PPH announces leadership news
Kelli Mills named Vice President of Managed Communities with EverTrue — will continue leading at PPH
On July 9, PPH announced that Kelli Mills — who has served as PPH’s Interim Executive Director since September 2024 — accepted the position of Vice President of Managed Communities with EverTrue, PPH’s new management partner.
“I am excited to step into this role with EverTrue and to continue serving PPH,” said Kelli. “I’m honored to continue leading a team so deeply committed to hospitality and compassionate, resident-centered care.”
PPH’s Board of Directors, who have worked closely with Kelli since last September, are enthused that Kelli will continue leading PPH’s path forward.
“The Board and our leaders are truly excited to welcome Kelli as a
Pathways team member recognized for ‘dedication, compassion’
PPH’s newest Guardian Angel is Arther Joseph, a senior certified nursing assistant in PPH’s Pathways/ Skilled Nursing.
Arther was named a Guardian Angel by Lawndale Manor residents Marge and Tom Sexton. Marge and Tom have long been impressed with Arther’s willingness to lend a helping hand to the residents of Pathways, particularly his compassionate care for Sister Joan Foley.
“ Arther’s positive attitude and warm smile provide daily comfort to the residents of Pathways. Known for his dedication, compassion, and exceptional skill, Arther has earned a reputation as an outstanding professional. Residents trust that they are in great hands when he is on duty,” said Marge and Tom in a written letter that they read when Arther was honored on June 30.
PPH Guardian Angels are team members who go above and beyond for our residents, and embody the PPH core values of integrity, friendliness, quality care, compassion, respect and comfort.
Since 2018, PPH Guardian Angels have been honored for compassionate care, service excellence, quick-thinking action when necessary and much more.
Carrie Scattergood of Rothkoff Law Group discusses estate planning tips.
Marge and Tom Sexton recognized Arther Joseph as a PPH Guardian Angel!
Recognize Someone Special - Show your Appreciation
If you are a resident who is interested in recognizing a team member, or a resident-family member who wants to express your gratitude and appreciation for the compassion a team member has shown your loved one, contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese at 215-697-8508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.
Making informed decisions during estate planning
Carrie Scattergood of Rothkoff Law Group spoke to PPH residents and community members on the importance of making informed decisions during the estate planning process and avoiding common errors.
Carrie’s presentation — along with questions from the audience — touched on various strategies regarding wills, trusts, charitable giving, powers of
attorney, Medicaid and much more. Thank you to Carrie and Rothkoff for encouraging our residents to take the steps to set up an estate plan that ensures their wishes are honored. If you are interested in including PPH in your estate planning, contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese at 215-697-8508 or mcalabrese@ pphfamily.org.
Community educator presents on ‘Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body’
Jane Cero, a community educator from the Alzheimer’s Association, gave a presentation entitled, “Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body” to PPH residents in late June. The discussion focused on the importance of incorporating good habits: healthy eating, better quality sleep, exercise, cognitive engagement and much more.
Jane is returning to PPH in September — Friday, Sept. 5 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. This presentation is entitled: “The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s.” “Recognize the common signs of the disease in yourself and others, and the next steps to take including how to talk to your doctor.”
PPH remembers Cecelia Amato
The PPH community remembers longtime Lawndale Manor resident Cecelia Amato. Cecelia passed away in July at the age of 108.
It is believed that in PPH’s 135-year history, Cecelia was the community’s oldest living resident.
Cecelia enjoyed Bingo and Pinochle, and spending time with family and friends. She even drove her car until she was 100 years old, often up and down Roosevelt Boulevard with friends to go out to lunch! In an interview for this newsletter a few years ago, she attributed her longevity to her love of board games, healthy eating and not smoking.
Cecelia was close with many of her fellow residents on the 5th floor in Lawndale Manor — upon hitting triple digits, the group celebrated her birthday every year on Lawndale’s 5th Floor Lounge. Even when Cecelia moved to PPH’s Pathways Skilled Nursing last year, her Lawndale Manor friends visited her, particularly for her 108th birthday this past March.
“I always admired Cecelia’s sharp mind, kindness, love and grace for her fellow residents,” said Lawndale Manor
Kelli Mills - Continued from page 1
long-term member of the PPH family. Her leadership, passion and vision have already made a strong impact, and we appreciate her engagement with PPH residents, leaders, team members and the Board. We are looking forward to all that lies ahead with her at the helm,” said Board Chair Eric Sigel, on behalf of Board Co-Vice Chairs Timothy Hinchcliff and Anthony Luongo, and the entire PPH Board of Directors.
