June 2023 REACH

PPH announces maintenance department promotions

We are excited to announce the recent promotions of two long-term employees in the Maintenance department. Isaac Fontaine, and Mike Rodriguez have been promoted to the positions of Director of Plant Operations and Director of Maintenance.

Isaac Fontaine’s most recent position at PPH was Director of Renovations. Isaac has been an employee of PPH for over 21 years and has held a variety of roles within the Maintenance Department. His career started with the Philadelphia Housing Authority, working with them for four years, after which he transitioned to PPH, where he has worked as Assistant Director of Maintenance for 14 years. He would transition to the role of Lead Assistant Director of Maintenance, as well as the role of Director of Renovations. Isaac shared that nothing has changed for him, as he does the same thing as he’s always done at PPH. “As far as my work ethic, I am still the same”, says Isaac.

In Isaac’s new role as Director of Plant Operations, he will be responsible for managing budgets for facilities, contract services, union contracts, as well as staff development.

Mike Rodriguez most recently held the position of Facility Manager. Like Isaac, Mike has worked at PPH for over 21 years. His prior experience was with appliance companies with his main responsibility of repairing appliances. Mike started off as a Mainte -

nance Technician at PPH and was promoted to the role of Facility Manager, ensuring his staff were fulfilling their responsibilities and showing them how to properly take care of appliances.

In Mike’s new role as Director of Maintenance, he will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Maintenance Department, and continuing to manage the maintenance staff. Mike will also be responsible for the daily maintenance of our buildings as well as monitoring renovations that are ongoing around campus. He will be hands-on in this role, assisting when needed.

Isaac and Mike shared that while there is a change

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Isaac Fontaine, Director of Plant Operations, and Mike Rodriguez, Director of Maintenance

Family Focus

PPH has a new Vice President of Finance/CFO

We welcomed John Smith as the Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer on April 18, 2023. John’s career spans over 43 years, with 20 of those years spent with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He has a lot of experience working with faith-based organizations.

John’s first job right out of college was as a controller with a nursing home in Germantown. He worked there for a few years, and then moved on to become the controller for the Little Sisters of the Poor. He worked in the private sector for a short time, working with three gentlemen, for six years, who bought and sold nursing homes. John has also worked in other states besides Pennsylvania, including Maryland and Virginia, which is where he met his wife of 32 years. John considers his main strength to be cost reporting, which enables skilled nursing facilities to maximize reimbursement from the government.

Although John has only been at PPH for a few weeks, he is already enjoying his role as the VP of Finance. What he likes about the role is that John Dubyk, PPH President & CEO, puts a lot of trust in him, which he believes is important. Even though he has worked in finance for his entire life, there are still some differences with how operations are run in any business. “If you blink for ten minutes, something has changed”, says John. What he also enjoys about his role is that he has the chance to interact with residents every day, especially when he tours the entire campus. John especially enjoys the friendly atmosphere, which was evident when he was first interviewing for the job.

John has a lot he wants to accomplish at PPH. He wants to make sure that all financial systems are as efficient as possible, and collaborate with admissions and marketing to bring in more residents. He also wants to make sure that PPH is up-to-date on regulations, such as Medicare and Medicaid.

When he is not at PPH, John enjoys being part of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, which is his favorite hobby. He loves showing off each different locomotive to visitors, and showing what the inside of a locomotive looks like. John also likes to do wood working, such as building new cabinets.

Welcome to the PPH family, John!

Select Rehabilitation Services

Our residents have access to a variety of programs throughout our campus, one of which is for rehabilitation and physical therapy. Whatever rehabilitation needs our residents have, our well-trained team is able to respond.

Frank Frustillo, Director of Rehabilitation for Select Rehabilitation, has been practicing for 27 years, first starting as a Physical Therapist Assistant, then moving to long-term care for the last 25 years.

