The
furry friends of PPH — pet dogs, therapy dogs and guide dogs!
August is here, which means we’re well into the Dog Days of Summer. The Dog Days of Summer is the period of early July to mid-August, which is often the hottest part of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. This coincides with the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star, which is part of the constellation Canis Majoris, whose brightest star is named Sirius — hence the nickname Sirius, the Dog Star.
This scorching hot summer will be remembered for living up to its Dog Days nickname, but it’ll also be remembered as the summer PPH welcomed dogs!
Effective June 7 2024, PPH updated its pet policy to include small dogs. The update, which took into consideration input from residents, was approved by the PPH Board and the PPH Board Executive Committee.
The updated policy is in line with other communities in the Philadelphia region. Notable new guidelines (in addition to previous procedures) are that dogs must be 25 pounds or under, and only new residents can move in with dogs they already own.
Meet Our Founding Dogs
PPH already has its first dog resident, Madi, a rescue dog of new resident Barbara Sveen. New resident and longtime Greenhouse volunteer Kate Halus brought her furry friend, Cleo, with her; Cleo will only be here for a short time, as she'll be moving in with another family member this month.
And while Cleo is leaving (but hopefully comes back to visit), we know that Madi will soon have additional “dog residents” to keep her company! PPH expects a few new residents to move in with their furry friends in the coming months.
New PPH resident Barbara Sveen with her dog, Madi. Madi is PPH's first pet dog!
Unconditional Love
In one survey, when asked about the most important benefit of owning a pet was, “unconditional love.” Who can argue with that?
Just as important were feelings of having a purpose, providing comfort, and getting people up and out to take their dogs for a walk. In fact, studies have shown that dog-owning seniors have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol than their pet-less peers! Having a dog also reduces the risk of a heart attack.
Dogs can also be a great social “icebreaker.” A great way to meet and get to know people can happen when you are taking your pooch for a walk. They are also great for keeping your day structured and organized. You know you must get up several times a day to take your best friend for a walk — and don’t forget about mealtimes! Dogs and cats, like humans, thrive on structure.
Dogs >>> Continued on page 7
Family Focus
PPH welcomes Interim Executive Director
On July 8, PPH introduced Samantha Roos-Meiser as its new Interim Executive Director.
Samantha was appointed Interim Executive Director, overseeing daily operations, by FellowshipLIFE.
PPH entered a management services agreement with FellowshipLIFE, a premier nonprofit aging services provider Samantha comes to PPH with an extensive background in senior living. She began in the Social Services and Admissions departments in healthcare and obtained her NHA from York College of Pennsylvania in 2006. Shortly thereafter she transitioned to senior living
communities, where she has worked ever since. She also obtained her MBA at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pa.
“I’m passionate about serving seniors and working in a strategic and inclusive atmosphere,” she said.
And while she says she found her calling in life, working in healthcare and senior living industry wasn’t her initial aspiration. Prior to her career in healthcare and life plan communities, she joined a child psychology master’s program. Early on during an internship, she began having second thoughts.
After the realization that it was time to seek out a new field, she took on a research apprenticeship with a graduate professor who introduced her to the topic of geriatric depression. Almost instantly, she knew she had made the right decision and wanted to
pursue senior healthcare.
“From day one, I loved what I was doing,” she said.
And that fulfillment is even more apparent as it was back when she was a graduate student.
“I believe in being a true servant to seniors and a leader [to staff],” she said.
Samantha has received lots of help navigating PPH’s campus, guidance, and appreciative words since taking on the role.
“The culture here is extremely strong and it’s a family atmosphere,” Samantha said. “Residents and staff have been gracious and welcoming.”
As she continues to integrate into PPH and engage with residents and staff, she looks forward to building and
Samantha >>> Continued on page 8
Father, friend, teacher and master of stained glass — Ron Hugo
PPH resident Ron Hugo, a neighbor and friend to many, passed away in late June.
A PPH resident for 18 years and known as "the man in overalls,” Ron could be found enjoying various activities and events with the many friends he made at PPH, often with plenty of smiles and laughter. He spent many days creating stained glass or mosaics in the PPH Art Studio and interacted with other artistic residents who frequent the area.
Gateway Manor resident Harry Morrissy spent a lot of time working alongside Ron in the Art Studio. Some days, they'd sit in silence as they worked, other days Harry would arrive, and Ron would pull up a chair and they'd just chat the hours away.
"From day one, he welcomed me and offered everything he had as I needed it," said Harry.
Harry said that Ron, no matter how focused he was on his art projects, would stop his work when residents and staff visited the studio.
“When people stopped in, he'd always turn around and chat with them," said Harry Morrissy. "He loved his friends."
Ron Hugo, above, as many will remember him — looking up from his artwork to say hello.
Right, Ron's signature overalls, with words describing Ron embroidered by PPH resident Patricia Morrissy.
