This year's Ladies Tea was a joyful celebration of the women of PPH! Singer Leslie Aita (bottom right) performed hits from the 1950s, '60s and '70s for the PPH ladies, who dressed for the occasion.
On June 3, Gateway Manor residents Phil and Betty DeHennis will celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary! To learn how the two met, their 75 years together, life at PPH and more, see page 3.
Five PPH team members were recognized as Guardian Angels in May.
Central Supply Specialist Maxwel "Max" Mathew was honored by Lawndale Manor residents Marge and Tom Sexton.
The Sextons expressed appreciation for Max, who joined PPH's Security Team in November 2023 and recently moved into the role of Central Supply Specialist. Max can often be found delivering supplies to departments and packages to residents.
“Max has shown himself to be a consummate professional. He is responsive, kind, helpful, friendly and a genuinely nice person. Max makes PPH a better place for everyone who lives and works here.”
Alpha Manor resident Emil Scharer honored four members of PPH's
Coordinator Charlette Waddell, LPN
Verna Hayman, CNA Medication
Technician Lakesha Bass and Unit
Clerk Shantee Hall.
Emil chose to thank the four team members for the care and compassion they give to PPH residents every day.
Charlette, who has worked at PPH since 2014, ensures sufficient staffing and provides patient care whenever needed. Her office administrative skills are also valued.
Verna, who has worked at PPH since 2019, demonstrates a passion for resident care. She is enjoyed by many here at PPH and is valued as a caregiver and nurse.
Lakesha began working at PPH in 2019 as a CNA and is currently a supervisor in Chapters Memory Care.
Her assistance with auditing and preparation of PPH surveys is much appreciated, as these behind-thescenes jobs are so important.
Shantee started at PPH in 2006 in Environmental Services and now serves as a unit clerk. She is dedicated to managing the residents’ health care needs, appointments and transportation needs.
"Max, Charlette, Verna, Lakesha and Shantee, on behalf of PPH Board, leadership and team members, we thank you," said Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese. That is what is important to us every day — our care and compassion. Amazing work!"
Recognize Someone SpecialShow your Appreciation PPH Guardian Angels are team members who go above and beyond for our residents, and embody the PPH core values of integrity, friendliness, quality care, compassion, respect and comfort.
Since 2018, PPH Guardian Angels have been honored for compassionate care, service excellence, quickthinking action when necessary and much more.
If you are a resident who is interested in recognizing a team member, or a resident-family member who wants to express your gratitude and appreciation for the compassion a team member has shown your loved one, contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese at 215-6978508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.
Nurse's Appreciation
Week was filled with ice cream, hot dogs, muffins and more to celebrate our Nursing team members, and thank them for the dedication, compassion and resilience they show every day.
Phil and Betty DeHennis have never forgotten the most important part of marriage: that they love each other.
Betty Keely and Phil DeHennis met in 1948 when Phil was stationed in the US Army at the Schuylkill Arsenal and Betty was a hostess in the Navy Mothers Club. While the two hit it off, Betty had a prior commitment that could have altered everything.
“I was supposed to have a blind date with a tall, blonde, Slovak guy. He didn’t show up, and I wound up with a short, dark-haired, Hungarian guy!” she laughed.
That "Hungarian guy," of course, was Phil. The pair married on June 3, 1950 at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church. Shortly after the wedding, Phil was off to Wisconsin for National Guard training. He landed in Korea on Christmas Eve that same year, where he served under General MacArthur, the top American commander during WWII and the Korean War. Phil’s military service totaled 41 years — from 1946 all the way until 1981 as a Chief Warrant Officer W-4.
Phil and Betty settled down in the Olney neighborhood of Philadelphia. They raised four children — three sons and a daughter. Today, they have seven grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
The DeHennises moved to PPH in 2018, but PPH wasn’t new to them.
Betty’s mother lived at PPH for a few years, and Phil worked a night shift in PPH’s Security department for over 17 years! Their son, Michael, also worked in PPH’s Dining Services department. When Phil retired in 2006, he figured it would be the last he would see of the community.
“But guess what, here I am again,” he said when he and Betty decided to move into PPH in 2018.
When Phil worked at PPH, one of his favorite aspects of his Security role was patrolling throughout the campus; later as a resident-volunteer, he was able to make his rounds around campus delivering mail, and greeting team members and fellow residents.
As PPH residents, they’re both active with the PPH Auxiliary’s apartment sales and holiday bazaars — Betty creates custom Christmas wreaths and Phil makes decorations out of discarded CDs. She also enjoys arranging silk flowers and has made floral arrangements for the PPH Greenhouse.
And what are Betty and Phil most grateful for at PPH? Their neighbors, particularly those closeby in Gateway Manor.
The DeHennises share a kiss on Phil's 97th birthday last year.
“Our Gateway family is a second family. We receive so much love, care and support from the people here,” Betty said.
With a remarkable milestone coming up, they look back fondly at their 75 years together.
“Phil is a very faithful man, an endearing husband and a good father,” Betty said. “He has a great sense of humor.”
Without missing a beat, Phil smiled and added, “Betty is very goodlooking!" We love one another very much.”