Select Rehabilitation is the largest provider of contract rehabilitation and consulting services in the United States. “Select is very diversified. They are the largest in the country and have over 3,000 facilities”, says Frank. What is good about the program is that there are a variety of specialists that will respond if there is an unfamiliar injury or disease our staff is not able to treat. “It benefits the resident having that connection with all of the other therapists around the country.”

Other than coming to the gym, our rehabilitation team provides education and handouts on any subject residents want to learn. Frank is also involved in our WiSE Program, where he teaches classes about stretching, balance, and everything else that will keep our residents safe and more independent, and to give them a better quality of life.

John Smith

Frank Frustillo

Juneteenth Celebration

by PPH resident Kathy Andrews-Williams

In June, Americans observe a new federal holiday—Juneteenth, commemorating June 19, 1865, the day that last enslaved peoples in Texas learned they were free. Recognized by various names— African American Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Second Independence Day, Emancipation Day, the term “Juneteenth,” is a blended of “June” and “Nineteenth”. The Juneteenth National Independence Day is a legal public holiday signed into law by President Joseph Biden on June 17, 2021.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated observance of the ending of slavery. Although formerly enslaved people have celebrated Juneteenth for generations, recent focus on racial bias, segregation, and socioeconomic inequities placed greater emphasis on recognizing the celebration as a federal holiday. In 2016, nonagenarian activist Mrs. Opal Lee walked from Texas to Washington, DC advocating to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Today, at age 96, she is known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth”. As a result of her efforts, Congress passed legislation and President Biden signed the bill into law.

Here’s what you should know about the historic events and celebration.

1. The Emancipation Proclamation didn’t end slavery or free all slaves in the U.S.

Enslaved people were freed when President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, but 250,000 enslaved people in Texas just didn’t know it. It took over 2 1/2 years for enslaved Texans to learn about their freedom. Why the delay? News traveled slowly back then. Many speculated that Texans withheld this information by killing delivery messengers and to keep slaves working during cotton harvest seasons. Moreover, the Emancipation Proclamation was not enforceable in Confederate states prior to the end of the Civil War.

2. Freedom and mass migrations.

The Emancipation Proclamation declared freedom for all slaves, and equality of rights and property between the new “freedmen” and their former slave masters. Freedmen were encouraged to remain with their former masters as hired labor for wages. However, most freedmen rejected this arrangement and fled Texas. The migration, known as “the scatter”, represented the movement of huge numbers of freedmen moving to more accommodating regions in the North. Thus, Juneteenth celebrations spread through migration.

3. Formerly enslaved people opened public parks to celebrate Juneteenth

Black Americans were forbidden from using public spaces prompting the establishment of their own. For example, formerly enslaved community leaders in 1872 gathered together funds and bought open land in Houston for celebrating Juneteenth events. The space named “Emancipation Park “ remains one of the oldest emancipation lands for Juneteenth events.

4. Segregation diminished the excitement to celebrate Juneteenth.

As Juneteenth observances continued in Texas, segregation caused the decline in celebrations in the U. S. from the early 1900s until the 1960s. Yet, the civil rights movement rekindled interest in Juneteenth with a march for justice in 1968. The march brought Juneteenth back into the forefront. The holiday was reborn as Blacks held the celebrations in their home states.

5. Juneteenth traditions vary across the country.

Different regions of the country commemorate Juneteenth with parades, contests, concerts, and oral traditions. For instance, Blacks in southern states celebrate with barbeques serving strawberry soda and “Marcus Garvey Salad” with red, black, and green beans to honor the Black nationalist. Rodeos are part of celebrations in the Southwest.

Author Isabel Wilkerson (2021) wrote that “the people from Texas took Juneteenth Day to Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle, and other places they went.” The day is also celebrated in other countries by individuals and

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Maureen and Kayla: Guardian Angel

The most recent employees recognized as Guardian Angels are Maureen Solomon and Kayla Jurimas of our Wellness Center. Maureen and Kayla were recognized by PPH resident, Tom Sexton. They were awarded PPH Guardian Angels because of their work in assisting two residents with physical challenges. “Maureen and Kayla are miracle workers”, says Tom Sexton.

