December 2024 REACH

DECEMBER 2024

Spirit highlighted at Founders’ Day celebration The Philadelphia Protestant Home (PPH) held its annual Founders’ Day ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 19 in the Social Hall. This special day affirms the PPH mission to provide a caring senior living community that affords its residents the opportunity to achieve their highest possible quality of life. It honors visions of the past that have resulted in a vibrant senior living community and the founding of PPH as we know it today.

It is a time to celebrate the past, recognize the present and look towards the future. New to this year was “The Spirit of PPH” segment — four Founders’ >>> Continued on page 3

Above left, longtime PPH resident June Wodowski, the recipient of the Resident Ambassador Award; above right, Chantaya McLeod is congratulated by her husband shortly after being named the Service Excellence Award recipient.

Team PPH’s Fight Against Alzheimer’s

Team PPH’s Fight Against Alzheimer’s culminated on Nov. 7 with our annual campuswide Alzheimer’s Walk. In total this year, $3,206 was raised! Thank you to everyone who donated and participated in PPH’s sales and friendly competitions. See page 5 for more photos from the walk as well as the winners of the final fundraising tournament.

In This Issue...

• Meet Nash from the Front Desk • Happy 105, Marcella • Heritage Society Inductees

6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111 • www.PPHFamily.org • 215.697.8000 Facebook.com/ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome

FamilyFocus Heritage Society celebrates new inductees, generous donors PPH inducted three new members to the Heritage Society during its annual November reception: Dr. Elaine C. Grose, Rev. Rodney S. Kopp and Rita M. Kopp.

• Dr. Elaine C. Grose, an Alpha Manor resident, is a donor and President of the Independent Residents’ Association. Elaine has lived at PPH for almost six years and is an active participant in various PPH activities.

She is also an avid painter — two of her works have been featured in LeadingAGE art exhibits.

• Rev. Rodney S. Kopp’s history with PPH dates back to the 1980s, when he served as a pastor at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Olney section of Philadelphia. Rodney also served as Chairperson of the Board of Directors at PPH. • Rita M. Kopp, the wife of Rev. Kopp, was posthumously inducted.

Rita and Rodney were both highly en-

From left to right: Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese, Rev. Rodney S. Kopp, Dr. Elaine C. Grose and PPH Board Chair Eric Sigel. gaged for many years at PPH’s yearly Gala celebrations.

The Heritage Society recognizes generous donors who have made the commitment to remember PPH through a planned gift such as a charitable gift annuity, a bequest

through a Will, IRA, life insurance or other gift.

For any questions on the Heritage Society, contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese at 215-697-8508 or mcalabrese@ pphfamily.org.

PPH welcomes new face at the Main Lobby front desk PPH welcomed Nashary (Nash) Gould as Front Desk Receptionist in October. Nash succeeds Sharise Paul, who is now in IL Marketing as a Move-In Coordinator. ““Everyone has been nice and friendly so far,” Nash said.

Nash grew up off Lehigh Ave. and graduated from One Bright Ray Community High School, where she gained photography and culinary skills.

Prior to joining PPH, she worked as a movie theater host and for a home healthcare agency, and most recently for six years at a local casino as a security dispatcher. And while PPH doesn’t have the same hustle and

bustle — sometimes chaotic — atmosphere of a casino, the experience in security and safety has given her the ability to multi-task and use problem-solving skills to handle different situations that may arise.

“My previous job definitely prepared me for a position like this at PPH,” she said. “I’m used to a fast-paced environment where safety is always the number one priority.”

Nash is outgoing and friendly, always willing to go the extra mile to make guests feel comfortable.

And as she familiarizes herself with residents, various departments and

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the community’s 13-acre campus, she knows there’s always someone willing to lend a helping hand.

“I know help is always there if I need a question answered,” she said, noting that her team members in the Security department have guided her in the right direction.

While most of her day is spent at the front desk, she does like to stop by the Greenhouse during her break to check out the beautiful plants.

When she’s not at PPH, Nash enjoys shopping for two fur children (dogs), Toby and Lily. Her favorite place is the beach, as she loves collecting seashells and exploring nature with her fiancée. She is the second oldest of her five siblings and loves being an aunt.

Hazel Peatman has lived at PPH for 32 years!

PPH Auxiliary President Patricia Coyne (center), on behalf of the Auxiliary, presents a check to Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese and PPH Board Chair Eric Sigel.

Kathy Scarlotta has worked at PPH for more than 40 years!

Founders’ > Continued from page 1 PPH employees spoke about PPH’s compelling spirit, the impact that the community has had on them, and how PPH truly lives up to its tagline of “We’re Family.”

