January REACH

JANUARY 2025

‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ Volunteers in PPH’s Crafts Room attended PPH’s annual Holiday Bazaar to sell gifts they made for the holidays. They even bought some items for their own collections!

At PPH, December is “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Like the famous Andy Williams song, there’s plenty of holiday greetings, parties for hosting, caroling, kids jingle belling and more, all which makes for a glorious, festive time of good cheer.

We kicked off December with our annual Holiday Bazaar. Residents, staff and guests shopped for stocking stuffers and gifts, with all proceeds in support of PPH Benevolent Care and gratitude activities.

There was a Holiday Mall for Personal Care and Pathways residents, a Staff Holiday Party and a Volunteer Tea. The PPH Choir held its winter show and our Kindergarten friends from Rhawnhurst Elementary visited. And we had special appearances from a jolly old friend!

See page 4 for more photos

Welcome to PPH, Chef Rey! Have you seen a new face his passion for food goes in a white chef uniform back to when he was a and a large chef hat in the young child.

PPH Dining areas recentRey took culinary arts ly? Chances are, that’s Rey classes in high school; his Gayo, PPH’s New Executive first job was as a 15-yearChef! old at Roy Rogers. After Chef Rey has an extenhigh school, he attended sive background in the culinary school at the culinary industry and has Academy of Culinary Arts Chef Rey Gayo worked in senior living in Mays Landing, N.J. communities in the GreatSince his arrival at PPH, er Philadelphia area since 2005, but Rey has been working with his team

on consistency and day to day training, lending his team the support they need to succeed.

Food has always been a paramount part of his life, which he attributes to family. Coming from a Filipino family, there was a sense of pride of being able to put food on the table for people to enjoy.

“Since I was a kid, my parents instilled being passionate about food.

Chef Rey >>> Continued on page 2

In This Issue...

• Four new centenarians celebrated in final quarter of 2024 • Volunteer of the Year • Safety Recognition

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

Family Focus PPH celebrates four new centenarians

PPH celebrated four 100th birthdays in the final quarter of 2024! Miriam Davidson turned 100 in early October and celebrated with family; Adelaide Weidner’s Lawndale Manor neighbors threw her a birthday party in late November; Alpha Manor resident Rina Fesnak spent her special day with family and friends in PPH’s Social Hall in late November; and Laura Gryska of Pathways spent the afternoon with family and Pathways neighbors in early December. All received a special Centenarian Citation from Congressman Brendan Boyle’s office.

Eco-friendly reusable containers made available In an effort to reduce waste and support environmentally friendly initiatives, PPH is introducing reusable, eco-friendly containers to begin 2025.

Communities like PPH — and other dining establishments — go through many disposable, singleuse containers on a regular basis.

Now, you can do your part in helping PPH establish green, environmentally friendly initiatives, by using our reusable containers. Fewer sin-

gle-use containers means less pollution, less waste clogging landfills, and many other environmental and cost benefits.

Reusable containers are available for purchase beginning in 2025.

PPH residents can purchase into the green program, beginning on Jan. 2 in the Fountain Room at 10 a.m. for a one-time fee of $14 — cash only. You can also purchase into the program in the Main Dining

Room.

After initial purchase into the program, you will be given your takeout meal in one of the new containers.

When returning for another takeout meal, be sure to come with your previously used container.

Containers are fully sanitized by Dining Services, but please rinse and empty before returning.

These containers are also microwave safe, which makes for easy leftovers!

For more information, please contact Director of Dining Services Tom Smith at #8040 or tsmith@pphfamily.org.

Chef Rey >>> Continued from page 1

from the field ever since. Why? Love of family.

“Senior living gave me a higher quality of life. Working earlier nights and every other weekend allows me to spend more time with my family,” he explained. “I’m passionate about my career and job, but it has been important to make sure there’s a balance.”

And that is balance he certainly

finds. Outside of PPH, he’s a busy family man with a wife — who also works in Dining Services at a senior living community — and a daughter.

His wife and daughter enjoy soccer; his daughter plays on CYO and travel soccer teams and plays basketball and flag football as well.

“My daughter’s sports keep me very occupied in my free time,” he said.

Every party, every celebration, the focus was on the dinner table.”

And to this day, his favorite food: “anything [his] mom makes.”

Rey has been a chef in hotels and restaurants, and he did an externship in Atlantic City, N.J. He began working at a senior living community in 2005 and hasn’t looked back

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Remembrances Bob Andres

Kimberly McGeary

PPH was saddened by the passing of Robert (Bob) Andres in November 2024.

Bob worked at PPH for 23 years and served as Vice President of Program Development. The impact of his work and his dedication to the community is still felt today.