All of PPH will miss their friend Ron’s wisdom, optimism, sense of humor and the joy he brought to everyone he came across.
PPH's
premier fundraising event open to residents and staff
PPH’s premier fundraising and vendor engagement event, the PPH Garden Party, is now open to residents and staff! This year’s event is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. Staff tickets are $100; resident tickets are $200.
This event is held in our ACE Courtyard, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. This year's event will feature speaker remarks, international food stations, a wine pull, a gift card wall, raffles, a specialty drink and live music.
PPH Garden Party proceeds benefit Benevolent Care, which supports PPH residents who have outlived their financial resources — through no fault of their own — and can no longer afford the cost of their care. In 2023, PPH provided almost $1 million in Benevolent
Grandmothers' Love
Photo courtesy of Marge Sexton
These two exquisite grandmothers and best of friends are Peg Slusarczyk and Margie Brooker, residents of Lawndale Manor. On May 29, they were privileged to co-officiate the wedding of their shared granddaughter, Ada, who married her long-time beau, Nick, in an intimate and joyous event in Governor's Island in Manhattan's New York Harbor.
Care to residents in need. With the growing senior population and rising costs in healthcare, that number has increased at a rapid pace from previous years. Your generous support ensures that PPH residents have peace-of-mind knowing that they will always have access to quality care through the help of Benevolent Care.
To purchase a ticket, visit pphfamily.org/gardenparty2024 or contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese at #8508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.
Interested in donating to the wine pull, gift card wall or raffle baskets? Contact Mary Bargerhuff at #8150 or mbargerhuff@pphfamily.org
A Whole New World
PPH held a discussion entitled "A Whole New World: The Challenge of Change." Held during Pride Month, the discussion gave residents an opportunity to discuss the world they knew growing up and contrast it to the world today, particularly as related to gender expression. Above, discussion facilitator Tom Sexton looks on as Selma Young responds to one of the questions posed during the discussion.
South Philly String Band
The South Philly String Band played at PPH on June 25!
PPH raises funds for Alzheimer's Association
Bocce tourney brings out friendly competition amongst residents & staff
In recognition of Alzheimer's Brain Awareness Month, PPH held its annual Bocce tournament in late June, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer's Association. Residents and staff competed in separate brackets, with a final face off of residents Marge and Tom Sexton vs. staff members Shyla Pastore and Mike Berman. Shyla and Mike won in a close 11-9 game that brought out the measuring tape on more than a few occasions!
Sweet treats, t-shirts, accessories and more for Team PPH at Bake Sale
Residents and staff bought delicious sweets, soft pretzels, accessories, a team PPH t-shirt and more at our Alzheimer's Awareness Bake Sale in July.
Thank you to everyone — residents, staff and the PPH Auxiliary — who donated to Team PPH's Fight Against Alzheimer's. As of late July, approximately $1,700 has been raised. All proceeds will go to the Alzheimer's Association!
Next up: Team PPH will continue its fight against Alzheimer’s with a special Quizzo night, bake and smoothie sales, and shuffleboard and cornhole
tournaments. For more information and dates, please see channel 2 or your floor's bulletin boards!
The PPH team will also participate in the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's at Citizens Bank Park on Nov. 9 and a campuswide walk will be held at PPH, date TBD. For any questions, contact Chapters Recreation Therapist Shyla Pastore (pictured above right) at #8564 or spastore@ pphfamily.org
Employee of the Month: Andrea Grant
Andrea Grant has been with PPH's Wellness Department since December 2023. A dedicated and loyal part of the team, Andrea is great with PPH residents. We are glad to have her with our PPH family! Congratulations, Andrea! Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes."
Welcoming our new residents!
Barbara Sveen recently moved to PPH’s Alpha Manor building from the Rhawnhurst neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia. She grew up in Germantown and graduated from Germantown High School.
Barbara worked in the Records & Registration department at the Community College of Philadelphia (both the Center City & Northeast campuses). She is involved with the United Methodist Neighborhood Services, an organization that provides food, clothing and resources to those in need.
grandchildren, two girls and one boy.
June enjoys crafts, art and reading. She says she’s very happy to be at PPH!
Betty Latzusch recently moved to PPH’s Alpha Manor building from the Burholme neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia.
She grew up in the Nicetown section of Philadelphia and graduated from Mastbaum Vocational High School.
Betty worked at Jeanes Hospital as a medical secretary.
Barbara has two children, a daughter and a son; and three grandchildren, two girls and a boy. She enjoys crafts, music, dance and movies. Barbara moved in with her dog, Madi, PPH's first resident dog!
Frances O’Malley recently moved to PPH’s Alpha Manor building from Willow Grove, Pa. She grew up in the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia and graduated from Little Flower Catholic High School.