Thank you for everything you do, Maureen and Kayla! You two are true Guardian Angels!

Visit the PPH Guardian Angel wall located in the Espalande to learn how Maureen and Kayla were true miracle workers for our residents.

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 215-214-6641. For more information about other ways to support PPH, please contact the Fund Development Department at 215-214-6641, email Development@PPHFamily. org, or visit www.PPHFamily.org/giving.

Is there a staff member or a special PPH caregiver that 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

Sarah E. Goode:  Sarah was the second African American to receive a patent from the U.S. Government. She was granted a patent for a Folding Cabinet Bed in July 1885, and this bed could fold into a functioning desk. Her invention was the precursor to the Murphy Bed, which was patented in 1900, only more useful.

Lyda D. Newman:  Lyda was a hairdresser by trade. Her invention was simple, yet revoluntionary. In 1898, she patented her “new and improved Hair Brush”, which was designed with synthetic bristles instead of animal hair, making it durable and easy to clean. The artificial bristles Lyda used were similar to the plastic used today. Her memory still lives on through her invention, which is still a staple item today.

Lisa Gelobter:  Lisa is a computer scientist, technologist and chief executive. She was the Chief Digital Service Officer for the U.S. Department of Education. She was an engineer for the multimedia platform, Shockwave. She is credited with developing animation used to create GIF’s (Graphic Interchange Formats), which have changed the internet in a major way. Her innovations are used by billions that include the animation tools necessary for GIF’s that liven up text messages and online chats.

Maureen Solomon and Kayla Jurimas

Owl Pellet Biodiversity Experience

Curious and adventurous residents took part in an owl pellet experiment to discover what bones were concealed within an owl pellet. Led by Alpha resident, Dr. Elaine Grose, residents were fascinated to discover what an owl pellet contained.

Employee of the Month: Alex Henry

Alex has been with PPH since February 2022 in our Maintenance 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 in our PPH family!

Congratulations Alex!

Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes.”

Volunteer of the Month: Sylvia Metzer

Congratulations go out to Sylvia Metzer, of Alpha Manor, who is the “Volunteer of the Month” for June 2023.

Sylvia has been volunteering in our facility since 2020. She has volunteered her time in our Greenhouse, and also by helping to deliver packages throughout our campus. Sylvia has also helped with various events in PPH as well. Wherever Sylvia volunteers you can be sure she will do an excellent job.

Thank you, Sylvia for all that you do in such a nice way!

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:  The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 21 at 3:30 p.m. in the Social Hall.

*(If subject to COVID-19 restrictions, this will broadcast on channel 7)

★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary’s next meeting will be held in the Social Hall and broadcast on PPH TV channel 7 on Tuesday, June 13 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.

★ Juneteenth: Please join us on Monday, June 19, in the Ace Courtyard, from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. for a Juneteenth celebration, where there will be games, music, resfreshments, and much more.

★ Bocce Ball: We are excited to announce the return of Bocce Ball! If anyone is interested, we will be on the bocce court starting Wednesday, June 7 at 10:30 a.m. Come on down for some friendly competition. Contact Kathy Nucero at ext. 8505 for any questions.

★ Bristol Riverside Theatre: There is a “Forever Motown” show on Saturday, July 15 at 2:00 p.m. Sing, dance, and celebrate the music of your life, from “My Girl”, “Reach Out”, and much more! Sign ups start on June 1, and the deadline to sign up is June 15. Tickets must be purchased in advanced, as there are no refunds. If you have any questions, contact Kathy Nucero at ext. 8505.

★ TED Talks: See the June calendar.

★ Veterans’ Meeting: The June Veterans’ meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 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. 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 at ext. 8194.

