May 2023 REACH

PPH announces new management changes

We are excited to announce recent changes to the management team in our social services department and health services department. As we bid farewell to MaryAnn Parisse, former VP of Residential Living and Personal Care, and Lisa Rubin-Wallach, former Director of Social Services, we welcome familiar faces to new roles at PPH.

These changes give our campus the exciting opportunity to promote from within. The experience of our long-term employees, in these new roles, will allow each of them to focus on their own strengths while creating a new team and a new perspective. It will also provide the opportunity to further the mission and vision of PPH, which is to provide a caring senior living community that affords its residents the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life.

“Change is never easy, especially when it involves staff members who have been at the heart of PPH for more than 25 years”, stated John Dubyk, PPH President & CEO, referring to the management changes.

MaryAnn Parisse, our former Vice President of Residential Living and Personal Care, was offered an exciting opportunity that will allow her to further pursue her passion to focus on regulatory issues, while giving her the opportunity for growth potential in a large multi-facility organization. To thank her for her service, a farewell party was held for her on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in the Fountain Room, where staff

and residents could say farewell to MaryAnn, while wishing her luck in her next chapter (see page 2).

We are excited to welcome several staff members to their new roles at PPH.

Jennifer Honeyford, our former Vice President of Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, has been promoted to the role of Vice President of Health Services. Like Marge Felix, Jenn is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) who will focus on coordinating all health services at PPH and provide the leadership to collaborate all levels of care. Jenn has been at PPH for 25 years and has served in the role of VP of Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation for the past three years.

>>>continued on page 7, Management changes

Jennifer Honeyford, Vice President of Health Services and Sheleana Perez, Personal Care Administrator

Family Focus

PPH bids farewell to MaryAnn Parisse

On April 12, 2023, residents and staff got together in the Fountain Room for a farewell party for Vice President of Residential Living & Personal Care, MaryAnn Parisse.

MaryAnn, thank you for your service at PPH.

Easter Egg Hunt returns to campus

MaryAnn Parisse

Pictured from left: John Dubyk, PPH President & CEO, MaryAnn Parisse, Catherine Nemeth, PPH Board Chair, and past PPH President & CEO, Anthony Manzo

Pictured from left: Volunteer Coordinator Carol Cherrington, MaryAnn Parisse, and PPH Vice President of Human Resources, Daphne Floyd

This was the first time since 2019 when we last hosted our traditional Easter Egg Hunt.

Unheralded Heroes

by PPH resident Velma N'Jai

Dr. Patricia Bath: Medical scientist Patricia E. Bath was the first African American resident in ophthalmology at New York University’s School of Medicine, and became the first woman faculty member of the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute. In 1981, she conceived her invention, the Laserphaco Probe, and over the next five years, developed and tested a model for a laser instrument that could treat cataracts.

Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner: Over the course of her life, Mary received five patents. She holds the record for the most patents awarded to an African American female by the U.S. government. Her first and most well known patent was in 1957 for the sanitary belt, the precursor invention to sanitary pads. She originally invented the belt in the 1920’s, but due to racial discrimination, was not able to afford a patent.

Dr. Alexa Canady-Davis: Dr. Canady specialized in pediatric neurosurgery, and was the first African American woman to become a neurosurgeon. Dr. Canady-Davis received numerous professional recognitions, including being named Woman of the Year by the American Women’s Medical Association in 1993. Today, she mentors young people around the world, speaking at high schools in the Pensacola, Florida area.

New residents at PPH

Carol Simon

Carol grew up in Lawndale, and her most recent neighborhood was Mayfair. Carol’s occupation was office work and worked as a payroll clerk. She attended Cardinal Dougherty High School and Holy Family College, now known as Holy Family University. In the past, she was a cheerleader and coached softball. Carol’s favorite hobbies include ceramics, playing games on her phone, and watching television. Welcome to the PPH family, Carol!

Margaret “Peg” McFadden

Peg grew up in Mayfair. She worked as a teacher, where she taught kindergarten through eighth grade. She attended high school at St. Hubert’s, and attended Chestnut Hill College. Her favorite hobbies include painting and reading. She is also taking piano lessons. We would like to welcome Peg to the PPH family. We are grateful to have you here!

