AUGUST 2022
PPH Makes Its Own Summer Energy No power? No problem! That was PPH’s philosophy on June 22nd, 2022, as residents participated in a variety of activities around campus while the power generator was turned off for maintenance. To ensure residents were not in the dark for too long, the PPH wellness, recreation therapy, life enrichment & dining teams all worked together to create the event known as the “Summer Solstice Sizzler”, which was an all day event where residents and staff participated in a variety of activities while there was no power throughout the PPH campus. To ensure that our residents were not only engaged and entertained, but also happy, PPH created a variety of events that would not only guarantee a funfilled day, but also unite the staff while the power was out around campus. The first set of activities were conducted in the Esplanade Courtyard. The activities in this area were Bar-B-Que Games, such as Giant Jenga, Connect Four, Ladder Ball, and even Cornhole; additionally, many of the staff also participated in the events. In the same area, Tai Chi was conducted from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm. Another event that was conducted in the ACE Center Courtyard was a pop-up exercise dance party coordinated by our wellness staff, Kayla Jurimas and Maureen Solomon. Once the activities were finished, residents were treated to a Bar-B-Que Lunch, lead by our dining services team. There were a variety of dining options at
“A fantastic [Bar-B-Que] lunch was enjoyed by all, held outside our beautiful Bistro, ending with a visit from The Water Ice Truck.” – Kathy Nucero, Life Enrichment Director the Bar-B-Que, including hot dogs, salad, corn on the cob, burgers, and much more! Residents enjoyed their meals wherever they chose, including the ACE Courtyard, Esplanade Courtyard, the Fountain Room, and even the Bistro. Discussing the lunch, Kathy Nucero, Life Enrichment Director, stated “A fantastic [Bar-B-Que] lunch was enjoyed by all, held outside our beautiful Bistro, ending with a visit from the Water Ice Truck.” A lot of residents enjoyed the lunch, with many not only leaving with full stomachs, but also satisfied with delicious water ice! Going into the event, it was unknown as to who would actually turn up and participate. However, >>>continued on page 8, Summer Energy
In This Issue...
• PPH’s Summer Energy • CNA Week • Wise Program
6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia PA • www.PPHFamily.org • 215.697.8000 Facebook.com/ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome
Family Focus PPH welcomes new Pastor PPH welcomed the Reverend Peter Ahn as the new PPH pastor in July. He succeeds the Reverend Dr. Jack Price, commonly known as Pastor Jack, who retired in June 2022. In addition to working at PPH, he is also a part-time pastor at the Olivet Covenant Presbyterian Church. What Pastor Peter enjoys about PPH is that there is a life-long relationship that everyone develops during their time on campus, especially all of the staff that have been here for many years, to which he calls a huge testament for any organization. Additionally, when he learned about people who used to work here who eventually became residents themselves, it amazed him, to which he called a great sign. He has a lot of expectations for what he wants to do at PPH, but he also stated that his first job is to “show up and shut up” and find his rhythm as he proceeds.
Peter Ahn, Pastor
Pastor Peter views Pastoral Ministery not as a status title, but as a functional title. When he was ordained as a pastor from his denomination in the Presbyterian Church, he knew that this was what he was called to do, rather than being called what to be. He is Peter, a child of God who happens to do pastoral ministery. When he is not at PPH, he enjoys playing music, as he is a jazz trumpet player, and has even picked up jazz guitar. Additionally, he and his wife enjoyed participating in swing dancing, and is looking to get back into it. Welcome to the PPH family, Pastor Peter!
PPH welcomes new Chaplain PPH welcomed another spiritual companion, Linda Lewis, who is the new PPH chaplain. Linda has over 30 plus years in education, as she worked with not only children, but also staff members too. She worked in a Christian school in the past, and always dealt with issues from a spiritual perspective, and that’s how they approached everything at Holmesburg Christian Academy. After she retired from Holmesburg Christian Academy, she worked two years in a chaplaincy hospital setting, taking classes at St. Mary’s Hospital, and doing clinical rotations at Nazareth Hospital. The first time she set foot at PPH, she felt right at home. The warmth from the residents and staff, to her, was obvious, and she felt the kindness everywhere she went around campus, even when she got lost in the laundry room. Everytime she came back, she felt the kindness every day, no matter where she was. “Their logo ‘This is family’ is the true depiction of this place”, she said.