Frances worked as a Market Research Manager.
Frances has four children, two sons and two daughters; 16 grandchildren, 11 girls and five boys; and 12 greatgrandchildren, six girls and six boys.
Frances enjoys oil painting and reading.
June Conroy recently moved to PPH’s Alpha Manor building from the Torresdale neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia. She graduated from Eden Hall High School and Holy Family University.
June worked as a teacher of Kindergarten and special education students.
June has two children, a son and a daughter; and three
Betty loves dogs and cats, and currently owns one cat. She enjoys embroidery and needle work.
Lisa and Paul Bowman recently moved to PPH’s Lawndale Manor building from nearby Elkins Park, Pa. Paul worked as an educator and innovator; Lisa was a nurse with Cigna Health in many areas of healthcare.
The Bowmans have two sons and two grandchildren.
Lisa enjoys giving tenderness, love and care to her many plants and displaying them in novel ways. She also is an illustrator and cross stitcher. Paul helps special needs students, is interested in electrical and model cars and is knowledgeable about various types of trains.
Lisa and Paul both expressed that they’re very content at PPH and have encouraged friends to consider joining them!
Note: New resident Rosa Cortes is a Lawndale Manor resident. She was incorrectly listed as a Gateway Manor resident in the July issue of REACH. We apologize for this error.
Volunteer of the Month: Barbara Capezio
Congratulations to Barbara Capezio of Lawndale Manor, who is the Volunteer of the Month for August 2024. Barbara is a kind lady and a PPH Auxiliary member who helps anyway she can with Auxiliary activities. Barbara is also an alternate floor representative in her building.
Thank you so much Barbara, for all that you do. You are an asset to our volunteer program.
NEWS BRIEFS, HAPPENINGS AND EVENTS
★ Veterans' Meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m. in the Learning Center.
★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7.
★ Ted Talk: Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. in the Social HallWorld Cancer Support Month.
★ Philly Pups: Thursday, Aug. 1. Come and meet these future service/therapy dogs and watch them as they participate in training exercises.
★ Shabbat Service: Aug. 9 and 23rd, 2 to 4 p.m. in the Fellowship Room.
★ IL Residents’ Association meeting: No meeting in August. Next meeting is Monday, Sept. 16, 2 p.m.
★ Prayer Breakfast: No Monthly Prayer Breakfast in August. They will resume in September.
★ Good Grief - Companions in Loss Bereavement Support (from the Office of Pastoral Services): On pause for August, will resume in September. All residents and staff are invited to attend. For more information call #8006.
★ PPH Veterans: It is important to PPH that veterans are receiving meeting notices, ceremonial invitations and other veteran specific information. If you are new to the community and/or you have not completed our veteran survey, please contact Bill Conaway at #8031.
★ Proper Flag Disposal: If you need to say farewell to your faded flag, you should never just throw it away. After all, it's a sacred symbol. Please give your flags to Bill Conaway, PPH’s Director of Community Relations. Bill will take your tattered, faded flag to an organization that will conduct
Heritage Society Informational Session
a dignified flag burning ceremony. Bill can be reached at #8031.
★ Volunteer Opportunities: Our Volunteer Department is 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. For more information, call Tom Sexton at #8368.
Collection of the Month
Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese will be holding an informational session on Heritage Society membership on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. in the Private Dining Room. Light refreshments will be served. If you'd like to register or have any questions, please contact Marianna #8508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org. Reserve today, as the session is limited to eight people. More sessions will be scheduled in the fall. The PPH Heritage Society recognizes our friends who have generously provided a legacy of care by naming PPH as a planned gift beneficiary. Through their Gifts from the Heart, their legacy of compassion lives on.
From the collection of Patricia Coyne
The July Collection of the Month was a display of patriotic books, symbols and accessories. Included are books dedicated to Betsy Ross, the history of the American flag, women and African-American soldiers of the Revolutionary War and much more. Fun fact: Alpha Manor resident June Wikoff is a descendant of Betsy Ross.
If interested in adding your collection to the display case, contact Kathy Nucero at #8505.
Pets Help Relieve Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation
The company of a dog or cat can help people feel less lonely. Not only can pets provide reassuring nuzzles and emotional support, but they are also the perfect companions for older adults who live alone.
Pets Speed up Recovery
Studies suggest that a positive outlook can speed recovery after an illness or injury. Pets are natural at helping us see the bright side — many hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care communities have established pet visitation programs for patients. Dogs are especially effective at helping older patients who have physical disabilities.
Emotional Support
Many people, of all ages, have adopted pets as emotional support animals. They provide comfort for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other challenges. They can also serve as service pets – becoming the eyes for the blind, ears for the deaf and an early warning signal of danger!