PPH Monthy Prayer Breakfast reminder

by Chaplain Linda Lewis

After a hiatus since March 2020, residents gathered on April 15 for prayer, food, and fellowship. Thank you to Lawndale resident, Audrey Alston and her committee for their desire and hard work in reviving this monthly gathering, as well as Dining Services for a delicious breakfast.

We would also like to say thank you to Pastor Peter, who shared a message of encouragement. Everyone was blessed by beautiful hymns played by pianist and Lawndale resident, Patricia Coyne. Thank you to everyone!

Please join us for the next breakfast on May 13 at 9:00 a.m. Tickets are available in the Business Office.

Carol Cherrington: Guardian Angel

The most recent employee recognized as a Guardian Angel is Carol Cherrington, our Volunteer Coordinator. Carol was recognized by PPH resident, Carol Evans. She was recognized as a PPH Guardian Angel because of being a great boss for not only Carol, but her fellow volunteers as well. “Carol is a beautiful woman. She would do anything she could for you”, says Carol Evans.

Thank you for everything you do, Carol. Not only are you a Guardian Angel, but you are also family!

Visit the PPH Guardian Angel wall located in the Espalande to learn how Carol was a terrific boss for Carol and her fellow volunteers.

For more information on the Guardian Angel program and how you can nominate your PPH Guardian Angel, visit pphfamily.org/giving/guardianangel-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.

Carol Cherrington

Carol Cherrington receiving her Guardian Angel from Lawndale resident, Carol Evans

Carol celebrating her Guardian Angel award with the PPH Human Resources team.

Women’s History Month at PPH

During the month of March, we held Women's History Month lectures, where our residents described their life stories, as well as travel stories.

Employee of the Month: Devin Chhat

Devin started at PPH in November 2022 in our Medical Office on the second floor. She has a great deal of patience when working with the residents and staff and has been a tremendous help in improving the quality of care for all. We are happy to have her as part of the PPH family!

Congratulations Devin!

Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes.”

Volunteer of the Month: Sue Roye

Congratulations go out to Sue Roye, of Lawndale Manor, who is the “Volunteer of the Month” for May 2023.

Sue has been a dedicated PPH Volunteer since February 2022. You can find Sue cashiering in the Gift Shop and Tabor Market every week. Sue is a very pleasant lady, who is willing to help out whenever help is needed.

Thank you, Sue, you are a blessing to our Volunteer Program!

Lawndale resident Carol Drummond showing her medals during her service

Lawndale resident Evelyn Washington

Gateway residents Harry and Pat Morrissy

NEWS BRIEFS

★ COVID-19 protocols for visitors: Currently, there are no restrictions on our campus, other than our Mask Mandate policy requiring ALL residents and staff to wear a mask throughout our campus. The mask mandate is a minor inconvenience, but we must mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and we must act now. We appreciate your cooperation. 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 (8010 ext.) to have the trip fee removed.

★ Independent Living Residents Association:  The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 15 at 2 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, May 9 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.

★ Walt Disney Exhibition: The Franklin Institute is hosting an exhibition celebrating 100 years of The Walt Disney Company, opening its vault of treasures. The event will take place on June 13, with a time to be determined. Sign-ups start May 1 in the Business Office, with the cost being $50.00. Contact Kathy Nucero at ext. 8505 for any questions.

★ Volunteers Needed: Volunteer cashiers are needed for Tabor Market, Cafe, and the Gift Shop. We will train you on the register. If you are interested, please contact Carol Cherrington at ext. 8027 for more information.

★ Ladies Day Tea: Ladies Day Tea will take place on Friday, May 12, at 2:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided. You can sign up in the Business Office starting May 1. If you have any questions, contact Kathy Nucero at ext. 8505.

★ TED Talks: See the May calendar.

★ Veterans’ Meeting: The May Veterans’ meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 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.

★ Dining Services: May 10 and 24, The Continental, featuring fresh pastries, bagels, yogurts, juices, fruit, and coffee, will be available for purchase and will take place in the Fountain Room from 9:30 a.m. –10:30 a.m.

May 3, 17 and 31, the Farmers Market will take place in the Fountain Room from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

★ Dining Credit: If you go away on vacation, you may receive credit on your dining plan. Please contact Gwen at ext. 8041 prior to your vacation to see if you quality for this.

