PPH fosters intergenerational connection with Kindergarten students
Whether it's raising a family, a successful career or general life advice, PPH residents have much wisdom to offer. (Any PPH staff member can attest to this.) But retirement age doesn't mean an end to new experiences, and through one opportunity, PPH residents have been able to build intergenerational bonds with local students for more than 20 years.
Back in 2000, PPH Volunteer Coordinator Carol Cherrington connected with Mary Collins, then a teacher at Creighton Elementary. Ms. Collins was aiming to develop an intergenerational partnership, something that both senior citizens and young students could benefit from. Through four workshops with Temple University, a mini-grant was obtained to help fund the program.
And 24 years later, PPH residents continue to volunteer their Tuesday mornings with Ms. Collins — now a teacher at Rhawnhurst Elementary School — and her Kindergarten students.
The Pledge of Kindness
I pledge to myself, On this very day, To try to be kind, In every way. To every person, Big or small, I will help them, If they fall. When I love myself, And others, too, That is the best, That I can do.
Whether it's helping the students through reading lessons, ensuring they're focused during an exam, assisting with arts & crafts, or guiding the students in the right direction during classroom activities, our volunteers serve as companions in various ways. And it's not just the students who are on the receiving end of lessons
PPH staff dropped off books — donated by a PPH resident — to Ms. Collins' Rhawnhurst Elementary Kindergarten class. Back row, from left to right: PPH Director of Community Relations Bill Conaway, Rhawnhurst Kindergarten teacher Ms. Collins, PPH Volunteer Coordinator Carol Cherrington and PPH Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese.
learned.
"This program is also enriching for our volunteercoaches, who have received a lot of satisfaction and fulfillment from this intergenerational partnership," Carol said. "Ms. Collins has been wonderful and treats our volunteers well."
PPH resident Natalie Hardiman has been a coach in Ms. Collins class for awhile and appreciates the opportunity to be in the company of the students.
"It's uplifting to see and help the children. A lot of them come from different countries — it's such a multi-cultured environment," she said.
One aspect Natalie values is a kindness pledge that Ms. Collins' students cite every morning after the Pledge of Allegiance.
Intergenerational >>> Continued on page 3
Family Focus
PPH staff, residents celebrate Flag Day
PPH celebrated Flag Day with residentveterans leading the pledge of allegiance, singing the National Anthem and ending the program with a beautiful rendition of "God Bless America."
Our own Pastor Earl Scott, who has served in the Navy, Army Reserves, Air Force, and Air National Guard, provided the Invocation, remarks and Benediction. From left to right, Pastor Earl, residentveteran Audrey Alston, resident-veteran Calvin Clement, VP of Marketing & Communications Shannon Grieb (emcee of the event), and resident-veteran Harry Gordon.
Pride Month event spotlights 'A Mother's Journey'
In recognition of Pride Month, PPH welcomed guest speaker Shannon Mannon in early June. Shannon's presentation spotlighted her (ongoing) life experience as the mother of a transgender child, and her own transformation as she navigates something that she was unfamiliar with just a few years ago. Many PPH residents attended, participated in a Q&A session after the presentation, and some even jumped in for a selfie afterwards!
Volunteer of the Month: Judith Ryan
Congratulations go out to Judith Ryan, PPH's July Volunteer of the Month! Judith, a resident of Lawndale Manor, has volunteered in the Beauty Shop, delivers mail and also works in Tabor Market. Judith is dependable and always willing to help when help is needed. Wherever Judith works you can be sure she will do an excellent job.
Thank You Judith, you are an asset to PPH's volunteer program.
PPH resident honors CNA for 'extraordinary care' of husband
PPH's newest Guardian Angel is Sibi Joseph, a CNA in PPH's Pathways Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. Sibi was recognized by PPH resident Maggie Groch, for the "extraordinary care" she gave to Maggie's husband, Anthony (Tony), who recently passed away.
"We are extremely grateful for the dedication, compassion and love that Sibi showed Tony and our family on a daily basis over the last year," said Maggie. Maggie was on hand to personally thank Sibi as she was recognized and gave her a heartfelt hug. Maggie also thanked the other staff members in Pathways who cared for Tony.
A Guardian Angel donation is a meaningful way to express your gratitude for a special PPH caregiver, and contribute to the PPH mission of providing a caring senior living community that affords its residents the opportunity to achieve their highest possible quality of life.
Intergenerational >>> From page 1
"Their pledge is just the sweetest thing," Natalie said. "They're very kind to one another. It gives you hope for the future."
Continuing to Give Back
PPH staff recently visited the classroom to distribute books that were donated by a PPH resident.
PPH also hosts Ms. Collins and her students for yearly Halloween and Holiday parties. PPH residents donate towards gifts for the students, and truly enjoy interacting with the younger generation.
"If you like children, you'll love these kids," Natalie said. "It's been such an interesting experience."
Above, from left to right: Director of Nursing Suni Chacko, PPH resident Maggie Groch, CNA Sibi Joseph and Nursing Home Administrator Kyle Ozimkiewicz. Right, Maggie hugs Sibi and thanks her for her compassion.
