our hearts? Well, this song was popular in 1934, when Marcella was a teenager,” Marge explained.
In addition to the musical numbers, Carol Evans elicited plenty of laughter from her stand-up routine; Lucille Hite recited the Elodie Armstrong poem “Ten Commandments.”
Margie Crespo returned to the stage to close out the show with a rendition of “God Bless America,” as the entire audience sung along.
“Our residents rehearsed and put a lot of time and effort into their performances,” said Life Enrichment Activities Director Kathy Nucero. “I’m proud of them for performing in front of a large audience and entertaining their fellow residents.”
Larry Jones Margie Crespo
Marge Sexton and Bethina West accompany Marcella Fellin (center)
Family Focus — Staff Accomplishments
Team member takes next step in effective leadership
Every team member at PPH has a valuable role and makes a difference in the lives of not only the seniors they serve, but also the team members they work alongside. One PPH department head has taken the next step to become a more effective leader, which will translate into a stronger team that will be even more equipped to provide services for seniors into the future.
PPH’s Senior Director of Resident Engagement Marge Felix was recently accepted into LeadingAge PA’s Fellows in Leadership program. This program was developed to equip leaders with actionable strategies and practical knowledge to help solve real world challenges. Emerging and experienced leaders are able to define, clarify, and practice the skills needed to lead aging services organizations into the future.
“This is a wonderful educational opportunity that will enable me to enhance my leadership skills. I’m looking forward to engaging on ideas with other leaders in senior living and the additional knowledge that’ll come from the coursework in the program,” Marge said.
Besides coursework, Marge will attend bi-monthly sessions at LeadingAge PA headquarters in Harrisburg. She’ll network and establish connections with other leaders from various areas of senior living across Pennsylvania. Through team-building assessments and training that delve into emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and problem solving, those in the program gain greater selfawareness and strengthen their leadership practices.
“The lessons I learn and the skills I gain will help me become a more confident and effective leader, which will benefit my team and PPH as a whole,” Marge said.
Upon completion of the program in June, Marge will join VP of Human Resources Daphne Floyd and VP of Health Services Jennifer Honeyford as Fellows in Leadership graduates.
“The Fellows in Leadership program will be a wonderful opportunity for Marge to not only continue to grow as a leader, but also to support and inspire her fellow classmates,” said Jennifer. “Marge is one of the most caring and compassionate people I know, and I am so proud of her.”
Marge was first introduced to PPH when she interned in Social Services while studying to obtain a Bachelor’s degree at West Chester University. She joined PPH as a team member in 1993 and later went on to obtain her Master of Social Work degree from Temple University in 2002. Currently, she oversees Social Services, Wellness, Pastoral Services, Recreation Therapy and Life Enrichment. She anticipates the program will benefit her, her team and ultimately the residents they serve.
LeadingAge PA’s mission is to advance the evolving continuum of aging services in Pennsylvania. They represent over 380 nonprofit senior living communities and organizations by providing education and events, advocacy for Pennsylvania’s seniors, resources for members and workforce initiatives. For more information, visit www. leadingagepa.org/workforce/fellows-in-leadership.
‘Guardian Angel ‘hat trick’ for Informational Technology Manager
PPH’s newest Guardian Angel is Information Technology Manager Albert Eschert!
Albert was recognized as a Guardian Angel by Lawndale Manor residents Walter and Carol Ceglowski for his resourcefulness and problem solving skills.
“On many occasions, Albert has rescued us from the frustration of dealing with a computer that would not do what we wanted it to do. Albert is a very gifted, dedicated and effective teacher and solver of problems,” they said.
Albert, who was recognized as a Guardian Angel on two other occasions, stated he is thankful for the recognition he has received from residents. He displayed his good-natured sense of humor by tying his Guardian Angel awards into his love of hockey.
“This is my third Guardian Angel — a hat trick!” he said. A Guardian Angel donation is a meaningful way to ex-
press your gratitude for a special PPH caregiver and contribute to the PPH mission of providing a caring senior living community 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.
IT Manager Albert Eschert (center) with Carol and Walter Ceglowski of Lawndale Manor.