Sharise Paul and Ron Barras both spoke on how their hard work and dedication at PPH has given them additional opportunities — Sharise recently moved from the role of Front Desk Receptionist to IL Move-In Coordinator; Ron started in the Business Office, eventually moving to the Human Resources department as Benefits Coordinator. Though they both serve in different roles now, the skill sets developed in their initial roles are still valuable to them today.

Chapters Recreation Therapist Shyla Pastore spoke on the support and opportunities that come from PPH. “I am grateful to be a part of the team here at PPH. We all collectively help each other to ensure that the residents get what they need through recreation as well as creating a positive environment for the residents to thrive in. Giving them a sense of purpose, belonging and fulfillment,” she said.

Kathy Scarlotta was the final Spirit speaker — Kathy has been with PPH for 40 years in Health Care and Skilled Nursing. Kathy spoke of the bonds forged with co-workers over the years, often spending more time alongside PPH staff than their own families.

She said that through ups and downs professionally and personally, she’s always been able to persevere.

Service Excellence The Service Excellence Award celebrates a PPH employee who demonstrates excellence and consistently exemplifies our core values while performing their work. This year’s recipient is Laundry Supervisor Chantaya McLeod.

Chantaya was recognized for her dedication and invaluable contributions to PPH’s Environmental Services department. Under Chantaya’s leadership, laundry services has improved in quality and efficiency.

Always upbeat and enthusiastic, Chantaya was sure to thank her staff for their hard work and efforts in ensuring PPH residents receive clean, fresh clothes in a timely manner.

Resident Ambassador This year, PPH introduced a new award, the Resident Ambassador Award, which recognizes one resident across all levels of care. Criteria includes contributing to the wellbeing of the community, being a good neighbor, perseverance, and offering suggestions and constructive criticism in a positive, appropriate manner. Number of years living at PPH is also taken into consideration.

This year’s recipient is longtime PPH resident June Wodowski. June, who has lived at PPH for 28 years, was recognized for her dedication as a PPH volunteer. June spent many hours in the Crafts Room working on special projects, assisting in the mail room, and delivery and distribution of our monthly newsletter — dating back to when it was known as “The Perspective.”

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20-Year Club Also recognized alongside June was PPH’s longest tenured resident, Hazel Peatman (32 years) and Dolores Clarkson (24 years).

“Their enjoyment of life is embodied in their relationships, their accomplishments, their passions, and their hopes and dreams. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and help all of you achieve your highest possible quality of life,” said Director of Community Relations Bill Conaway, who served as emcee for the event.

PPH Auxiliary The PPH Auxiliary — which consists of residents, staff and outside community members — supports Benevolent Care & staff/resident gratitude activities by promoting engagement and support of PPH’s mission. The Auxiliary presented a $5,000 check for Benevolent Care.

Patricia Coyne, Auxiliary President, thanked members and volunteers for their support.

“Join hands, start a ‘Love Train’” The ceremony concluded with a slideshow dedicated to the Spirit of PPH, created by Communications Specialist Mike Berman, as a PPH favorite — Philly Soul classic “Love Train” by the O’Jays — played in the background.

“Whether it’s attending an event or celebration, collaborating with residents and staff, or everyday interactions while walking around the campus, enthusiasm is always on display, and I hope the slideshow captured our community’s joy and spirit,” said Mike.

Pound Cake Sale & Raffle raises more than $2K!

The PPH Auxiliary’s highly popular Stock’s Bakery Pound Cake Sale was a success! In total, more than $2,200 was raised, which will go towards PPH Benevolent Care and Employee Appreciation.

Congratulations goes out to Charna Heiko (above center) for winning the raffle basket of cheer, and a special thanks to PPH team member Mary Bargerhuff for her beautiful craftsmanship in organizing the basket which consisted of various donated items from the PPH Auxiliary! The Auxiliary even received some help from the Philadelphia Police Department’s 26th District (above right), which donated $500.

Thank you to all staff, residents and supporters who donated and participated. And thank you to the Auxiliary for their dedication and assistance, most notably Adelaide Weidner for selling more than 40 cakes!

Honoring our vets

PPH celebrated and honored our resident-veterans on Veterans Day. PPH resident-veteran Calvin Clement sang the National Anthem; PPH Pastor Earl Scott gave the invocation; State Representatives Anthony Bellmon and Jared Solomon delivered remarks; GySgt. Richard Menchaca spoke and played TAPS; and PPH resident-veteran Audrey Alston closed out the ceremony with “God Bless America.” Thank you to all speakers, performers, residents, staff, and student-volunteers from St. Cecilia School who helped make this event a success.