And of course, advice from newlyweds when highlighting a marriage of this many years is a must. What would the DeHennises say to those who recently tied the knot?
“Don’t ever forget that you love each other,” said Betty.
Phil and Betty have certainly never forgotten that, and their love is just as strong as it was 75 years ago.
Two familiar musical groups returned to PPH in May. The Nevilaires Chorus (above) performed at PPH on May 9. The Nevilaires — from the Overbrook School for the Blind — consist of blind or legally blind members. The Cardinal Dougherty Alumni Band (left) performed at PPH on May 13. Our residents — some who are Dougherty alumni — always look forward to the band's performances.
PPH held a special gathering of Little Flower resident-alumni on May 13. Residents and guests reminisced about their high school days and discussed all things Little Flower with LF President Kristie Dugan. The invitation was also open to alumni of friendly rival Hallahan High School.
Some of the alumni even found their yearbook photos (above)! From left to right: Miriam Sands, Anne Mackin, Marge Brooker and Diane Gorman.
Congratulations go out to Angie Hernandez on being selected as the June 2025 Employee of the Month. Angie joined PPH in April 2022 as an Account Representative with our Finance team, and was elevated last July to the role of Billing Supervisor. Angie — who always has a smile on her face — helps ensure that the Business Office runs smoothly and that residents' questions are answered. Thank you, Angie, for all that you do!
A group of residents get together every Thursday morning at 11 a.m. in the Fountain Room for rounds of Mah Jong. All are welcome to join!
The Earth Day Committee dedicated a butterfly bush on May 10 in honor of those residents and team members who are no longer with us. Those gathered recognized residents and team members who passed away as well as those who moved onto new opportunities in their lives and careers.
PPH held its annual Volunteer Luncheon on April 30! Singer Chris Fitting performed 1950s classics for the PPH volunteers — both residents and community members — who contribute to PPH in various ways. Whether it's serving as a cashier or bagger in our Tabor Market or Gift Shop, delivering mail, caring for the plants in the PPH Greenhouse and so much more, our volunteers help make PPH a happy, vibrant community.
Congratulations go out to Patricia (Pat) McHugh, Volunteer of the Month for June 2025. Pat is a resident of Gateway Manor and has been a PPH volunteer since 2023. She works in Tabor Market as an assistant, mails this newsletter each month to friends of PPH, posts flyers to bulletin boards for team members, and helps transport residents to appointments. Thanks so much Pat for all you do, and for your caring heart too!
★ Pride Month: June is Pride Month, a month-long observance dedicated to the celebration of LGBTQ pride! For a list of guest speakers and events, see the June IL calendar, bulletin boards and PPH TV.
★ Veterans’ Meeting: June's meeting is canceled. Next meeting: Tuesday, July 1, 10 a.m. in the Learning Center.
★ Koffee with Kelli & Team: Independent Living Residents - Come
out and chat with Kelli Mills, PPH’s Interim Executive Director, over a cup of coffee or tea in the Social Hall on Monday, June 9 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. There will be monthly community updates from Kelli and PPH administration.
★ IL Residents Association meeting: The June meeting will be held on Monday, June 16 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall and on PPH channel 7.
Regina “Jean” Joka recently moved to PPH’s Gateway Manor building from the Roxborough section of Philadelphia.
Jean attended night school St. Joseph’s College, worked as a secretary for WHAT radio in the 1960s, and worked as a Human Resources Administrator at Turner Construction for more than 30 years.
Jean lived for two years in Warsaw, Poland. She served as President of the Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia and was also the society's fundraiser chairperson.
Jean enjoys the friendly atmosphere of PPH, and attending events and concerts in the Social Hall.
Paul Oetinger recently moved to PPH’s Alpha Manor building from the East Oak Lane neighborhood of Philadelphia.
Paul grew up in Olney and attended Olney High School and went on to work for a phone company.
Paul enjoys blues, jazz and Christian music.
★ Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: An educational program presented by the Alzheimer's Association will take place on Wednesday, June 25 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Social Hall. Join to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use handson tools to help you incorporate
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Delores Dowdy-Moore recently moved to PPH’s Lawndale Manor building from the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia. She attended Dobbins High School and went on to work for the City of Philadelphia in various capacities. She took part in the military’s basic training program at 35 years old and was active with the American Legion for many years. Delores has three children as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Delores says that PPH feels like home and she’s glad she made the decision to move in.
Margaret “Marge” Philippi recently moved to PPH’s Alpha Manor building from the Parkwood neighborhood of Philadelphia. Marge grew up in nearby Mayfair, where she enjoyed playing jump rope, hopscotch, and hide & seek with the other neighborhood kids. She attended Lincoln High School and took courses at Community College of Philadelphia. Marge has two children and two grandchildren.
In May, PPH celebrated VP of Human Resources Daphne Floyd’s 30+ years of service to the PPH community, as Daphne enters a new, exciting chapter of her career. Residents, team members and Daphne’s family came out for a Farewell Celebration to congratulate and wish her well. Those in attendance — many wearing Daphne’s favorite color of purple — shared joyful memories, and expressed appreciation of her leadership and service.