A Fabulous Night in the PPH Gardens
The Benevolent Care Garden Party, PPH’s premier fundraising event, was held on Sept. 12. Guests enjoyed dinner from various international food stations, and the band Turning Point performed on what turned out to be a beautiful, late summer evening in our serene, landscaped gardens. Special congratulations to those who won raffle baskets and the winners of our Gift Card Board and 50/50 drawing!
“Benevolent Care exemplifies PPH’s mission of providing a caring senior living community that affords its residents the opportunity to achieve their highest possible quality of life,” said Director of Donor Development Marianna Ca-
labrese. “On behalf of PPH, we thank you — our wonderful sponsors, patrons, residents and team members — for your support of Benevolent Care.” Through Benevolent Care at PPH, our residents have peace-of-mind security knowing that if they should outlive their financial resources through no fault of their own, they can remain at PPH and continue receiving the high-quality care they are accustomed to. If interested in learning more about Benevolent Care, contact Marianna at mcalabrese@pphfamily.org or 215-697-8508.
Clockwise from top left: A view from an Alpha Manor resident’s balcony overlooking the courtyard; VP of Finance & CFO Justin Stolte converses with a guest; Board Chair Eric Sigel notes the importance of Benevolent Care to PPH’s mission; Mary Bargerhuff, PPH’s raffle basket extraordinaire; a member of the band Turning Point plays a tune; chefs prepare food at the Southwestern US station; and Dining Services team members and a guest spot the photographer!
Special thanks to some of our Greenhouse volunteers for sorting flowers for the Garden Party!
From left to right: Adele Gerrow, Kate Halus, Erna Wojke and Lorraine Busch.
Independent Residents Association returns!
The PPH Independent Resident Association held its first monthly meeting of the 2024-’25 calendar year on Sept. 16. The meetings for the remainder of the year are: Oct. 21 and Nov. 18, both at 2 p.m. in the PPH Social Hall and will also broadcast on PPH channel 7. All Independent Living residents are welcome to attend. For any questions, please contact President Elaine C. Grose at 8581.
From
Local leaders and PPH honor brave Americans on Patriot Day
PPH held a ceremony on Patriots’ Day to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and to also honor those who served and sacrificed on that tragic day. Speakers included PPH Board Member Rev. Dr. Kristopher Halsey, PPH Pastor Earl Scott and PPH Director of Community Relations Bill Conaway. PPH resident Calvin Clement and his son, Stephen, sang the National Anthem; and PPH resident Audrey Alston sang “God Bless America.” Burholme EMS/VMSC EMS, the Philadelphia Fire Department, and CRO Mark Mroz of the Philadelphia Police Department attended the ceremony. SST Corey Toothman served as bugler. Thank you to everyone for coming out and honoring the memory of those who lost their lives and were affected 23 years ago.
Employee of the Month: Shirley Austin
Shirley Austin joined PPH in December 2020 as a member of our Housekeeping department here at PPH. She was transferred to our Security department as a driver in May 2024. Shirley has been a great addition to the team. Her courtesy and patience with our residents have been appreciated greatly. She is always willing to help and does it with a smile! Congratulations Shirley! Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes.”
left to right, officers of the Independent Residents Association: Acting Assistant Treasurer Patricia Coyne, Recording Secretary Jean Holland, 1st Vice President Barbara Bassett, President Elaine C. Grose, Corresponding Secretary Pat Ripoll, 2nd Vice President Evelyn Washington and Treasurer Larry Jones.
A Special Quizzo Night
Thank you to everyone — residents, staff and family members — who attended Quizzo on Aug. 28! Proceeds totaling more than $300 went to support Team PPH’s Fight Against Alzheimer’s! Despite four rounds of trivia, there was a three-way tie with 39 points each! From top to bottom: The Crushers, The Casino Queens, and The Gateway Goodies!
PPH Talent Show
‘Sing a Song’ — PPH Choir’s Fall Show
Volunteer of the Month: Sister Mary Ann Fazakerley
Sister Mary Ann Fazakerley has been a dedicated PPH community volunteer since 2018. She visits our residents at least once a week to help them with their religious and spiritual needs. She is a kind and gentle lady, who always has a smile on her face for everyone she meets. Thank You Sister Mary Ann, you are definitely a blessing to our volunteer program.
The PPH Choir held its fall show on Sept. 13. They performed “How Much is that Doggy in the Window,” “Sing,” “Moon River” and more. The Choir’s Holiday Show will be in December, date TBD.
