FEBRUARY 2024
PPH celebrates MLK Day, plans Black History Month events PPH held its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Observance event on Jan. 15. Many residents and staff were in attendance for the program, which featured resident and staff speakers, performances from the PPH Choir, the 2024 Day of Service project (The Joy of Sox) and more! Hosted by Vice President of the PPH Residents’ Association Evelyn Washington, this year’s theme was “Recognizing Those Who Sustain Our Community.” During the residentdriven program, a slideshow celebrating staff was shown. Sue Roye and Marge Sexton took more than 100 photos for the slideshow, which were matched up to classic songs “Three Little Birds,” “That’s What Friends Are For,” “You are the Sunshine of My Life” and “What a Wonderful World.” “PPH staff work tirelessly, day or night, rain or shine, to sustain us within our community. They are there for us.” Evelyn said. Kathy Andrews-Williams, Mary Sandoz and Velma N’Jai all spoke on how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. impacted their own lives. Their speeches touched on moments or events from
(Pictured left) Evelyn Washington, Velma N’Jai and Kathy Andrews pose with their Joy of Sox certificates during PPH’s Sox Week. (Right) Mary Sandoz engages the audience during PPH’s MLK Day of Observance program. their life, related to Dr. King — Kathy spoke on an uplifting project during her tenure at Pennsauken High School that brought students of diverse backgrounds together through Dr. King’s tenace for nonviolence; Mary spoke on the importance of service that was instilled in her during her adolescence; Velma shared an experience of racism as a teenager in the 1950s while taking public transportation with her younger sister to visit family in Virginia, and how that has impacted her throughout her life. Tom Sexton gave an update of PPH’s ongoing food drive, a Day of Service project that began three years ago. He estimated that over the last three years, PPH residents have donated more than four tons
of food to local pantries and plan to continue doing so. “Why should this have to end? We still have hungry neighbors.” Tom said. “Let’s continue this forever!” Tom also thanked Jean Holland, Jaime Sandoz and Walt Ceglowski for their assistance each month delivering the food to Keneseth Israel, a synagogue in nearby Elkins Park, Pa that has a program that feeds those who are food insecure. Marge Sexton unveiled the results of the committee’s 2024 project, a donation effort inspired by The Joy of Sox, a nonprofit based in Radnor, Pa. that collects socks for those experiencing homelessness. With donations coming from many residents and staff earlier in January, PPH was able to donate 1,603 pairs of socks! >>>Continued on page 6
In This Issue...
• Care Options event • Welcoming Dr. Nancy King • Newest centenarian
6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia PA • www.PPHFamily.org • 215.697.8000 Facebook.com/ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome
Family Focus Residents engage with senior living vendors, PPH Care panel PPH held an expo on Jan. 18, “Understanding Your Care Options,” from our Commons (front) area all the way to the Fountain Room! More than 20 vendors specializing in senior living services (including a few PPH departments) were on hand to connect with our residents. After the expo, a Care Panel discussion with PPH rep-
PPH residents receive an item from Serenity Hospice, one of the almost two dozen vendors in attendance.
resentatives from each level of care was held in the Social Hall. Residents had an opportunity to ask general questions pertaining to care options, and were encouraged to follow up with representatives if necessary. We thank everyone who came out — our residents were pleased to engage with vendor representatives and our Care Panel.
The PPH Care Panel (from left to right) Marge Felix, Social Services; Shelly Perez, Personal Care; Kyle Ozimkiewicz, Pathways; and Kristy Byrnes, Business Office.
More dedicated Crafts volunteers recognized
More Crafts Room volunteers were presented with certificates thanking them for their dedication and generosity. Proceeds for the items they craft go to Benevolent Care, which helps residents remain at PPH when their own financial resources have been depleted through no fault of their own.
Welcoming our newbies!
