“Hurricane Schwartz” talks memorable career, extreme weather events
Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz visited PPH on Feb. 11 for a special presentation that highlighted his successful 42-year career in broadcast meteorology, and focused on the connection between extreme weather events and climate change.
‘Hurricane’ >>> Continued on page 4
Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz shares a lighthearted moment with the audience.
PPH recently recognized two more team members as Guardian Angels.
Luke Cihak of PPH’s Culinary team was recognized by a group of Lawndale Manor residents — Maryann Volk, Margie Brooker, Maggie Groch and John Gillespie. All four regularly dine in PPH’s Bistro and Main Dining Room and have been impressed with Luke’s positive demeanor.
“Luke is an efficient and pleasant young man. He does a great job and always attends to our needs quickly. He always makes us feel that he is happy to see us — even multiple times in the same day. We are very lucky to have him at PPH,” the four residents said in a statement.
Dell Shelton of PPH’s Maintenance team was recognized by sisters Barbara Boyer and Jean Holland of Alpha Manor.
Barbara and Jean honored Dell for his efficiency, and for the timely manner in which he addresses requests and repair calls from PPH residents.
“An important benefit for PPH residents is the availability of maintenance for when repairs are needed and for new residents. Dell demonstrates the best service and skill. He has been exceptionally prompt in filling work orders,” Barbara and Jean said.
PPH’s origins began in 1889 when a group of German Protestant ministers sought to establish a home for aging neighbors who needed shelter and care. One year later — 1890 — the Philadelphia German Protestant Home for the Aged on N. 5th St. was established. In 1899, PPH moved to its current location in the Lawndale neighborhood of Philadelphia.
Today, the 13-acre beautifully-landscaped campus on Martins Mill Road offers health, wellness, religious, educational, and social programming, as well as comfort and community. While people, buildings and society have changed over the years, PPH’s commitment to benevolence remains, and the community aspires to continue providing compassionate care and services for many years to come.
On Tuesday, March 4 at 10:30 a.m., we will kick off our PPH 135 Giving Day campaign. Join us for an entertaining, informative presentation consisting of speaker remarks, a slideshow of historic PPH photos, music, good conversation, cake and more as we acknowledge our past, celebrate our present, and look towards our future.
If you’d like to contribute to the PPH 135 Giving campaign, please visit our Donation page. Be sure to select “PPH 135” on the donation form. Choose to donate $135 for 135 years, or select a custom amount. We thank you for your commitment to PPH! All donations go to PPH Benevolent Care.
We celebrated VP of Health Services Jennifer Honeyford’s 28 years at PPH at the end of January, as Jennifer accepted an advancement opportunity at another senior living community. Residents and team members stopped by the Social Hall to congratulate Jennifer and wish her well in the next chapter of her career.
Right, PPH resident Sister Jeanette McDermott shares a dance with Jennifer.
Congratulations go out to Yolanda Claudio on her retirement! Yolanda plans to spend more time with her children and grandchildren. Yolanda has worked in PPH’s Environmental Services department as a housekeeper for more than eight years, and we thank her for her dedication and service to the community!
Educator and community advocate Andrea Lawful-Sanders spoke on “Radical Compassion in a Time of Discord” during a special Black History Month presentation on Feb. 4. Andrea told various stories about her work in local communities, spoke about her own life and took questions from the audience.
PPH’s Culinary department held a special Chocolate Pop Up in February. Chef Rey Gayo and the team prepared tasty chocolate-covered items, and Nutrition Care Manager Kathleen Garrity discussed the health benefits of moderate amounts of dark chocolate. Who doesn’t love chocolatecovered strawberries?
‘Hurricane’ >>> Continued from page 1
Schwartz captivated the audience with various stories throughout his career. He spoke about his time as a young weatherman in Georgia, whose Philly accent stuck out. He shared the story of receiving his nickname in 1985, after being blown around in an actual hurricane! He joined NBC10 in 1995 shortly before the Blizzard of 1996. Also, Seinfeldthemed commercials with fellow meteorologist John Bolaris, all the way up to his retirement in 2022.
Schwartz also spoke on the impact of climate change and the increased amount of extreme weather events in recent years. He encouraged those in attendance to take steps now to minimize damage, which will only help future generations.
“Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something,” he said.
Congratulations to Ebony Cousins on being selected as PPH’s March Employee of the Month! Ebony has been with PPH since May of 2023 in Pathways as a CNA. She is a positive presence on the units and takes great pride in caring for our residents. She is an asset to the Pathways team as she is always willing to assist not only any resident but also her coworkers.
Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz uses a chair to demonstrate a climate tipping point.
PPH resident Dot Kelly was excited to meet our bow-tie-wearing guest speaker.
The lead up to Super Bowl LIX was eventful across all levels of care! On the Friday afternoon before the Super Bowl, residents and team members wore their Eagles gear as the PPH Swoop “flew” around campus. On Super Bowl Sunday, PPH residents gathered in the Fountain Room for a special Super Bowl party and witnessed a dominant 40-22 Eagles victory. On Friday, Feb. 14, PPH held its own parade in Pathways. Special thanks to the PPH team members who flew like an Eagle in our Swoop costume!
Meredith Beck (left) and Our Time Cabaret (right) performed at PPH in February. Meredith performed Broadway songs and Our Time Cabaret played hits from the past!
Congratulations go out to Lawndale Manor resident Jill Lindberg, our March Volunteer of the Month! Jill has been a PPH volunteer since early 2023. She delivers bulletins and helps set up for services in the PPH Chapel. She is also a member of the PPH Auxiliary. Wherever Jill volunteers, you can be sure she will do an excellent job. Thanks for all you do Jill —you are a blessing to our volunteer program.
Veterans’ Meeting: Tuesday, March 4 at 10 a.m. in the Learning Center. Any questions, call Bill Conaway - #8031.
Farmer’s Market: Wednesdays, March 5 and 19, 10 a.m. in the Fountain Room. Chef Rey’s Soup will be featured on the 19th - $8 a quart.
Koffee with Kelli: 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 Wednesday, March 5 at 11 a.m. (Time change for March) There will be monthly community updates from Kelli and PPH administration.
Philly Pups: Thursday, March 6 at 7 p.m. in the Social Hall. Come and meet these future service/therapy dogs and watch them as they participate in training exercises.
Quizzo: Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m. in the Social Hall. Quizzo typically consists of multiple rounds of trivia questions. Be your own team or join up with some neighbors or friends!
PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, March 11 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7.
Ted Talk: The next Ted Talk is Tuesday, March 11 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall — Recognizing Women’s History Month.
Jill Salkin (Singer): Jill Salkin, a Philly-based singer of jazz, classic pop,
groove, and original song will perform in the Social Hall on Wednesday, March 12 at 2 p.m.
Community meeting: Police & Community United for Action with Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel on Thursday, March 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Social Hall.
Wicked (movie): Come out and watch “Wicked” on Friday, March 14 at 1 p.m. in the Social Hall.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: Monday, March 17 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. Sign up in Business Office beginning Monday, March 3.
IL Residents’ Association meeting: The March meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 19 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall and on PPH channel 7. (Please note the change of date from the typical Monday monthly meeting to a Wednesday for March’s meeting.)
Shredding Event: Hosted by State Rep. Anthony Bellmon on Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the
Gateway Manor Parking Lot.
Bingo (IL residents): Thursday, March 27at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall.
Phillies Season Opener: Monday, March 31 at 3:05 p.m. in the Social Hall. Root, root, root for the Phillies!
PPH Food Drive: Food will be collected the last week of each month, and delivered the first day of the following month. The three locations for drop off are: 1. Access Hub (1124 Lawndale), across from Tabor Market, 2. Vending Machine area between the Wellness Center and 3. Alpha Manor 1st Floor. For more info, call Tom Sexton - #8368. Volunteer Opportunities: Our Volunteer Department is always looking for new volunteers to assist throughout the PPH community. If you are interested in volunteering at PPH, please contact Carol Cherrington at #8027.
For Women’s History Month events and activities, see page 7.
For a list of March services and events from Pastoral Services, see page 8.
Compiled by Velma N’Jai Alpha Manor resident
Melissa “M’Lis” Ward is the African American woman captain for a major U.S. Airline carrier.
Melissa Ward joined the Air Force ROTC while at the University of Southern California and later joined the Air Force after graduation.
Ward went on to achieve two historic firsts:
She is the first Black woman to serve as a flight instructor pilot for the US Air Force C141 aircraft.
In November 1992, when she joined United Airlines in Chicago, she rose through the ranks, and in 1998 became a captain. She is the first African American female to be an Evaluator and FAA Designee for United Airlines. She is a real trailblazer!
The women of PPH will be featured and recognized throughout March, in celebration of Women’s History Month. The theme for 2025’s national celebration is “Moving Forward Together! Women Education and Inspiring Generations.” This theme celebrates women who have inspired others through their work in education, mentorship and leadership.