Linda Lewis, Chaplain
Chaplain Linda said that if she was asked about becoming a chaplain five years ago, she would’ve given a strange look to the question. She was encouraged by a variety of people to become a chaplain, and when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she decided that she would become a chaplain. She says that her strength comes from the Lord, Jesus Christ, and while she said she didn’t know she would become a chaplain, the Lord knew. We are grateful to have you in our family, Chaplain Linda!
2
PPH honors its Guardian Angels The PPH Guardian Angel program is a special program in which residents recognize a member of the PPH staff who made a difference in their lives. Naming a Guardian Angel is a meaningful and symbolic way of expressing your gratitude for their hard work and dedication to make life easier. Each Angel will be given public recognition in our communications, including in our Annual report. Additionally, their name will be displayed on bulletin boards around PPH, as well as on our website and Facebook page. The Guardian Angel we would like to highlight in this months edition of REACH is none other than our very own Michael McLaverty, IT Specialist here at PPH. Michael was named a Guardian Angel due to the hard work he did to assist with recent PPH arrivals Carol and Walter Ceglowski. What he did was very special, and reassembled their entire computer from the ground up, and making sure that the computer actually functioned. As quoted by Walter and Carol Ceglowski, “We called IT and Michael in short order reassembled the components, logged us into the system and checked everything.”
Michael McLaverty IT Assistant
Guardian Angel gifts are a wonderful way of recognizing someone special. “The IT Specialist, Michael, is indeed special”, said Carol and Walter Ceglowski. Great job on your continued hard work and dedication to changing people’s lives, Michael! For more information about the ways to support PPH, please contact the Fund Development Department at 215-697-8586, email Development@PPHFamily.org, or visit www.PPHFamily.org/giving.
New residents at PPH Flora Bowman Flora moved to PPH after living in Delaire Landing in Northeast Philadelphia for three years; however, Flora originally grew up in Norfolk, Virginia. She had one son, who is deceased. Previously, Flora worked with the School District of Philadelphia for over 35 years. Her favorite hobbies include sewing and knitting, and hopes to buy a table in her apartment soon to practice. Flora is very happy to live here at PPH, as it has brought her happiness. We are happy to have you here too, Flora!
Maryann Crowley Maryann moved to PPH after recently living in Fox Chase. She also lived in Media, PA, for a time. Maryann worked as an Administrative Assistant for a number of years, and has worked for The Wistar Institute, as well as with the Quakers. Maryann attended Notre Dame High School in Easton, PA. Maryann’s favorite hobby is doing crafts, specifically crafting hand cards. We are delighted to welcome Maryann to the PPH Family!
3
PPH celebrates National Nursing Assistants Week PPH celebrated our certified nursing assistants (CNA’s) by highlighting their hard work and dedication on our social media channels. A larger celebration was held in their respective departments.
Top row from left to right: Pathways CNA’s Lally Thomas, Vivianne Cange, & Sini Joseph Bottom row from left to right: Pathways CNA’s Sara Pizarro, Blenda Gilles, & Trina Harris
can be viewed or even bids placed on a special item using a computer, smart phone, or tablet. Information on how to access the auction website will be in the September issue of REACH and aired on Channel 4. Benevolent Care assures residents that they will remain at PPH with access to quality care and support services even if they outlive their financial resources. Thanks to our generous donors and sponsors, PPH was able to provide nearly $786,000 in benevolent care to PPH residents last year. Thank you! We look forward to this new special event format to support our time-honored mission. Sponsorship information can be found on our event web page at www.PPHFamily.org/GardenParty. If you have questions, please contact Deanna Keough, Director of Development at 215-697-8586.
