July 2023 REACH

PPH resident veterans take to the skies

Memorial Day weekend is a time to venerate the men and women who served our country with courage and valor. We remember those who lost their lives defending our country with reverence.

On Friday, May 26, four PPH resident veterans had an adventurous day participating in the Dream Flights program. For Lawndale resident, Carol Drummond, a 25-year Army National Guard veteran, it was her first time ever flying in a World War II biplane. Once strapped in, Carol had the chance to take flight. While flying, she was able to observe the city. “Looking at our beautiful city was just rewarding”, says Carol. The event was covered by news outlets, including CBS News Philadelphia.

Although our resident veterans were in the air for only 15 minutes each, it left a profound impact on

everyone, making the experience more meaningful ahead of Memorial Day. Each resident had time to honor and memorialize those who gave their lives to their country. After the flight concluded, Carol stated that it was the “best thing of my life.”

The event was organized by PPH Director of Community Relations, Bill Conaway, who frequently hosts events for our resident veterans. For Bill, it was an experience that was a long time coming. He originally wanted to do the program when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred; due to the restrictions and other unforeseen circumstances, we were unable to participate. Bill stayed in contact with Dream Flights in 2023.

The requirements to participate in the program are simple. The residents need to be veterans living at PPH, and it was up to them to decide if they wanted to participate. Bill showed videos of veterans get>>>continued on page 7, Dream Flights

PPH veteran residents at the end of the event

Family Focus

PPH celebrates Shannon Grieb’s graduation

PPH’s latest LeadingAge PA Fellows in Leadership graduate is Shannon Grieb, VP of Marketing & Communications. Shannon joins Fellows alumni, John Dubyk, President & CEO, Daphne Floyd, VP of Human Resources, and Jennifer Honeyford, VP of Health Services as a graduate of the program.

LeadingAge PA’s mission is to advance the evolving continuum of aging services in Pennsylvania. They represent over 380 nonprofit senior living communities and organizations by providing education and events, advocacy for Pennsylvania’s seniors, resources for members and workforce initiatives.

The LeadingAge PA Fellows in Leadership program was developed to equip leaders with actionable strategies and practical knowledge to help solve real world challenges. It also assists emerging and experienced leaders to define, clarify, and practice the skills needed to lead aging services organizations into the future. “Today’s leaders must be different— more flexible, inquisitive, and innovative.”

When asked about the experience, which consisted of inperson and virtual meetings over the course of eight months, Shannon shared that the benefits were immediate.

“I entered the program an experienced leader, however I quickly learned that being an effective leader means evolving and being self-aware.” Shannon went on to share, “The bonds between myself and the other students in the program are strong. Although we are all in the senior living field, our backgrounds, experience, and skillsets were so different we were able to learn from each other as well as from our instructors. I was able to immediately apply what I learned which was exciting for me.”

Congratulations Shannon!

PPH welcomes new sales specialist

PPH welcomed Maria Luszcz, who joins Karen Votel in the role of Independent Living Sales Specialist. Prior to PPH, Maria worked in a variety of organizations, including corporate environments, higher education, and now in senior living. Her first job came with AAA, where she started in an entry level position and worked her way through the company, eventually becoming a project manager.

After AAA, Maria accepted a position at Drexel University, where she worked in Institutional Advancement in their marketing and communications department. Maria heard about this job opportunity from a friend who encouraged her to apply. She received a call from PPH, encouraging her to interview for the position because of her strong background in marketing and communications.

Maria felt welcomed immediately and felt she could be an asset to PPH, as she is familiar with the local community and can relate on a personal level because her parents were once part of a retirement community. When not working, Maria likes to take short local road trips outside of Philadelphia and excursions to discover the history and culture of new places.

Welcome to the PPH family, Maria!

Shannon Grieb

Maria Luszcz

Pictured from left to right: President & CEO, John Dubyk, VP of Health Services, Jennifer Honeyford, VP of Marketing & Communications, Shannon Grieb, and VP of Human Resources, Daphne Floyd

PPH residents visit the Mazzoni Center

Recently, five PPH independent living residents visited the Mazzoni Center for a day of volunteer service. They worked with the staff and volunteers from SAP, a business software company, who were also performing a day of community service.

The Mazzoni Center provides quality comprehensive health and wellness services in an LGBTQ-focused environment, while preserving the dignity and improving the quality of life of the individuals they serve.

Pictured from left to right: PPH residents Sue Roye, Tom Sexton, Marge Sexton, Elaine Grose and Carol Drummond

New residents at PPH

Jonathan Bradbury

Johnathan moved to PPH after recently living in Meridian, Mississippi. He grew up in Hartboro and Olney, and attended Upper Moreland School. Jonathan graduated from Northwood University when he was 53. He has worked as a personnel clerk in the Navy for many years, working with enlisted men and women. He also worked with the joint chiefs of staff in Washington, D.C. He has visited a variety of places, including Hawaii and the Philippines. Before moving to PPH, Jonathan collected WWII guns (he gave up his collection to move here), coins and stamps. He enjoys reading books and biographies about WWII. Welcome to the PPH family, Jonathan!

