April REACH

APRIL 2024

The secrets to 100!

As we approach the 100th day of the year, it begs the question: What’s the secret to a happy, healthy and long life? Staying active? Healthy eating? Friendship?

Perhaps it’s moving into PPH! As of late March, there are 18 centenarians living at PPH (and five 99-year-olds slated to turn 100 in 2024). These residents reside in all levels of care — Independent Living, Personal Care and Skilled Nursing (Pathways).

Two residents who became centenarians in 2023 share a special friendship — Margaret Rosenkaimer and Anna Cannon. Born one month apart, Margaret and Anna are friends who spend a lot of time together inside the community.

‘A good attitude’

Margaret Rosenkaimer, a Lawncrest native, has known PPH for a long time — more than half of her 100 years. Her grandfather, born in 1869, lived his final years at PPH. Margaret would visit along with her young daughter, until he passed away in 1956.

When she volunteered for Meals on Wheels, she’d pick up food from PPH. She was active for many years at Lawndale Presbyterian Church, just a few blocks away, and was also in a local Women’s Club that organized Bingo events at nearby disabled communities and nursing homes.

Margaret says that as she got older, she never expected to make it to the Centenarian Club.

“My mom passed away at 99 and I never thought I’d reach 100,” she said.

But she made it, and she says another factor is demeanor.

“I think it’s all attitude,” she said. “You have to keep a good attitude.”

Love of dance

Anna Cannon still loves to dance. If you were at PPH’s St. Patrick’s Day party in mid-March, you may have seen a leprechaun dancing — that was Anna!

From the cha-cha-cha to the Irish Jig and the Charleston in her younger years, dancing has always been a hobby of Anna’s.

“I danced on my 100th birthday last year; I did the polka with my granddaughter,” she said.

And that’s not all Anna has passed along to younger relatives. When her grandchildren were growing up, she taught them how to swim; she was a regular swimmer until her mid-80s. Besides swimming, she enjoyed sports as a kid — volleyball and handball.

“I was a tomboy growing up; I played handball with the boys, which was almost unheard of back then,” Anna said. “My best girlfriend would sit on the steps and watch us play.”

Laughter and Gratefulness

Anna, like Margaret, spent many years helping others. She worked at COHMAR, a Philadelphia behavioral and

Anna Cannon and Marge Rosenkaimer, centenarians born one month apart, pictured here at friend June's 95th birthday.

Family Focus

Celebrating the women of PPH!

PPH celebrated Women's History Month in a wide variety of ways in March! Our PPH family honored famous women and we recognized our own women — residents and staff — and made contributions to women in need.

Women’s Powerful Words

To kick off the month, our Women’s History Month resident-committee displayed quotes throughout our Esplanade from famous women in history — past and present. PPH Interim President & CEO Dr. Nancy Koury King acknowledged residents on the committee (which also includes Life Enrichment Activities Director Kathy Nucero) for their efforts in highlighting and supporting women through the display, as well as various other presentations planned for later this month.

Nancy, who is the first female president & CEO in our community’s 134-year history, spoke on the growth of women’s rights and equality in the workplace from early in her career as well as her hope for continued evolvement.

“Women have come a long way, but there’s still progress to be made,” Nancy said to the committee. “I want to live in a world where women’s rights and equality are normative.”

“A Conversation With Women Leadership”

PPH held a special talk on March 11, "A Conversation with Women Leadership." The event, hosted by PPH Residents' Association President Dr. Elaine C. Grose, featured four women leaders of PPH: Nancy King, Vice President of Human Resources Daphne Floyd, Vice President of Marketing & Communications Shannon Grieb, and Vice President of Health Services Jennifer Honeyford.

Panelists and audience members spoke on steps they’ve taken to advocate for diversity, equity and inclu-

sion — the theme of this year's Women's History Month — in their personal and professional lives, and shared stories of women who inspired them throughout their lives. One particular example came from Daphne, who said she draws inspiration from her mother Isabel, a PPH resident.