★ Gift Cards: Dining Services sells gift cards for the retail areas! Please contact Lisa at ext. 6640 or Gwen at ext. 8041 for more information.

Volunteer Celebration: A Blast from the Past!

>>>PPH management changes, continued from page 1

Sheleana (Shelly) Perez , our former Director of Nursing in Personal Care, has been promoted to the role of Personal Care Administrator effective April 17. Shelly is a licensed Personal Care Administrator and has been at PPH for seven years, and is excited to take on her new role.

Marge Felix , our Director of Social Services in Nursing, will be promoted to the role of Director of Social Well-Being and Independent Living Manager. Marge has been at PPH for over 30 years, holds a master’s degree in social work (MSW), leads our Social Work internship program with local universities, and is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator (NHA). Marge will have oversight of our social services team in all levels of care and will be the first contact for Independent Living residents if there is an issue.

Aiyana Carter will assume the role of our Social Worker for Personal Care. Aiyana has split her responsibilities over the past two years between Nursing and Chapters but will now focus solely on Personal Care. Aiyana is currently pursuing her master’s degree in social work (MSW) at Temple University.

Donna Wojcik will continue her role as Director of Medical Services while focusing on the day-to-day operations of the Medical Office. Donna has been at PPH for approaching eight years.

PPH is excited for the new opportunities that lie ahead. “We understand change is never easy, but we are thrilled to give our own staff the opportunity to shine in new roles”, says John Dubyk. “This is the time to celebrate new beginnings and congratulate their accomplishments.”

Congratulations on your new roles!

Marge Felix, Director of Social Well-Being & Independent Living Manager

Aiyana Carter, Social Worker for Personal Care

Reflections

Dear PPH Family,

It has been a long, dark winter in our city. While we were spared the difficulties that come with snowstorms and extreme weather, we still have had to deal with the darkness in the neighborhoods throughout our communities. Every day we hear of shootings, robberies, and deception by those we thought we could trust. Darkness isn’t limited to our city; violence and horrific crimes seem prevalent everywhere. Where is the light at the end of the tunnel? When will our out-of-control world return to normal? What is normal anymore? These are questions I find myself asking as I lament for the good-old days.

Last week, two events took place that challenged my perspective regarding how I see circumstances around me. I was sitting in my living room one evening, after dark, and I heard the continuous sound of helicopters outside. I opened the door to see them circling just up the street near a local high school; patrol cars were visible. Two young men had been shot while playing basketball at the playground. My heart sank with the news of yet another shooting. The victims were not killed but the crime still happened, adding to my sorrow for what I perceive as a bleak future for our youth and for a society that seems to have gone astray, wandering in darkness.

Then the very next morning, as is my custom, I opened that same door and stood in the same place as I had just 12 hours earlier and tossed bread out to the waiting birds. Thoughts of spring came rushing to my mind as a spring performance was happening before my eyes. I watched the sparrows fly down for their daily feeding as they chirped to each other. The robins have returned and are busy building their nests in the locust tree on my lawn. The squirrels, busy playing, stopped to grab a piece of bread. Trees are budding and ready to burst forth with new growth. The grass is greener than it was just a couple of months ago. Daffodils and hyacinths have pushed their way up to bring forth color, and the dainty faced pansies are blowing in the gentle breeze of spring. Signs of new life after a dark winter are evident all around, if we take the time to observe what God has placed before us.

I stood at the door for a while and watched; disappointed with myself for allowing the darkness of this world to rob me of my joy and blinding me to the beauty of God’s creation that is just outside my door. It is easy to get buried in the cold, dark stuff of the winter season of life, wondering if we will ever see joy and sunshine again.

But then GOD, in His time, will pull back the dark curtain of winter and bring forth His creation in all its beauty. The signs of spring and new life, serve as a reminder that despite the darkness in our lives, and evil that seems out of control, God will not leave us buried in the darkness. The same God who brings new life to the trees and flowers has a personal renewal plan for you and me. He is ready to lead us by His light with hope, giving us the courage to manage the difficulties of this world as we travel on to eternity and come faceto-face with the true light.

“Hope is being able to see there is light despite all the darkness.” — Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Linda Lewis, Chaplain

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.