Gerard Drach

Gerard moved to PPH from nearby Cheltenham, where he was a lifelong resident. Gerard worked in hospital administration for many years and graduated from LaSalle University. His favorite hobby was working as a volunteer firefighter, and was involved in the Boy Scouts. Gerard has four children and six grandchildren.

Welcome to the PPH family, Gerard!

Facebook: Facebook.com/PhiladelphiaProtestantHome Instagram: @philadelphiaprotestanthome

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-protestant-home Twitter: @pphfamily

For any REACH ideas, please contact Communications Specialist

Daniel Ortiz at 215-697-8194 or dortiz@pphfamily.org

Kathy Nucero: Guardian Angel

The most recent employee recognized as a Guardian Angel was Kathy Nucero, our Independent Living and Personal Care Life Enrichment Activities Director. Kathy was recognized by a group of PPH residents, known as the PPH Cranium Crunch Group, as a Guardian Angel for the kindness and generosity she shows to all residents, as well as recognizing her 39 years of service at PPH.

Thank you for everything you do, Kathy! You are a true Guardian Angel! Visit the PPH Guardian Angel wall located in the Espalande to learn more about Kathy’s generosity towards the residents, and celebrate her 39 years of service at PPH.

For more information on the Guardian Angel program and how you can nominate your PPH Guardian Angel, visit pphfamily.org/giving/guardian-angel-giving, or call the Fund Development Department at 215-697-8586. For more information about other ways to support PPH, please contact the Fund Development Department at 215-697-8586, email Development@PPHFamily. org, or visit www.PPHFamily.org/giving.

Is there a staff member or a special PPH caregiver that has made a difference in your life or the life of your significant other? The PPH Guardian Angel program is a special program in which residents recognize a member of the PPH staff who made a difference in their lives. Naming a Guardian Angel is a meaningful and symbolic way of expressing your gratitude for their hard work and dedication to make life easier. Each Angel will be given public recognition in our communications, including in our Annual report. Additionally, their name will be displayed on bulletin boards around PPH, as well as on our website and social media channels.

Unheralded Heroes

by PPH resident Velma N'Jai

Bessie Blount Griffin: Bessie Blount Griffin was an inventor, nurse, physical therapist and forensic scientist. She used her education and knowledge to help injured soldiers and invented an electric feeding device. She also taught amputee veterans to write with their teeth and feet. She became a forensic scientist to help police officers solve cases and fight crime in New Jersey and Virginia.

Janet Emerson Bashen: Janet Emerson Bashen is an African American entrepreneur, business consultant and software inventer who became the first African American in the United States to obtain a web-based software patent named LinkLine, known as Nalikah today. She is the founder and CEO of the Bashen Corporation, a human resources firm with a focus for Equal Employment Opportunity compliance and technology service.

Alice Parker: Isn’t it nice that you can walk in your home and turn on the heat when you’re cold? You can thank Alice H. Parker. Alice took it upon herself to design a natural gas-fueled “new and improved heating furnace”. She chose gas since it was safer and an easily accessible alternative and did not require a fireplace. Her design earned a patent in December 1919, and helped give birth to the thermostat and air furnaces in most homes today.

Kathy Nucero

PPH residents applauding Kathy

PPH celebrates Campus Wide Smile Day

Residents and staff were all smiles as we celebrated Campus Wide Smile Day, where everyone wore yellow clothing and showed their smiles to celebrate the lifting of our mask mandate.

Employee of the Month: Anne Eichner

Anne has been with PPH since February 2017 in our Pastoral Care Department. She has a great deal of patience and truly understands the needs of our residents as well as the staff. We are happy to have her as part of PPH family! Congratulations Anne! Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes.”

Volunteer of the Month: Marlene Matarazzo

Congratulations go out to Marlene Matarazzo, who is the “Volunteer of the Month” for July 2023.

Marlene has been a PPH Volunteer since 2019. She has a talent for “proof reading” and shares that talent with our development department and any other department that is in need of her services. Marlene is a very creative person and specializes in repairing statues or figurines. She has done a wonderful repair job on one of our statues in our Chapel and has done her magic with some treasures of our employees and residents alike. In the past, Marlene has also been a chairperson for our Nominating Committee. Thank you for everything you do, Marlene!

NEWS BRIEFS

★ COVID-19 protocols for visitors: As of May 17, 2023, masks are no longer required by staff, residents, or visitors while on our campus, and employees are not required to wear masks when interacting with residents. With that said, residents, employees and visitors may continue wearing masks if they feel comfortable. Masks and PPE will still be required in some cases of isolation or if there is a significant concern for serious illness. 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 machine area, located near the Wellness Center, and in front of the Security office. For more information, call Tom Sexton at ext. 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 (ext. 8010) to have the trip fee removed.

★ Independent Living Residents Association:

Please note that there are no meetings in July and August

★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary's next meeting will be held in the Social Hall, and broadcast on PPH TV channel 7 on Tuesday, July 11 at 11:30 a.m.

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.

