PPH celebrates Sister Jane
PPH celebrated and paid tribute to Sister Jane Coyle of the Medical Mission Sisters (MMS) in a special 75th Jubilee in the Social Hall on Oct. 2.
Sister Jane joined MMS in 1949 and is the first member to reach 75 years!
"I'm so blessed to be a Medical Mission Sister," she said.
A 102-year-old Personal Care resident, Sister Jane moved to PPH in 2020. She is one of 10 Medical Mission Sisters and Associates who live at PPH, across all levels of care.
Many other MMS Sisters and Associates were in attendance to celebrate Jane, who spoke on various aspects of her life in an interview conducted by Medical Mission Associate Marge Sexton, also a PPH resident.
Jane Coyle
Sr. Jane reminisced about her childhood in Atlantic City, N.J. dur-
Sister
Family Focus — Moving On Up
PPH Sales team promotes from within, adds familiar face
The Independent Living Sales & Marketing Team recently promoted two of its own and welcomed a familiar face to the department.
Karen Votel was promoted to Sales and Marketing Director. It's been quite the PPH journey for Karen, who was first introduced to PPH as a volunteer 10 years ago when she volunteered at the front desk in Pathways.
"It seems like yesterday when Carol Cherrington (Volunteer Coordinator) told me of a position that was open in IL Sales and Marketing, and here it is 10 years later with a new opportunity to be Director and lead that same department."
Karen previously held the position of IL Move-In Coordinator and IL Sales Specialist.
"I'm excited to be part of this team, and I know that it'll be a rewarding experience for all of us," said Karen.
Lydia Fonseca was promoted to Independent Living Sales Counselor and will be taking on Karen’s previous duties.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to build lasting relationships with prospective and future residents,” Lydia said.
Lydia will continue working alongside Karen, who she says has helped her a lot over the years.
“Having a good teacher like Karen has helped tremendously,” Lydia said. “Being able to learn from my colleagues and have their encouragement has given me the push I needed to take on the role.”
Lydia began working at PPH six years ago — longtime PPH Family will remember she was part of the Finance Department and assisted residents in the Business Office for about a year before moving to Sales & Marketing. And succeeding Lydia as Move-In Coordinator is the person that has greeted people when they enter PPH for
Lawndale 3rd Floor Party!
the past three years — Sharise Paul. Sharise will be moving from the role of Front Desk Receptionist to Independent Living Move-In Coordinator.
“I’m looking forward to enabling residents to feel comfortable and at home as they make the move to PPH,” she said. “I am excited to help future residents make their selections for their apartments and the continued interaction with our guest, current residents, and new residents to come.”
Sharise will work alongside Karen and Lydia, who will both be able to offer plenty of guidance and advice as Sharise settles into her new role.
“Working with Karen and Lydia is exciting because they are both well versed in my current role, which will give me the best opportunity to be successful,” Sharise said. PPH is proud to be able to promote from within and reward staff for their development and successes.
“Please join me in congratulating all three for their dedication and commitment to serving our seniors,” said Vice President of Human Resources Daphne Floyd when the promotions were announced to staff.
Be sure to congratulate these three next time you see them in the PPH hallways!
Karen Votel – 215-697-8014, kvotel@pphfamily.org
Lydia Fonseca – 215-697-8586, lfonseca@pphfamily.org
Sharise Paul – 215-697-8086, spaul@pphfamily.org
Coming Next Month:
Be sure to check out the next issue of REACH in December for a profile on Nash Gould, PPH's new Front Desk Receptionist!
Lawndale 3rd Floor residents enjoyed a special Block Party in the Outdoor Courtyard!
Sharise Paul, Karen Votel and Lydia Fonseca
PC Administrator named to Pa. Assisted Living Board
Personal Care Administrator Shelly Perez was recently named to the Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association (PALA) Board of Directors.
PALA is exclusively dedicated to the interests of Assisted Living Residences and Personal Care Homes in Pennsylvania.
