A ‘Beloved Community’ celebrates service, family
Throughout January, PPH celebrated the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through an act of service, a live play reading and art that celebrated “beloved community” and family.
We kicked off 2025 with Joy of Sox Week, a continuation of 2024’s service project. From Jan. 3 to 12, PPH residents set up shop in the Fountain Room, and collected donations and socks from fellow residents, staff and visitors.
All donations will be given to the Joy of Sox, a nonprofit in Radnor, Pa. that provides new socks to people experiencing homelessness.
The funds raised and the socks donated resulted in 2,400 pairs of socks — up substantially from last year’s
total of 1,650.
On Jan. 16, PPH held a live reading of “MLK’s Freedom March,” a play based on the 1963 “I Have a Dream” March for Jobs and Freedom. Alpha Manor resident Virtner Hynes served as moderator and pianist for the reading and songs. Nine residents and three staff members assumed the roles of a fictional family’s participation in the 1963 March on Washington.
The play was well received by the audience, particularly the cast members’ reading and inflection of the lines.
“It was an honor to be part of this and to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and all of the participants in the 1963 March on Washington,” said Alpha Manor resident Elaine C. Grose.
Carol Evans, Barbara Capezio and Mary Anne Crowley were three of many residents to assist with PPH’s Sox Week.
Artist Maria Odilia Romeu explains the purpose of the art project to those in attendance on MLK Day.
Our celebration of MLK culminated FEBRUARY 2025
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Top: Virtner Hynes (pictured, behind the podium) serves as a moderator and a pianist for the live reading; Bottom row: Wellness Coordinator Vincent Barrett, and residents Velma N’Jai and Charna Heiko played roles, along with other residents and team members.
Family Focus
Three team members recognized as Guardian Angels
Three PPH staff members were recognized as Guardian Angels in January.
Two members of our Security team — Alonna Bates and Jorge Rodriguez — were honored by an anonymous resident who was impressed with their professionalism and their quick-thinking during an incident that required urgency and action.
“I witnessed Alonna and Jorge in action a number of times, and they are always professional and helpful.” the resident said. “In one particular instance in response to a fire alarm that was triggered by smoke in a hallway, within moments, Alonna was on the floor and moving like a gazelle to the apartment and Jorge was right behind. Their quick thinking and actions reassured those impacted, that everyone was in good hands. Thank you for all that you do.”
Jenice Morrison-Best of our Dining
Services team was also recognized as a Guardian Angel in January. Jenice was selected by an anonymous resident for her friendly demeanor and for her resourcefulness.
“Jenice is always pleasant, helpful and able to take initiative, as needed, to assist in any way possible,” the
‘Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah’
resident said. “She is a definite asset to PPH.”
Jenice, Alonna and Jorge, on behalf of PPH leadership and team members, we thank you for your dedication and compassionate care for our residents.
Residents gathered to light PPH’s menorah on the 6th night of Hanukkah. A Hanukkah blessing and sing-along followed, which included a PPH-centric rendition of “I Have a Little Dreidel,” “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah” and more.
Jorge Rodriguez and Alonna Bates Jenice Morrison-Best
Five PPH staff members awarded Schea Scholarships
Congratulations to the five recipients of the 2024 Eberhard and Helen Schea Endowment Fund for Healthcare Education Scholarship!
All five recipients say that funds from the Schea Scholarship will help alleviate costs of higher education, and that the knowledge and skills gained allow them to contribute to PPH’s mission of providing a caring senior living community that affords its residents the opportunity to achieve their highest possible quality of life.
Eileen Bratton
Eileen Bratton is PPH’s Quality Assurance and Infection Control Preventionist. A PPH team member for 30 years, Eileen is passionate about the wound healing process; she will use the scholarship funds to take a course that will increase her proficiency of skin and wound care management best practices.
“The wound certification course that I am enrolling in will allow me to enhance my skills and assist in staff education, which will help ensure high-quality resident care,” Eileen said.
Caiyah Bickley
Caiyah Bickley is a Medical Assistant in PPH’s Medical Office.
Caiyah’s inspiration to enter the healthcare field was her mother, a social worker who devoted much of her life to helping others in her own family.
“My Mom made an impact on all people’s lives around her,” Caiyah said. “She inspired me to be selfless, always give to people in need and never give up.”
Caiyah found an appreciation for
patient care during her internship at an assisted living facility, and she says that working at PPH has strengthened her desire to further her education, with the goal of enrolling in an LPN program.