Judith Ryan moved to PPH from the Parkwood section of Northeast Philly. She grew up in Elmhurst, Ill., attended Wheaton High School, and moved to Media, Pa. to take classes at Delaware County Community College. After college, Judith went on to work as a librarian. Judith has two sons, one living and one deceased; and one grandson, Zachary. Judith loves dogs, is an avid reader and volunteers in PPH’s Tabor Market. She says residents and staff have been warm and welcome, and is happy to have a new home here at PPH.
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Correction: The December issue of REACH incorrectly stated that Barbara Mylod designs wreaths in the PPH Crafts Room. While Barbara is a dedicated contributor in the Crafts Room, Betty Wylot is the wreath designer of the group. REACH apologizies for this error.
PPH welcomes Interim President & CEO On Jan. 20, PPH welcomed Dr. Nancy Koury King as its Interim President & CEO. Nancy discovered PPH’s President & CEO opening through Scott Townsley, the consultant who is assisting PPH with its President & CEO search. Nancy visited for a tour and was instantly drawn to the community. “The camaraderie and the culture at PPH are admirable, and I felt I could make a difference,” Nancy said. Nancy has met many residents and staff, and has noticed strong, positive qualities that she has not encountered often during her 40-year career in senior living. “It’s been about 30 years since I’ve seen a community this warm, welcoming and genuine,” Nancy said. “I’m thrilled with the diversity, the spirit of inclusion and I’m appreciative of the volunteer spirit — so many residents and staff volunteer to make this community and the greater community a better place.” And what will come to no surprise to the PPH family — Nancy has received an “incredible” welcome. “So many people have thanked me
for taking this role, who say they are praying for me and are so happy I’m here,” she said. “I’ve been approached by employees who are all dedicated, confident and highly serious about their roles.” Nancy retired in August 2022 from fulltime work but decided that she needed to stay active. She began working as a strategic advisor for senior living & life plans communities, and as an executive coach for leaders in the field. “I enjoy my free time, but I needed to keep myself challenged,” she said. Through her advising and coaching, she is active with LeadingAge; she was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 from LeadingAge’s Virginia chapter. “It’s been a passion of mine to lift up new leaders. It’s so important — especially in this field — that we have future, diverse leadership,” she said. “I enjoy coaching and working with people who want to improve their leadership skills.” When not working or consulting, Nancy enjoys walks and Broadway musicals. She enjoys going out to eat at restaurants with her husband and friends. Nancy has two sisters, two adult children and loves spending her free time with her twin grandsons and her shitzu poodle mix, Tuna.
The Guardian Angels of Dining Three employees in Dining Services were recently recognized as Guardian Angels! Lisa Burke, Mark Newtown and Sue Denelsbeck (pictured left to right) were all honored by a PPH resident who wanted to show gratitude and appreciation for the kindness she received from all three employees since moving into PPH. For more information on the Guardian Angel program, contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese at 8508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.
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Resident Showcases
December’s Showcase in the PPH Esplanade was Patricia Coyne’s Nutcrackers collection. Nutcracker (or Nusskracker) figurines date back to Germany in the late 17th century. Initially designed in the shape of birds or other animals, they were later made as miners, policemen, royalty or soldiers. A handcrafted nutcracker doll can be made out of up to sixty separate pieces.
January’s Showcase was “A Collection of Chamber Sticks” from Barbara Bassett. Barbara’s collection is made up of sticks from nine countries made from various materials: bone china, brass, crystal, copper, ceramic, pottery, pewter, tin, silver, wood and wrought iron.
PPH rings in 2024!
Happy 100th, Tina!
PPH residents — including Bernadette and Lawrence Geller — celebrated New Year’s Eve in the Social Hall! Fun was had by all! Personal Care resident Tina Dowling celebrated her 100th birthday in January! Tina’s family held a party for her in the Social Hall, and she’s pictured above (second from left) with PPH staff as well as her cousin Yvonne Blackwell, a Gateway Manor resident. PPH is home to more than 15 centenarians across all levels of care.