“My mom balanced work life and family life and found a way to raise five kids as a working mom with a strong but traditional father,” Daphne explained. “She made each one of us feel like they were her favorite child. She endured, juggled and still managed to maintain a household. She’s a role model for other women, and I still strive to be the women she is to me, to my family.”

Women >>> Continued on page 3

Top: PPH women leadership (with Residents' Association President Elaine Grose in the center) celebrate after their Leadership Conversation; right, members of the Women's History Month committee pose with the quotes of women who inspire them.

'Live Well' and prolong your independence with the help of PPH

To increase efforts to create a holistic approach to social wellbeing, the Wellness & Aquatics Center and Pastoral Care Services departments are now under the supervision of PPH’s Senior Director of Resident Engagement, Marge Felix.

Marge, the Social Services, Wellness and Pastoral Services teams will encourage residents who may need additional support — such as physical therapy in our Wellness Center or visits with one of our Chaplains — to seek assistance and guidance from our knowledgeable teams.

"Our goal is to create the highest quality of life for our residents and set up services for those in need," said Marge.

The different departments will meet frequently and work together to formulate plans that will be of the greatest benefit to residents. They will also work alongside our Recreation Therapy and Life Enrichment departments.

This holistic approach will assess all factors in a person's life, which will help to determine the best care plan.

The PPH Wellness team seeks to motivate through programs that will increase mobility, flexibility, muscle strength and endurance, and educate them to improve their quality of life through exercise and balanced nutrition. Our Wellness Center team can be reached at 8007.

Our three Chaplains offer emotional and spiritual sup-

Women >>> Continued from page 2

“PPH Women Residents' Stories”

PPH held three different events in our Social Hall throughout March that gave some of our women residents an opportunity to speak on certain aspects of their lives.

Jane Blewett, Charna Heiko and Lucille Hite lead off on March 13, followed by Jaki Mathews and Pat Ripoll on March 22. As of REACH's print deadline, Lorraine Busch, Mary Jones and Mary Sandoz were scheduled to speak on March 26.

The talks touched on experiences throughout various parts of each resident's life. Speakers shared memories

port. (For more information on Pastoral Services and how to contact each Chaplain, see page 8)

"Each department profoundly influences the physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing of our residents and their collaboration will greatly impact the quality of life of our residents," said Vice President of Health Services Jennifer Honeyford.

Those who feel they may benefit from outside services (such as home health care support), want to learn more about care options or need help coordinating care should contact Marge at 8569.

that ranged from living in different parts of the world to experiences in the workforce. Some touched on the theme of diversity, equity and inclusion and alluded to struggles of overcoming sexism or racism.

PPH residents also donated supplies — personal items and toiletries — to a women’s shelter.

"Women's History Month 2024 was a huge success here at PPH," said Sylvia Metzler, one of the members of the Women's History Month resident-committee. Many thanks to all who planned for and participated in it. This year's national theme of recognizing "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion" was accomplished through our speakers, our art work and our donations to a women's shelter. Wishing everyone a good rest of the year."

From left to right: a PPH resident speaks with Lucille Hite after her presentation; Sylvia Metzler introduces Jane Blewett and Charna Heiko; guest-speaker Maureen O'Connell begins her presentation.

Social Services intern Delia Perez, Pastor Tara Walker and Marge Felix are pictured left at PPH's 'Live Well' residentengagement event.

Doctor’s Office, Laundry team members honored as Guardian Angels

Five PPH staff members were recently honored as Guardian Angels by PPH resident Emil Scharer.

Donna Wojcik and Linda Priore of the Doctor's Office were recognized for ensuring that residents are seen in a timely manner; Luis Cruz Jr., Chantaya McLeod and Ashley Myers of Laundry Services were recognized for their efforts in delivering fresh, clean clothing items to residents.

Emil has recognized several PPH staff members whose roles

consist of work behind the scenes. He has chosen to do this to show appreciation for the compassion his late wife, Patricia, received from various departments throughout the community while she was a resident at PPH, as well as his own appreciation for staff who have given him quality care and service.

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

Take me out to the library!