PPH is proud to announce the PPH Benevolent Care Garden Party will be held in September right here in our ACE Courtyard & Café. The Garden Party is a more relaxed version of our traditional Gala and historically the largest fundraising event of the year for Benevolent Care. The evening will include a Welcome Reception, Mobile Silent Auction, brief speaker remarks followed by our first-ever Live Auction! Sponsors arrive at the PPH ACE Courtyard & Café, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, with our indoor space directly adjacent available to offer guests a comfortable and serene space to gather. The Mobile Auction will be open to everyone. Items
2019 PPH Benevolent Care Gala Gold Sponsor, Temple Health Jeanes Hospital guests have some photo fun. This year, sponsors can experience the PPH community and campus firsthand while enjoying the evening in support of Benevolent Care
4
The Wise Program by PPH resident Carol Drummond
The Wisdom in Senior Education Program, also known as The Wise Program, began in PPH in January 2005. This program was molded after the “Lifelong Learning” concept offered at many colleges and universities across the country. This concept offers learning opportunities to seniors in a classroom setting. It is also an opportunity for our seniors to meet residents in other buildings throughout the facility. The courses are taught by our community’s staff and even by some residents. Each student is supplied with all the materials needed for the course, whether it be reading materials, craft or cooking supplies or workbooks. Each course is offered for four weeks, and residents are given booklets listing the courses for that semester. The Wise Program has proven to be a big success and a lot of fun for all residents and staff who participare. The benefits of Lifelong Learning for Older Adults include keeping your mind sharp, improving memory, increasing self-confidence, offers an inexpensive way to try something, saves you money as you learn to “do-ityourself”, makes you feel accomplished, helps you meet new people with similar interests, builds on skills you already possess, offers you an opportunity to learn a new skill or trade and increase your income, and even gives you a new interest you can share with your friends and family. Join a Wise class today! The Fall Wise Program starts on September 12th, 2022.
Employee of the Month Damille “Mikki” Rollins In addition to her position in our Rehab Therapy Department, Mikki started with our Dining Services Department in August of 2021. She is a very dedicated worker and is always pleasant. The residents love her when she serves as the bartender and she is willing to go out of her way to make sure everyone has what they need. Congratulations Mikki! Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes.”
Volunteer of the Month Joe Nally Congratulations go out to Joe Nally, resident of Gateway Manor, who is the “Volunteer of the Month” for August 2022. Joe has been volunteering with PPH since June 2020. He has helped us so much by helping to transport our residents to and from the rehab department and beauty shops. He also delivers packages throughout our community. Joe has a very friendly disposition and is always willing to help out any way he can. Thanks Joe, you are an asset to our Volunteer Program.
5
NEWS BRIEFS ★ COVID-19 protocols for visitors: Guests are now permitted to eat in the Fountain Room and dining areas. Guests are also welcome in our gift shop and the Tabor Market. PPH encourages visitors and guests to get vaccinated, to continue to practice infection control precautions, such as maintaining a healthy social distance, properly wearing a mask while visiting and performing hand hygiene frequently while on our campus. 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 machines area, located near the Wellness Center and in front of the Security office. For more information, call Tom Sexton at 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 (8010) to have the trip fee removed. ★ WBCB Radio: PPH is delighted to announce the return of the WBCB radio show “What’s It Worth?” Radio Show with Mike the Appraiser from 9:30-10:30 AM on Friday, August 12 in the Fountain Room. Join professional Appraiser Michael Ivankovich when he’ll help you to understand how to turn your valuables into cash!
★ Volunteer update: PPH is now able to invite junior volunteers back to the community for summer hours. If you have children or grandchildren who need to complete hours for school or would just like to volunteer their time, please contact Carol Cherrington at 215697-8027. The age range for junior volunteers is 13-18. Juniors MUST have documentation of two COVID-19 vaccines. They are able to volunteer through October 1. ★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary’s next meeting will be held in the Social Hall and broadcast on PPH TV channel 7 on Tuesday, August 9 at 11:30am. 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. ★ Independent Living Residents Association: *Please note there are NO meetings in July and August. ★ AARP Safe Driving Course: PPH is delighted to announce that the AARP is offering a safe driving course, where you can refresh on your driving skills to become a safer and more confident driver. Please contact Bill Conaway (8194) for more information.
6
★ TED Talks: See the August calendar. ★ Veterans’ Meeting: The August Veterans’ meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 2nd at 10 am in the Social Hall. If you have not provided your photos for the Veterans video, please bring them with you to the meeting. Please contact Bill Conaway (8194) with any questions. ★ 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 (8194) or Kathy Wersinger (8017) so we can add you to our list to ensure you receive all information and meeting notices.
★ Dining Services – August 3, 17, and 31, The Continental, featuring fresh pastries, bagels, yogurts, juices, fruit, and coffee, will be available for purchase and will take place in the Fountain Room from 9:30 - 10:30 am. August 10 and 24, their Farmers Market will take place in the Fountain Room from 10:00 - 11:00 am. Join Executive Chef Jerome on Tuesday, August 16, from 2:30 - 3:30 pm, for a “Pop Up Special” in the Fountain Room.
