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PPH embarks on Master Planning PPH is excited to announce that we have embarked on an ambitious Master Planning process. What does this mean? A master plan is the method of developing or improving your property through a long-range plan that balances all elements. The master plan will become a conceptual layout to guide future growth and development at PPH. This will allow PPH to position itself to meet the demands of our current residents as well as future prospective residents. When asked about this Master Plan initiative, John Dubyk, PPH President & CEO stated that “PPH will not survive if we do not change with the market.” To understand how to meet the demands of our residents, the Visionary Committee engaged Varsity Branding to perform a market assessment. Varsity Branding was tasked with a two-phased market assessment to give greater insight into our market area, key demographic information, our current and future competitors, and if what PPH has to offer is competitive based on amenities and pricing. This assessment validated what PPH already knew – in order to remain competitive in the current market, repositioning of our existing campus is a necessity. The Visionary Committee and the Board of Directors utilized the market assessment and initiated this critical step in the journey to develop the future of PPH.
“PPH will not survive if we do not change with the market.” –John Dubyk, President & CEO The focus of this master plan will assess how to reposition two of our three levels of care: Personal Care/ Memory Care and Pathways Skilled Nursing, while examining options to update and enhance the dining venues and experience at PPH. Concepts or ideas that will be discussed for each of the three core areas will be (but not limited to): investigating the potential reduction of beds in Pathways, reallocation of beds in Pathways to include memory / dementia care, creating neighborhood environments in Pathways, the installation of showers and enlarging Personal Care rooms, investigate expanding our Chapters memory care unit and to improve our dining venues to meet the needs of our current and future residents. >>>continued on page 4, Master plan
In This Issue...
• New Faces at PPH • Our Master Plan • Final Reflection
6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia PA • www.PPHFamily.org • 215.697.8000 Facebook.com/ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome
Family Focus PPH welcomes new recreational therapy specialist PPH welcomed Shyla Pastore as recreational therapy specialist in May. Prior to PPH, Shyla worked as a Program Assistant in the summer where she worked with a population of of adults with physical and mental disabilities. Shyla attended York College, graduating with a degree in recreational therapy. Shyla has spent two years in the recreational therapy industry, getting her start in various internships while in college. Shyla did not think she would have a career in recreational therapy, however, as she had set her sights on becoming a nurse. Eventually, she was persuaded by her academic advisor Shyla Pastore to change her major to recreational therapy. This change would help her Recreational Therapy advance her career. Specialist Shyla enjoys being a recreational therapy specialist, as her passion in her job is to connect with the residents in every community she works in. Rather than working in a clinical field, Shyla shared that you are responsible for developing genuine connections with the residents, and giving them a sense of purpose during their time here at PPH. When she is not at PPH, Shyla enjoys going to the gym in the morning, as well as participating in summer ball, as she played softball in college. Welcome to the PPH family, Shyla!
PPH has a new communications specialist PPH welcomed another new face in Daniel Ortiz, who is the communications specialist, also known as “the new Mike Berman.” Prior to PPH, Daniel worked as a Social Media Specialist with the Global Philadelphia Association, where he was in charge of all of the social media output there, as well as managing his own team of interns. He graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors from Holy Family University in 2020 with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications (Social & Emerging Media) with a minor in history. Daniel has spent two years in his field of social media marketing, where he has worked as not only the Social Media Specialist at the Global Philadelphia Association, but also did a lot of freelance social media work with his cousin. Prior to starting his career in social media marketing, he was originally an accounting major in college, as he loved studying mathematics; however, he grew disinterested in the major and decided to make a change. Daniel Ortiz Daniel enjoys being the communications specialist at PPH because it repCommunications Specialist resents the chance for him to get his career on track. What he enjoys about the job is the chance to work with a strong marketing team, and to enhance PPH's social media presence. Aside from that, he also enjoys the moments he can get out of the office to greet residents, as well as take photos for REACH and social media. When he isn't here, he enjoys participating in bowling leagues, working out on his Peloton, karate, and playing video games. Welcome to the team, Daniel!