Looking for a quiet place to read and relax? Be sure to stop by PPH’s Library.

Where is the library, you might ask? The library is located on our 2nd floor at the end of Webb Pavilion in Personal Care. It can be accessed from the 2nd floor of Alpha by walking through the set of double doors above the Greenhouse, or by walking through the 2nd floor of Personal Care.

There are books with large print for those with a vision impairment, and there’s a Magnisight machine to enlarge smaller print. You'll find fiction, nonfiction, history, sports, autobiographies and more, with a special section often

compiled based on the time of the year. And there’s more than just books — there’s DVDs, a copy of each day’s Philadelphia Inquirer (please don’t walk away with any pages) and PPH archives. In the archives, you'll find previous issues of this newsletter dating back many years, Residents' Association minutes and a DVD copy of past volunteer shows that can be viewed on one of the computers. The library is accessible 24/7 and overlooks PPH's courtyard, which provides a beautiful backdrop later in the spring and throughout the summer into the fall.

April Volunteer of the Month: Mary Carr

Stop by the library this month for various books on baseball and the Phillies!

Mary Carr has been a dedicated PPH volunteer since 2021. When Mary first signed up to be a volunteer, she said she wanted to do “anything to keep moving — no sit-down jobs.” Mary has certainly done that. She is a pleasant resident who delivers packages, mail and items for any department that needs her help. We are happy that Mary enjoys volunteering and thankful for all that she does as a PPH volunteer. Thanks Mary, you are an asset to our volunteer program.

For volunteer of the month nominations, contact Carol Cherrington at 8027 or ccherrington@pphfamily.org.

PPH librarian Deborah Kogan encourages all PPH residents to visit the library.

St. Patty’s fun across the community!

Happy 107th Cecelia!

PPH resident Cecelia celebrated her 107th birthday in March — yes, one hundred and seven! Cecelia celebrated with many of her fellow residents, including longtime friend, 104-year-old Marcella!

“What you eat is very important,” Cecelia said. “Don’t smoke, live healthy!”

Centenarians >>> from page 1

mental health center, for 30 years. Perhaps it’s time spent helping those in need that got these two vibrant women to 100.

“Margaret and Anna are both great examples of how to live,” said PPH resident Natalie Hardiman. “They are both grateful for everything in life.”

Margaret and Anna might not be as active as they were in their earlier days, but they still find time to enjoy the simple things in life. On days Margaret desires quiet time, she visits the PPH Library. But she loves to walk down to lunch in the Fountain Room to chat with friends.

“Sometimes, Anna and I meet and have lunch in the Fountain Room,” said Margaret. She always reminds everyone that I’m one month older.”

“I walk to events in the Social

Employee of the Month: Linda Lewis

Hall and back, and the koi pond when the weather is nice outside,” Anna said.

So, let’s see — there’s living at PPH, helping others and staying active that these two women have in common. But there’s at least one more thing — laughter!

Margaret and Anna often spend time with Natalie and another PPH resident, June Wikoff. The quartet calls themselves the Calendar Girls, inspired by the 2003 British comedy film.

What’s that film based on? A true story of a group of women who produced a calendar to raise money for leukemia research — and not just any calendar, a nude calendar!

It’s safe to say that a great sense of humor also helped Margaret and Anna make it to 100!

Chaplain Linda Lewis of our Pastoral Services team is highly deserving of the recognition of April Employee of the Month. Chaplain Linda truly ministers to everyone with a kind word or deed, an unexpected but appreciated visit, or just being supportive of her colleagues.

Chaplain Linda has been a blessing to so many, and we are happy to have her as part of our PPH family!

For volunteer of the month nominations, contact Daphne Floyd at 8015 or dfloyd@pphfamily.org

PPH residents across all levels of care celebrated St. Patrick's Day in mid March!

NEWS BRIEFS AND EVENTS

Members of the PPH Auxiliary have a moment of fun after the group’s March meeting. This month’s meeting is on Monday, April 8 at 11:30 a.m. in the Social Hall.