Kelli shared the news with PPH Independent Living residents at the July 9 Coffee with Kelli. Coffee with Kelli — a monthly gathering that brings residents together with Kelli and other leaders at PPH to receive updates, share ideas and enhance the PPH experience over a cup of coffee or tea.
“With EverTrue, and all of our PPH leaders and team members, I look forward to building upon the strong foundation of PPH, while continuing to enhance the lives of our residents, and supporting and developing our team as we move forward together with engagement purpose.” Kelli said.
Kelli previously served as the Executive Director at Friends Village, a FellowshipLIFE community in New Jersey, prior to joining PPH as the Interim Executive Director under a FellowhipLIFE management agreement.
The August Coffee with Kelli is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 8 at 10:30 a.m. in the PPH Social Hall/broadcast on channel 7. All IL residents are invited to attend.
Cecelia Amato (yellow shirt) celebrated her 108th birthday with herfamily, friend Marcella (red shirt) and fellow residents back in March.
resident Carol Drummond. “I’m honored to have her touch my life.”
Cecelia will be dearly missed.
and Personal Care
pick up hot dogs during National Nurse’s Week.
“I will always be grateful for the opportunities, and relationships built during my tenure at FellowshipLIFE,” Kelli said. I carry forward the lessons learned with deep appreciation.”
Kelli brings extensive experience in senior living — she has held executive level leadership roles in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She holds an NHA license, a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration.
When she is not at PPH, Kelli is often found on the Jersey Shore beaches enjoying time with her husband, adult children and adored granddaughter.
Kelli (center)
nurses Verna Hayman and Lakesha Bass
Family Focus – Visits from old friends, new faces
New van makes valuable addition to PPH transportation fleet
PPH, in partnership with State Representative Anthony Bellmon, secured $84,350 in funding earlier this year from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for a new wheelchair accessible van! This valuable addition enhances PPH’s transportation fleet, which helps residents travel to medical appointments, as well as supermarkets, businesses and restaurants throughout Northeast
Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Bellmon visited PPH in July to check out the van in person, and was greeted by thankful residents and team members.
“I was very proud to help secure this funding that will make it easier to get residents out and around,” said State Rep. Bellmon. “Whether it’s to visit loved ones, shop, attend appointments or simply to get out and connect with the community,
State Rep. Anthony Bellmon browses PPH’s new van.
this is an added amenity that will continue PPH’s excellent service to its residents.”
Entertainment at PPH - tributes, rock ‘n’ roll, Broadway hits and more
Aileen Goldberg sings “Gimme Gimme,” “Cabaret,” “Tomorrow” and more!
John Monforto plays the hits of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin!
Actor and writer and Philly native Jim Rosin visited PPH on July 20 to present on his experiences working in the film and TV industry while living in Hollywood, Calif. Jim is pictured above (fifth from left) with many of the residents who attended his presentation.
Our community’s Social Hall is often buzzing with performances throughout the year! Whether it’s a Sinatra or Elvis tribute, the songbook of James Taylor and friends, Broadway show tunes or various other timeless classics, the multi-talented entertainers who visit PPH always bring their best for our residents! If you want to follow in the footsteps of the above performers and show off your own talents, be sure to sign up for PPH’s Talent Show in September — see page 6, along with info for August entertainment.
Volunteer of the Month: Carol Starling-Love
Congratulations go out to Carol Starling Love, who is the Volunteer of the Month for August 2025. Carol has been a dedicated volunteer since 2024, helping out in Scoops as a cashier. Her pleasant personality make her a plus to all she meets. Thanks Carol, for all that you do. You are a blessing to Scoops and our Volunteer Program.
Family Focus — Team PPH’s Fight Against Alzheimer’s
PPH’s 2025 Fight Against Alzheimer’s continues on through events, activities, sales and more.
• The PPH community held a Bocce Tournament at the end of June. Residents and PPH team members competed in separate brackets, culminating in a final face off of residents Marge and Tom Sexton vs. team members Eileen Bratton and Mike Berman. Marge and Tom — the runner ups in last year’s tournament — came out victorious!
• Take Me Out to the Ball Game - Hot dogs and popcorn were served in the PPH Social Hall during the July 2 Phillies game!
• Bake Sale - PPH team members and residents purchased pretzels, cakes, cookies, accessories and more.
• PPH Auxiliary Jewelry Sale - necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more sold at the PPH Auxiliary’s Jewelry Sale!
Thank you to everyone who assisted, supported and participated in these activities and sales! All proceeds from this and other sales/activities have been donated to Team PPH’s Fight Against Alzheimer’s, which consists of fundraisers throughout the year that support the Alzheimer’s Association. As of July 25, more than $1,900 has been raised!