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PPH (Morrison Living) gives a warm welcome to new chef PPH welcomed Jerome Seeney as the new Executive Chef of Morrison Living, where he started working three months ago. Prior to PPH, Jerome had previously worked for Compass at the University of Pennsylvania, the parent group of Morrison Living, where he worked for the service line Bon Appetite as the Executive Chef. He oversaw a Starbucks, which served all three meals, accounting to 1,300 meals a day, and served kids in camp in the summer time. He had a comprehensive two year training in culinary, which included the administrative end of the business, and has worked in several different restaurants throughout his career. Prior to also working at the University of Pennsylvania, Jerome worked for many years at Jack Kramer's Catering. He has taken all of his previous experiences in helping to cater to those who may have certain food allergies. Since working here at PPH, he has stated that this is the first time he has had experience with an all-senior population, but he feels that it is always Jerome Seeney, Chef important to listen to all kinds of feedback and to respond to that feedback. When asked what he enjoys at PPH, Jerome shared, “engaging with residents through creating and serving their food,” which he believes is an expression of caring. As a chef, he enjoys being as creative as can be as well as having the gratification whenever someone enjoys one of his meals. While he does not have a lot of hobbies now, he did enjoy writing recipes and using global dishes to fuel his inspiration. Welcome to the PPH family, Jerome!
New residents at PPH Walter and Carol Ceglowski
Carol and Walter moved to PPH after living in Jenkintown, PA; however, Carol originally grew up in New York, while Walter grew up in both New Jersey and New York. They have one son together. Previously, Walter worked as a teacher, and retired in 1998, while Carol was employed by Johnson & Johnson. Both Walter and Carol attended school in New York State as well as Vermont. Walter and Carol have found PPH to be an excellent home and are delighted to be here!
Eugenia and Andrew Dobron
Andy and Jean moved to PPH after recently living in Parkwood Manor. They also lived in Northern Liberties for a time. Jean worked for Pew Charitable Trust, while Andy worked as a Journeyman Book Binder. He also printed birth certificates for the Cabbage Patch Dolls. Jean attended John W. Hallahan Catholic Girl’s High School, while Andy attended Roman Catholic High School. Jean’s favorite hobbies include reading and cross stitching, while Andy’s favorite hobbies include fishing, as well as reading. We are delighted to welcome Jean and Andy to the PPH Family!
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Play Ball!
Master plan >>>continued from page 1 The long-term financial viability of any change is also critical in any Master Plan. To make this happen, PPH has engaged Baker Tilly, a public accounting and consulting firm, to identify and evaluate multiple scenarios regarding the future delivery of services to inform design considerations that are operationally efficient and ensure the financial sustainability of PPH. Baker Tilly will partner with PPH and the architect to review these scenarios prior to any recommendations for possible enhancements to the PPH campus. PPH has hired SFCS architects that will develop a Master Plan for the campus that responds to the changes in the senior living market, and to ensure the future success of the PPH community. SFCS is committed to enhancing the lives of all of our residents and creating an environment that will meet the needs of the next generation of seniors. SFCS is charged with delivering a completed Master Plan for review and approval to the Visionary Committee and the Board of Directors by November 2022. We are excited at the opportunity to shape the future of PPH and look forward to sharing the full Master Plan.
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PPH welcomes new medical director Dr. Larry Spector, Medical Director PPH is excited to announce that Dr. Larry Spector has joined the PPH family as Medical Director Dr. Spector attended Abington High School and the University of Delaware. Dr. Spector graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1994 and has spent his career caring for the greater Philadelphia community. He is board certified in internal medicine and completed his residency of Internal Medicine at Christiana care Health Services in Christiana, DE. Dr. Spector was actively involved in the Regional Congregate Care Assistance Teams (RCAT), a Pennsylvania Department of Health COVID-19 supDr. Larry Spector port program. During the height of the pandemic, Dr. Spector's willingness to work with PPH was much appreciated. Not only did Dr. Spector offer support and guidance during the most dfficult times, the RCAT team provided much needed supplies including iPads for Google Duo calls to keep residents and families connected as well as personal protective equipment for staff during the time of national shortages. Dr. Spector is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and is currently a physician with Temple University Hospital, Jeanes Campus in Northeast Philadelphia. Dr. Spector is passionate about providing quality care to his patients, and educating and empowering the staff on his team. We are excited to enter this new partnership with Dr. Spector!