★ IL Residents’ Association meeting:

Monday, April 15, 2 p.m., Social Hall.

★ Good Grief - Companions in Loss Bereavement Support (from the Office of Pastoral Services): Wednesday, April 10 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.

★ Prayer Breakfast: April 13, 9 a.m. in the Social Hall. Tickets ($7.50) are available in the Business Office. Guest speaker will be Pastor Sandra Brown. See channel 2 and bulletin boards for the menu.

★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Monday, April 8 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7. (Monthly meetings are usually on Tuesdays, but this month’s is scheduled for a Monday) 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 8403 to become a member or for more information.

★ Ted Talk: Tuesday, April 9 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall - Alcohol Awareness Month.

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

★ Calling all Veterans: It is important to PPH that veterans are receiving meeting notices, ceremonial invitations and other veteran specific

Don’t miss out on your voice — VOTE!

Have you ever asked yourself if your vote really matters? It does! Voting is how you make a difference in your town, your country and the world. It is an opportunity to say what’s important to you and helps decide who will take care of the things you care about. When you vote, you’re putting your ideas and hopes into action. Your vote can bring change, look

after freedoms and make sure the leaders listen to what you want. It’s also a way to thank those who fought hard so we all could vote.

Primary Election Day is Tuesday, April 23! The PPH Social Hall has returned as a polling location. If you applied and received a mail in ballot, but now you want to vote in person, you can still vote on a machine. Just

information. If you are new to the community and/or you have not completed our veteran survey, please contact Bill Conaway at 8031.

★ 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. There are 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 8368.

★ Juneteenth: Anyone interested in assisting with PPH's Juneteenth event, please contact Carol Drummond (8394) by April 15.

bring your entire mail-in ballot to the Social Hall on April 23. If voting with a mail-in ballot, please mail the completed ballot by Wednesday, April 17. Please direct any questions to Bill Conaway at 8031.

Earth Day — Planet vs. Plastics

By Dr. Elaine C. Grose Residents' Association President

April 22, 2024

This year's Earth Day theme, Planet vs. Plastics, calls to advocate for widespread awareness of the health risks of plastics, rapidly phase out all single use plastics, and urgently push for a strong UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution.“ (Earthday.org)

Plastic bottles, containers, etc. that end

up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans degrade to microplastics. The microplastics are eaten by fish, crab, lobster and other species we eat, thus ending up in our bodies. By 2050, there will be more plastics in the ocean than fish (by weight).

EarthDay.org's website has many ideas for reducing plastics in our lives thus reducing our individual footprints on the earth. To learn more about this year's theme, visit earthday.org/planet-vs-plastics/

Unheralded Heroes

Compiled by Velma N’Jai PPH resident

Bessie Coleman (Queen Bess or Bessie Brave) 1892-1926

Bessie Coleman was an early American Civil Aviator. She was the first African American woman and self identified Native American to hold a pilot's license, and is the earliest known Black person to earn an international pilot's license.

She grew up helping her mother pick cotton and washing laundry to earn money to help the family, all while attending school. By the time she was 18 years old, she had saved enough money to attend the Colored Agricultural and Normal University. (Today it's called Langston University in Langston, OK.) After only one semester, she had to drop out because she could not afford to continue. She began working again and continued to save enough money to help her in the future.

Her brother served in the military during World War I and came home

Welcome to PPH!

with stories about the women in France and how they could learn to fly airplanes. She had an early interest in flying, and her brother's stories gave her more motivation.

An excellent student who was able to meet the requirements, she applied to flight schools across the United States, but unfortunately no school in the US accepted her. She was introduced to Robert Abbot, a famous African American newspaper publisher, and he suggested that if she was serious, she should move to France. However the applications were written in French. She didn't give up — she took French classes at night while working during the day, again she saved her money and received a sponsorship in Chicago, after completing the French courses. Finally, she was accepted, passed the test and was accepted to the Caudoron Brothers School of Aviation in Le Crotoy, France.

