August 2023 REACH

Celebrating National Wellness Month

August is National Wellness Month, a time to prioritize your self-care, stress management, and healthy routines. This is a time to create wholesome habits in your lifestyle, all month long, and see how much healthier you feel.

At PPH, residents and staff focus on wellness every day of the year. The wellness team is led by Maureen Solomon, Kayla Jurimas, and Vincent Barrett, who focus on promoting wellness and healthy living.

The wellness team shared that their monthly TED Talks are an underrated program that offers residents the chance to engage in healthy conversations, whether they agree or disagree. “They are very unique and add a lot of enrichment for our residents”, says Vincent.

Living a healthy and happy lifestyle is an organic process that is essential to everyone’s lives, and the wellness team actively encourages residents and staff to have a strong appreciation of healthy living. “As our wellness mission statement indicates, we try to nurture a strong appreciation for healthy living, a positive mindset, daily movement and to instill in residents and employees our philosophy to value health and wellness to make good healthy choices with nutrition and movement”, says Maureen.

There are going to be days when you do not feel energized, and days when you’re stellar, but it will not matter if you have an idea of what you want to accomplish.

Smoothie Friday’s are one of the ways our Wellness Team encourages a healthy lifestyle

Being selective of what you can and can’t have does not work, as people need to live their lives. Nutrition is an essential part of wellness. “If you get too far off course, it is difficult to reign that back in”, says Maureen.

>>>continued on page 7, National Wellness Month

Family Focus

PPH celebrates Kristy Byrnes’ promotion

We are excited to announce the promotion of one of our long-term employees in the Business Office. Kristy Byrnes has been promoted to the position of Business Office Manager.

Kristy has been working at PPH for 16 years. Prior to her recent promotion as Business Office Manager, she worked as our Billing Manager, and processing Medicaid applications for the nursing home.

In Kristy’s new role, she is responsible for overseeing the business office, managing all Accounts Receivable (Insurance, Medicaid and private pay), managing the QSC (Quality Service Coordinator) schedule, and managing the day-to-day administrative tasks to ensure the business office and mail room run smoothly. She also manages the administrative functions of the finance department, such as record keeping of electronic resident information and files.

In light of the staff changes, Kristy has a lot of expectations with her new role, especially with the retirement of Barbara Stanton. “It’s given me an opportunity to make the department my own”, says Kristy. “I feel like it’s an opportunity for me to step up, and make some changes for the business office.”

When not working at PPH, Kristy enjoys spending time with her children, which always keeps her busy. With her children getting older, she thinks it will be an opportunity to expand her horizons for new hobbies. Kristy loves to spend her summer outside gardening and relaxing in her pool in her backyard. One of Kristy’s goals for this summer is to travel more, just recently visiting North Carolina. She will be going on a vacation to Hawaii with her family in September.

Congratulations on the promotion, Kristy!

The meaning behind the Thirteen Folds

The flag-folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded.

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life

2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature. As American citizens trusting in God, it is Him we turn to in times of peace, and in times of war, for His divine guidance.

5. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country. In the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they are found within or without the boundaries of our Republic.

>>>continued on page 5, Thirteen Folds

Kristy Brynes

PPH residents and staff celebrate Juneteenth

Residents and staff celebrated Juneteenth with music, line dancing, games, including cornhole and giant jenga, and a Juneteenth quizzo!

New residents at PPH

Sherry Slutz

Sherry moved to PPH after recently living in Cottman and Bustleton in Rhawnhurst. Sherry worked as a registered nurse in the Temple University Hospital Bone Marrow Transplant unit. She attended Northeast High School and graduated from Thomas Jefferson University with her nursing degree. Sherry’s favorite hobbies include knitting and crocheting. Welcome to the PPH family, Sherry!

Selma Young

Selma moved to PPH after recently living in Wyndmoor, and originally grew up in Virginia. Selma worked as a teacher in public schools in Philadelphia. She attended Northampton High School in Virginia. She has one daughter and one grandson. Welcome to the PPH family, Selma!

Choir of Angels

by PPH resident Maryann C. Volk

There is an unsung Choir of Angels at PPH working together to nurture Mother Earth and keep our plants healthy. I speak from experience, and the services I receive from our greenhouse volunteers has been outstanding.