Up next: Come out for a night of Quizzo/Trivia on Monday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall; $5 per person to play. Test your general knowledge against fellow residents and even a team of PPH staff members! All are invited — BYOB, wine and snacks. Sign up at the Business Office beginning Aug. 1.
Be sure to stay tuned to PPH TV, bulletin boards and social media for more upcoming events and activities.
Employee of the Month: Ciani Langford
Congratulations go out to Ciani Langford of Life Enrichment on being named PPH’s August Employee of the Month! Ciani began working at PPH in September 2022 in Culinary Services. She joined the Life Enrichment team as an Activities Coordinator in June 2024, and is exceptional with the Personal Care residents she serves. “Ciani’s love, kindness and bright smile shine through in all she does,” said Life Enrichment Director Kathy Nucero.
NEWS BRIEFS AND EVENTS
★ Veterans’ Meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 10 a.m. in the Learning Center.
★ Philly Pups: Thursday, Aug. 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.
★ Koffee with Kelli & Team: Independent Living Residents - Come out and chat with Kelli Mills, PPH’s Executive Director, over a cup of coffee or tea in the Social Hall on Friday, Aug. 8 at 10:30 a.m. There will be monthly community updates from Kelli and PPH administration.
★ DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) Monthly Meeting: Embracing Diversity at PPH - Monday, Aug. 11 at 3 p.m. in the Fellowship Room. For more info on this resident-initiated meeting, contact MaryAnn Volk at #8345.
★ Quizzo: Monday, Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Social Hall. Quizzo consists of multiple rounds of trivia questions. Form your own team, or join another team! For information on a special, additional Quizzo in August, see page 5.
★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7.
★ IL Bingo: Thursday, Aug. 28, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall
★ PPH Food Drive: PPH’s residentinitiated monthly food drive continues! Food is collected the last week of each month and delivered the first day of the following month.
The four locations for drop off are:
1. Access Hub (1124 Lawndale)
2. Across from Tabor Market
3. Vending Machine area between the
Wellness Center & Greenhouse 4. Gateway Manor Lobby. For more information on types of food to donate or any questions, call Tom Sexton - #8368.
August Entertainment
Stu Weitz - Wednesday, Aug. 6
Maggie Griffin-Smith - Wednesday, Aug. 20 - Come out for all the hits made famous by unforgettable talents like Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Connie Francis, Carole King, and many more!
Both performances are scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Social Hall.
For a full list of weekly activities, special events, trips and up to date information, see the Independent Living calendar insert, bulletin boards, and PPH TV channels 2 and 4.
PPH’s Got Talent?
Are you a singer, dancer, comedian or a lover of poetry? If so and willing to perform in front of an audience, please join the 2025 PPH Resident Talent Show, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 18, 2 p.m. in the PPH Social Hall!
And if you can’t find your dancing shoes, attend the show as an audience member.
Planning meeting: Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2 p.m., Social Hall.
Rehearsals: Thursday, Sept. 11, 2 p.m.; Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Sept. 17, 3:15 p.m. All held in the Social Hall.
Please sign up for the Talent Show, the planning meeting and a rehearsal by contacting Life Enrichment Director Kathy Nucero - 8505.
the 2024
Show
Upcoming services and events from PPH Pastoral Services
★ Pathways Communion Service: Friday, Aug. 8, 10:15 a.m. in 2nd Floor Pathways Lounge
★ Shabbat Service: Friday, Aug. 8 and 22, 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Room.
★ Chapters Bible Story Time: Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. in Chapters Lounge
Bible Study, PPH Prayer Breakfast, and Good Grief - Companions in Loss Bereavement Support all are slated to return in September.
For the monthly Reflections column from our Pastoral Services team, see page 8.
Stu Weitz
Maggie Griffin-Smith
Audrey Alston sings at
Talent
Stay Alert — Spotting and Avoiding Scams
Scammers are adapting to new technologies and discovering sophisticated ways to trick and steal from innocent citizens. To protect yourself from these scams, always be alert and wary of suspicious behavior.
“If it seems suspicious or too good to be true, it is probably a scam,” said PPH Security Director Patrick Carey in a July 24 session on Senior Safety.
Common Signs of a Scam
• Pretending to be from a familiar organization or agency, or a family member or close friend. Oftentimes an imposter will pretend to be a child or grandchild claiming to be in trouble and urgently need money.
“Talk to your trusted family members and POAs, and come up with a safe word or phrase,” Patrick said, noting that this is a simple way to be prepared in case a scam attempt arises.
• Mention of a problem or a prize. They may make you believe that you won a prize or lottery, but first ask you to send a fee and/or personal information to receive the prize.
• Urgent pressure to act. Scammers will want you to act (payment), rather than use your critical thinking skills or consult someone you trust. They may insist you keep the request secret.