Shuffleboard Time! Regardless of what season it is, our residents love to participate in an activity everyone can enjoy: SHUFFLEBOARD
PPH is proud to celebrate Daphne Floyd’s graduation June 23rd, 2022 was a very special day for PPH, as most of the PPH leadership was attending LeadingAge PA, a trade association representing hundreds of quality senior service providers across Pennsylvania. That day, Daphne Floyd, PPH VP of Human Resources, graduated from the LeadingAge PA Fellows in Leadership program. The program is designed to equip leaders with actionable strategies and practical knowledge to help solve real-world challenges in member communities. It also assists emerging and experienced leaders to define, clarify, and practice the skills needed to lead aging services organizations into the future.
Pictured from left to right: Jennifer Honeyford, PPH VP of Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, Daphne Floyd, PPH VP of Human Resources, and John Dubyk, PPH President and CEO
Daphne Floyd, PPH VP of Human Resources, was asked about the benefits of the program, and she discussed how it was a life-changing experience for her. She stated that while she had strong leadership skills, “There were opportunities to enhance skills that I’ve had previously, but also to develop skills and methods for communication, for leadership, and for interfacing with a variety of different types of personalities and settings.” The program also allowed her to interface with a variety of different personalities, and to figure out the best strategies to complete objectives, especially when dealt with difficult real-life situations.
Daphne was also asked about any leadership advice she would like to share. One thing she mentioned is that if anyone wants to improve their leadership style and skills, “I would recommend that they go in with an open mind” and to always be receptive to recommendations on how to improve their individual leadership. No matter the amount of experience anyone has as a leader, she says “It is an evolutionary process and they have to be receptive and open to continuous learning.” Congratulations on the accomplishment, Daphne!
7
Storytime
How to Become an Eagles Fan
by Daniel Ortiz, Communications Specialist
There are many things that change as you grow up. You may start to become obsessed with a variety of things, such as sports. You may even begin to become very curious about watching sports on television. First, you should pick a sport you can truly enjoy; you choose football. When you think of sports, what city comes to your mind? Philadelphia should come up at the top of your list. Football is one of the most popular sports in Philadelphia, which involves athletes tackling each other during the game. Philadelphia is not a true city of championships, like Boston; but, it is a city full of sports passion because of the loyal fan bases within the city. Since you yourself live in Philadelphia, you root for the Eagles, who finally won the Super Bowl in 2017. Additionally, your parents should advise you to root for your own team, as per tradition. Your parents will say: “If you follow any other team instead of your home team, you will be considered a bandwagon fan. It is always the correct thing to root for your own team, whether they are good or not.” Through Philadelphia’s local sports programs, they can arouse a lot of excitement for the Eagles, even when they’re losing. Whether the Eagles win or lose, you will always root for them due to your loyalty to the team. You decide to wear your Philadelphia Eagles jersey at school the next day. While at school, you and your friends have a debate about the Philadelphia Eagles. Some of your friends will point out the obvious flaws of the team, such as the lack of coaching. Additionally, they will call themselves either Patriots or Cowboys fans right in front of you. Despite their arguments against your team, you will always staunchly support your Eagles because they are your team, and you know better than to support other teams. Your friends start to call you a fan of losing, questioning you “Why would you support a team that is used to losing?” You say: “I support the Eagles because they are my team. Why would I support a team that is not based in Philadelphia?” Once you’re done debating with your friends, you should tell them you will continue to support the Eagles, no matter what. Do not succumb to the pressure of your friends, as they want to build pressure against you. Despite a lot of pressure, you continue to display your loyalty by purchasing Eagles memorabilia, which displays your true loyality to the team. Once that is over, you should proudly set all of that memorabilia outside of your house to assert your loyalty to your team. You have officially become a loyal Eagles fan, and for that, congratulations. The Philadelphia Eagles will always be your team. >>>Summer Energy, continued from page 1 as the day went on, a lot of Independent Living residents started showing up to partake in the events, much to the excitement of the staff and volunteers that worked to make the event possible. As stated by Ginny Maciocha, Director of Recreation Therapy, the “Summer Solstice Sizzler was a fabulous, fun-filled day for the [Independent Living] residents with a variety of special ‘outdoor events’ during the power outage.” We are grateful that we were able to provide our residents with a fun-filled day that ended with a nice lunch and some well-deserved water ice.
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. 8