Bob encouraged professional development amongst staff members and always shared his business perspective, which was much appreciated by his colleagues.

“Bob’s establishment of Standard Operating Procedures for each operational area, compliance adherence and overall standards of excellence carry on,” said Vice President of Human Resources Daphne Floyd.

Shortly after retirement, Bob moved to PPH’s Alpha Manor building. He often walked through the community, stopping by to engage with his friends and former coworkers. He also was a volunteer in the PPH Library.

Our thoughts and prayers continue for Bob’s loved ones, friends, neighbors, PPH colleagues and PPH residents.

Many of us have been saddened by the passing of Kimberly (Kim) McGeary in November 2024. Staff and residents have been sharing memories of Kim’s kindness, friendly demeanor, smile and infectious spirit.

Kim began working at PPH in November of 2019 as a receptionist at the front desk in PPH’s Main Lobby, where she was the first face visitors saw when they arrived during the week.

In October 2020, she was promoted to a role in PPH’s Sales & Marketing Department as Personal Care Sales Specialist, where she connected with and guided countless families as they began researching PPH. Kim brought joy, laughter, and support to all she held dear to her,” said Independent Living Sales Specialist Lydia Fonseca, who worked closely with Kim. “Her kindness, humor, creativity and adventurous spirit will always be remembered.”

Our thoughts and prayers continue for Kim’s loved ones, friends, PPH colleagues and PPH residents.

Navigating Loss

stoicism in the face of grief, stifling our tears and viewing them as a sign of weakness. We fear judgment, sometimes even apologizing when we cry, and worry about making others uncomfortable. However, studies show that tears are a natural release, benefiting us both physically and mentally. Allowing tears to flow usually elicits compassion and tenderness from those around us. It is said that tears cleanse the soul, much like soap cleanses the body.

Transitioning from grief to joy is a gradual process that requires patience. Here are some ways that may help along the way: 1. Make yourself useful to others. You don’t need to feel happy to smile and bring kindness to others.

2. Practice gratitude. No matter how deep your sorrow is, there is always someone suffering more.

3. Join a support group or seek grief therapy. Shared grief lightens the load.

4. Spend time alone to meditate, pray, cry, read, or listen to music. These are the places where we can often directly experience the comforting love of a merciful and just God. 5. Don’t be afraid to laugh. Laughter really is the best medicine.

A wise man said, “There will come a day when the thought of your loved one will bring a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye. It will happen. I promise. My prayer for you is for that day to come sooner than later. “

A PPH Resident’s Perspective Navigating the loss of dear friends and loved ones is perhaps the most challenging aspect of later life. Each of us has encountered loss, whether it be a spouse, child, sibling, other family member, friend or beloved pet. The passing of our parents, regardless of how long ago, leaves a lasting imprint. Loss manifests itself in various ways, including isolation, marital issues, family estrangement and the decline of our own health. Each carries its unique sorrow.

We have all experienced moments when we received news that shook us to our core. Sometimes, we internalize these losses, believing that if we had acted differently, known more or simply been better people, we could have prevented the loss of our loved one.

Yet it is possible to view ourselves and those who have hurt us with love and forgiveness. With our limited understanding and awareness, we can remind ourselves to give grace to ourselves and others, knowing that everyone does the best they can. Grief can soften us in ways we never imagined. A heart broken by grief can also be open more fully to joy. It is impossible to deeply grieve and still be unforgiven.

The older generations have often been taught to value

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‘The Hap-happiest season of all’ ‘Santa Claus Comes to Town’

Chapters’ Holiday party Chapters’ Memory Care held its holiday party on Dec. 8.

Many family members of residents were in attendance for the festivities.

Rhawnhurst Elementary students visited PPH on Dec. 9 to perform various holiday carols for our residents, with a special appearance by Santa Claus!

The Cuz performs Longtime friend of PPH Philly at Volunteer Tea Cuz performed at the annual Volunteer Tea on Dec. 17, an event to thank PPH volunteers for their time, dedication and commitment.

Personal Care Holiday Party

Personal Care held its Holiday Party on Dec. 18. Residents dined and enjoyed a special performance from singer Pam Jorgensen.

PPH Choir

The PPH Choir held its annual Winter Show on Dec. 13! They performed “Frosty the Snowman,” “I Have a Little Dreidel,” “Jingle Bells” and much more. If you are interested in joining the Choir, please contact Carol Feeley at #8175.

Employee of the Month: Shyla Pastore

Congratulations to Shyla Pastore for being named PPH Employee of the Month! Shyla began working at PPH in May 2022 in our Life Enrichment Department as the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist on the Chapters’ Memory Care Unit. She has a great deal of patience and truly understands the needs of our residents as well as her fellow team members. We are happy to have her as part of PPH family!