Furry friend visit Gloria Swope spends some quality time with Josie, one of the many Seeing Eye Dogs who visit PPH the first Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. in the Social Hall.
PPH’s Medical Mission Sisters and Associates gathered on New Year’s Day. First row, left to right Sr. Joan Foley, Sr. Maryann Tregoning, Sr. Jane Coyle, associate Darrah Degnan. Top row: associate Tom Sexton, Sr. Jeanette McDermott, associate Jane Blewett, associate Marge Sexton, Sr. Maria Hornung. Everyone toasted the New Year, watched a bit of the Mummers Parade and ended their gathering with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.
Volunteer of the Month: Mary Anne Crowley Congrats go out to Mary Anne, who is the “Volunteer of the Month” for February 2024. Mary Anne has been a dedicated PPH Volunteer since 2022. She is a member of the PPH Auxiliary, is a proofreader for the Reach and also a cashier in the Gift Shop and Tabor Market. She is always willing to help out anywhere help is needed and does an excellent job. Thank you Mary Anne for all that you do and for the nice way that you do it. For volunteer of the month nominations, contact Carol Cherrington at 8027 or ccherrington@pphfamily.org.
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PPH bids farewell to John Dubyk PPH residents and staff bid farewell to President and CEO John Dubyk, stopping by the Social Hall Tuesday afternoon to wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his career. Many in attendance thanked John for his leadership, transparency and willingness to engage and listen. John spoke about the memories and friends he’s made at PPH, which he said he’ll cherish forever. (Pictured right) John Dubyk accepts a brick from Elaine Grose, president of the Independent Living Residents’ Association: G.I.P (Go in Peace) with a design that represents John’s unique socks, which he often showed off during his internal video updates.
(Above) Max and Phyllis Humpl express appreciation for John.
PPH Auxiliary gifts
Let it snow, let it snow!
The PPH Auxiliary kicked off 2024 by donating more than 200 packs of toothbrushes and toothpaste to Personal Care, Chapters and Pathways residents! Special thanks to our Life Enrichment and Recreational Therapy departments for delivering these thoughtful care packages!
Shannon Grieb, Kimberly McGeary and Maria Luszcz of PPH’s Sales & Marketing Team braved the cold and snow during their lunch break to build a minisnowman. Who says you can’t have fun at work?
Employee of the Month: Alfreda Mulbah Alfreda has been with PPH since 2021 in our Healthcare Department as a CNA. Her caring demeanor and warm heart are an asset to the department. She has a positive relationship with both residents and staff. Alfreda treats her residents as family members. Congratulations Alfreda! Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes! For employee of the month nominations, contact Daphne Floyd at 8015 or dfloyd@pphfamily.org.
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NEWS BRIEFS AND EVENTS ★ Women’s History Month (March): This year’s theme is “Women Who Advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.” There will be programs with speakers from here at PPH as well as the greater community, and the display case in the Esplanade will be filled with items that celebrate women’s contributions to society. See the March REACH and calendar for event dates and times.
★ Residents’ Association: Monday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m., Social Hall.
completed our veteran survey, please contact Bill Conaway at 8031.
★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 11:30 a.m. and broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7.
★ 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. There are 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 8368.
★ Calling all 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
Unheralded Hero
achieve a Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota in organic chemistry.
By Velma N’Jai - PPH resident
After receiving her Master’s, Brown began work as a research chemist a CIBA Pharmaceutical Company, where she was involved in research programs for drug development targeting tuberculosis and coccidiosis.
Jeannette Elizabeth Brown (May 13, 1934 –)
Jeannette Brown is a retired African American organic medicinal chemist, historian and author. Brown was born in 1934 in the Bronx, N.Y. When she was young, she contracted tuberculosis and was treated by Arthur Logan. Logan was a young African American in his intern year of residency who lived in Brown’s building and inspired her to become a doctor. Brown excelled in Chemistry, scoring 98 out of 100 on the New York State Regents Chemistry exam, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Hunter College in 1956. In 1958, she became the first African American woman to
She began working at Merck in 1969, where she co-authored 15 publications, obtained one patent and contributed to five others. She worked to develop the compound Cilastatin Sodium combination with Imipenem to prevent metabolism. This combination creates the antibiotic Primaxin, which is used to treat severe internal infections, as well as diseases caused by flesh-eating bacteria and some types of pneumonia.