For more information on the Guardian Angel program, contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese at 8508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.
Rhawnhurst students typically visit PPH every Halloween and in December to celebrate the holidays.
Become a Coach with Ms. Collins' Class!
If you are a PPH volunteer interested in being a coach with Ms. Collins' new Kindergarten class after the school's summer break, please contact Carol Cherrington at 8027 or ccherrington@pphfamily.org. Volunteers typically visit the classroom on Tuesdays.
Employee of the Month: Maxwel Mathew
Congratulations go out to Maxwel Mathew, PPH's July Employee of the Month!
Maxwel started with our Security Department in November 2023. He has a great deal of patience when working with residents and staff. We are happy to have him as part of the PPH family!
Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes.”
Healthy Treats, Sweets and Fresh Meats
Pop Ups snacks from PPH Dining Services
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
PPH residents enjoyed cornon-the-cob, pulled pork, BBQ chicken and more at the PPH Summer BBQ.
PPH's Dining Services team typically has a special Pop Up event each month. In May, the team had a special hummus spread. June's special treat was yogurt, with the option of adding blueberries, honey, coconuts, mandarin and oranges. Dining Services staff were on hand to encourage residents to promote the various health benefits of each topping.
Another Smoothie Friday, courtesy of PPH's Wellness & Aquatics Team, brought out residents and staff to the Fountain Room. June's smoothie was blueberry and banana flavored, with spinach, Greek yogurt and coconut milk.
PPH residents and staff were treated to ice cream on a HOT June afternoon! Nine different flavors were served.
Food, games, dancing and more at annual Juneteenth celebration!
PPH's annual Juneteenth Festival was a success! The day kicked off with bocce in the morning (top left), followed by a special meal at lunchtime that included BBQ chicken, fried catfish, baked macaroni and cheese, watermelon gazpacho soup, collared greens and more! Later that afternoon, residents filled the Social Hall and participated in various activities, which included Juneteenth history discussions (right) led by PPH resident Kathy Andrews-Williams, trivia, Connect 4, Jenga and cornhole! The day ended with line dancing from a large group of residents and staff, who danced along to The Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle and more!
PPH celebrates 40 years of Kathy Nucero!
PPH staff celebrated IL and PC Life Enrichment Activities Director Kathy Nucero's 40th year at PPH! Staff from various departments surprised Kathy with a potluck luncheon on June 11, which was the 40th anniversary of her first day at PPH. Congratulations Kathy, on 40 years at PPH! Thank you for enriching the life of PPH residents in so many ways over these 40 years!
NEWS BRIEFS, HAPPENINGS AND EVENTS
★ Veterans' Meeting: Tuesday, July 2, 10 a.m. in the Learning Center.
★ Bible Study: July 2 and 16, 10 a.m. in the Chapel/CH5.
★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, July 9 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7.
★ Ted Talk: Tuesday, July 9 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall - UV Safety Awareness Month.
★ Get Your Legal Ducks in a Row: Join us for refreshments as an Elder Law Attorney (Rothkoff Law Group) discusses documents you need to have in place as you age. This will be held on Thursday, July 11 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. For any questions, contact Marianna Calabrese at 8508.
★ German Service: Wednesday, July 11, 11 a.m. in the Chapel/Ch5.
★ Philly Pups: This month's Philly Pups will be on July 11, 7 p.m. in the Social Hall (not the first Thursday, which is Independence Day). Come and meet these future service/therapy dogs and watch them as they participate in training exercises.
★ Shabbat Service: Thursday, July 12 and 26, 2 to 4 p.m. in the Fellowship Room.
★ Quarterly Memorial Service: Tuesday, July 23, 3:30 p.m. in the Chapel and broadcasting on channel 5. We will remember residents who passed during the months of April, May and June 2024. All are invited — there will be light refreshments to follow.
★ Galena Brass Band: July 28, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall.
★ AM Radio Concert (The Ultimate '60s and '70s Experience): Wednesday, July 31 at 7 p.m. in the Social Hall.
★ IL Residents’ Association meeting: No meeting in July or August. Next meeting is Monday, Sept. 16, 2 p.m.
★ Prayer Breakfast: No Monthly Prayer Breakfast in July and August. They will resume in September.
★ Good Grief - Companions in Loss Bereavement Support (from the Office of Pastoral Services): On pause for July and August, will resume in September. All residents and staff are invited to attend. For more information call
Welcome to PPH!
One of PPH's newest residents is Rosa Cortes! Rosa moved to PPH's Gateway Manor building from a nearby Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood, but she spent most of her life outside of Philly. Rosa was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New York when she was 11 years old. She worked in New
8006.
★ PPH Veterans: It is important to PPH that veterans are receiving meeting notices, ceremonial invitations and other veteran specific information. If you are new to the community and/or you have not completed our veteran survey, please contact Bill Conaway at 8031.