Employee of the Month: Michaela Kennerly Michaela has been with PPH since June 2019 in our Personal Care Department as a CNA Caremaster. Michaela is caring and compassionate, and goes out of her way to make residents feel special. We are happy to have her as part of the PPH family!

Congratulations Michaela! Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes.”

Note - There is not a Volunteer of the Month for December — a Volunteer of the Year will be announced at the Dec. 17 Volunteer Tea!

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Halloween fun for all ages

Many PPH staff and their children (and grandchildren) participated in the community’s annual Staff-Family Halloween Party on Oct. 30! The kids were greeted in the Social Hall by PPH residents decked out in costume, and then went on to trick-or-treat in Personal Care and Pathways.

Left, Natalie Hardiman, Sue and Mary Sandoz — three PPH volunteers who have given their time as coaches in Ms. Collins’ Kindergarten class.

The Kindergarten students of Ms. Collins’ Rhawnhurst Elementary held a special performance in PPH’s Social Hall on Halloween! PPH’s relationship with Ms. Collins dates back 24 years, when she was a teacher at Creighton Elementary.

Many PPH residents have volunteered as coaches with Ms. Collins’ students, and the longtime teacher brings her class over to PPH for Halloween and holiday season celebrations! (To learn more about this partnership, see the July REACH or contact Volunteer Coordinator Carol Cherrington at 8027).

PPH held Halloween Family Feud, hosted by Director of Community Relations Bill Conaway!

Three teams representing each Independent Living building competed — Lawndale, Alpha, and Gateway (pictured left). Surveys included favorite Halloween candy, scary movie, what to wear on your face on Halloween other than a mask and much more!

Walk for Alzheimer’s; Wellness Team cruises to victory

Many residents and staff donned their purple attire for the Alzheimer’s Walk on Nov. 7. Purple is the official color of the Alzheimer’s Association – “The fight against Alzheimer’s isn’t a red or blue issue; it’s both,” according to the Association’s website.

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Vincent Barrett and Maureen Solomon of the Wellness Center were victorious in PPH’s Shuffleboard Tournament.

NEWS BRIEFS, HAPPENINGS AND EVENTS ‘It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’

★ Holiday Bazaar: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 12 noon to 2 p.m. More information forthcoming. Any questions, contact Patricia Coyne - #8403. ★ Gateway Holiday Party: Friday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. in the Social Hall. ★ Holiday Card Sale: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Fountain Room. Special sale price - four cards for $1. ★ PPH Choir’s Winter/Holiday Show: Friday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. Come out to the Social Hall as the PPH Choir performs various holiday classics! ★ Trip to Ryerss Museum Christmas House: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.

(Please note that the museum elevator is broken and entering the museum requires taking the steps to the second floor). Cost is $2 and sign up begins on Dec. 4. ★ Volunteer Holiday Party: Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. ★ Door Decorating Contest: Our an-

nual Holiday Door Decorating Contest is back! One winner per building will be selected on Monday, Dec. 23, with the winner to be announced at IL Bingo that afternoon (2 p.m., Social Hall).

Winners will also be announced in the January REACH. ★ New Year’s Eve Celebration: PPH will hold a New Year’s Eve Celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. in the Social Hall. Sign up in the Business Office, beginning Dec. 2. ★ Veterans’ Meeting: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. in the Learning Center. Any questions, call Bill Conaway - #8031. ★ Koffee with Kelli: Independent Living Residents - Come out and chat with Kelli Mills, PPH’s Interim Executive Director, over a cup of coffee or tea on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 10:30 a.m. in the Social Hall.

★ Philly Soul Collective: Come out for a dance party with the Philly Soul Collective Band on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. ★ Pearl Harbor Remembrance: Saturday, Dec. 7, 10:30 a.m. in the Social Hall. ★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7. ★ Ted Talk: Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall - Seasonal Affective Disorder. ★ IL Residents’ Association meeting: There is no December meeting. The January 2025 meeting will be Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. ★ Volunteer Opportunities: Our Volun-

Unheralded Heroes - Alice Augusta Ball

Briefs >>> Continued on page 7

but it was close to one, and it was the most effective treatment for Leprosy during the 1920s and 1930s.

The “Ball Method” was distributed worldwide and helped free countless people from isolated Leper colonies. “Ball Method” was used until the emergence of the first antibiotic drug, Sulfa, developed in the early 1940s.

Alice died at age 24, long before her contributions were recognized. Be sure to Google her to learn more!