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Volunteer of the Year: Patricia Coyne

Safety Recognition

Alpha Manor residents Mary and Tom Thomas received the Resident Safety Award at the 2024 “Teddy” Awards on Dec. 16. The Thomases were recognized for their leadership as floor leaders and their interest in safety initiatives as attendees at monthly Broomsticks and Doorknobs meetings.

Named for Director of Safety and Security Ted Cannon, the “Teddy” Awards recognize staff and residents who prioritize safety throughout the year.

The 2024 PPH Volunteer of the Year is Lawndale Manor resident Patricia Coyne!

Patricia is an energetic volunteer who also serves as President of the PPH Auxiliary.

Patricia organizes various programs and activities that raise funds for PPH Benevolent Care.

Patricia Coyne is congratulated

by Volunteer Coordinator Carol Cherrington, shortly after being named the 2024 Volunteer of the Year.

Wellness Resident of the Year awarded for perseverance

Sr. Joan Foley (center) with Wellness Center Director Maureen Solomon and Wellness Coordinator Vincent Barrett.

Pathways resident Sister Joan Foley was named the PPH Wellness & Aquatics Center Resident Member of the Year for 2024!

Sr. Joan visits the Wellness Center every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. She is dedicated, and always encourages the Wellness Team to push her to succeed.

“You got this, Foley!” she can often be heard saying to motivate herself as she pushes through repetitions, with the guidance and encouragement of Wellness Center team members.

Congratulations, Sr. Joan! “You got this, Foley!”

Special gratitude goes out to Lawndale Manor resident Tom Sexton, a PPH volunteer who assists Sr. Joan in getting to and from the Wellness Center.

Volunteer of the Month: Carol Kennedy

Congratulations go out to Carol Kennedy, of Alpha Manor, who is PPH’s Volunteer of the Month. Carol has been a faithful PPH volunteer since 2019. She serves as a cashier in Tabor Market and also delivers mail. Carol is a pleasant resident who is often available whenever help is needed. Thank you Carol, for all that you do as a volunteer. You are a blessing to our volunteer program.

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NEWS BRIEFS, HAPPENINGS AND EVENTS ★ Veterans’ Meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 7, 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 Wednesday, Jan. 8, 10:30 a.m. in the Social Hall. There will be monthly community updates from Kelli and PPH administration. ★ Good Grief - Companions in Loss Bereavement Support (from the Office of Pastoral Services): Wednesday, Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m. in the Gateway Basement. ★ Laughing When Nothing Seems Funny and When It Is: Dr. Yvonne Kaye, Mother, grandmother, storyteller, writer, published author, blogger, humorist and former Philadelphia radio show personality, is back at PPH by popular demand. on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. ★ Prayer Breakfast: Saturday, Jan. 11 at 9 a.m. in the Social Hall. ★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7. ★ Ted Talks: Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. Topic TBD. ★ Live Performance: Singer Chris Fitting will perform on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. It’s his first time performing at PPH — come out and give him a warm welcome! ★ IL Residents’ Association meeting: The January 2025 meeting will be Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall and on PPH channel 7. ★ Quarterly Memorial: PPH’s next quarterly memorial will be Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 3:30 p.m. in the PPH Chapel and will be broadcast on PPH channel 5. This memorial will recognize

our residents who passed away in October, November and December 2024. ★ Black History Month: The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) chooses a National theme for Black History Month (BHM) and this year’s theme is “African Americans and Labor. “ The theme highlights the significant role that Black Labor has played in shaping American communities, rights and industries. Here at PPH, various activities and events are planned to support BHM in February 2025. Check out this newsletter’s February calendar for information on field trips, speakers, enlightening films and a film with a guest moderator for group discussion. You’ll also find information on PPH channels 2 and 4 as events approach. ★ 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.

Scenes from our Staff Holiday Luncheon

Members of our Maintenance and Finance teams enjoyed the Staff Holiday Luncheon.

We held our Staff Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 19! PPH team members received a mug, an ornament, socks and hot chocolate! The message on the back of the mug rings true: “Your commitment to our team always show through. We are lucky to have someone special like you.” Thank you PPH staff for all that you do!

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Thoughtful gifts from our community friends

PPH’s friends in the greater community made special deliveries this holiday season! We received donations of everyday essentials from the Northeast Philadelphia Chinese Association (NPCA) and the Apostolic Revival Church.

NPCA are longtime friends of PPH and have donated gift baskets in the past. The Church — led by Pastor John Edwards — uses PPH Chapel on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Donations of blankets, socks, hair brushes and various other items were distributed to our Personal Care residents.

Special thanks to our team members in Social Services and Community Relations for coordinating these drop offs and collaborating with the greater community throughout the year.