★ Proper Flag Disposal: If you need to say farewell to your faded flag, you should never just throw it away. After all, it's a sacred symbol. Please give your flags to Bill Conaway, PPH’s Director of Community Relations. Bill will take your tattered, faded flag to an organization that will conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony. Bill can be reached at 8031.
★ Volunteer Opportunities: Our Volunteer Department is always looking for new volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering at PPH, please contact Carol Cherrington at 8027.
★ Trips: Fees for trips are now added to each resident’s monthly bill (NO CASH). If you’d like to cancel, you must call the Business Office (8010) to have the trip fee removed.
★ Food Collection: The PPH Food Drive will continue indefinitely. Food will be collected the last week of the month and delivered the first day of the following month. Collection areas are the Access Hub (1124 Lawndale, Alpha vending machine area and Gateway 1st floor lobby). For more information, call Tom Sexton at 8368.
York schools for 46 years. Rosa has three sons, 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren! In her spare time, she enjoys reading, and watching Spanish programs on TV. Another fun fact: One of Rosa's sons met former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Welcome to PPH, Rosa!
Collection of the Month Miniature French Edifices
June's Display of the Month, "Minature French Edifices — J Carlton by Dominique GAULT," is from the collection of PPH resident Sandy Radue. The inspiration for these ceramic items came from Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a beautiful medieval town in France. Architect Jean-Pierre Gault collaborated with ceramist Jean Derval to develop these miniature houses of Paris and Provence in ceramic as souvenirs for tourists.
Interested in displaying your collection? Contact Kathy Nucero at 8505. Display compiled by Patricia Coyne
The Joy of Summer
By Ron Barras PPH Benefits Coordinator
We walk on the sand as it welcomes our toes, Cool and warm all at once.
Breathe, breathe deeply the air. Intoxicating, liberating, its salt healing our wounds.
Smile as the sun surrounds us, leaving us without a care.
The sea brings comfort with each crashing wave, its love songs take us away.
My hand in yours, your head on my shoulder, No trouble can find us at all.
The ocean washes away everything old, Leaving all that it touches like gold.
Unheralded Heroes - Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Compiled by Velma N’Jai
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
March 20, 1915 – October 9, 1973
Rosetta Tharpe began performing with her mother at age 6, as a member of a traveling evangelical troupe, billed as a "singing and guitar playing miracle," playing before audiences across the American South.
In the 1920s, Tharpe developed considerable fame as a musical prodigy, standing out in an era when prominent black female guitarists
were rare.
Tharpe gained popularity in the late 1930s and 1940s with gospel recordings, characterized by a unique mixture of spiritual lyrics and electric guitar. She was the first great gospel recording star with (Decca Records), The first gospel songs recorded by Decca, "Rock Me," My Man and I" and "The Lonesome Road" and "This Train" were instant hits, establishing Tharpe as an overnight sensation and the first commercially successful gospel
recording artist.
Tharpe's gospel music appeal was mainly to the rhythm and blues and rockand-roll audiences, later being referred to as "The Original Soul Sister" and "The Godmother of Rock-'n'-Roll.
There are so many songs that she wrote and entertainers she influenced than you can imagine. Look her up, what you learn may surprise you.
Reflections
Pause and reflect on the 4th of July
Dear PPH Family and Friends,
Independence Day, often referred to as July 4th, commemorates the day in 1776 that Congress officially declared itself to be an independent nation and approved the Declaration of Independence. Fifty-six men signed this document, and many suffered personal loss and persecution because of their support. John Adams wrote a letter to his wife following the declaration as to how he believed the momentous day would long be remembered:
“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, and parades, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations,from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever more," he wrote.
Much of what Adams envisioned continues to this day. Although Independence Day is not a religious holiday, as Americans gather from sea to shining sea with family and friends to celebrate our liberty and freedom, let us not forget to reflect on God’s deliverance and goodness to us, individually and as a nation. As we enjoy the warmth of early summer, be mindful that the 4th of July represents more than parades, cookouts, patriotic music,
Keep busy with the PPH Crafters
Right, a few of the many items on sale from the PPH Crafters. For those interested in joining, the group meets every Monday and Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the PPH Crafts Room, located on the 2nd floor next to the Activities Room. If interested in purchasing any items, stop by, or contact Anna Morrell at 8084.
and fireworks. Our forefathers left England for these shores because they could no longer live under the tyranny of religious persecution; many others have since followed for the same reason. This is something that we must never forget and never take for granted.
Molded into the Liberty Bell are these words from Leviticus 25:10. “Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all inhabitants thereof.” The truth of our country’s history is that America was founded upon JudeoChristian roots. We must hold fast to the right to worship God freely and stand firmly united not to allow this right to be taken from us by outside forces or from within. So as you wave your flag and watch the fireworks this 4th, please pause and reflect on our nation’s heritage. As the smoke clears from the last fireworks in the sky, look up in gratitude and solemnly thank our Creator God for the freedoms we enjoy because of Him, and may these freedoms continue to be so for generations to come.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Psalm 33:12 Happy Independence Day and my prayers for a safe summer for all,
Linda Lewis Chaplain
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.
Photo courtesy of Bill Wikoff