Employee of the Month Frederick Howard Fred has been with PPH since August 2018 in our Housekeeping Department. He has been great with the residents and staff, always friendly and helpful. He goes out of his way to do whatever is needed. We are glad to have him with our PPH family! Congratulations Fred! Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes.”
Volunteer of the Month Jean Holland Congratulations to Jean Holland, resident of Alpha Manor, who is the “Volunteer of the Month” for July 2022. Jean has been a PPH Volunteer since 2018. She is a volunteer for the Resident Support Care Team (RSCT), where she delivers mail throughout the PPH community, is a Floor Representative, and helps put together our REACH. She is also the Recording Secretary for the Resident Council. Jean is always willing to fill in for someone who cannot do their shift. Thanks so much Jean for all that you do and the nice way that you do it.
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NEWS BRIEFS ★ COVID-19 protocols for visitors: Guests are now permitted to eat in the Fountain Room and dining areas. Guests are also welcome in our gift shop and the Tabor Market. PPH encourages visitors and guests to get vaccinated, to continue to practice infection control precautions, such as maintaining a healthy social distance, properly wearing a mask while visiting and performing hand hygiene frequently while on our campus. Please advise your guests to refrain from visiting if they feel sick or have been exposed to COVID-19. ★ Food Collection: The PPH Food Drive — a 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Project — will continue indefinitely as long as PPH’s neighbors are in need of food. Food will be collected the last week of the month, and then will be delivered the first day of the following month. There will be two collection sites: the vending machines area, located near the Wellness Center and in front of the Security office. For more information, call Tom Sexton at 8368. ★ 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. ★ WBCB Radio: PPH is delighted to announce the return of the WBCB radio show “What’s It Worth?” Radio Show with Mike the Appraiser from 9:30-10:30 AM on Friday, July 15 and Friday, August 12 in the Fountain Room. Join professional Appraiser Michael Ivankovich when he’ll help you to understand how to turn your valuables into cash!
★ Volunteer update: PPH is now able to invite junior volunteers back to the community for summer hours. If you have children or grandchildren who need to complete hours for school or would just like to volunteer their time, please contact Carol Cherrington at 215697-8027. The age range for junior volunteers is 13-18. Juniors MUST have documentation of two COVID-19 vaccines. They are able to volunteer through October 1.
★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary’s next meeting will be held in the Social Hall and broadcast on PPH TV channel 7 on Tuesday, July 12 at 11:30am. Membership in the PPH Auxiliary is open to PPH residents, staff, and community supporters (only $5 per year). Dating back to its origins as the PPH Ladies Aid Society in 1889, the Auxiliary continues its initiatives to support the heart of PPH’s fundraising mission, Benevolent Care, as well as supporting staff/ resident gratitude activities. Contact Auxiliary President Patricia Coyne at cameo1200@gmail. com or 8403 to become a member or for more information. ★ Independent Living Residents Association: *Please note there are NO meetings in July and August.
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★ TED Talks: See the July calendar. ★ Veterans’ Meeting: The July Veterans’ meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 5 at 10 am in the Social Hall. If you have not provided your photos for the Veterans video, please bring them with you to the meeting. Please contact Bill Conaway (8194) with any questions ★ Calling all Veterans: It is important to PPH that we identify all veterans living in our community. We want to make sure you are receiving the meeting notices, ceremonial invitations, and other veteran specific information. If you are new to the community and/or you have not completed the May 2021 veteran survey, please contact Bill Conaway (8194) or Kathy Wersinger (8017) so we can add you to our list to ensure you receive all information and meeting notices.