I would like to acknowledge our Greenhouse Volunteers for their hard work in maintaining our greenhouse, including Alpha residents Dot Behm, Marie Campbell, Martha Klingbeil & Sylvia Metzler, and volunteers Lorraine Busch & Kate Halus. I have some tips for maintaining healthy plants during the summer and winter seasons.

During the summer:

1. Provide advice about plants indoors and outdoors.

2. Provide soil, food, medication, clipping, and repotting.

3. Supply sprouts whenever you are planting on your balconies.

During the winter:

1. Make sure you store your summer plants in the greenhouse.

2. Return your outdoor plants in warm temperatures.

3. Water your plants.

Whatever your plants need can be found in our Greenhouse, thanks to our Choir of Angels. Gratitude to all of you!

Unheralded Heroes

by PPH resident Velma N'Jai

Ellen F. Eglin: Ellen was an African American inventor who revolutionized the chore of laundry. Ellen worked as a housekeeper, and engaged in back breaking laundry work. In 1888, in an effort to improve the laundry process, she invented a special type of wringer, a machine that had two wooden rollers attached to a crank. However, she received no credit or financial success from it and sold it for $18. By 1900, her invention found a home with the American Wringer Company.

Madeline M. Turner: Madeline Turner was an African American woman who invented the Turner Fruit-Press in 1898, although the first patent was not filed until 1916. She was granted the patent on April 25, 1916. It is the original blueprint on which all modern juicers are based, allowing consumers to enjoy at any time.

Valerie Thomas: Valerie Thomas is an African American woman physicist, inventer, and NASA data analyst. She invented the illusion transmitter, for which she received a patent in 1980. The illusion transmitter can reproduce an image at a remote site using parabolic mirrors, and was adapted by NASA and is used in surgery, as well as for televisions and video screens.

Maryann Volk

The Greenhouse is located right next to the Art Studio

>>>Thirteen Folds, continued from page 2

8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood. It has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that has molded the character of the men and women who have made our country great.

10. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, who has also given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.

11. The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

12. The twelfth fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

13. The thirteenth and last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it has the appearance of a cocked hat, reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones. They were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the United States Armed Forces, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

Employee of the Month: Niurka Jessie

Niurka has been with PPH since April 2017 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 Niurka! Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes.”

Volunteer of the Month: Lucille Hite

Congratulations go out to Lucille Hite of Lawndale Manor, who is the “Volunteer of the Month” for August 2023.

Lucille is a dedicated volunteer who is active in our Auxiliary and an assistant in the Gift Shop. Lucille helps any way she can and always in a very cheerful, pleasant way.

Lucille, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all you do! You truly are an asset to our Volunteer Program.

U.S. Navy officers performing the 13 Folds

NEWS BRIEFS

★ COVID-19 protocols for visitors: Masks are no longer required by 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:

Please note that there is no meeting in August

★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary’s next meeting will be held in the Social Hall, and broadcast on PPH TV channel 7 on Tuesday, August 8 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.

★ History Lecture: Please join us on Thursday, August 31 at 2:00 p.m. in the Social Hall for history lecture on Victorian Women, presented by Herb Kaufman. Please contact Kathy Nucero at ext. 8505 for questions.

★ 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.

★ Philadelphia Boys Choir: Join us on Tuesday, August 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Social Hall for a special performance by the Philadelphia Boys Choir. Established in the 1960s, the Emmy-winning and Grammynominated Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale has toured the world. The Philadelphia Boys Choir is being sponsored by Serenity Hospice. Please contact Kathy Nurcero at ext. 8505 for more information.

★ TED Talks: See the August calendar.

★ Veterans’ Meeting: The August Veterans’ meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 1, at 10 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.

★ Resident Talent Show: We will be hosting our PPH Talent Show, which will be held on Friday, August 11 at 2:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. We are seeking any talent, whether it is singing, dancing, comedy, or even readings. If you are looking to participate, please contact Kathy Nucero at ext. 8505 ASAP to sign up.

★ Dining Services: August 2, 16 and 30, The Continental breakfast, 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 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

August 9 and 23, our Farmers Market will take place in the Fountain Room from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Dining services continues planning special events for the month of August, so please check your bulletin boards to stay updated on all dining service events.

