PPH celebrates America’s 250th with trip to see ‘1776’
July Arts & Entertainment at PPH
Marcus Chaney
Wednesday, July 8, 2 p.m.
Social Hall/PPH Channel 7
Making his return to PPH is Marcus Chaney! His song roster includes such classics as, “Route 66,” “Sentimental Reasons,” “I’ll Be Around,” “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” “Sitting On the Dock of the Bay,” “Save the Last Dance” and many more!
A group of our residents recently traveled to downtown Philadelphia to the Walnut Street Theatre — some by PPH van and others by rideshare — to see “1776 the Musical.”
This outing was made possible by our Life Enrichment team, with support from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), including PPH resident and DAR member Patricia Coyne, who helped bring the experience to life.
Trips like this are just one example of the many excursions our Independent Living residents enjoy through PPH transportation services. Whether it’s local trips to nearby retail stores or restaurants, Citizens Bank Park for a Phillies game, or a further destination such as the Jersey Shore, our residents enjoy being out and about and the company of one another!
Phil Zipkin — Neil Diamond Tribute
Wednesday, July 29, 2 p.m.
Social Hall/PPH Channel 7
Beautiful Noise: Neil Diamond’s Greatest Hits
Get ready for a dazzling Neil Diamond celebration in this energetic one-man show starring Phil Zipkin, packed with memorable tunes and irresistible sing-along moments. Featuring fan favorites like “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “America,” the iconic “Sweet Caroline” and more.
Remembering History, Celebrating Freedom
PPH’s annual Juneteenth celebration brought residents and guests together for a meaningful day of learning, fellowship and fun.
The program began with “The History of Juneteenth,” a presentation by resident Kathy Andrews-Williams highlighting the origins and significance of the holiday, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865 and its recognition as a federal holiday in 2021.
Resident Sylvia Metzler also shared a photo presentation on her visits to museums in
Alabama and Georgia that highlight African American history, giving fellow residents a glimpse into the stories, exhibits and experiences that made an impression on her.
Following the presentations, attendees enjoyed trivia, cornhole and more in the Social Hall. The celebration concluded with performances by OnPointe Dance Company and the Intercessory Praise Dancers from Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. For more photos and video from the event, including our guest performers, see our Facebook page.
Celebrating 20 Years of Service
Three PPH team members recently celebrated 20 years of service. We thank them for their dedication, commitment and the care they provide to our residents every day.
Christopher Cronk Culinary Services
Jamie Coates Personal Care/Chapters
Marie M. Charles Pathways
Sylvia Metzler highlights her visits to museums and historical sites in Georgia and Alabama.
Joan Smith (left) holds a Juneteenth trivia contest.
Marge Sexton and Virtner Hynes get ready for a round of cornhole.
Phils Phundraiser continues Fight Against Alzheimer’s
PPH continued its 2026 Fight Against Alzheimer’s with a Phillies Phundraiser! Residents gathered to enjoy an afternoon Phillies matinee, complete with hot dogs and popcorn. Pictured above are the team members who helped make this a fun and successful event, with special thanks to colleagues from across various departments for their support and participation. As of late June, PPH has raised more than $500, with additional fundraisers and activities planned throughout the summer and fall. The campaign will culminate in a campus walk (date TBA) and participation in the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Citizens Bank Park on Nov. 7.
Smoothie Friday Stretch Strong!
PPH residents — including the three Carol(e)s pictured here — and team members enjoyed a refreshing treat during June’s Smoothie Friday, courtesy of Maureen and Vincent of the PPH Wellness Team! June’s blend: watermelon, cucumber, banana, Greek yogurt, coconut milk, spinach, and a little drizzle of honey! Look for more Smoothie Fridays this summer and beyond!
Employee of the Month: Sharif Winn
Congratulations to Sharif Winn of the Environmental Services team on being named Employee of the Month! Sharif’s commitment, upbeat demeanor, and strong work ethic greatly benefit our team. His willingness to support others and his proactive attitude set a great example for all. Congratulations and keep up with the fantastic work!
To nominate a PPH team member, please contact HR Generalist Medjina Stphar at #8193 or mstphar@pphfamily.org.
Nicole DiTullio, Director of Rehab for Functional Pathways, presents a class: “Stretch Strong,” focused on the importance of flexibility, strength and vitality.
July’s Functional Pathways class is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2 PM in the Learning Center. Topic: Functional Strength Training.
Volunteer of the Month: Barbara Heun
Congratulations to Barbara Heun of Alpha for being named the July Volunteer of the Month! Barbara has volunteered for the past two years in the Business Office, processing mail and ensuring it is sorted and eventually delivered to the correct apartment or room number throughout all levels of care. Barbara, thank you for your dedication to PPH.
Reflections — Perfect Peace
By Linda Lewis PPH Chaplain
Each day, the news reminds us of the chaos around us — failed peace talks, broken ceasefires and violence in our cities and throughout the world. Political leaders offer plans for peace, but they fall short. Only God can bring true, lasting peace to our broken world. His peace is beyond human understanding and cannot be achieved through any one leader, policy, or nation. Peace is more than the absence of war or conflict, or even a calm social, economic, and political climate. No, perfect peace is a divine attribute.
In Hebrew, the word for “peace” is “shalom.” While included in its meaning the absence of conflict, it goes much deeper. Shalom refers to universal flourishing, with everything
Meet One of Our Newest Residents
Elizabeth “Betsy” Townsend moved to PPH’s Lawndale building from upper Bucks County, Pa. Elizabeth grew up in the Abington area of Montgomery County, Pa., and attended college at nearby Arcadia University.
in the right place, working as it should, like a welloiled machine. Shalom is the way things are supposed to be. It is the deep, all encompassing, perfect way God intended things to be from the beginning, when He created the world, and pronounced that “it was very good.” Gen 1:31. The perfect world that existed before sin entered.
The Greek word for “peace” — “eirene,” means to tie together or join. Experiencing eirene brings wholeness, spiritual tranquility — nothing is missing. We are joined together, united with God and with others created in His image. All the misplaced pieces of life find their proper place.
Joined together, the Jewish and Greek perspective of peace give us: unity, wholeness, completeness, soundness and harmony. Nothing is missing and nothing is broken. Slowly read and meditate on each word in the list. Allow God’s peace to flow into and rest upon your soul. “The Lord will bless His people with peace,” (Psalm 29:11b) His peace. You need not search for peace; it is as near as your next breath and as constant as God’s never-ending love for you. Simply be still and allow God’s divine attribute to blanket you with His perfect peace.
Shalom to each of you,
Linda C. Lewis
Find PPH Online
Betsy enjoys pottery, gardening and sewing — she’s been a seamstress for school plays, and also enjoys soaking in nature during bike rides on park trails. Betsy has a daughter and a son, and one grandson who she refers to as “the joy of my life.”
Betsy has traveled frequently and has lived in many locations throughout her life, and says she’s, “delighted to be part of the PPH community.”
Welcome, Betsy!
– ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome Instagram – philadelphiaprotestanthome
YouTube – philadelphiaprotestanthome
LinkedIn – philadelphia-protestant-home
• To view REACH each month, please visit pphfamily.org/about/reach-newsletter/
• Sign up for the PPH Messenger newsletter at the bottom of our website
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