Officers Robinowitz and Mroz from the Philadelphia Police Department (left), and PPH Security Director Patrick Carey (right) speak during a July 24 session in the PPH Social Hall that focused on spotting and avoiding scams.
“Don’t feel pressure to act quickly,” said Patrick.
• Requests for payment by gift card. Gift cards are an untraceable way to convert stolen funds into cash, and do not require personal information for activation.
No legitimate organization will ask for payment via gift cards.
• Romance scams. These involve a criminal adopting a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust.
The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim.
Meet our New Residents!
Barbara Wiedenmann recently moved to PPH from the Far Northeast section of the city.
Barbara worked as an ELS teacher and in a gift shop for many years. Barbara has one daughter, one
son and two grandchildren.
Barbara is happy to be at PPH.
Eugene “Gene” Rifkind recently moved to PPH’s Lawndale Manor building from nearby Castor Gardens. Gene grew up in Brooklyn, NY. He
What You Can Do
Patrick emphasized the importance of notifying the PPH Security team of any attempts, as scams are on the rise in the Philadelphia area. “Please hang up immediately and contact my office (#8045) or the front desk (0#),” he said.
PPH residents can also follow up with Senior Director of Resident Engagement Marge Felix (#8569).
If you have been scammed or think you may have been contacted by a scammer, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud. ftc.gov.
worked as a librarian.
Gene is a proud parent of three sons.
Gene enjoys getting together with friends for breakfast, and is an avid rock collector. He encourages residents to stop him to say hello.
Reflections
Passing the baton
Several Olympic relay races have seen teams disqualified due to botched or dropped baton exchanges. The most frequently involved is the United States men’s 4x100m relay team.
In 2024, the United States men’s team was disqualified in the final after the handover between Christian Coleman and Kenny Bednarek occurred outside of the designated exchange zone (for the record, the exchange must happen within a 20m changeover box).
Dropping the baton during the handover or exchanging it outside the designated area results in disqualification.
Many spiritual traditions view life as a relay race, where each generation is responsible for passing over to the next, the message or mission of God.
In Deuteronomy 6:6-9, we read: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
Lawndale Baptist Church held their annual summer Vacation Bible School (VBS) during the week of July 14-18. There were over 50 children, ages ranging from 4 to 12. The church staff did an amazing job teaching the youngsters games, songs, and most importantly, the Word of God.
My daughter Jessica, and nephew David, attended each evening. They came out of the church singing new songs that they learned accompanied by a Bible verse they had to memorize.
It was during VBS many years ago that I first learned about God and how He loves us. The Scriptures that I learned are still fresh in my heart, the first one being Proverbs 2:6. “For the Lord gives wisdom out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding”. At the time of memorization, the verse meant little to me. My main goal was to receive a prize for committing it to memory.
Nevertheless, the seed for salvation was planted in my heart. I thank the Lord for my neighbors at that time in Brooklyn, NY, the Bahadors for inviting me to VBS. I have modeled their enthusiasm over the years, inviting people to platforms where
By Chaplain Earl Scott
the Word of God is taught.
Another thing that encouraged my heart last month was the number of volunteers who had once attended VBS as youngsters. They are passing on the spiritual nuggets to the next generation.
The Israelites were commanded to do the same (Deuteronomy 6). The people of God were not only commanded to teach their children, but to do it diligently.
Pastors, Sunday School teachers, and other Christian workers have their roles. But they never replace the role and responsibility of the parent to teach their children, and to do it diligently.
We live in an era where screens, smartphones, and social media have become an inseparable part of daily life. While technology brings advantages, it also presents serious challenges for parenting. The digital age bombards children with conflicting values, moral confusion, and ungodly content that can undermine Biblical instruction if not properly managed.
Parents are no longer the only teachers in their children’s lives; media, influencers, and online platforms are also shaping their worldview. Now more than ever, parents must rise to the responsibility of spiritually guiding their children and equipping them to live godly lives amidst the noise of this generation.
The next generation holds the future of the Church, the nation, and the advancement of God’s kingdom. If we fail to train them in the ways of the Lord, the light of truth will be lost, and darkness will rise in its place. God has entrusted us with a divine assignment: to pass on faith, values, discipline, and purpose to those coming after us.
Training the younger generation is not optional; it is a divine instruction from the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 remind us to train up a child when he is young so that when he is old he will not depart from it.
I am often amazed at how well our residents recall Scriptures and songs during the services we conduct throughout the campus. I love hearing the stories of the godly heritages and those that credit their spiritual legacy to either their parents, Sunday School or another program such as VBS.
To God be the glory!
Chaplain Earl
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.