PPH
• We will hear stories from women in Gateway, Lawndale and Alpha Manor on the following dates, all at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall:
- Monday, March 3
- Monday, March 10
- Thursday, March 20
Join our Wellness Team on Tuesday, March 11 at 2 p.m. in the Learning Center for a special Women’s History Month Ted Talk.
Guest Speaker
• Our keynote speaker is Sharon Browning, with a presentation titled “Confessions of an Aging Activist: Why I JUST Listen Now.” Sharon will
present on Monday, March 24 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall.
Sharon is from the organization, JUST Listening, which fosters personal, organizational, and social change and transformation through the practice of conscious, intentional, compassionate, non-egoic and nonjudgmental communication skills.
• PPH women’s artwork — including paintings and crafts — will be displayed in the cabinet and Esplanade window sills.
• Movies about women who lead will air on PPH channel 8 on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. throughout the month.
Sylvia Metzler introduces Lucille Hite, Jane Blewett and Charna Heiko during a 2024 Women’s History Month presentation. Several PPH women will present on memories and impactful moments from their lives throughout March.
• PPH residents will also sponsor a service project which will be announced shortly.
Everyone is invited— including the men of PPH — to participate in the many activities or attend any of the events celebrating Women’s History Month 2025!
For up to date information, more details on the service project and movie titles, please check the March calendar insert, bulletin boards, and PPH channels 2 and 4 in March.
For any questions on Women’s History Month at PPH, contact Alpha Manor resident Sylvia Metzler at #8577.
Pictured right is a certificate from the Joy of Sox, a nonprofit in Radnor, Pa. that provides new socks to people experiencing homelessness. Through PPH’s 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Service project, PPH residents and team members were able to donate more than 2,220 pairs of socks, which eclipsed last year’s total of 1,650!
Thank you to everyone who participated through volunteering at the Sox table in the Fountain Room or made donations.
By Chaplain Linda Lewis
Dear PPH Family and Friends,
As I sit in my home on a chilly Saturday morning, writing this article I realize spring is just around the corner. Yes, the weather is still breezy, but the sun is shining, and the calendar says March is coming. Whether it will come in like a lion or a lamb, we’ll have to wait and see but as sure as the sun is shining today, spring will arrive soon. We can say goodbye to the dark and dreary days of winter; days that may also have darkened our spirits.
Spring days that bring us warm sunshine and warm breezes, also bring warmth to my spirit as I see new life sprouting up from the thawed ground, tiny buds forming on the barren branches and the return of beautiful birds and their songs, as they announce the start of a new and glorious day each morning. I hope the same is true for you. It is as if God has brought out His paint pallet again and is creating a beautiful canvas just for us to enjoy.
Winter has a way of numbing our minds to many things as we seem to close ourselves off to the world during times of darkness. Not just darkness in respect to daylight, but the darkness regarding events that have transpired in the world around us and in our community. I think especially of the recent plane crashes in both DC and in our own backyard, Northeast Philadelphia. So much sadness and devastation; it is difficult even for the strongest among
us to process. Such circumstances can certainly leave us feeling buried, deep in the soil of sadness and even depression. We wonder if the soil will even soften enough for new life to emerge and feel our spirit renewed. Will we ever move on from going through the motions, just living to survive?
Well, March is marching in, so why not embrace the idea that you will welcome spring into your life with a renewed appreciation for the spring season and all it has to offer, both spiritually and physically. Wake from your hibernation, bring color back into your life and allow the soft gentle breeze of spring to blow away the dark, gray clouds of winter that have clouded your vision and have kept you from enjoying the beautiful mountain peaks and lush green meadows. Just like the Lord renews the trees and brings forth growth from the frozen soil, He is ready to renew your life with hope, strength, and courage as you forge ahead in this new season of life.
“For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.”
Song of Solomon 2:11-12
Blessings and Peace, Linda Lewis - PPH Chaplain
Bible Study: Tuesdays, March 4 and March 18, 10 a.m. in the PPH Chapel and broadcast on channel 5.
Ash Wednesday: Mass will be held at 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5 in the Chapel/broadcast on channel 5. (NO Mass on Thursday, March 6.)
Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service: Wednesday, March 5, 2 p.m. in the Chapel/broadcast on channel 5.
Shabbat Services: Friday, March 7 and 21, 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Room.
Prayer Breakfast: Saturday, March 8 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. March’s guest speaker: Adrian Carter.
Good Grief - Companions in Loss Bereavement Support (from the Office of Pastoral Services): Wednesday, March 12, 11:30 a.m. in the Alpha Manor 1st Floor Lounge.
Lenten Vesper Services: Wednesdays, March 12, 19 and 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel/broadcast on channel 5.
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.