Compiled by Velma N’Jai Alice Augusta Ball was an African American chemist.

Throughout history, millions of people were afflicted with Hansen’s Disease, known as Leprosy, a frightening disease, with no known cure.

In 1915, Alice developed her formula, the first successful leprosy treatment, called the “Ball Method,” by making Ethyl Ester derivatives of Chaulmoogra Oil. Ball developed a injectable oil extract — it wasn’t a cure,

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A good cause in Memory of a PPH resident The PPH Auxiliary, in partnership with AltruaVision - A Lions Eye Bank, has dedicated a new Eyeglass Collection Box. This collection is “In Memory of Deanna Roth,” a longtime PPH resident who passed away earlier this year. Members of Deanna’s family visited PPH in November to kick off the partnership.

This collection box is housed in the PPH Medical Office Suite — eye glasses, sunglasses, reading glasses and prescription glasses are all accepted.

For more information or any questions on the Collection Box, contact PPH resident Barbara Sveen at 8074.

AltruVision is committed to enhancing a person’s quality of life by restoring or improving vision through cornea transplantation, medical research and education. For more information, visit altruvision.org/.

Contemplative Collage

Happy Birthday, Marcella Personal Care resident Marcella Fellin celebrated her 105th birthday in November! Many residents and staff stopped by to wish Marcella a “Happy Birthday,” and celebrated with cake, music and karaoke! Marcella even shared a dance with CNA Falisha Tyson-Brooks!

To see a short video of Marcella’s birthday celebration, visit our Facebook or Instagram pages.

A special arts & crafts class was held in November.

Contemplative Collage is a creative spiritual practice that encourages creativity through developing a work of art using images from magazines, calendars, books, cards and photos. the Business Office (#8010) to have the trip fee removed. ★ PPH Food Drive: Food will be collected the last week of the month, and delivered the first day of the following month.

Locations for drop off: Access Hub (1124 Lawndale), across from Tabor Market, Vending Machine area between the Wellness Center and Alpha Manor 1st Floor. For more info, call Tom Sexton - #8368.

Briefs > Continued from page 6 teer 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

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Reflections

By Pastor Tara Walker

The Holiday Season Dear PPH Family and Friends,

have less significance for where you are now.

Self-reflection can also bring us a new sense of purpose. If we lack satisfaction, perhaps there is a need to look deeper within to find new meaning. A shift in our focus can help bring our priorities into alignment with the direction that we want our lives to go in.

Perhaps you’re trying to make sense of many changes you’ve recently encountered in your life. It’s okay to take time to put life in perspective and think about what’s important now. Happiness should be a priority that deserves our time and effort. Improvement comes by making the necessary changes. Some examples might entail setting new goals, paying attention to the small things that bring you joy, or taking up a new hobby. Another idea may be to get out more and spend more time with friends. When you realize what the changes are, prepare for them.

Let’s remember to keep our focus on the things that matter most during this holiday season. May it be a time to reflect on life, family & friends, and the things that are most important. Let’s make the most of this holiday season!

Holidays are often centered around unity and celebration.

Most people tend to be cheerful during the holidays. It’s a time of spreading joy, kindness, and giving gifts.

But unfortunately, the holiday season doesn’t always encompass joy for everyone. For many, the holiday season can bring a sense of disconnectedness and loneliness. The good news is that we can still find meaning and fulfillment during the holiday season.

I like to think of the holidays as a time of reflection and giving thanks. The holiday season is always a fitting time to take a few moments to pause, and reflect on the gifts we’ve been given, the people we love and opportunities we’ve received in life. Practicing gratitude is a powerful thing.

Gratitude is all about recognizing the good things in our lives and the people we’ve been blessed with. It’s easy to get caught up in all the festivity and lose sight of what matters most. But the holidays are a good time to reflect and prioritize us.

Self-reflection allows us to assess where we are in our lives and the possible need for change. Life has a way of bringing us into new phases that may require a reorganization of priorities. What was your primary focus before may

Happy holidays!

Pastor Tara

Catching up and reminiscing

Phyliss Humpl, Athena Mayer of Dining Services and Barbara Heller are pictured here reminiscing one afternoon before Athena began her afternoon shift.

PPH residents Phyllis Humpl and Barbara Heller met many years ago, when they were both raising families on the same street in the Northwood section of Northeast Philadelphia (near Frankford High School). Their children played together with the neighborhood kids, which included a young Athena Mayer, who is now a team member in PPH’s Dining Services department.

Phyllis and Barbara always enjoy getting together to chat about family, life and the old neighborhood, especially when Athena is their server!

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.

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