“I’m excited to assist PALA in their mission and being a voice for our community here at PPH,” said Shelly. PALA advocates for informed choice, quality care and accessibility for seniors residing in Pennsylvania. PALA has developed open lines of communication with the Department of Human Services, the Bureau of Human Services Licens-
ing, Office of Long-Term Living and standing committees in the House and Senate.
These relationships allow PALA to have a voice in regards to regulatory and legislative issues affecting the senior living industry.
Shelly's longstanding passion and dedication to the residents of PPH's Personal Care program will enable her to make a positive difference as a member of PALA's Board.
— was a batboy.
ing the Great Depression, which she said was a happy childhood, despite losing her mom at a young age.
She shared that she's a Boston Red Sox fan — the Sox held spring training nearby in Pleasantville, N.J. during WWII, and her brother — Billy
Jane also answered questions about the time spent living at MMS headquarters on Pine Road here in Northeast Philadelphia, in England and in the Philippines.
She served the Director of Pastoral Ministries at Corpus Christi parish in Baltimore, MD, and later led the
Meet our New Residents!
Maxine Littlepage recently moved to PPH from Elkins Park, a nearby neighborhood in Montgomery County, Pa.
Maxine grew up in North Philly. She attended Germantown High School and LaSalle College, and went on to work in pharmaceutical public relations for many years. Maxine has three children, two sons and one daughter; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Maxine is a gifted crafter who loves knitting and quilting. She also enjoys reading and learning how to play the piano.
Marie Franke recently moved to PPH from
parish as its Pastoral Director. It is believed that she was the first Sister in Baltimore to hold this type of role, and one of the first in the US.
Jane has accomplished so much in a lifetime, and we are fortunate to celebrate Sr. Jane's lifetime of service to so many people. We are fortunate to have her as part of the PPH family!
the Castor Gardens section of Northeast Philadelphia, which is the neighborhood she grew up in. Marie attended Lincoln High School and went on to be an office worker. Marie has one daughter, one granddaughter and two great-grandchildren. One of her hobbies is bowling.
Kevin O'Keefe recently moved to PPH from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Kevin grew up in Iowa and later went on work as a teacher, a psychologist and also served as a priest. He has one daughter.
Kevin enjoys reading, poker and swimming! One of the many draws of moving to PPH for him was the pool in PPH's Wellness & Aquatics Center.
Jane >>> Continued from page 1
Many of the Medical Mission Sisters and Associates visited PPH on Oct. 2 for Sister Jane Coyle's 75th Jubilee.
PPH raises funds for Alzheimer's Association
Cornhole Tournament Bake Sale
Residents and staff tossed bean bags in the Social Hall the morning of Sept. 30, which led to a final matchup of staff members Bill Conaway and Shyla Pastore versus residents Peg McFadden and Jaime Sandoz. Bill and Shyla came out victorious and were crowned 2024 Cornhole Champions!
Sweet treats were for sale at the PPH Bake Sale on Oct. 24, which made for happy PPH residents.
Smoothie Friday
Delicious blueberry and banana smoothies were for sale at October's Smoothie Friday.
All proceeds for these sales and activities went to PPH's Fight Against Alzheimer's! Thank you to everyone — residents, staff and the PPH Auxiliary — who have donated so far this year. As of late October, approximately $3,100 has been raised. Up next: 1. Shuffleboard Tournament on Friday, Nov. 1. 2. The PPH Campus Walk on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. Those participating can join the walk at any point, but it will begin outside the main entrance.
Employee of the Month: Tonya Dolison
Congratulations to Tonya Dolison, PPH's Employee of the Month for November 2024! Tonya began working at PPH in February 2020 in our Housekeeping Department. She is a dependable, hard worker. She will lend a hand wherever needed and always goes the extra mile to get the job done. Tonya's pleasant demeanor makes her a joy to work with! Congratulations Tonya! Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes!
Block Party brings PPH community together
Residents and staff enjoyed the PPH Block Party on Oct. 3! Hot dogs and water ice were served as those in attendance enjoyed various activities.
Some danced the afternoon away; others stepped up to try cornhole and ring toss; and a few even were the recipients of temporary tattoos.