Other Furry Friends of PPH
If you do not own a pet, you can certainly benefit from pup
Clockwise from above: PPH resident and Philly Pups member Lorraine Busch introduces Philly Pup Jamie to Chapters residents; Bubbalicious, a therapy dog, greets a Chapters resident; Cleo, a temporary PPH resident-dog and Phillies fan!
interactions here at PPH.
Many of our residents have met Bubbalicious, a large therapy dog, who visits monthly with Personal Care and Chapters residents.
Another opportunity to visit with dogs at PPH is the Philly Pups, longtime visitors of PPH. The nonprofit group is a feeder organization of The Seeing Eye, which trains puppies in hopes that they will be guide dogs for the blind one day. The Pups — with their raisers — train at PPH on the first Thursday evening of every month at 7 p.m. in the Social Hall. Some PPH residents attend the training sessions and find enjoyment out of
observing and interacting with the pups.
Paws of the Spirit, an organization that provides comprehensive animal-assisted therapy/activities for older adults, also visits PPH with rabbits and guinea pigs.
Even if you don’t own a pet, you can still reap the benefits mentioned in this article by interacting with a friend or family member’s pet, or by visiting with any of the furry friends of PPH. Petting, touching and even observing animals can be therapeutic and bring comfort, smiles and joy.
Unheralded Heroes – Marie Bolden
Compiled by Velma N'Jai
Marie Bolden
Spelling Bee Champion 1894-1981
According to the Guinness World Records, on June 29, 1908, predating the First Scripps National Spelling Bee, by 17 years, Marie Bolden age 14, defied the odds and won the first national
spelling bee competition before a crowd of thousands in Cleveland. She was the only African American to participate. Some claimed she won because other teams lost because of her presence.
Children from other teams, who initially refused to compete against her, shook hands when she won, perhaps a sign of respect.
Many of her family members didn't know about her feat until after
she died. She never talked about winning a gold medal because it upended racist stereotypes in less than 50 years after the Civil War, even though she spelled 500 words flawlessly. Since she never showed off the medal, her family isn't sure what became of it. Marie knew prejudice well, in fact it was one of the words contestants were asked to spell.
Reflections
How Salty Are You?
How important is salt?
On October 2, 1864, one of the worst battles of the American Civil War was fought. Approximately 2,800 Confederate soldiers battled nearly 4,500 Union soldiers. The battle is forever recorded as one the worst atrocities that ever occurred on US soil.
The intense fighting and great loss of life was over salt. It took place in Saltville, VA., the largest supplier of salt to the Confederate Army. The salt was needed to preserve meat.
In Bible days, salt was an essential asset. It was used in the following ways: as a preservative, to heal wounds and as a disinfectant. Perhaps those living in Bible time understood what Jesus meant when He used the phrase, “the salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13).
Our world doesn’t have a clue how important salt was to the people of Jesus’ day. Less than a dollar at any grocery store will buy you enough salt for a year — and that’s just ordinary salt. There’s also kosher salt, Himalayan salt, French gray salt, and dozens of others. You can buy a box of 18 different gourmet salts from Amazon for only $30. So, we don’t view salt as the ancients did. The Romans believed that only the sun itself was more essential for life than salt, and Roman soldiers usually received their pay in salt. That’s where the phrase “not worth his salt” originated, and the word salary actually comes from salt.
I want you to notice what Jesus says and does not say.
Samantha >>> Continued from page 2
establishing relationships throughout PPH.
"I value and appreciate working in a team — each department has unique strengths that should be celebrated," she said. "I understand how to
By Pastor Earl Scott
He does not say, “You all can be the salt of the earth.” Nor does he say, “You all should be the salt of the earth.” Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth,” and in the Greek it is literally, “You and you alone are the salt of the earth.”
There were only four ways to preserve food for the long term: you could dry it, pickle it, smoke it or salt it. Salt is a preservative. It keeps food stable, keeps it from undergoing the kind of chemical changes which make it not only inedible but even dangerous. That’s why processed foods use so much of it!
Salt is used primarily today for seasoning. It adds flavor to our foods, to improve the taste. Food without salt is tasteless and bland.
Like salt, we should strive to improve our surroundings. We can do this by saying kind words, writing letters of encouragement, or being a good listener.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver (Proverbs 25:11).
The next time you see salt, think of something positive you can say to someone. It just may make a difference in his or her day.
Ask yourself this question? Do I build people up (praise), or tear them down? (negative behavior).
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person (Colossians 4:6)
collaborate with a multi-facetted team and work together towards a goal."
When she’s not at work, Samantha enjoys gardening, cooking and trying different cuisines. She loves international travel — most notably she took an “extremely liberating” solo trip to Turkey in 2015 where she
learned 70 words in Turkish.
Samantha has two children — Alexandra, a student at Penn State University’s University Park campus; and Spencer, a senior in high school. A lover of animals, she has two cats and a koi pond.
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.