The 2023 Bocce Ball champions

are Shannon and Jordan!

On Wednesday, June 28, PPH hosted the 2023 Bocce Ball Tournament, which featured friendly competition between staff and residents to determine who was the true Bocce Ball champion.

The event featured a $10 admission, with all of the proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Staff members played their games from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., while residents played their games from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.. Once the brackets were set, the championship started at 3:00 p.m., which featured the defending 2022 Bocce Ball champions and Lawndale residents Tom and Marge Sexton facing off against Shannon Grieb, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, and Jordan Robinson, Activity Coordinator in Life Enrichment. They were all close games, but in the end, Shannon and Jordan came out victorious, dethroning Tom and Marge, and were crowned as the 2023 Bocce Ball champions.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2023 Bocce Ball Tournament. We appreciate all who were able to participate, as this is a cause near and dear to our hearts. We can’t wait for the next tournament!

>>>National Wellness Month, continued from page 1

The wellness team offers a variety of classes and activities to engage the mind, body, and spirit. These classes include circuit training, yoga, tai chi, and aquatics.

They also offer an employee discount for the Wellness Center for half the price you would spend at any other gym. Even if you are unable to make it to these classes, the wellness staff can find transportation if you choose to participate. TED Talks and Lunch & Learns are ways to take care of the mind and spirit, so you can take care of your mental health, and form new friendships.

PPH can be considered a mini–Blue Zone for wellness and longevity. Blue Zones are areas of the world that are home to a large percentage of centenarians, which are residents that live to be over 100. Today, PPH is home to 15 centenarian residents, four of which are in independent living. The wellness team takes a lot of inspiration from the Blue Zones by looking at the daily habits of those individuals and foster a similar ideology with their mission. “Some of the Blue Zones talk about having fellowship in regard to volunteerism, spirituality, a sense of community, a sense of belonging, having a plant-based diet, getting daily activity, and making friendships”, says Maureen. “We work with a lot of people over 100. I think it shows that at any age, you can still be active, and we can be accommodating for any need”, says Vincent.

National Wellness Month is a great reminder for everyone to take care of the most important asset they have, which is their health. Thanks to our wellness team, residents and staff are focused on their wellness every day of the year. “We at wellness provide a lot of the tools and information they need to ensure that residents and employees are making the correct decisions”, says Kayla. For more information on all of our wellness programs, contact Maureen Solomon at 215-697-8007.

Congratulations, Shannon and Jordan!

PPH staff members participating in an Alzheimer’s discussion, hosted by the Wellness Team

PPH residents playing bocce ball

Reflections Honey is Good Medicine

Dear PPH Family,

Honey is delicious! It adds sweetness wherever it goes. It turns a blah cup of tea into a soothing and delightful drink. It is a healthy additive for baked goods or cereals. I enjoy it spread over a piece of toast plain or mixed with a spoonful of peanut butter. Also considered to be a great healer and gentle on the stomach, people commonly use honey orally to treat coughs or applied topically to treat minor burns and wounds. Rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it is also used as an anti-inflammatory. Honey is soothing, all natural, easy to consume, and good for us.

If only our words and conversations with each other could always be described as soothing, easy to consume, and good for us. We cannot control how others speak to us, but we can control how we talk with others. So, how sweet are your conversations with others? What a difference we might experience and see in the outcome of our conversations if we made the effort to speak in a way that soothes instead of stings. If we spend time with others in natural conversation and speak without an attitude of superiority, but instead with gentleness and concern, our viewpoints and words will be much easier to consume and promote healing.

When we speak pleasantly to our loved ones, and people we encounter throughout the day, we add a touch of sweetness to their day. Speaking kind words to each other is always good; we feel better ourselves and we bless the day of those to whom we speak. Words of wisdom are found in Proverbs 16 concerning our words to others. “The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.” “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

So, the next time we want to give someone a piece of our mind, why don’t we instead offer them a cup of tea, flavored with soothing honey.

My warmest wishes and prayers of gratitude for each member of our PPH Family. Blessings and enjoy the rest of your summer.

Linda Lewis Chaplain

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.