Trick or Treat!
PPH held a Halloween party on Oct. 20 for Chapters Memory Care residents and their families. A fun, spooky time was had by all!
Volunteer of the Month: Helen Schrimshire
Happy 102, Margaret
Personal Care resident Margaret Kinser celebrated her 102nd birthday in October with family, friends and a special guest appearance from a Frank Sinatra impersonator. Special thanks to Serenity Hospice PA for organizing this special celebration!
Congratulations to Helen Schrimshire, of Gateway Manor for being named Volunteer of the Month for November. Helen has been a PPH volunteer since 2023. You can find Helen in Tabor Market and the Gift Shop donating her time as a cashier assistant. Helen is a pleasant lady who always has a big smile for everyone she comes across. Thanks so much Helen, you are a blessing to our volunteer program and the PPH family.
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 was Monday, Oct. 21
• Deadline to apply for a mail or absentee ballot was 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. Voting hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
★ Veterans' Meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m. in the Learning Center.
★ Koffee with Kelli: Thursday, Nov. 7, 10:30 a.m. in the PPH Social Hall. Independent Living Residents: Come out and chat with Kelli Mills, PPH’s Interim Executive Director, over a cup of coffee or tea!
★ Philly Pups: Thursday, Nov. 7 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, Nov. 12 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7.
★ Ted Talk: Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. in the Social HallCOPD & Diabetes Awareness Month.
★ Veterans Day Luncheon: Monday, Nov. 11 at 11:30 a.m. in the Social Hall. Please RSVP to Bill Conaway at 8031 by Nov. 4.
★ IL Residents’ Association meeting: Monday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall and on PPH channel 7.
★ Heritage Society: PPH thrives on the generosity of our residents, staff, donors and supporters. One way to make a positive difference is legacy giving, which will impact PPH now and far beyond the measure of one lifetime.
The PPH Heritage Society recognizes our friends who have generously provided a “Gift from the Heart” by naming PPH as a planned gift beneficiary. Whether it’s through a will, a charitable gift annuity, life insurance, or a retirement plan or IRA, their legacy of compassion and dedication to PPH’s mission and values lives on.
Private Informational Sessions are now available! If you are interested in learning more about legacy giving at PPH, Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese will be scheduling one on one meetings to discuss the Heritage Society and answer any questions you may have. To schedule, call Marianna at 215-6978508 or email mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.
★ Volunteer Opportunities: Our Volunteer Department is
Briefs >>> Continued on page 7
Heritage Society Reception
The PPH Heritage Society reception, a private event for Heritage Society donors, will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 1 to 1:45 p.m. in the PPH Private Dining Room. Join us as we announce the newest members of this prestigious Society. Enjoy an assortment of hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and coffee & tea in appreciation of your sincere commitment, unwavering support and your care for others.
Please RSVP to Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese at 215-697-8508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org by Nov. 7.
Following the reception, members are encouraged to attend the annual Founders’ Day program at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. VIP seating will be reserved for you.
Collection of the Month
October's Collection of the Month celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from the middle of September to the middle of October. Items on display included flags, dolls, jewelry, newspapers, books and more from the collections of various PPH residents.
PPH also celebrated with a display of postcards of famous Latinx citizens in the Esplanade, movies highlighting the Latinx experience on channel 8, and a special WISE class featuring the Salsa, Bachata and the Merengue dances.
Briefs >>> Continued from page 6
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.
How to increase your chances of staying healthy this cold and flu season!
For many, Fall is the best time of the year. Pumpkin patches, football, Halloween parades and Thanksgiving feasts bring everyone together. However, we must not forget that this time of year is also the height of cold, flu and COVID-19 season.
While these viruses will almost certainly increase over the Fall and Winter months, there are small, precautionary steps you can take to stay healthy.