>>> MLK Day, Black History Month, continued from page 1 To view the full program, which includes performances from Carol Drummond, the PPH Choir and words from residents and staff, visit our Facebook or YouTube channel. Black History Month celebration And now that January has come to an end, PPH will begin celebrating Black History Month throughout February. The display case in the Esplanade (near Scoops) will be dedicated to “African Americans and the Arts,” spanning the impact that Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, culture, movements, and more. Items in the showcase will be from six different PPH residents.
There will be various events in the Social Hall throughout the month that highlight Black Americans’ numerous contributions to the arts. • Education - On Feb. 1 at 3 p.m., five Central High School juniors will discuss “The Importance of Black History Education.” • Art - On Feb. 7 at 2 p.m., Iff NniOwoo, a local graphic designer, and public and visual artist will hold a lecture and displayed art show in the Social Hall. • Music - On Feb. 15 at 2 p.m., the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Choir, under the direction of Jerome Lang, will perform in the Social Hall.
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• Dance - Pointe Flex, a local dance group consisting of students of various ages, will perform on Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. • Art - Julie Kring presents American Artists from the African Diaspora, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. • Poetry - Dr. Century, an actress, historical interpreter, educator and writer who has performed at PPH many times over the years, will do a historical interpretation of poet Phillis Wheatley in the Social Hall on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. Be sure to check out any of these events that pique your interest. All are welcome to attend.
Spotlight on Black America and the Arts: The Harlem Renaissance By Dr. Kathy Andrews-Williams Lawndale Manor resident
I, too, sing America, I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen when company comes, But I laugh, eat well, and grow strong. Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table when company comes. Nobody’ll dare say to me, “eat in the kitchen” then. Besides, they’ll see how beautiful I am and be ashamed – I, too am America.
The Harlem Renaissance was a multifaceted cultural movement embodying the artistic mediums of literature, music, visual arts and theater among Black Americans between the end of World War I (1917), the onset of the Great Depression (1929) and to World War II (the 1930s). The Renaissance, coinciding with the Jazz Age and the Roaring Twenties, was stimulated by economic progress, and surrounded by an atmosphere of Black artistic transformation. The Harlem Renaissance, also called the “New Negro Movement,” emerged from the Great Migration. The Migration, the largest movement of Black Americans in U.S. history, occurred at the turn of the 20th century. Blacks relocated from the rural South for jobs, better education and housing, seeking relief from Jim Crow laws and discrimination, anti-Black racism and violence. Blacks along with Caribbean immigrants came to northern urban areas including New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Washington D.C. with hopes and dreams of a new life. The visibility and intensity of the Harlem Renaissance denoted a shift in how Black people spoke about and represented themselves and experiences. For example, Black business leaders, insurance companies, and newspapers cultivated a new Black business base. Most importantly, the Harlem Renaissance is recognized for its literary and performing arts. “Writers and artists drew inspiration from jazz and blues, dance, and visual art to reimagine Black American identities and experiences, and to make modernity Black” (Farebrother, 2023). Artists during the Harlem Renaissance asserted Black pride and identity, critical consciousness of inequality and discrimination, and freedom of expression through the arts. Black thinkers Alain Locke, W. E. B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey expressed philosophical designs on selfdetermination and a new radical political viewpoint. Writers Langston Hughes, James Weldon Johnson and Zora Neale Hurston and poets Countee Cullen and Claude McKay conveyed the complexities of racialized Black art, life, culture and politics. In addition, Johnson’s lyrics and music of his brother John Rosamond Johnson borne the Black National Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” In 1926, Langston Hughes captured the hungered desire for equality in his poem “I, too”:
Performing talents of jazz and blues music included Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway and Bessie Smith. Famous Harlem nightclubs the Savoy Ballroom and Cotton Club, along with the Apollo Theater were musical and theatrical venues that symbolized a vibrant nightlife. Classical music performers Paul Robeson and Marian Anderson demonstrated the range of Black music at that time. In addition, the influence of jazz, the blues and Black spirituals and anthems fostered gospel music as we know it today. During the Renaissance, Black American visual arts appeared in painting, photography, sculpture, and printmaking. For instance, Aaron Douglas, the “father of Black American art” and photographer James Van Der Zee explored aspects of Black American life (e.g., slavery, beauty, family, music) and identity. Visual artists inspired each other and reflected the influence of poets, writers, musicians, dancers, and actors of that time. Although the Harlem Renaissance highlighted Black cultural expression, the Movement gradually lost its momentum by 1940. The economic impact of the Great Depression and WWII removed financial support and resources. However, the Harlem Renaissance left an indelible mark for future generations of Black literary, visual, and performing arts to continue discussions on race, identity, and artistic expression. References Carter, J. A., & Mason, S. M. (2023). Harlem Renaissance: An interpretation of racialized art and ethics. In J. Harold (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Ethics and Art, (pp. 136-151). https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197539798.013.10 Farebrother, R., & Thaggert, M. (2021). Introduction: Revising a Renaissance. In R. Farebrother & M. Thaggert (Eds.), A History of the Harlem Renaissance (pp. 1-18). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/9781108656313.001 https://projectharlemrenaissance.weebly.com/consequences.html https://upfront.scholastic.com/issues/2022-23/013023/the-harlemrenaissance.html?language=english#1140L
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Reflections ‘Good as Gold’ The expression, “Good as Gold” was said to me many times by my father-in-law, Roy Eichner. My three children, now all young adults, were blessed to have a relationship with their grandparents that was full of unconditional love, care and fun. Roy and Lydia, former Alpha Manor residents who are now enjoying God’s presence, were a true gift to us. During grade school years, my kids had the privilege of spending Wednesday afternoons with their grandparents. On Wednesdays, school ended early, around noon, and Roy and Lydia would pick them up, take them to their home for a snack, games, piano lessons, homework and more games, then bring them back to our home around dinner time. I would look at my father-in-law as he brought the kids inside and I would ask, “how were the kids today?” With a huge smile on his face he would emphatically respond, “they were as good as gold,” and he meant it! I could tell by the expression on my kids’ faces that it likely wasn’t the whole story. They were kids after all, and had their share of teasing, arguing and all that goes along with being a kid. So being as “good as gold” seemed a stretch to me, their mom.
I’m reminded of how this perspective as a grandparent relates to how our Heavenly Father looks at us, his children. Surely we’re not perfect and Anne Eichner, God knows that. However, we are loved, cherished and treasured by our Heavenly Father who could not love us any more than He already does. Do you need to be reminded of how loved you are? Psalm 145:8 says, “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” When I think back, I treasure the love my kids received from their grandparents. The time and energy they invested, the prayers said on their behalf through some rough teen years, and all the precious memories that were created. I’ve come to love the expression “good as gold.” Valentine’s Day is this month. Let’s remember the love of those we’ve been blessed with, the love we’ve given and received, and be grateful for cherished memories. None of us has gotten it right, but with God’s help we can keep pressing on and choosing to love. God values us, and we can express value to one another. Psalm 145 goes on to say, “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” It’s never too late to be intentional about loving those around us. How can you choose to reinforce love, acceptance, and value in each other? We are better together as we live this out on purpose, as a community!
But grandparents have that prerogative — they chose to see the good in their grandchildren, letting any of the arguing or fighting go unspoken. Now, as a grandparent myself, I get it. My granddaughter lights up our world; we delight in all she says and does.
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis Much love and Happy Valentine’s Day!
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