“My career at PPH has made me feel closer to my career goals. I think this scholarship would help me reach my goal of becoming a nurse.”
Hailey Magilton
Hailey Magilton first joined PPH as a Wellness Center intern and currently works in the Dining Services department. Hailey is majoring in Sports Management and minoring in Education at Bryn Athyn College, where she plays on the college’s girls’ soccer and basketball teams.
After graduation, she aspires to work in sports management and open her own gym.
“Sports management is part of healthcare; enhancing my education in this field will allow me to help people stay healthy through exercise,” Hailey said.
Shyla Pastore
Shyla Pastore is a Recreation Specialist in PPH’s Chapters Memory Care.
Shyla is enrolled in a two-year LPN program at Lincoln Technical Institute and is set to graduate this spring. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a career in Nursing with an eventual goal of becoming an RN.
“Continuing my education has given me further knowledge and support. I aspire to eventually become an RN and continue my passion for helping people,” said Shyla.
Reem Saleh
Reem Saleh is a Care Coordinator in PPH’s Social Services department where she serves our Pathways Skilled Nursing residents. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Healthcare Administration at Rasmussen University. The skills and experience gained as a Social Worker have given Reem a stronger understanding of patient needs and care, which she believes will be beneficial in a Healthcare Quality Improvement role.
“Having worked directly with patients and families, I may be able to provide insight into creating effective policies and procedures to ensure that patients are receiving quality care,” Reem said.
The Eberhard and Helen Schea Endowment Fund for Healthcare Education was established in 2007 to support continuing Healthcare education programs, which promotes the overall well-being of PPH residents and staff. Since its inception, 30 employees have been awarded scholarships with a total value of $31,630.
The fund is named in honor of longtime PPH supporters, donors, and residents, Mr. Eberhard “Ebbie” and Mrs. Helen Schea. Ebbie was the manager of the PPH Board of Pensions and an emeritus member of the PPH Board of Directors, while Helen was a member of the PPH Auxiliary. The Scheas’ children, Fred Schea and his wife, Kathleen; and the late Caroline Schea Lloyd and her husband, Jim, established the endowment to honor their parents’ memory and continue the family tradition of generosity.
Recipients are chosen based on financial need, academic merit and a 500-word essay on how the Schea Scholarship will help them advance their careers in healthcare and senior services.
Eileen Bratton Caiyah Bickley Hailey Magilton Shyla Pastore Reem Saleh
Offerings from our Dining Services team
PPH residents enjoyed a special treat, courtesy of Chef Rey Gayo and Nutrition Care Manager Kathleen Garrity (above right) of our Dining Services team. The chocolate, chia and yogurt pudding was a hit amongst our residents who were lounging in the Fountain Room!
Residents grabbed fruit, vegetables, rolls, sweets and much more at one of Dining Services’ January Farmers’ Markets! Lawndale Manor resident Evelyn Washington (above right with Assistant Director of Dining Lisa Burke) bought plenty of fruit and saved herself a trip out in the freezing cold to the supermarket.
Our Dining Services team holds frequent Pop Ups Tastings — often based on special themes throughout the year — and Farmers’ Markets twice a month. Be sure to check out the monthly calendar (inserted in this newsletter each month), PPH channels 2 and 4 and bulletin boards for dates and more information.
A tribute to show tunes
Singer Chris Fitting performed at PPH on Jan. 15 to a crowd of PPH residents. Chris sang tunes from “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “My Fair Lady” and much more!
Employee of the Month: Krystle Richardson
Krystle Richardson has been with PPH since April 2023 as a CNA in Personal Care. She is a team leader as well as a team player. Krystle has a positive relationship with both residents and team members. Congratulations Krystle! Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes!”
Beloved Community
MLK >>> Continued from page 1
on Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 20. A special program was held in the Social Hall.
Residents participated in an art activity that asked the question, “What is one word that describes what living in a beloved community means to you?”
Words chosen included: Love, Respect, Sanctuary and much, much more.
The theme of “Beloved Community’ also celebrated staff families with a special slideshow presentation, highlighting some of the many families who work together at PPH. PPH is home to various family combinations. You’ll find spouses, mom and child(ren), aunt and niece, and even grandmom and granddaughters who work in our community.
“We thank you for your service and dedication — from your family to our family — your presence and support mean a lot to us that adds another
MLK >>> Continued on page 7
Volunteer of the Month: Adele Gerrow
Congratulations go out to Alpha Manor resident Adele Gerrow , PPH’s volunteer of the Month for February 2025. Adele volunteers in Tabor Market as a cashier, and is helpful and pleasant to all who enter the market. As a volunteer, Adele is always willing to lend a helping hand. Thanks Adele, for all that you do!