Carol Evans Ken Venuti
Lucille Hite
Angela Emanuele
Audrey Alston Lawrence H. Geller
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).
★ Rosh Hashanah Celebration: Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. in the Private Dining Room
★ Veterans’ Meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. in the Learning Center.
★ Heritage Society Informational Session: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. in the Private Dining Room. To register or for more info, contact Marianna Calabrese at #8508. The Heritage Society recognizes our friends who have generously provided a legacy of care by naming PPH as a planned gift beneficiary.
★ PPH Block Party: Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Lawndale Manor Parking Lot.
★ Philly Pups: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Social Hall. Come and meet these future service/therapy dogs and watch them as they participate in training exercises.
★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7.
★ Stock’s Poundcake Raffle & Sale: Cost: $20. Order and pay by Oct. 16; pickup is Oct. 30 in the PPH Fountain Room (Front Receptionist Desk for non-residents and non-staff). Your $20 gets you a pound cake, a chance to win a fabulous raffle basket and the satisfaction of donating to the work of the PPH Auxiliary. To order, contact Patricia Coyne at #8403 or cameo1200@gmail.com.
★ Ted Talk: Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall - ADHD and Breast Cancer Awareness Months.
★ IL Residents’ Association meeting: Monday, Oct., 21, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall and on PPH channel 7.
★ Alzheimer’s Association Fundraisers: Thursday, Oct. 24Bake Sale; Friday, Oct. 25 - Smoothie Sale. See bulletin boards and channel 2 for more information.
★ 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.
★ Halloween Family Feud: Thursday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. We need five residents from all three buildings. Please sign up in the Business Office starting Wednesday,
Oct. 2. Come out and CHEER on your building. Refreshments served after the game.
★ An American Christmas Songbook: Saturday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. The chill of winter is in the air as hosts Demetria Joyce Bailey and Philip Chaffin, along with fabulous singers and musicians, take the stage to perform your favorite carols and heartwarming holiday songs. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to celebrate the holidays in style!
The performance will take place at the beautiful Saint Anne Church, located at 357 Dorrance St, Bristol, Pa 19007. If you are interested, please call Kathy Nucero ASAP at #8505 before tickets sell out. Tickets are $35.
★ 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. Locations for drop off: Access Hub (1124 Lawndale), across from Tabor Market, Vending Machine area between the Wellness Center and Alpha Manor 1st Floor. For more information, call Tom Sexton at #8368.
Collections
The September Collection of the Month was an assortment of items from the PPH Auxiliary. The Auxiliary has various donated items on sale for discount prices. Be sure to be on the lookout for future events and sales from the PPH Auxiliary. To learn more, contact Auxiliary President Patricia Coyne at 8403.
Celebrating Hispanic/Latino Month
By Dr. Kathy Andrews-Williams Lawndale Manor resident
Each year, we recognize Hispanic/ Latino Heritage month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This is a time to celebrate the rich history and traditions, famous landmarks, regional foods and music, and notable people of Latin America. There are 18 countries in this region where Spanish is the official language: North America (Mexico); The Caribbean (Cuba, The Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico); Central America (Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama); and South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela).
Celebrating history and traditions Independence Day of many nations occur on or around Sept. 15-21 each year. In addition, Three Kings’ Day/Los Tres Reyes (Epiphany), Cinco de Mayo (Mexico), and Day of the Dead (Mexico
and parts of Central America) are celebrated and recognized throughout the world. Also, in various parts of Latin America, the Quinceañera celebration recognizes the rite of passage to womanhood for a 15 (quince-15) year old girl.
Celebrating places
There are numerous geographical sights and wonders throughout Latin America. For example, the ruins of Machu Picchu (Peru) sit high in the Andes mountain range that stretches from Colombia to Chile. Caribbean sites include the Yunque rainforest and Arecibo Observatory (Puerto Rico) and that the Dominican Republic shares half of Hispaniola with Haiti. The Yucatán peninsula and Mayan ruins (Mexico, Guatemala) are historic. The South American region includes the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador); the Pampas (grassland); and Tierra del Fuego, home to Ushuaia, the southernmost
city in the world (Argentina). Celebrating food, music, and dance
The ingredients for many dishes consist of tomatoes, corn, plantains, avocado, cocoa, and sugarcane. These main staples are found in Mexican tortillas and burritos, mofongo (Caribbean plantain dish), black beans and rice (Cuba), sancocho (Dominican stew) and flan (traditional caramel custard). In addition, lively music and dances include mariachis bands (Mexico), and dances bomba and plena (Puerto Rico), salsa, cumbia, and merengue (Caribbean), and tango (Argentina). Celebrating legends and contemporaries
During this month, we celebrate notable freedom fighters, trailblazers, athletes, politicians, writers, artists, musicians and more!