★ Independence Day Celebration – Monday, July 4 – 9:15 AM at the Lawncrest Recreation Center. Independence Day, or Fourth of July, is observed on July 4 to honor and commemorate the Declaration of Independence, ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776. While the Lawncrest Community will not have a parade along Rising Sun Avenue, they will have a fireworks show at 9:15 AM at the Lawncrest Recreation Center
Did You Know That? by PPH resident Lawrence H. Geller
We hear expressions all the time and rarely how they come into being. Well, here is one you will find interesting. STOOL PIGEON – Meat has always been highly prized by the British, with pigeon considered a particularly tempting delicacy. Many hunters made a liveligood by trapping the birds, with the best method of luring a pigeon into a snare was by use of a decoy. Trappers carried small stools with them on which they sat while waiting for game, and it was customary to tie the decoy pigeon to the stool so it could not escape. Such “stool pigeons” were very common. So since they lured their fellow pigeons into captivity, the name eventually came to be applied to criminals who also betrayed their own class. Did you know that?
Collection of the Month Barbara Basset's cat collection PPH resident Barbara Basset shared her collection of cats during the month of June. A variety of these collectibles include statues, stuffed animals, figurines, and even books/poetry about cats.
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Reflections
Pastor Jack Price – PPH Director of Pastoral Ministries
Saying “goodbye” is often a very difficult thing to do. The Bible offers many examples including the great prophet Elijah and his protégé Elisha who parted ways when Elijah was taken to heaven in the fiery chariot. It was one of the most spectacular farewells in the Bible! Elisha was a little panicked by the realization that Elijah would be leaving and that Elijah’s work would now fall into his lap. Elijah was not all that sympathetic, but he did recognize that his own spirit would be with Elisha. Whether it would be a double-portion of that spirit would depend on how much Elisha paid attention: to Elijah’s actual departure in the glory of God and, very likely, to his own grief at Elijah’s departure. That is a message all of us will do well to heed. Paying attention to our times of leaving is so important. Paying attention to our own grief is vital. Saying “goodbye” is one of those small deaths we often talk about on the journey of faith. When friends move away or relationships fall apart or when there is a choice to change paths on the journey, we feel a sense of loss and sadness. It reminds us that grief, including the fear of not really knowing how we will cope with that loss, always has the potential to help us grow and move us forward on the journey of faith. All these small deaths prepare us for the reality that we will indeed face death at the end of our physical lives. The message of our faith is that we can trust experiencing small deaths as well as the end of physical life because God is with us. It is important to recognize and embrace the sadness, fear, and loss because they are the key to healing. And the gift grief gives us is to move through all the feelings—shock, denial, anger, desperate bargaining—and finally to experience a new birth of hope and joy. The message of our faith is that the journey continues: always from loss to renewal, from disillusionment to new vision, and from death to life. The Spirit of God lives in each of us. To the extent we allow ourselves to be open to the healing of that Spirit, we can grow and prosper toward a hope that does not depend on circumstances or even outcomes. Our hope is in God’s presence that helps us see our lives and this world more through the eyes of God. So often, we hope for a pleasant outcome, for things to work out a certain way, but God’s revelation is that the things we see are only a reflection of the real life in God. The griefs, disappointments, and failures we experience teach us that what we truly want lies beyond what we have seen. The growth that we experience through grief enables us to embrace the successes we experience without being seduced by them. It is the way God planned for us to grow into the likeness of Jesus. Saying “goodbye” can be such a bittersweet experience. So many of you have expressed your thanks, love, and best wishes for me and I am grateful beyond words. I wish you the very best as you move forward on your journeys. My prayer is that you will feel the presence of God with you and surrounding you every moment. Please know that my heart will hold you in love through the miracle of that Spirit’s presence and we will continue the journey in peace. May God bless you now and always! — Pastor Jack
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