After completing the courses she received her pilot's license on June

15, 1921 from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale. She returned to the United States. Her dream was to purchase two airplanes and open her own Aviation School in order introduce aviation to the African Americans in the US. To earn money to pursue her dream, this required her to give speeches and show films in theaters and schools. However, she refused to speak anywhere that was segregated.

In 1926, Coleman took a test flight with a mechanic, named William Willis, who piloted the plane while Coleman sat in the back, unstrapped, to take pictures for landing. A loose wrench got stuck in the engine; Willis could not control the steering wheel and the plane flipped over and Coleman fell 2,000 feet. Both Coleman and the mechanic died in the plane crash.

Research Bessie Coleman to learn more about her and find out why she was called Queen Bess or Bessie Brave

Carole Faye moved to PPH’s Gateway Manor building late last year from nearby Cheltenham. She grew up in Oxford Circle and graduated from Northeast High School. She attended Penn State and Temple universities and worked as an accountant. Carole enjoys reading and going to the gym. She has one son.

Welcome to PPH, Carole! We're glad to have you as part of the PPH family!

Reflections

What does a Chaplain do?

The addition of our two new Chaplains, Pastor Tara and Pastor Earl, has sparked conversation over the last few weeks with both residents and staff members; I realize that some do not fully understand what a chaplain does and does not do, who we are and why we do what we do. So, I thought this month, instead of sharing a reflective writing piece, as I usually do, I would try to scratch the surface of who and what the core principles are of a chaplain.

Chaplains come from various backgrounds and faith traditions. Not all chaplains are religious leaders endorsed or ordained by a religious community, nor are all religious leaders trained as chaplains. Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is the primary way most Chaplains are trained. CPE is intense — it involves classroom hours; a variety of required concentrated and deep writings; self-reflection; clinical hours visiting patients; residents, their families and supporting staff in an institutional setting; peer evaluations; weekly meetings with a supervisor; and at times, mental exhaustion as you carry traumatic encounters home with you. Chaplaincy isn’t for everyone.

when necessary, but we do not have the answers to your difficulties, nor do we fix your problems. Instead, we will encourage you to recognize and explore the strengths you possess and the options you personally have, to find peace, resolution, and acceptance with your life story.

"Seasoned chaplains develop a unique set of skills in their toolbox that allow them to effectively provide spiritual and emotional care to individuals, offering unconditional acceptance of all people without passing judgement."

A chaplain must have a strong pastoral identity and be able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary care team; collaboration with other professionals is often necessary to ensure holistic care for all those we serve. Seasoned chaplains develop a unique set of skills in their toolbox that allow them to effectively provide spiritual and emotional care to individuals, offering unconditional acceptance of all people without passing judgement. One of the most essential skills of a chaplain is the ability to actively listen. Chaplains bring a calm presence to create a welcoming and safe space for others to share their deepest fears, worries and hopes. Chaplains journey with individuals through their grief, broken relationships and anxiety as individuals try to make meaning of life. We will be an advocate for you,

As a chaplain I personally desire to offer emotional and spiritual support to all I serve without imposing my own personal beliefs. My duties at PPH include speaking in Chapel, leading a Bible study and other faith based activities. When I fulfill these responsibilities I stand firm upon the values and doctrines of my personal faith; not doing so would call into question my integrity and honesty. However, as a professional chaplain. I must be able to move aside from my belief system and support the individual to whom I am providing spiritual and emotional care. I do not forget my own theology, but I recognize that I am called to serve all people, for each of us are created in the image of God.

On behalf of the Pastoral Services Department, please know — we are here for you. Do not hesitate to contact any one of us if you need spiritual or emotional support; if you need someone to accompany you on a challenging journey or if you just need a listening ear, for any reason. We are here for you! We will confidentially and respectfully hold your concerns in our hearts as we journey with you because…that is what chaplains do.

Blessings,

Linda Lewis

Chaplain

Chaplain contacts:

Pastor Linda Lewis - 8006, llewis@pphfamily.org

Pastor Tara Walker - 8563, twalker@pphfamily.org

Pastor Earl Scott - 8012, escott@pphfamily.org

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.