★ Johnson House Historic Site: Join us On Saturday, June 17, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a visitation to the Johnson House Historic Site, a museum and center for social advocacy. You can sign up in the Business Office today, with the cost for transportation being $4.00. Contact Kathy Nucero at ext. 8505 for more information.

★ Love Letters: Join us for Love Letters, which features a man and a woman who exchange letters, but not marriage vows, in a warm and complicated friendship lasting over 50 years. Presented by residents Lawrence Geller and Bernadette Cronin-Geller, the event takes place on Friday, June 23, at 2:00 p.m. in the Learning Center.

PPH Celebrates its Centenarians

On April 11, we had the honor of celebrating our 18 centenarian residents in our Social Hall. The event featured two special guests, which were Pennsylvania State Representative Anthony Bellmon and Pennsylvania State Senator Tina Tartaglione.

Throughout the event, Representative Bellmon and Senator Tartaglione gave certificates to our centenarian residents, acknowledging them as members of the PPH Centenarian Club. The event was covered by the Northeast Times and 6abc Philadelphia.

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in upper management within the Maintenance Department, everyday operations will remain the same. “There will be more communication among my staff with residents”, says Isaac.

Isaac also made it clear that their focus is to support residents whenever possible by providing a high level customer service.

Mike shared that the Maintenance Department is trying to open more lines of communication between the departments and residents. “We will continue doing what we have to do, whether it’s for Independent Living, Personal Care or Healthcare, and get the job done”, says Mike.

Congratulations on the new roles, Isaac and Mike! Congratulations, Isaac and Mike!

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organizations recognizing the end of slavery and celebrating the culture and achievements of Black Americans.

6. Texas was the first state to declare Juneteenth a state holiday.

Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday in 1980. By 2010, almost all of the 50 states and the District of Columbia celebrated Juneteenth as either a state or ceremonial holiday, or a day of observance. Today, it is a national holiday.

7. The symbolic Juneteenth flag

The Juneteenth flag has red, white, and blue colors resonating with the American flag indicating that the enslaved and their descendants were Americans. The star in the middle recognizes Texas, as the bursting “new star” on the “horizon” of the red and blue areas represents a new freedom.

Reflections

Dear PPH Family,

As an immigrant to the United States, I didn’t initially think much of Juneteenth until I paid attention to Opal Lee, who campaigned to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. At the age of 89, she conducted a symbolic walk from Fort Worth, from which she departed in September 2016, to Washington, D.C., where she arrived in January 2017. She asserted, “Until everyone is free, no one is free.”

Juneteenth is a pivotal part of the American narrative of freedom. First was the Emancipation Proclamation in January, 1863; second, June 19, 1865 (Juneteenth), when the news was announced to the last of the enslaved people that they were free; then, finally, the ratification of the 13th Amendment on December 6, 1865, abolishing the institution of slavery. Henry Louis Gates Jr. invites all to celebrate Juneteenth: “For a country built upon the love of freedom, any manifestation of enjoyment as such should be celebrated by all.”

Juneteenth is a reminder that we do well as a society when we see from the vantage point of those who are still suffering, those who are still oppressed, and those with their “backs against the wall,” as Howard Thurman would say. In human history, freedom has always necessitated constant struggle and intention. Since Juneteenth of 1865, many laws were passed to reroute our society into a more morally conscious direction. By the 1960s, the Civil Rights movement was met with criticism that legislation cannot really solve moral problems. While recognizing that it is simply naive to think that morality and love can be legislated by law, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. responded, “It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me and I think that is pretty important, also.” (Dr. King’s address at Western Michigan University, December 18, 1963).

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and Fair Housing Act of 1968 were crucially important for establishing freedom for more people. However, these accomplishments also meant that racism and various forms of discrimination became more subtle, stealthy, and covert. Even now, not everyone is free, when we pay attention. What does it mean, and what does it look like, for you to participate in the freedom movement for all today?

Pastor Peter Ahn Director of Pastoral Ministries

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.