Some of the many PPH staff families!
Kathy-Andrews Williams Residents and guests participate in the art activity
NEWS BRIEFS, HAPPENINGS AND EVENTS
★ Veterans’ Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 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 in the Social Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. There will be monthly community updates from Kelli and PPH administration.
★ Philly Pups: Thursday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m. in the Social Hall. Come and meet these future service/therapy dogs and watch them as they participate in training exercises.
★ Prayer Breakfast: Saturday, Feb. 8 at 9 a.m. in the Social Hall. Tickets are $8.50 and may be purchased at the Business Office during the week or at the Breakfast. Any questions, call Linda Lewis at #8006. See bottom of page 8 for more information.
★ Quizzo: Monday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Social Hall. Quizzo typically consists of multiple rounds of trivia questions. Be your own team or join up with some neighbors or friends!
★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7.
★ Guest speaker Glenn Hurricane Schwartz: Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz will discuss his 42-year career in broadcast meteorology in the Philadelphia area (27 years on NBC10) when he visits PPH on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall.
★ Good Grief - Companions in Loss Bereavement Support (from the Office of Pastoral Services): Wednesday, Feb. 12, 11:30 a.m. in the Alpha Manor 1st Floor Lounge.
★ Singer Meredith Beck: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. Meredith Beck is a Philadelphia based actor,
Meet our New Residents!
Gale Katz recently moved to PPH’s Alpha Manor building from the Frankford/Wissinoming section of Philadelphia. Gale grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, graduated from Northeast High School, and went on to obtain a degree from Temple University.
Gale worked for the Department of Human Services for more than 25 years.
Hobbies that Gale enjoys includes traveling, reading and music. She also likes to meet people.
director, choreographer and private vocal coach. Theater credits include 11th Hour, Bristol Riverside Theater and Buck County Playhouse.
★ Ted Talks: There is no Ted Talk for the month of February. The next Ted Talk is Tuesday, March 11 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall — topic(s) will be listed on the March calendar.
★ IL Residents’ Association meeting: The February 2025 meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall and on PPH channel 7.
★ Bingo (IL residents): Thursday, Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall.
★ PPH Food Drive: Food will be collected the last week of each month, and delivered the first day of the following month. The three locations for drop off are: 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.
★ 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.
Since moving to PPH, Gale has attended Shabbat Services in the Fellowship Room. Gale has two daughters, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Arlene Tyner recently moved to PPH’s Lawndale Manor and grew up in the nearby Oxford Circle section of Philadelphia. She graduated from Northeast High School and was the class valedictorian!
Arlene received degrees from Penn
State University and Temple University. She worked at Temple Nursing School for many years.
Arlene is passionate about social and human rights issues of every kind, and says she’s never afraid to stand up for the rights of others.
She has returned to her childhood neighborhood and is looking forward to settling in at PPH.
Arlene enjoys gardening, collecting recipes and home cooking. She has one son and one granddaughter.
African Americans and Labor
Compiled by Carol Drummond Lawndale Manor resident
As we commemorate Black History Month (BHM), and reflect on tracing our heritage, we are also reminded of the constant struggle to achieve political, economic, social and cultural equality.
Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926. He was an educator and had learned that Black men and women had made significant contributions in science and technology which improved the quality of life for all people. He was also a historian and therefore engaged Black institutions of higher learning to incorporate Black studies into their curriculum. In 1976, “Negro History Week “ gained official recognition as “Black History Month” by President Gerald Ford’s bicentennial speech. Carter G. Woodson believed
that Africans (slaves) that were brought to America came with their African traditions and experiences in art, music, literature and many other skills.
In 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99-244 designating February as “Black History Month.” These efforts have made February the month where Black History finds its way not simply into the schools of American Nation, but also in the culture heritage sites such as museums, libraries and workplaces.
The Black History Month theme of 2025, “African Americans and Labor,” focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds-free and unfree, skilled, unskilled, vocational and voluntary intersect with the collective experiences of Black people.
A key figure in this was A. Philip Randolph (1889-1979). He was an American
Labor Unionist, civil rights activist, and socialist politician. In 1925, he organized and led the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first predominantly Afro-American Labor union. In 1963, Randolph co-organized the March on Washington.
Here at PPH for Black History Month, you will be provided with versatile and insightful platforms that will explore “African Americans and Labor.”