‘In the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’ tion campaign. Socks and donations will be collected from Friday, Jan. 3 to Sunday, Jan. 12 in the Fountain Room. See PPH channels 2 and 4 for more information as the event approaches.

Last year, PPH residents and staff collected over 1,600 pairs of socks/donations for the 2024 Service Project! Let’s see if we can top this contribution in 2025! We are looking for volunteers to help collect donations!

Another exciting event is the reading of a play about Martin Luther King Jr. and the “March on Washington” on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. This event is open to the entire PPH community – residents and staff are encouraged to participate and read scripts about this moment in American history.

Lastly, tell us what living in a beloved community means to you. There will be “Beloved Boxes” for you to submit your thoughts. Please write one word on a card and you can drop as many as you like in the box. The boxes will be available from Jan. 1 to 18 in the Fountain Room and throughout the campus. Your words will be inspiration for our art exhibits activities. We appreciate your thoughts about living in PPH, a beloved community.

So, mark your calendars and get ready for upbeat and meaningful events that recognize and highlight PPH staff families and community projects “In the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his Dream of a Beloved Community.”

Note: The PPH monthly food drive, which began as a 2021 Martin Luther King Day of Service project, continues on! See page 6 for more details.

MLK program to highlight ‘Beloved Community’ at PPH; Joy of Sox service project returns Dr. Kathy Andrews-Williams PPH resident The 2025 MLK Day of Observance theme is “In the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his Dream of a Beloved Community.”

The celebration focuses on our community to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday with upbeat, educational activities.

This year, we are highlighting and recognizing PPH staff families who are related: spouses, siblings, cousins, and any configuration of a family relationship.

The month-long celebration of events in January 2025 includes a hands-on art activity, the Joy of Sox service project, and a freedom march play for all to participate.

We are celebrating the theme with hands-on art activities in an informal gathering inclusive of all PPH residents. The art activity will take place in the Social Hall on Monday, Jan. 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. During this time, Alpha Manor resident Sylvia Metzler will share information about Martin Luther King, Jr., and her recent Legacy tour experience. In addition, our PPH Life Enrichment department will assist Personal Care, Pathways and Chapters residents to create theme-based artwork.

Again, we are excited to sponsor the Joy of Sox dona-

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Reflections

By Linda Lewis

A new opportunity to slow down and reflect Dear PPH Family and Friends,

But for some this can be a difficult time of year. If we are honest, we know we have had both joys and sorrows this past year. Perhaps for some of you, the sorrows and challenges have far outweighed the joys, and you feel you are living a life that seems as dark, frigid and barren as the weather outside your own door. If this is how you are feeling, may I encourage you to let someone know. That someone may be a friend who has a warm heart and a listening ear; a nurse or doctor; a PPH social worker; your own pastor, priest, or rabbi; or any one of the Chaplains here at PPH. Winter seasons can be lonely, and we are all here for you; you need not weather the storms alone.

As I sat down to write this month’s reflection for January’s REACH, I found it hard to think about the coming New Year.

I was in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season; with gifts to wrap, cookies to bake, cards to send and parties to attend, how could I think about writing an article for the new year? Writing about any sort of New Year’s resolution was not an option, since long ago I gave up the idea of personally making New Year resolutions; so, what is something that speaks to all of us this time of the year?

The period following the holidays is often a gray and dreary time of year for me as I take down the tree, put away the decorations and finish the last of the cookies. Add to that, I’m not partial to the short days, long nights, barren trees, whipping winds and frigid temperatures; and while I love the beauty of falling snow, I prefer it to fall on days I don’t have to go outside. I know there are some who find the winter months invigorating as they gracefully ski down the slopes or enjoy taking a “polar plunge,” but as for me, I prefer the warmth of my home on cold winter days while sipping a cup of tea.

However, I do appreciate the down time that follows the holiday season. The New Year offers an opportunity to slow down and reflect. The busyness of the holidays has passed, and we have time to mindfully reflect on the past year.

I encourage each of us to be thoughtful and aware of the needs of others. As we journey into this new year let us do so with kindness, compassion and love for others as well as ourselves, as together we find joy in the journey ahead.

Whoever brings blessings will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

Proverbs 11:25 Blessings to All and Wishes for very Happy New Year, Linda Lewis Chaplain

In Loving Memory

A Pathways resident and staff member place a dove on the Memorial Tree in Pathways Lobby.

Our annual Memorial Tree Lighting was held in December. Residents and staff placed doves on the Memorial Tree in Pathways Lobby in honor of the memory of Pathways residents who passed away in 2024. The ceremony ended with a rendition of “Silent Night” and other holiday carols.

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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