How are PPH residents celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month?
• An exhibit of postcards of famous Latinx citizens will be on display in the Esplanade.
• Movies that focus on the Latinx experience in the United States will be showing on the PPH channel. Don’t forget to check our PPH channel or the October calendar to see when the movies will show.
• A dance class, as part of PPH’s Wisdom in Senior Education programs, will teach residents how to dance the Salsa, Bachata and Merengue.
Goodbye and Good Luck, Shannon and Maria!
PPH bid farewell to two team members in September. VP of Sales, Marketing & Communications Shannon Grieb accepted a “dream opportunity” closer to home in New Jersey; IL Sales Specialist Maria Luszcz is retiring and moving near Salisbury, MD, a place she has always enjoyed vacationing with her husband. While excited about their next chapters, they both expressed that they’ll miss PPH and cherish all of the memories made.
Maria Luszcz and Shannon Grieb are pictured above with their fellow Sales, Marketing and Communications team members. From left to right: Karen Votel, Bill Conaway, Lydia Fonseca, Maria, Shannon, Mike Berman and Kimberly McGeary.
Reflections
By Chaplain Linda Lewis
A Time of Reflection and Renewal
Dear PPH Family and Friends
I have always appreciated that I live in the northeastern part of our country, because I can experience all four seasons and the unique beauty that comes with each season of change. If we take the time to enjoy the seasons, we can often find fresh insights that so often align to the changes in our lives. Each season of the year holds its own special offerings, not unlike the seasons of our lives and reflection upon past seasons can bring happy thoughts and warm memories.
With long summer evenings now behind us, let us embrace fall and reflect on the passing of time. Autumn offers us the opportunity to slow down and reflect upon what was and what is still to come. All around us we witness evidence of the Creator’s amazing handiwork. We watch the leaves turn from green to shades of brilliant amber, red, and orange…then one-by-one they fall softly to the ground, leaving behind just a barren branch.
Autumn offers us time to prepare for renewal and another season of change. Have you noticed how busy the squirrels are as they scurry about stockpiling their acorns? Think how the bears fatten up for their long winter rest. Birds fly south for the winter and salmon begin their swim back to their spawning grounds. All in preparation for a season of renewal. Even the now barren tree branch
Prayer Breakfast returns
becomes healthier by the shedding of leaves to prepare for the new growth that will appear in the spring during the season of renewal. Autumn offers us the opportunity to slow down and spend some time reflecting. With the cool crisp nights upon us, relax with a cup of hot chocolate, a warm blanket, and spend time pondering the abundant blessings you have received. Reflecting upon all you have will develop a heart of gratitude, not just for what you have but - for what is yet to come. How are you preparing for what is to come in your season of renewal? What does renewal look like for you? Perhaps reflect on the need to let go…like leaves falling away, what hurt do you need to let go of to prepare for a time of renewal and growth. Like animals preparing for the spring, what do you need to do to be prepared for the season of renewal? Is there a wrong that needs to be made right by you, so you can be renewed and find peace?
I pray that this autumn may be a time of spiritual renewal and growth for you as you spend time reflecting on the beauty of God’s unending love and faithfulness. Reflect on God’s perfect timing in all things including the falling of the final leaf from the tree.
Peace to you this season, Linda Lewis
Chaplain
The PPH Prayer Breakfast returned from its summer hiatus on Sept. 14. Residents, staff and outside visitors are invited to gather monthly (on the 2nd Saturday of each month) 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. Tickets ($7.50) may be purchased from the Business Office or payment may be made at the Prayer Breakfast. Pictured left: Dorothy Lafferty and Yvonne Blackwell enjoy September’s Prayer Brakfast.
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.