See below for events and activities. Also be sure to check the monthly calendar that is inserted into this publication, as well as channels 2 and 4 for any updates or additional events.
References
A. Philip Randolph: A Life in the Vanguard by Andrew K. Keisten; Jacqueline M. Moore; Nina Mjagkij.
Association for the Study of African American Life (ASALH) the founders of Black History Month
Black History Month events at PPH
Guest Speaker
Andrea Lawful-Sanders
Radical Compassion in a Time of Discord
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2 p.m., Social Hall
Andrea Lawful-Sanders excels in coaching, media, and community advocacy, helping individuals and groups reach their potential and embrace change.
Trips
Uncle Bobbies – Black-owned bookstore and coffee shop in the Germantown section of Philadelphia.
Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 11 a.m. Cost: $2. Sign up in the Business Office
African American Expo
Saturday, Feb. 22, 12 noon. Cost: $2. Sign up in the Business Office
MLK >>> Continued from page 4
dimension to the meaning of family,” said Lawndale Manor resident Carol Drummond.
Across from the art activity, Alpha Manor resident Sylvia Metzler held a presentation devoted to her visits to various Civil Rights museums in Georgia and Alabama.
Movies
All movies will air in the Activities Room and will begin at 2 p.m.
“Six Triple Eight” – Monday, Feb. 3
“The Killing Floor” – Monday, Feb. 10
“Ten Thousand Black Men” – Thursday, Feb. 13. Speaker Erik Young will facilitate a discussion after the movie.
“Self Made” (Madam CJ Walker) – Monday, Feb. 17
“Rustin” – Monday, Feb. 24
Documentary on Dr. Frank E. Boston, an African-American physician who is the founder of VMSC, the ambulance company that Burholme EMS recently merged with. - Tuesday, Feb. 25
Lawndale Manor resident Kathy Andrews-Williams and Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese both coincidentally cited a famous MLK quote when speaking of his love of service.
“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and
verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
“This reminded me of the service and volunteerism I see at PPH every day,” said Marianna. “You should be proud of your efforts as it follows Dr. King’s exceptional leadership of service to others and your community.”
Reflections
Pay it Forward
Dear PPH Family and Friends,
February 7 marks the one-year anniversary of my hire as a PPH chaplain. I am honored and blessed to be a part of this vibrant family.
One of my takeaways over the past year is the importance of giving. I’m not speaking of monetary donations, even though many give in support of Benevolent Care, but, giving of one’s time.
In the movie, “Pay It Forward,” Trevor (played by Haley Joel Osment), a seventh grader, responds to the call of his Social Studies teacher to come up with a plan to change the world and act on it. He devises a plan to help three people who must each help three people and so on until everyone is doing something for someone.
Paying it forward does not always mean going to extremes, sometimes it just means being there for someone in need. In my visits around PPH’s beautiful campus, both residents and staff occasionally need someone to listen. This does not require a formal education from a wellknown school or university. Anyone can become a good listener.
“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back?
True Christianity is a pay it forward, no strings attached, self-less lifestyle, just as God intended.
By Pastor Earl Scott
The Bible says a lot about doing things for others that don’t necessarily involve money.
Proverbs 19:17, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
Proverbs 3:27, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
Words we say can build people up when they are in need, which is true. A Christian who “pays it forward,” is always ready to offer a few words of encouragement, a few words of advice or a few words of love.
The great psychiatrist Dr. Karl Menninger was once asked by a Tucson, Ariz. newspaper reporter, “Suppose you think you’re heading for a nervous breakdown. What should you do?”
Most of us would have expected the great psychiatrist to say, “See a psychiatrist.” But he didn’t. Instead, his reply was, “Go straight to the front door, turn the knob, cross the tracks and find somebody who needs you.”
My challenge to you, family and friends, is to look around and find someone that needs you.
Talking to a friend can help to bring life back into perspective and enable us to solve our problems.
Blessings and Peace,
Pastor Earl
PPH Chaplain
PPH Prayer Breakfast — Join Us
Saturday, Feb. 8 9 a.m. PPH Social Hall
Residents, team members and guests are invited to gather monthly, (usually on the second Saturday of each month) to enjoy a morning that begins with a delicious breakfast, followed by hymns and prayer, and ending with an inspiring message from rotating local pastors and speakers. Tickets are $8.50 and may be purchased at the Business Office during the week or at the Breakfast.
Elaine C. Grose, Marlene Matarazzo and Kathy McAdoo enjoy each other’s company at the Prayer Breakfast.
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.