★ Dance Party: Please join us on Friday, July 14 at 2:00 p.m. in the Social Hall for a big dance party, featuring the Philly Soul Collective Band. Please contact Kathy Nucero at ext. 8505 for questions.

★ Bocce Ball: We are excited to announce the return of Bocce Ball! If anyone is interested, we will be on the bocce court every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Come on down for some friendly competition. Contact Kathy Nucero at ext. 8505 for any questions.

★ Blood Drive: On Monday, July 31, there will be a Blood Drive in the Social Hall from 10:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.. This is the perfect time to maximize your blood donation in an effort to help more patients and save more lives. To schedule an appointment, please contact Bill Conaway at ext. 8031, or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter PPH to schedule your appointment today.

★ TED Talks: See the July calendar.

★ Veterans’ Meeting: The July Veterans’ meeting will be held on Monday, July 3, at 10 a.m. in the Learning Center. If you have not provided your photos for the Veterans video, please bring them with you to the meeting. Please contact Bill Conaway at ext. 8031 with any questions.

★ Volunteer Opportunities: A volunteer is needed to deliver packages to Gateway Manor on Mondays. Also, another volunteer is needed to transport a resident to the Pathway’s beauty shop, and must be able to do the same for the residents that need to go to the Commons beauty shop. If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact Carol Cherrington at ext. 8027.

★ Resident Talent Show: We will be hosting our PPH Talent Show, which will be held on Friday, August 11 at 2:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. We are seeking any talent, whether it is singing, dancing, comedy, or even readings. If you are looking to participate, please contact Kathy Nucero at ext. 8505 ASAP to sign up.

★ Art Show We will be hosting an Art show for residents on Thursday, July 20, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. If you have a talent you would like to share with us, including paintings, stain glass, quilting, or anything else you’ve created, please feel free to share. Contact Kathy Nucero at ext. 8505 for more information.

Residents celebrate Flag Day

On June 14, residents and staff gathered in the Social Hall to celebrate Flag Day, which featured songs performed by the Reverend Scott Mitchell, and the 13 Folds of the American Flag, performed by members of the United States Navy. The significance of the 13 Folds will be explained in the August 2023 edition of REACH.

>>>Dream Flights, continued from page 1 ting onto the plane to encourage participation in the program.

Dream Flights has left a positive impact on everyone that day, especially on Bill. “I look at Dream Flights as being one of the top events that has taken place for PPH, specifically for our veterans in the years I’ve been here”, says Bill.

Thank you to our four resident veterans who participated in the program. They will serve as ambassadors for the next group of resident veterans who want to participate in the program in the future.

PPH’s goal is to continue to have an extended relationship with Dream Flights, with the goal of being back next year with a bigger group of veterans. “They were very excited that day in anticipation of the event”, says Bill. Dream Flights, founded in 2011 by Darryl and Carol Fisher, is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring seniors and military veterans with the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to fly in a Boeing Stearman biplane. It is the same aircraft used to train military aviators during the late 1930s into the early 1940s. “We Give Back to Those Who Gave” is their motto, as stated on their website. As they make veterans wishes come true, they hope that their flights can inspire participants to share their stories, which are preserved and shared by Dream Flights to help everyone gain a clearer understanding of ourselves and the world.

PPH resident Carol Drummond taking flight

Reflections

“You have been given the gift of 86,400 seconds in a day, have you used one of them to say thank you? “

These words stood out to me while enjoying breakfast with my husband at a cozy restaurant in Lancaster County. I noticed these words nestled among many quotes and sayings artfully written in chalk, clustered all together into a beautiful display on a blackboard which covered half the wall. In fact, we ate there the next morning too, during our 34th wedding anniversary getaway. Once again that quote caught my attention. The thought of how many seconds I’m gifted in one day and the ability to use just one second to spread some gratitude to another was a quick reminder of how my words matter.

“Thank you!” Simple words, powerful words. Easy to say and delightful to hear. As a community, we can choose to show care and appreciation to each other in the simplest of ways, a seemingly insignificant statement of gratitude goes a long way to instill value, worth and appreciation in another.

A favorite quote of mine by Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

How will you spend your day today? How will you use your words today? How can you add value and worth to another? At least one second could occupy the time to express a heartfelt and kindly spoken “thank you.”

Allow me to say “thank you” for the many actions I observe here on PPH’s campus…. thank you to the one who holds the door, greets others with a smile, invites one to have a seat at their table, asks another to join a game, offers a hand to hold in comfort, makes a phone call to express care, shares wisdom and encouragement from personal experiences, brings some needed laughter, and so much more.

Your words matter and we can all make a difference in someone’s day by how we choose to use our words for good. And as you consider the words you speak to others, also remember to be discerning with the words you speak to yourself. Be kind to yourself and give yourself some grace when you mess up or are disappointed in yourself. Remind yourself of the truth that God’s thoughts about you are innumerable and his love for you is unending. Even in this moment, you are on God’s mind.

“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.” Psalm 139:17-18

Thank you, each of you, for the care, kindness, courage and uniqueness YOU bring to our PPH community.

Anne Eichner Pastoral Care Assistant

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.