• Limit close, face-to-face contact with others - If possible, keep a few feet of distance when in the vicinity of other people for an extended period of time. Viruses are often spread from person-to-person via respiratory droplets.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds - Songs you can sing (in your head or out loud) that are approximately 20 seconds:
1. The "Happy Birthday" song (twice)
2. The chorus of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline."
3. The chorus of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene."
4. The chorus of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, (also a recommended song while performing CPR).
5. The chorus of “I Want it That Way” by the Backstreet Boys.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands – Be sure to have hand sanitizer nearby for when you cannot properly wash your hands.
• Manage healthy sleep habits –Simply waking up and going to bed at the same time can help your internal clock sync to a daily schedule. Avoid taking naps during the day and stay away from alcohol or caffeine in the evening. It may help to turn the lights down in the evening to spur drowsiness. Always make sure your bedroom is comfortable, cool and quiet.
• Wear a mask when you feel slightly ill – If you’re not feeling well,
consider wearing a mask when you are in crowded areas. It not only protects you, it protects others!
Take Action
One way you can prepare in advance is to stock up on COVID-19 tests for you and your family. Every U.S. household is eligible to order four free at-home tests through COVIDTests.gov.
Be sure to have tests readily available this time of year. It will save a trip to the store if you’re not feeling well, and mitigates the risk of spreading COVID to others. Fortunately, vaccines are available! Be sure to contact your Primary Care Physician (PCP) to learn where you can obtain these vaccines. PPH residents had an opportunity to receive COVID and Flu vaccines earlier this month.
Be aware of viruses, and if you think you may be ill, please isolate yourself and check in with your PCP. Remember, taking mild precautions can limit exposure! Have a safe, healthy Fall and Winter!
Reflections
Why are you thankful?
Dear PPH Family and Friends
Every fourth Thursday during the month of November, we celebrate an important American and Canadian holiday -- Thanksgiving.
Americans model their holiday on a 1621 Harvest Feast shared between the Wampanoag people and the English colonists, known as the Pilgrims.
Unbeknownst to some, was that when the Pilgrims journeyed to the New World, their ship -- the Mayflower -almost descended to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. During a storm, the main beam cracked and the spare beam they placed under the broken beam, could not keep it in place.
However, there was a great iron screw that a passenger brought out of Holland. Some believed this was a part of the printing press. This screw raised and held the beam in its place.
One thing for sure, without the screw, in all likelihood, the Mayflower may never have been heard from again, lost at sea.
Nevertheless, God spared the ship and the many lives onboard the Mayflower.
Thanksgiving, as it has come to be known, is the result of the Pilgrims’ successful voyage.
As soon as the passengers landed on Cape Cod, they fell
PPH Thanksgiving Eve Service
The PPH Thanksgiving Eve Service will take place Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Social Hall. Pastor Earl Scott will lead the service and our own PPH Choir will open the service with hymns of Thanksgiving. Personally, we each have much to be thankful for and opportunities to give back to others in our commu-
By Pastor Earl Scott
upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven.
In the Old Testament, the Jews celebrated a week-long Fall Harvest celebration, known as the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:34). It was very similar to our Thanksgiving. This feast commemorates the Israelites 40-year journey in the wilderness.
God provided and protected the Israelites, even “raining” down manna from the sky (Exodus 16:1-36, Numbers 11:1-9)
The Feast of Tabernacles also served as a reminder to be faithful and obedient to God.
A famous preacher once said, “Think and you will thank.” Do you consider a glass of water half-empty or half-full? It all depends on how you look at it.
Isaiah 12:4-5 offers a beautiful example of a Thanksgiving prayer, emphasizing the calling upon God’s name, sharing His deeds, and praising Him through song for His glorious actions, encouraging believers to spread this gratefulness worldwide.
What are you thankful for today? Family, friends, health, food? This list could go on and on. Why not tell someone today why you are thankful and ask them to share one of their blessings?
Pastor Earl Chaplain
nity are many. You are encouraged to support two worthy causes close to home. You may bring a non-perishable food item and place it in the baskets that will be inside the Social Hall; food items will be donated to Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel. Financial donations will be given to PPH Benevolent Care, which
supports our residents. Both cash and checks are acceptable; checks should be made out to The PPH Benevolent Fund. Donate to either, or both worthy causes as you feel led.
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.