By Kathy Andrews-Williams Lawndale Manor resident
Every June, Americans pause for remembrance, reflection, revitalization, and rejoicing the celebration of Juneteenth, observing June 19, 1865 — the day that last enslaved peoples in Texas learned they were free.
Remembrance - 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.
of Juneteenth”. From her efforts, Congress passed legislation and President Biden signed the bill into law.
Revitalization - In 2025, The Opal, a new affordable mixed-income housing community opened in Fort Worth, Texas, honoring Opal Lee for her advocacy for individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Lee stated that, “I dream that there will be more Opals…I'm so thankful and…will contribute to what they're doing for decent housing…What we do, others will follow”.
Reflection - 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 98, she is known as the “Grandmother
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these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.
★ Estate Planning 101 - HOw to Make Informed Decisions During the Estate Planning Process: Thursday, July 10 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. For more info, contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese at 215-697-8508 or
Rejoice - 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 also part of celebrations in the Southwest.
To wrap up, Juneteenth is also celebrated in other countries by individuals and organizations recognizing the end of slavery and celebrating the culture and achievements of Black Americans.
Guest performer: Robert Kenyatta
2:30 p.m. Social Hall Philadelphia legend and percussionist Robert Kenyatta will give a hands-on musical demonstration.
Bocce: 10 a.m. to 12 noonweather permitting.
Games in the Social Hall from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 2:30 p.m.: cornhole, trivia, ladder ball, Connect 4 and more.
The History of Juneteenth: A 15-minute video of the Journey of Opal Lee (Grandmother of Juneteenth), followed by a presentation from PPH resident Kathy Andrews-Williams. This will take place continuously in the Activities Room from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, and resume from 1 to 2 p.m. Special Juneteenth Meal from our Culinary Team: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All residents and team members are invited to attend any of the activities or events.
mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.
★ PPH Food Drive: PPH's residentinitiated monthly food drive continues! Food is collected the last week of each month and delivered the first day of the following month. The four locations for drop off are:
1. Access Hub (1124 Lawndale)
2. Across from Tabor Market
3. Vending Machine area between
the Wellness Center, and Greenhouse
4. Gateway Manor Lobby. For more info, call Tom Sexton#8368.
For a full list of weekly activities, special events, trips and up to date information, see the June IL calendar, bulletin boards, and PPH channels 2 and 4.
By Pastor Earl Scott
Dear PPH Family and Friends,
We just celebrated Memorial Day at the end of May. How did you remember the day?
To many, Memorial Day is the unofficial start to the summer. It’s often celebrated with picnics, cookouts and a trip to the Jersey Shore for a three-day weekend.
Theres nothing wrong with these activities, nevertheless, we need to remember and honor the sacrifices of our fallen comrades.
Unbeknownst to some is the reason why we celebrate Memorial Day.
Webster’s Dictionary describes the word Memorial as “something that keeps remembrance alive.” The World Encyclopedia states, “Memorial Day (or Decoration Day as it was formally called) is a patriotic day to honor American soldiers who have given their lives for their country.”
Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor those military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Memorial Day is not the same as Veterans Day. Veterans Day and Memorial Day are both federally recognized holidays that honor those who have served in the U.S. Military. Both were inspired by the aftermath of major wars that left deep scars on the nation. One of the biggest distinctions is that one is dedicated to the dead (Memorial Day) while the other is more to appreciate the
service of the living (Veterans Day).
We remember the service of people like the Niland brothers — Preston, Robert, Frederick, and Edward from Kenmore, N.Y. Four brothers enlisted to serve in World War II, but only two would ultimately survive the conflict, which served as inspiration for the 1998 Steven Spielberg acclaimed film "Saving Private Ryan," starring Tom Hanks.
The National Moment of Remembrance is an annual event that ask Americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, to pause for a duration of one minute to remember those who have died in military service to the United States. The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying time off of work for the national holiday. The moment was first proclaimed in May 2000 for Memorial Day that year and was put in law by the United States Congress in December 2000.
I appreciate how PPH honors our veterans throughout each year. Quite a few of our beloved heroes have gone into eternity recently. I’ve never met a veteran who regretted serving for the cause of freedom.
The 40th President of the United States, the late Ronald Reagan said it beautifully, “They gave up two lives. The one they were living and the one they would have lived.”
May God continue to bless the USA!
★ Bible Study: Tuesday June 17, 10 a.m. in the PPH Chapel and broadcast on channel 5. The June 3 Bible Study is canceled as is Daily Devotions on that day.
★ Prayer Breakfast: Saturday, June 14 at 9 a.m. in the Social Hall. Tickets are $8.50 and may be purchased at the Business Office during the week or at the Breakfast. Guest speaker: Daniel Sawyer, Sr. This is the final Prayer Breakfast until September.
★ Shabbat Service: Friday, June 6 and 20 at 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Room.
★ Good Grief - Companions in Loss Bereavement Support: Wednesday, June 11 at 11:30 a.m. in the Alpha Manor First Floor Lounge. This is the last Good Grief until September.
For a full list of weekly events and up to date information, see the June 2025 calendar and PPH TV.
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.